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Geoff Johns' Flash #9
The Flash: Rebirth
Geoff Johns and Ethan Van Sciver, the writer/artist team behind the blockbuster GREEN LANTERN: REBIRTH and THE SINESTRO CORPS WAR, create an explosive, jaw-dropping epic that reintroduces Barry Allen as The Flash in this volume collecting the fast-paced 6-issue miniseries. But how will this greatest of all Flashes find his place in the twenty-first century?
158 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 18, 2009
151 people are currently reading
2711 people want to read
About the author
Geoff Johns
2,717 books2,410 followersGeoff Johns originally hails from Detroit, Michigan. He attended Michigan State University, where he earned a degree in Media Arts and Film. He moved to Los Angeles in the late 1990s in search of work within the film industry. Through perseverance, Geoff ended up as the assistant to Richard Donner, working on Conspiracy Theory and Lethal Weapon 4. During that time, he also began his comics career writing Stars and S.T.R.I.P.E. and JSA (co-written with David S. Goyer) for DC Comics. He worked with Richard Donner for four years, leaving the company to pursue writing full-time.
His first comics assignments led to a critically acclaimed five-year run on the The Flash. Since then, he has quickly become one of the most popular and prolific comics writers today, working on such titles including a highly successful re-imagining of Green Lantern, Action Comics (co-written with Richard Donner), Teen Titans, Justice Society of America, Infinite Crisis and the experimental breakout hit series 52 for DC with Grant Morrison, Greg Rucka and Mark Waid. Geoff received the Wizard Fan Award for Breakout Talent of 2002 and Writer of the Year for 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008 as well as the CBG Writer of the Year 2003 thru 2005, 2007 and CBG Best Comic Book Series for JSA 2001 thru 2005. Geoff also developed BLADE: THE SERIES with David S. Goyer, as well as penned the acclaimed “Legion” episode of SMALLVILLE. He also served as staff writer for the fourth season of ROBOT CHICKEN.
Geoff recently became a New York Times Bestselling author with the graphic novel Superman: Brainiac with art by Gary Frank.
His first comics assignments led to a critically acclaimed five-year run on the The Flash. Since then, he has quickly become one of the most popular and prolific comics writers today, working on such titles including a highly successful re-imagining of Green Lantern, Action Comics (co-written with Richard Donner), Teen Titans, Justice Society of America, Infinite Crisis and the experimental breakout hit series 52 for DC with Grant Morrison, Greg Rucka and Mark Waid. Geoff received the Wizard Fan Award for Breakout Talent of 2002 and Writer of the Year for 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008 as well as the CBG Writer of the Year 2003 thru 2005, 2007 and CBG Best Comic Book Series for JSA 2001 thru 2005. Geoff also developed BLADE: THE SERIES with David S. Goyer, as well as penned the acclaimed “Legion” episode of SMALLVILLE. He also served as staff writer for the fourth season of ROBOT CHICKEN.
Geoff recently became a New York Times Bestselling author with the graphic novel Superman: Brainiac with art by Gary Frank.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 416 reviews
July 7, 2012
Barry Allen, the Silver Age Flash that sacrificed himself to save the universe from the Anti-Monitor during the Crisis on Infinite Earths, has returned to life. But why? And why do the other wielders of the Speed Force keep having tragedy befall them? And what does The Flash's arch-nemesis, Professor Zoom, have to do with it?
First, a little history lesson. As I've mentioned in a couple reviews in the past, the first comic book I consciously remember picking out for myself was an issue of DC Comics Presents featuring Superman teaming up with Robin. What I've never mentioned before is that when I began getting comics second hand at flea markets and yard sales, they were issues of The Flash, many featuring art by Carmine Infantino. While I was young when Barry Allen sacrificed himself during the Crisis on Infinite Earths, I understood that Wally West picking up the Flash mantle was significant.
So why was I skeptical when I heard Geoff Johns was reviving Barry Allen much in the way he revived Hal Jordan? For one thing, I thought everyone on the planet had accepted Wally West as the new Flash. Barry had been gone for 23 years, rivaling Bucky's death for length of staying dead. Heck, I wasn't too crazy about Johns bringing Hal Jordan back either. Well, for nostalgia reasons, I gave The Flash: Rebirth a shot anyway and I'm glad I did.
The Flash: Rebirth is the story of a man out of time, much like Captain America was portrayed during the 1960's when he was first brought back. Barry knows he was brought back for a reason and thinks it's to solve his mother's murder and clear his father's name. Little does he know...
As I get older, super speed is one of the super powers I'd most like to have, and Johns and the artist, Ethan Van Sciver, know how to use it to it's fullest in a story, both visually and conceptually. I loved the revelation about the origin of the Speed Force and the murderer of Barry Allen's mother. Lots of speedsters past were brought back and used better than they have been in years. I expected Wally and the rest to be swept under the rug when Barry returned but they all got decent screen time.
That's pretty much all I can reveal without spoiling the core of the story. If you've ever been interested in the Barry Allen version of the Flash, this one isn't to be missed. It's an easy four for what it is.
Also, Green Lantern Kyle Rayner is superior to Hal Jordan. Just sayin'.
First, a little history lesson. As I've mentioned in a couple reviews in the past, the first comic book I consciously remember picking out for myself was an issue of DC Comics Presents featuring Superman teaming up with Robin. What I've never mentioned before is that when I began getting comics second hand at flea markets and yard sales, they were issues of The Flash, many featuring art by Carmine Infantino. While I was young when Barry Allen sacrificed himself during the Crisis on Infinite Earths, I understood that Wally West picking up the Flash mantle was significant.
So why was I skeptical when I heard Geoff Johns was reviving Barry Allen much in the way he revived Hal Jordan? For one thing, I thought everyone on the planet had accepted Wally West as the new Flash. Barry had been gone for 23 years, rivaling Bucky's death for length of staying dead. Heck, I wasn't too crazy about Johns bringing Hal Jordan back either. Well, for nostalgia reasons, I gave The Flash: Rebirth a shot anyway and I'm glad I did.
The Flash: Rebirth is the story of a man out of time, much like Captain America was portrayed during the 1960's when he was first brought back. Barry knows he was brought back for a reason and thinks it's to solve his mother's murder and clear his father's name. Little does he know...
As I get older, super speed is one of the super powers I'd most like to have, and Johns and the artist, Ethan Van Sciver, know how to use it to it's fullest in a story, both visually and conceptually. I loved the revelation about the origin of the Speed Force and the murderer of Barry Allen's mother. Lots of speedsters past were brought back and used better than they have been in years. I expected Wally and the rest to be swept under the rug when Barry returned but they all got decent screen time.
That's pretty much all I can reveal without spoiling the core of the story. If you've ever been interested in the Barry Allen version of the Flash, this one isn't to be missed. It's an easy four for what it is.
Also, Green Lantern Kyle Rayner is superior to Hal Jordan. Just sayin'.
May 19, 2015
Barry Allen, the original Flash, has been dead for years after sacrificing himself to save the universe. However, it’s been well established that all comic characters have the super human ability to resurrect themselves. Barry just took a little longer than most before crawling out of the grave.
The story is that Barry was caught in the Speed Force, an extra-dimensional energy that has been tapped into by so many characters that only a fool would challenge anyone to a footrace in the DC universe. Everyone is delighted to have Barry back, but as celebrations and reunions are planned Barry questions why he has returned and has the nagging sensation that something is very wrong.
I’ve always been much more of a Marvel than a DC guy except for following Batman, but I’ve become such a devoted viewer of TV’s versions of two of their heroes with Arrow and The Flash that I was inspired to start reading up on them. (Well played, Warner Brothers. Well played, indeed.)
That means that I don’t know much about Flash other than the odd tidbit picked up from other comic nerdlingers and what I’ve gotten so far from the TV show. Which makes reading this a problem since it is heavily steeped in the history of The Flash and despite a fair amount of exposition and recapping it’s pretty confusing for a relative newbie. Seeing just how convoluted the history of this one character and all his off-shoots has gotten made me realize why they felt the need to reboot again with the New 52 that this helps set up. (Although a once a decade retcon seems to be standard operating procedure for DC.)
It’s a fairly entertaining story overall, and I really liked the artwork, especially the ways that they manage to convey a sense of speed in drawings. But the emotional punch of the return of Barry Allen seemed lacking to me as a relatively new fan since I saw him on TV just last week.
The story is that Barry was caught in the Speed Force, an extra-dimensional energy that has been tapped into by so many characters that only a fool would challenge anyone to a footrace in the DC universe. Everyone is delighted to have Barry back, but as celebrations and reunions are planned Barry questions why he has returned and has the nagging sensation that something is very wrong.
I’ve always been much more of a Marvel than a DC guy except for following Batman, but I’ve become such a devoted viewer of TV’s versions of two of their heroes with Arrow and The Flash that I was inspired to start reading up on them. (Well played, Warner Brothers. Well played, indeed.)
That means that I don’t know much about Flash other than the odd tidbit picked up from other comic nerdlingers and what I’ve gotten so far from the TV show. Which makes reading this a problem since it is heavily steeped in the history of The Flash and despite a fair amount of exposition and recapping it’s pretty confusing for a relative newbie. Seeing just how convoluted the history of this one character and all his off-shoots has gotten made me realize why they felt the need to reboot again with the New 52 that this helps set up. (Although a once a decade retcon seems to be standard operating procedure for DC.)
It’s a fairly entertaining story overall, and I really liked the artwork, especially the ways that they manage to convey a sense of speed in drawings. But the emotional punch of the return of Barry Allen seemed lacking to me as a relatively new fan since I saw him on TV just last week.
September 2, 2018
I love Geoff Johns, and when I saw that he was the one writing this, I just knew it was going to be awesome! Eh. Not so much.
However, I think most of the blame for my problem with Flash: Rebirth goes back to Final Crisis (which I just read, by the way). Let me tell you why. The entire time I'm reading Rebirth, I keep thinking when is Johns going to tell us how in the hell Barry came back?. I had no idea that he came back in Final Crisis until I read the back few pages in Rebirth where Johns made some random comment about Barry coming back in FC. Seriously. How could I have missed it? I just read it a few days ago! Let me tell you how. Final Crisis was such a cluster of crazy, that I couldn't tell what was actually happening half of the time. Hello? If I hadn't been actively looking for it, I wouldn't have even realized that he killed off Batman. Either that or I'm an idiot. Take your pick, and don't worry, you won't hurt my feelings.
So, yeah. I guess I was expecting something different and it didn't deliver, but I can't bring myself to hold Johns responsible.
*shakes fist* Morrison! You got some splainin' to dooooo!
May 26, 2015
I thought Barry Allen, the Silver Aged Flash sacrificed himself in that whole mind-numbing Crisis on Infinite Earths storyline to rid DC of its sins. I also thought that since he did make such a noble sacrifice, that whole stretch of convoluted continuity would be retired, like Sean Connery’s 007 career or at least his pony tail in Zardoz. I was oh so wrong!
Mr. Allen is back, dragging with him over forty years of byzantine storylines. You can blame that idiot, Professor Zoom (aka Reverse Flash) for not leaving well enough alone. Geoff Johns tosses in every DC speedster that he can think of into the storyline which revolves around the “speed force” (Dear God, please don’t ask me to explain what this is).
You see snapshots of all the DC superheroes waiting in breathless anticipation for Mr. Allen and one thing sticks out – every time we see the Atom, he’s always perched on another hero’s shoulder like either a) a pet capuchin monkey or, b) a child placed on his dad’s shoulder in order to see a parade. Give this guy back his dignity, DC!
Mr. Allen is back, dragging with him over forty years of byzantine storylines. You can blame that idiot, Professor Zoom (aka Reverse Flash) for not leaving well enough alone. Geoff Johns tosses in every DC speedster that he can think of into the storyline which revolves around the “speed force” (Dear God, please don’t ask me to explain what this is).
You see snapshots of all the DC superheroes waiting in breathless anticipation for Mr. Allen and one thing sticks out – every time we see the Atom, he’s always perched on another hero’s shoulder like either a) a pet capuchin monkey or, b) a child placed on his dad’s shoulder in order to see a parade. Give this guy back his dignity, DC!
July 20, 2016
Barry Allen, the Silver Age Flash, is back after sacrificing himself in Crisis on Infinite Earths more than 25 years ago – and PAUSE! Didja know that? Do you know anything about the Flash? Do you even LIKE the Flash? Because, and this is important: if you know nothing about the Flash, you will be utterly baffled with The Flash: Rebirth – this book is by a huge Flash fan for the Flash fans. If, like me, you think Flash is horribly dull and just a red dude who runs real fast, this book won’t convince you otherwise. It’s 100% fan-service.
I don’t know who exactly was demanding the milquetoast Barry Allen return as the Flash but Grant Morrison was definitely one of them because he brought Barry back in Final Crisis. So, the trumpeted “Rebirth” (how do you “rebirth” anyway!?) and “emotional” (if you care for the guy) return takes place in ANOTHER BOOK! Yeah, it’s horseshit.
Geoff Johns provides very little background to the book. There’s nothing on Crisis on Infinite Earths, nothing on Final Crisis, and nothing on the Flash family – it’s all just there, it happened, you sink or you swim. Great...
The story here involves Flash becoming Black Flash (the Death version of the Flashes) through some nonsense about the Speed Force, before that idea gets abandoned and Barry fights quite possibly the laziest, least inspired and worst-named superhero antagonist ever: Professor Zoom the Reverse Flash.
I just don’t get the appeal of Flash. He’s like a human hamster when he gets on that stupid treadmill or the visual representation of DC Editorial’s will as they decide to once more reboot their universe by sending the Flash running and then, abracadabra, fresh reboot! Barry is the blandest guy in the DCU, he’s a forensics specialist, he wears a bow-tie… zzz… He’s also spent the last couple decades repeating his girlfriend’s name over and over while being stuck in some red wind-tunnel. Not even his fate is interesting!
He runs, he runs some more, he runs again. Fuck me… this book is like the comics version of the runs! Will he run towards a personality at some point? And he’s got the worst rogues gallery. I’ve already mentioned Reverse Flash who wants to kill his girlfriend because that’s what bad guys do, but get ready to be wowed with Savitar! … who!? Another guy who runs real fast! Oh the imagination… Gorilla Grodd’s also doing cave paintings here for no reason.
Ethan Van Sciver’s art is accomplished but it’s the DC house style - kinda like a Jim Lee imitator - so if you read a lot of DC you’re not gonna be wowed by it, even if Van Sciver’s clearly very talented.
You’ll only like The Flash: Rebirth if you’re already a Flash fan – everyone else, on the fence or open to being convinced otherwise like me, will remain baffled at the popularity of this outdated cheesy character. Flash Fact: this comic sucks!
I don’t know who exactly was demanding the milquetoast Barry Allen return as the Flash but Grant Morrison was definitely one of them because he brought Barry back in Final Crisis. So, the trumpeted “Rebirth” (how do you “rebirth” anyway!?) and “emotional” (if you care for the guy) return takes place in ANOTHER BOOK! Yeah, it’s horseshit.
Geoff Johns provides very little background to the book. There’s nothing on Crisis on Infinite Earths, nothing on Final Crisis, and nothing on the Flash family – it’s all just there, it happened, you sink or you swim. Great...
The story here involves Flash becoming Black Flash (the Death version of the Flashes) through some nonsense about the Speed Force, before that idea gets abandoned and Barry fights quite possibly the laziest, least inspired and worst-named superhero antagonist ever: Professor Zoom the Reverse Flash.
I just don’t get the appeal of Flash. He’s like a human hamster when he gets on that stupid treadmill or the visual representation of DC Editorial’s will as they decide to once more reboot their universe by sending the Flash running and then, abracadabra, fresh reboot! Barry is the blandest guy in the DCU, he’s a forensics specialist, he wears a bow-tie… zzz… He’s also spent the last couple decades repeating his girlfriend’s name over and over while being stuck in some red wind-tunnel. Not even his fate is interesting!
He runs, he runs some more, he runs again. Fuck me… this book is like the comics version of the runs! Will he run towards a personality at some point? And he’s got the worst rogues gallery. I’ve already mentioned Reverse Flash who wants to kill his girlfriend because that’s what bad guys do, but get ready to be wowed with Savitar! … who!? Another guy who runs real fast! Oh the imagination… Gorilla Grodd’s also doing cave paintings here for no reason.
Ethan Van Sciver’s art is accomplished but it’s the DC house style - kinda like a Jim Lee imitator - so if you read a lot of DC you’re not gonna be wowed by it, even if Van Sciver’s clearly very talented.
You’ll only like The Flash: Rebirth if you’re already a Flash fan – everyone else, on the fence or open to being convinced otherwise like me, will remain baffled at the popularity of this outdated cheesy character. Flash Fact: this comic sucks!
October 11, 2020
I'll just start by saying I'm still not happy with the decision to bring back Barry Allen and have him replace Wally West. Wally is a far more interesting character and honestly, a better Flash at this point. That being said, if this is going to be forced upon me, at least Geoff Johns came up with an interesting story.
Barry feels like the world has moved on. The other speedsters have taken over on his absence and he's not really needed. And there's something with Barry that feels not quite right. Bringing in Professor Zoom and have him muck with Barry's past is a genius move. One that eventually leads to Flashpoint.
This is not a good jumping on point at all for new fans. It requires you to know the history of all of DC's speedsters from Crisis to Final Crisis which is 23 years of comics. I'd recommend reading both those events plus Mark Waid's and Geoff Johns's time on The Flash before reading this.
Barry feels like the world has moved on. The other speedsters have taken over on his absence and he's not really needed. And there's something with Barry that feels not quite right. Bringing in Professor Zoom and have him muck with Barry's past is a genius move. One that eventually leads to Flashpoint.
This is not a good jumping on point at all for new fans. It requires you to know the history of all of DC's speedsters from Crisis to Final Crisis which is 23 years of comics. I'd recommend reading both those events plus Mark Waid's and Geoff Johns's time on The Flash before reading this.
November 14, 2022
Reread: 14/11/2022
I just love this story and like one of my favorite things to reread like you get to see how Barry returns and the whole stuff with the Black flash and the existential crisis he is going through and then the revelations that happens and make Reverse-flash one of the greatest DC villains ever and then the epic battle and ending and the element of family and hope and love and an epic rebirth!! I freaking love this book! I highly recommend it for not just Barry Allen fans but for DC fans in general, it's so worth it and one of their most important books they have ever done!!
____________________________________________________________________________________This was so epic!
It starts with Barry feeling some weird vibes and then suddenly as he is going about his day meeting with Hal and all he feels something weird with the Speed force and then the coming of Savitar and as they battle he disintegrates when he touches him and then Wally and Barry teaming up and it becomes a race to find out whats wrong with Barry, has he become death itself? But as revelations happen and the main man behind it is revealed aka Professor Zoom aka Reverse-Flash and then it becomes an ultimate war between time and space and its Flash family vs Thawne as more revelations about this duo's ages old enmity is revealed and everything between them will be changed forever!
This was an epic volume and has such great moments and is truly the rebirth of the man who started the silver age and pits Barry against Eobard and makes him his well definitive arch-enemy and shows manipulations of his life by his hand and when his family is threatened he must step up and truly be reborn to save his lightning rod Iris! Ahh this was so cool and like has so many cool moments like between Iris and Barry, him outracing clark or his and Hal's thing and finally the flash family reunion and the art by EVS is so good, it doesn't hold back and is just so good to look at. Each panel so detailed and particularly the last one! One of the best ones ever!
I just love this story and like one of my favorite things to reread like you get to see how Barry returns and the whole stuff with the Black flash and the existential crisis he is going through and then the revelations that happens and make Reverse-flash one of the greatest DC villains ever and then the epic battle and ending and the element of family and hope and love and an epic rebirth!! I freaking love this book! I highly recommend it for not just Barry Allen fans but for DC fans in general, it's so worth it and one of their most important books they have ever done!!
____________________________________________________________________________________This was so epic!
It starts with Barry feeling some weird vibes and then suddenly as he is going about his day meeting with Hal and all he feels something weird with the Speed force and then the coming of Savitar and as they battle he disintegrates when he touches him and then Wally and Barry teaming up and it becomes a race to find out whats wrong with Barry, has he become death itself? But as revelations happen and the main man behind it is revealed aka Professor Zoom aka Reverse-Flash and then it becomes an ultimate war between time and space and its Flash family vs Thawne as more revelations about this duo's ages old enmity is revealed and everything between them will be changed forever!
This was an epic volume and has such great moments and is truly the rebirth of the man who started the silver age and pits Barry against Eobard and makes him his well definitive arch-enemy and shows manipulations of his life by his hand and when his family is threatened he must step up and truly be reborn to save his lightning rod Iris! Ahh this was so cool and like has so many cool moments like between Iris and Barry, him outracing clark or his and Hal's thing and finally the flash family reunion and the art by EVS is so good, it doesn't hold back and is just so good to look at. Each panel so detailed and particularly the last one! One of the best ones ever!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 6, 2014
Introduction:
My first introduction to Flash’s character was through the “Justice League” cartoon series that aired on Cartoon Network years ago. Since then, I had become a huge fan of the Flash (even though for many years, I had actually thought that Barry Allen was the Flash in the “Justice League” cartoon, when it turned out to actually be Wally West). So, not only did I want to check this comic book out to prepare for the new live action “Flash” TV series that is coming out on the CW, but I also wanted to learn more about Flash’s character in the DC comics and “The Flash: Rebirth” seemed like a good place to actually start reading the “Flash” comics.
What is this story about?
In this story, Barry Allen, who was hailed a hero after he sacrificed his life during a cosmic crisis in the past, has come back to life and all his friends and family are planning to throw him a special party for his return. Unfortunately, since Barry Allen had been dead for so long, he finds himself being out of place in this new world and he became a bit distant towards his friends, due to wanting to solve the mystery of the person who murdered his mother and why he was brought back to life. Barry will soon realize that a dark force is behind everything that happened to him in his life and he must gather the strength to defeat this new threat that is harming his family!
What I loved about this story:
Geoff Johns’ writing: Now, I will admit that this is the first time I had read anything by Geoff Johns and his run in the DC universe. So, when I heard so many good things about what he has done for the DC universe, I just had to check this title out! I really liked the way that Geoff Johns showed the relationships that Barry Allen has with his family, especially with his wife Iris West and his protégé Wally West. It was great seeing that the Flash family is extremely close to each other and is willing to protect Barry Allen from whatever evil forces comes upon him. I also enjoyed seeing Barry’s relationship with Hal Jordan, the Green Lantern, as it shows that they are truly best friends and that Hal always tries to cheer Barry up whenever Barry is feeling down on himself. I really enjoyed the fact that Geoff Johns tries to make sure that the readers are caught up on Barry Allen’s history as we are treated to seeing Barry’s past from being the Flash to leading to the murder of his mother, which was a pretty nice mystery set up for this story!
Ethan Van Sciver’s artwork: Ethan Van Sciver’s artwork was just marvelous in this volume as the characters look truly realistic and the action sequences were extremely well drawn out! I really loved the scenes where the Flash family fight against various foes as the action sequences are full of bright colors and dramatic artwork and they really set the exciting mood for those scenes. I also loved the way that Ethan Van Sciver drew the emotions on the characters’ faces, especially with Barry Allen’s facial expressions whenever he is feeling sad or angry at the situations he is thrown into.
What made me feel uncomfortable about this story:
The reason why I gave this graphic novel a four star rating was because there were a couple of places where the story seemed to drag on for so long that I found myself getting a little restless with the storytelling. Also, if you are a new reader to the “Flash” universe, you might get a little confused about how Barry Allen had died in the first place or how his relationships with Iris and Wally West got established since the story does go through those developments a little too fast (I know, it is really because I did not read the previous “Flash” comics before this event, but I got to start somewhere)!
Final Thoughts:
Overall, “The Flash: Rebirth” is a good comic book to get into if you enjoyed Barry Allen as the Flash and if you liked his relationships with his family members. Or if you are just looking for a good Flash family comic in general, this is a pretty good comic to start off with!
Review is also on: Rabbit Ears Book Blog
July 7, 2021
La storia scritta da Geoff Johns che riporta Barry Allen nell'universo DC dopo una morte durata ventitre anni, evento più che raro nei fumetti di supereroi dove le resurrezioni miracolose sono all'ordine del giorno, non è niente male davvero ed i disegni di Ethan Van Sciver sono una vera meraviglia.
Purtroppo, per essere un nuovo punto di inizio, la trama è appesantita da un nugolo di personaggi e riferimenti a vicende passate che mi ha lasciato a dir poco spaesato, essendo la mia conoscenza del Flash fumettistico limitata a qualche crossover, una manciata di miniserie lette a random, ed un paio di storie silver age comprate a fine anni '70, quando i fumetti DC venivano pubblicati in Italia dall'Editrice Cenisio.
Avendo poi già letto Flashpoint in passato, la grande rivelazione relativa all'identità dell'assassino della madre di Barry non è stata affatto una sorpresa per me, smorzandone se non azzerandone del tutto l'impatto emotivo che doveva in teoria causare.
A causa di queste mie negligenze non posso dare più di tre stelle a questo splendido volume, ma rileggendolo in futuro, magari dopo essermi procurato le due run di Wally West firmate Waid e Johns, alzerò sicuramente il mio voto.
December 7, 2018
3,5/5
My first Flash book. I liked it but it was confusing for me as I did not have any backstory on the character.
My first Flash book. I liked it but it was confusing for me as I did not have any backstory on the character.
December 10, 2015
So this is Geoff Johns' epic reboot of the Flash after his death in Crisis on Infinite Earths. The first time I read this I was confused as hell, having never read a single Flash comic in my life. (I know!) To contradict some reviews, this is not a good place to start if you're a Flash novice. It makes countless references to events that took place all the way back to the Silver Age up to Final Crisis, some comics I haven't read myself, so a novice will be chronically lost like I was on the first read. Between my first and second reads I have read Crisis, Infinite Crisis, Geoff Johns' Flash Vol. 1: Dastardly Death of the Rogues (in this short series), and New 52 Vols. 1-5. I would highly suggest at least reading Crisis so you know what happened to Barry Allen, if not brushing up on his history overall, especially the Crises, something I'm still trying to do without Wikipedia. Which is tough because most pre-New 52 stuff is out of print, and that's really helpful. Thanks, DC. (Angry Flash face.)
So what's good here? A lot actually. Barry has returned , but something is wrong and he can't slow down. Uh oh! Technically Barry Allen returned in Final Crisis (which I haven't read yet...see what I mean about Flash and Crises?), but this is a thorough exploration of his official return, parade and everything. This deeply expands on Flash mythology and our knowledge of the Speed Force. This is Reverse Flash heavy (yes!) and even expands on his character and mythology. Admittedly there are probably too many Flashes running around to focus on, between Barry, Wally, and Bart, the main Flashes, and Jay, Max, Johnny, Jai and Irey, plus others. But don't let that discourage you. This is a group adventure, a collaborative battle between Flash & Friends and Reverse Flash, and it's worth every second of your time. Even the JLA and JSA have cameos. And we must thank Johns for rebooting Flash for the 21st century and a new generation of readers, myself included. And that's basically where my review for this book ends. If you like, no, if you LOVE The Flash, you should read this. If you love DCU events you should read this. But with Flash's long and retconned continuity, you will need to do your homework before jumping into this one.
< rant > This book is solid, the writing is solid, Ethan Van Sciver's artwork is stunning. Read this book. But my main gripe here is continuity, or rather what happens to continuity after this. Johns essentially reboots the classic Barry Allen (and just for reference, Crisis is as far back as I have read). Here he's married to Iris West, Darryl Frye is the police captain (and not Barry's adoptive father), Barry's father has died in prison (not a spoiler), and his mother was killed a long time ago . And therein lies my problem. I'm truly confused on the dead mom, father in prison thing. Is this consistent with Bronze and Silver Age Barry Allen? Or does Rebirth create this? Because at one point Reverse Flash says he's changed the past and Barry's parents don't grow old together. I would love some clarification on this.
So continuity. All of the continuity found in Johns' reboot is thrown out the window in New 52 with Francis Manapul taking over the writing. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE New 52 Flash. But going back and re-reading Rebirth I'm now baffled why Johns, Chief Creative Officer at DC, would allow Manapul to alter Flash continuity once again when Flash has just been rebooted. What do I mean? Let me explain.
In New 52, Barry Allen is dating Patty Spivot (his CSI coworker), Darryl Frye is Barry's adoptive father, Barry's father is alive but still in prison, and his mother is dead but he doesn't know the killer's identity, a mystery that dominates his character. So my question is, does New 52 precede Rebirth in continuity? It must, because the "mother murder mystery" is solved in Rebirth which precedes New 52 in publication. My point being, in Rebirth Barry solves the mystery and "moves forward," yet in New 52 he's still looking for the killer. Therefore, New 52 must take place before Rebirth. But why would Manapul go backward in time in a series known for its theme of moving forward? Irony!
There's also continuity issues with Reverse Flash. Reverse Flash, usually Flash's arch-nemesis Eobard Thawne from the 25th century, has a completely different story in New 52 where he isn't from the future and he makes a limited appearance, so that is not in continuity at all. And while we're on the subject of continuity, the television show is like neither New 52 nor classic Flash. While I LOVE that show, the utter lack of continuity is baffling. For a character who gave us the Multiverse, time travel, teleportation, and the Justice League, DC sure likes to fuck around with his continuity. Confused yet? I'd be surprised if you weren't.
Okay okay, so the continuity is a little screwy. When isn't it in the DCU? And Flash, with all of his time travel, sure doesn't make it easy. So the continuity is sound in Rebirth but it changes in New 52, unless, like I said, New 52 is a collection of Barry Allen stories before Eobard Thawne, before his father dies in prison, before he solves his mother's murder. But then what about Iris West and Patty Spivot? That's not explained. And Reverse Flash not being Eobard Thawne? Also not explained. At least in Rebirth it's consistent with the last half century, and maybe that's why New 52 upsets so many Flash fans, because after so many years of being dead Barry Allen finally comes back and to what, a new girlfriend, no arch-nemesis? Bizarre, indeed. I guess I'll concede it's a little fucked up. But I must give Johns credit for sticking to continuity here. Iin the grand scheme of Flash happenings, however, I'm not sure how Rebirth fits into New 52. And I guess I have to blame Johns for that. < /rant >
November 1, 2017
I read this WAY back in the day when it first came out. I was trying "DC" for the first time really. Like trying my best to understand it all. That was a bad idea. I didn't know what the fuck was happening.
Now? Years after getting into the DC lore and stories? NOW I understand and NOW I really really enjoyed this Flash story which is a bit of a two sided story. A bit of a "Hey Barry is back, yay!" and "Thank you Wally for being a awesome flash for 20 years."
Barry is back. He's a good guy. But now we get a little deeper into his mind, a little darker past, or should I say way darker? Yeah let's go WAY darker. Once he returns we learn something is very off. Someone is pulling the strings. WHO? Well I can't just tell you. However, Barry isn't sure he wants to be Flash anymore. I mean Wally had it handled so why should he come back? Well we find out here, kind of, and it's a BIG FLASH MAYHAM!
Good: The art is great. Everyone has their own unique flare and look. The effects look great and the fights feel powerful. The storyline is pretty awesome goodbye for Wally as THE FLASH but also a nice welcome for Barry to return. I also enjoyed a new IMpulse coming onto the scene and really dug the hell out of the villain in here. Without spoilers he's a real asshole and that's what works so well.
Bad: The story is NOT for new readers. It will confuse you. You'll be like "Who the fuck is flash's kids, kid flash, and bart? Wait what? I thought he was older" and things like that. This is for fans of Flash for awhile. Also the ending kind of is a reset for the series but thanks to Flashpoint it kind of means very little to the status change.
Overall this was great fun time. Sure, it feels a little meaningless once Flashpoint hits but I guess you needed Barry to return, to give him a motivation to want to reverse time, to get New 52 rolling. I mean for some people they hate that but still, it happened, so deal with it. Overall a Nice goodbye to Wally and probably the last story with him that feels meaningful. A 3.5-4 out of 5.
Now? Years after getting into the DC lore and stories? NOW I understand and NOW I really really enjoyed this Flash story which is a bit of a two sided story. A bit of a "Hey Barry is back, yay!" and "Thank you Wally for being a awesome flash for 20 years."
Barry is back. He's a good guy. But now we get a little deeper into his mind, a little darker past, or should I say way darker? Yeah let's go WAY darker. Once he returns we learn something is very off. Someone is pulling the strings. WHO? Well I can't just tell you. However, Barry isn't sure he wants to be Flash anymore. I mean Wally had it handled so why should he come back? Well we find out here, kind of, and it's a BIG FLASH MAYHAM!
Good: The art is great. Everyone has their own unique flare and look. The effects look great and the fights feel powerful. The storyline is pretty awesome goodbye for Wally as THE FLASH but also a nice welcome for Barry to return. I also enjoyed a new IMpulse coming onto the scene and really dug the hell out of the villain in here. Without spoilers he's a real asshole and that's what works so well.
Bad: The story is NOT for new readers. It will confuse you. You'll be like "Who the fuck is flash's kids, kid flash, and bart? Wait what? I thought he was older" and things like that. This is for fans of Flash for awhile. Also the ending kind of is a reset for the series but thanks to Flashpoint it kind of means very little to the status change.
Overall this was great fun time. Sure, it feels a little meaningless once Flashpoint hits but I guess you needed Barry to return, to give him a motivation to want to reverse time, to get New 52 rolling. I mean for some people they hate that but still, it happened, so deal with it. Overall a Nice goodbye to Wally and probably the last story with him that feels meaningful. A 3.5-4 out of 5.
February 25, 2014
Everything I know about Flash I learned from Justice League Unlimited. Maybe that explains why I was unenthused by the idea of resurrecting Barry Allen. He'd been dead (or, I guess, basically dead) since Crisis on Infinite Earths, about two decades. Was there really anyone clamoring to bring him back? I could understand bringing Hal back, but Barry? It seemed like silly Silver Age nostalgia. Why keep winding the clock back when you can move forward? And why risk alienating the large chunk of the audience who don't remember any Flash other than Wally?
I'm not saying that this book changed my mind. Johns isn't exactly making an argument as to why we need Barry as Flash. But even if I'm not convinced it was a necessary idea, I can't argue with the execution. It's a solid story, and I can't quibble with anything about it, from the characterization down to the art. If I cared just a little bit more about Flash, this would probably be a four star read for me. But I don't, and Johns didn't make me care.
I'm not saying that this book changed my mind. Johns isn't exactly making an argument as to why we need Barry as Flash. But even if I'm not convinced it was a necessary idea, I can't argue with the execution. It's a solid story, and I can't quibble with anything about it, from the characterization down to the art. If I cared just a little bit more about Flash, this would probably be a four star read for me. But I don't, and Johns didn't make me care.
July 29, 2016
3.5 stars
This book does an excellent job of not just reintroducing Barry Allen back to the DCU but also redefines his purpose and connection to the universe. It clearly establishes who Barry's main villain is and why, as well as giving you a summary of the key moments in his life.
I personally think there are still too many "Flashes" running around but Johns attempts to define each one's purpose (although not in depth here because this is Barry's show) and show that they are sticking around for the fans of those characters.
He also lays the groundwork for kicking off the Flashpoint event. Looking forward to the next volume.
This book does an excellent job of not just reintroducing Barry Allen back to the DCU but also redefines his purpose and connection to the universe. It clearly establishes who Barry's main villain is and why, as well as giving you a summary of the key moments in his life.
I personally think there are still too many "Flashes" running around but Johns attempts to define each one's purpose (although not in depth here because this is Barry's show) and show that they are sticking around for the fans of those characters.
He also lays the groundwork for kicking off the Flashpoint event. Looking forward to the next volume.
August 4, 2011
Please take note: this is not the graphic novel that brings Barry Allen back. As such, the title is a bit deceptive. By the time this novel opens, Barry Allen is already alive and well, much to my chagrin, since I was interested in seeing how DC brings him back. It seems he already returned from the dead in the Final Crisis arc. So, disappointment there, but it's not a total disaster. The art in this book is nothing short of magnificent and the story isn't bad either. I have to admit, though, that it gets quite complicated and if it weren't for the explanatory notes at the back of the book I might well have been a bit lost. Why on earth are there so many speedsters in the DC universe? I seem to recall two, being Barry Allen and Wally West. Tone it down guys. We don't need a dozen speedsters, it seriously diminishes the novelty!
Flash: Rebirth is from the same team that gave us Green Lantern: Rebirth, but it doesn't live up to the same standard. However, while this isn't really a rebirth, it certainly is a re-introduction. The one thing this book does quite well, is set up the character for the rest of the series. No doubt it will be something to look out for.
Flash: Rebirth is from the same team that gave us Green Lantern: Rebirth, but it doesn't live up to the same standard. However, while this isn't really a rebirth, it certainly is a re-introduction. The one thing this book does quite well, is set up the character for the rest of the series. No doubt it will be something to look out for.
September 26, 2022
I read this as only my second Flash comic and it would have been better if I hadn't started with this one. It requires an accumulation of previous story knowledge. I may read it again later. I enjoyed it but didn't follow it well.
November 26, 2023
Puntaje: 4.6 Estrellas.
Flash es uno de esos personajes de DC que disfruto mucho leyendo, pero que me siento muy perdido al hacerlo. Este es un personaje de quien quiero devorar su serie regular y aprender sobre su historia, su mitología, sus compañeros y villanos.
Todo lo que sé de Flash lo sé por las series animadas de DC, su serie de los Nuevos 52 y la adaptación live-action de CW. Sin embargo, tengo pendiente leer sus cómics pre-new 52, pues allí es donde está lo más esencial de su historia.
Aun así, pude leer el Renacimiento de Flash y entenderlo sin problema. Mi conocimiento básico del personaje fue suficiente para comprender este tomo y disfrutarlos al máximo. Aunque, eso sí, hay un par de personajes que quisiera conocer un poco más en sus cómics.
Además de la maravillosa historia que nos trae Geoff Johns, este cómic está acompañado de una de las mejores ilustraciones que he visto en los cómics. Todo se veía asombroso: Las escenas de acción, los trajes, los personajes, la fuerza de la velocidad, este tomo vale su peso en oro gracias a cada elemento que lo compone.
Es innegable el efecto que genera Barry Allen en el universo de DC. Su sacrificio en la Crisis de Tierras Infinitas lo convirtió en leyenda, y ver la emoción que todos los demás personajes sentían al verlo de regreso lo confirma: Allen es de los super héroes más esenciales para la franquicia de DC Cómics.
Este es un cómic recomendado para los lectores que quieran conocer más a fondo a Flash. Por ejemplo, lectores como yo, que conocimos al personaje gracias a sus adaptaciones, pero que no hemos ahondado en sus cómics. En este caso, recomiendo que lean un buen par de cómics de Flash antes de entrar al renacimiento, pues esta historia tiene mucho contexto que no deben pasar por alto.
Flash es uno de esos personajes de DC que disfruto mucho leyendo, pero que me siento muy perdido al hacerlo. Este es un personaje de quien quiero devorar su serie regular y aprender sobre su historia, su mitología, sus compañeros y villanos.
Todo lo que sé de Flash lo sé por las series animadas de DC, su serie de los Nuevos 52 y la adaptación live-action de CW. Sin embargo, tengo pendiente leer sus cómics pre-new 52, pues allí es donde está lo más esencial de su historia.
Aun así, pude leer el Renacimiento de Flash y entenderlo sin problema. Mi conocimiento básico del personaje fue suficiente para comprender este tomo y disfrutarlos al máximo. Aunque, eso sí, hay un par de personajes que quisiera conocer un poco más en sus cómics.
Además de la maravillosa historia que nos trae Geoff Johns, este cómic está acompañado de una de las mejores ilustraciones que he visto en los cómics. Todo se veía asombroso: Las escenas de acción, los trajes, los personajes, la fuerza de la velocidad, este tomo vale su peso en oro gracias a cada elemento que lo compone.
Es innegable el efecto que genera Barry Allen en el universo de DC. Su sacrificio en la Crisis de Tierras Infinitas lo convirtió en leyenda, y ver la emoción que todos los demás personajes sentían al verlo de regreso lo confirma: Allen es de los super héroes más esenciales para la franquicia de DC Cómics.
Este es un cómic recomendado para los lectores que quieran conocer más a fondo a Flash. Por ejemplo, lectores como yo, que conocimos al personaje gracias a sus adaptaciones, pero que no hemos ahondado en sus cómics. En este caso, recomiendo que lean un buen par de cómics de Flash antes de entrar al renacimiento, pues esta historia tiene mucho contexto que no deben pasar por alto.
July 2, 2019
First a warning - do not read this book if you have not read a hefty dose of Flash books that came before this. I cannot imagine using this book as a "jumping on point" as it is so heavily weighed down by the Flash lore, that any newcomer would have his head spinning from it.
With that being said, if you are well versed in the Flash mythos, then this book is a blast. Not only do we get the return of Barry, but we get virtually every major speedster hero returning, or at least appearing to help with defeating the villain.
And when you get Geoff Johns, someone who is intimately knowledgeable regarding the Flash, writing the book, you get a really fun, tense, and interesting read. For this one, Johns brings back the reverse Flash, and without spoiling it, he adds another layer to the already infamous notoriety of the Reverse Flash. Entwining him even further with the Flash's history.
While this book was a great read, I did feel the end was too quickly and too conveniently wrapped up. Like, way to easily. It really took away from the book as there was a great deal of tension in seeing Reverse Flash single handedly taking on the Speedsters at the same time, and holding his ground!, was awesome.
The art is great, as Sciver gives us some fantastic pencils to go with the (mostly) great story.
I'm more of a Wally Flash guy, but there was some interesting plot points setup in this book that have me intrigued enough to continue reading the Flash adventures with Barry Allen.
With that being said, if you are well versed in the Flash mythos, then this book is a blast. Not only do we get the return of Barry, but we get virtually every major speedster hero returning, or at least appearing to help with defeating the villain.
And when you get Geoff Johns, someone who is intimately knowledgeable regarding the Flash, writing the book, you get a really fun, tense, and interesting read. For this one, Johns brings back the reverse Flash, and without spoiling it, he adds another layer to the already infamous notoriety of the Reverse Flash. Entwining him even further with the Flash's history.
While this book was a great read, I did feel the end was too quickly and too conveniently wrapped up. Like, way to easily. It really took away from the book as there was a great deal of tension in seeing Reverse Flash single handedly taking on the Speedsters at the same time, and holding his ground!, was awesome.
The art is great, as Sciver gives us some fantastic pencils to go with the (mostly) great story.
I'm more of a Wally Flash guy, but there was some interesting plot points setup in this book that have me intrigued enough to continue reading the Flash adventures with Barry Allen.
June 1, 2011
While I'm still against writer Geoff Johns getting his way with every editorial decision DC has made the past few years I will give him credit for crafting a good story here. Barry Allen died saving the universe over two decades ago, but just as with Hal Jordan Johns got to bring Allen back. While the technique used for bringing Allen back is questionable, there are some good aspects to this story. The return of Max Mercury, and Max's reunification with Bart Allen. The emphasis on the DC Comics speedsters all being part of an extended family. An explanation of how the speed force was created and Johns' hallmark excellent treatment of the Rogues are the story's good points. Again, for me the flaw is that instead of this story being about Wally West, Bart Allen or a new character, Johns was allowed to bring back a character who had died one of the best deaths in comic history. In so many ways it cheapens the death of that earlier story.
September 20, 2010
I expected to HATE this, as I'm a firm believer in keeping Barry Allen dead since Crisis. Still, the book pulled me in and had some great ideas that added, rather than detracted, to the Flash mythos. Better than expected, but I still would have preferred if they'd kept Barry dead and done this same plot with Wally (or Max Mercury or Jay Garrick).
January 26, 2016
I'm very glad to have Barry Allen back, but if you are looking for the story of his return, well, you want to go back and read Final Crisis. In fact, you probably _have_ to read it, to understand one of the chapters...
September 21, 2020
This is pretty confusing if you aren’t a huge DC guy like I am. It’s actually the first Flash thing I’ve ever read.
But, I still liked it. The art is great, and what I could understand was really cool. I look forward to reading more and better fleshing out my knowledge, but this was cool.
But, I still liked it. The art is great, and what I could understand was really cool. I look forward to reading more and better fleshing out my knowledge, but this was cool.
December 26, 2018
Fastest Man Alive. UGGHH. So this book had a good plot to it but didn’t keep up with it. Let me Explain. At the start I was interested with multiple flashs and everything but then they just keep talking and talking and that’s it. That’s the book. Van Sciver’s Art was good but I just had two problems with it. One: with both their masks on I can’t tell which is Barry Allen or Wally West. Two: there is too much of the lightning, I’m going blind. If you really want to buy this book go ahead. I suggest you don’t.
July 22, 2018
I seem to be reading these backwards. Oops.
March 4, 2016
I have read a few Geoff Johns books recently and I have to say I really enjoy his stories. They are always strong and entertaining and there is a warmth and optimism to his writing that I find very refreshing. Maybe this is because the majority of the Comics I have read are Batman titles and optimism is in short supply in Gotham City.
While I would say this book is a possible point to jump into the Flash would also warn that there are a hell of a lot of references to Barry Allen’s backstory. The main points of reference here are Crisis on Infinite Earths, Final Crisis but it doesn't stop there. I have not read a lot of Flash stories (A Flash of Two Worlds and Fashpoint) and there were a few point is this book were I just didn't know what they were referencing. The pace of the book is quite fast (though not quite speed force fast) and not a lot of time, if any is spent explaining these points of reference so to make this an easier read you may want to consider familiarising yourself with the Flash mythos first.
In John’s writing it is clear that Barry Allen is his Flash and that he is delighted to be bringing him back. In fact I would say that this one is written from the perspective of, and for the fans of the Flash and Barry Allen in particular. There are plenty of Easter eggs that die hard and even casual fans will love. A lot of these will be evident even to fans of the tv show too.
This book doesn't really deal with how he came back, that happens in another book (no spoilers). It is only briefly glossed over here . This book deals with how he fits back into his life and his role as the main speedster of which there are many, and yes they are pretty much all here. It is handled very well too. The story is strong and well written and the explanation for why Barry Allen is the most important speedster is also handled well.
The Reverse Flash also returns here. Again anyone who is a fan of the TV show will be familiar with Eobard Thawne too. In fact if you watch the show there might be a familiar feel to this story as it is evident that this book is the basis of the show. I won't say anymore on that and let you make the comparisons for yourself.
I started writing a brief outline of the rest of the plot for this book and realised that anything I wrote would be giving things away so all I will say is, Barry must stop Reverse Flash from killing his wife Iris with the help of his fellow speedsters and justice league members.
Flash comic fans will love it (but have probably already read it). Flash TV show fans will love it. Anyone else, this book may turn you into a new flash fan. This is a celebration of Barry Allen and a very enjoyable one at that. I will definitely be reading more Flash stories.
May the Speed force be with you!
While I would say this book is a possible point to jump into the Flash would also warn that there are a hell of a lot of references to Barry Allen’s backstory. The main points of reference here are Crisis on Infinite Earths, Final Crisis but it doesn't stop there. I have not read a lot of Flash stories (A Flash of Two Worlds and Fashpoint) and there were a few point is this book were I just didn't know what they were referencing. The pace of the book is quite fast (though not quite speed force fast) and not a lot of time, if any is spent explaining these points of reference so to make this an easier read you may want to consider familiarising yourself with the Flash mythos first.
In John’s writing it is clear that Barry Allen is his Flash and that he is delighted to be bringing him back. In fact I would say that this one is written from the perspective of, and for the fans of the Flash and Barry Allen in particular. There are plenty of Easter eggs that die hard and even casual fans will love. A lot of these will be evident even to fans of the tv show too.
This book doesn't really deal with how he came back, that happens in another book (no spoilers). It is only briefly glossed over here . This book deals with how he fits back into his life and his role as the main speedster of which there are many, and yes they are pretty much all here. It is handled very well too. The story is strong and well written and the explanation for why Barry Allen is the most important speedster is also handled well.
The Reverse Flash also returns here. Again anyone who is a fan of the TV show will be familiar with Eobard Thawne too. In fact if you watch the show there might be a familiar feel to this story as it is evident that this book is the basis of the show. I won't say anymore on that and let you make the comparisons for yourself.
I started writing a brief outline of the rest of the plot for this book and realised that anything I wrote would be giving things away so all I will say is, Barry must stop Reverse Flash from killing his wife Iris with the help of his fellow speedsters and justice league members.
Flash comic fans will love it (but have probably already read it). Flash TV show fans will love it. Anyone else, this book may turn you into a new flash fan. This is a celebration of Barry Allen and a very enjoyable one at that. I will definitely be reading more Flash stories.
May the Speed force be with you!
July 24, 2018
Back in 2009, when these issues were originally published, I guess I wasn’t really ready for them. Two years later, with 2011’s Flashpoint, I probably was. For me, Flashpoint remains a lightning rod in my comics experience. Like Rebirth it features Barry Allen, Eobard Thawne, and the new mythology of Thawne having murdered Barry’s mother. The difference is that Flashpoint is all about this, and Rebirth features it.
The difference is the art of storytelling. Flashpoint for a lot of fans is probably just another line-wide continuity-altering event comic, but for me it’s one of the best stories I’ve ever read in a comic. And it features the Flash. In the ‘90s, Flash comics were my favorite comics. Mark Waid was writing them. They featured Wally West rather than Barry Allen, but they expanded Flash mythology as never before, and Barry was in them even though he technically wasn’t. It was these Waid stories that created the Barry Allen who returns in Rebirth.
Geoff Johns later succeeded Waid in an equally impactful run on Wally West comics. But after he successfully revived the heroic career of Hal Jordan Green Lantern: Rebirth, he seemed the natural choice to bring back Barry, too.
To do so, he invented the idea that Thawne’s obsession with Barry, already well-established, went so far that he killed Barry’s mother, which in Rebirth is featured as an acknowledged retcon (a change in continuity). But it’s done in a way where it becomes essentially just another Flash Fact. You don’t have time to process or appreciate its impact, because the story is really about Barry struggling with his newfound legacy, and dealing with Thawne’s continuing threat.
So the storytelling, although important, doesn’t realize its importance. It took repeated exposure to the revamped backstory, in the brilliant first season of the current Flash TV series, the movies, and yes, in the pages of Flashpoint, for me to appreciate it.
Rebirth is in a lot of ways Johns acknowledging his debt to Waid, and building on it(something he really didn’t do in his Wally West comics), and so in hindsight it’s a better read. But it could’ve been great with the emphasis in the right place.
The difference is the art of storytelling. Flashpoint for a lot of fans is probably just another line-wide continuity-altering event comic, but for me it’s one of the best stories I’ve ever read in a comic. And it features the Flash. In the ‘90s, Flash comics were my favorite comics. Mark Waid was writing them. They featured Wally West rather than Barry Allen, but they expanded Flash mythology as never before, and Barry was in them even though he technically wasn’t. It was these Waid stories that created the Barry Allen who returns in Rebirth.
Geoff Johns later succeeded Waid in an equally impactful run on Wally West comics. But after he successfully revived the heroic career of Hal Jordan Green Lantern: Rebirth, he seemed the natural choice to bring back Barry, too.
To do so, he invented the idea that Thawne’s obsession with Barry, already well-established, went so far that he killed Barry’s mother, which in Rebirth is featured as an acknowledged retcon (a change in continuity). But it’s done in a way where it becomes essentially just another Flash Fact. You don’t have time to process or appreciate its impact, because the story is really about Barry struggling with his newfound legacy, and dealing with Thawne’s continuing threat.
So the storytelling, although important, doesn’t realize its importance. It took repeated exposure to the revamped backstory, in the brilliant first season of the current Flash TV series, the movies, and yes, in the pages of Flashpoint, for me to appreciate it.
Rebirth is in a lot of ways Johns acknowledging his debt to Waid, and building on it(something he really didn’t do in his Wally West comics), and so in hindsight it’s a better read. But it could’ve been great with the emphasis in the right place.
November 6, 2014
This was really bad. I wanted to like it, but the story was terrible.
1) The return of Professor Zoom was predictable and his motivation was lame.
2) Much of this story takes place within the Speed Force (an field of energy somewhere in time and space where only those blessed with super speed can go). Despite Prof. Zoom's long monologue about how the Speed Force works, and why the Flash was able to come back from the dead (or not) it was terribly confusing. In fact, the trade paper edition I read included an interview with writer Geoff Johns in which he further explained what happened in the story. This (to me) is the sign of a poor story. When the author needs to explain how things work after the story is through, there's a problem.
3) In this story there is a minor female character who worships a cult leader. In one brief scene her dialogue and depiction makes an allusion to hardcore pornography by showing her "beg" before a shrine. This was completely tasteless. As reader, I already believed this woman was troubled. She worships in a cult, after all. But showing her in this manner takes readers out of the story. It was unnecessarily low brow. One minute I'm reading a superhero story, the next I'm reading a hardcore porn reference that was completely unnecessary for pushing the plot forward.
The return of Barry Allen from the dead (or the Speed Force) could've been one of the best stories in the Flash's lore. Instead, it reads like a filler story contrived only to reset the status quo of the various characters in the Flash's universe. The plot was weak, the explanation of the Flash's resurrection was confusing, and the character's were stereotypical. This is a completely forgettable story. Not recommended at all.
1) The return of Professor Zoom was predictable and his motivation was lame.
2) Much of this story takes place within the Speed Force (an field of energy somewhere in time and space where only those blessed with super speed can go). Despite Prof. Zoom's long monologue about how the Speed Force works, and why the Flash was able to come back from the dead (or not) it was terribly confusing. In fact, the trade paper edition I read included an interview with writer Geoff Johns in which he further explained what happened in the story. This (to me) is the sign of a poor story. When the author needs to explain how things work after the story is through, there's a problem.
3) In this story there is a minor female character who worships a cult leader. In one brief scene her dialogue and depiction makes an allusion to hardcore pornography by showing her "beg" before a shrine. This was completely tasteless. As reader, I already believed this woman was troubled. She worships in a cult, after all. But showing her in this manner takes readers out of the story. It was unnecessarily low brow. One minute I'm reading a superhero story, the next I'm reading a hardcore porn reference that was completely unnecessary for pushing the plot forward.
The return of Barry Allen from the dead (or the Speed Force) could've been one of the best stories in the Flash's lore. Instead, it reads like a filler story contrived only to reset the status quo of the various characters in the Flash's universe. The plot was weak, the explanation of the Flash's resurrection was confusing, and the character's were stereotypical. This is a completely forgettable story. Not recommended at all.
May 13, 2011
Ethan Van Sciver's artwork is awesome. I absolutely love his rendering, layouts, storytelling, covers, just everything. His perfect blend of classic superhero and modern makes me feel a bit of that old nostalgia, like I did as a boy when I was reading TEEN TITANS and the CRISIS series illustrated by George Perez.
Unfortunately, then there's Geoff Johns's story in the collected FLASH: REBIRTH. It was supposed to be the triumphant return of Barry Allen. It was supposed to reveal the secret of the Speed Force. Maybe I just don't have the patience to follow Johns's line of thought, because I still have NO IDEA what the secret of the Speed Force is. This story jumped around and all over the place, zooming from modern day to flashback with no warning or way to set the panels off, and there was way too much banter (I don't get how heroes can do all that talking to each other when they're breaking the sound barrier???), and the few unformed explanations that I *think* were provided here were either A) kinda lame, or B) completely lost on me because I got tired of muddling through the loads of captions and tediously-worded balloons.
In short, FLASH: REBIRTH evaded my attempts to comprehend about 80 percent of this storyline. Granted, I've not read much FLASH, so I definitely felt like someone coming into the middle of a very convoluted storyline. I certainly can't tell you the secret of the Speed Force, and I'm praying there won't be a quiz.
I give it TWO STARS. It avoids one star because Van Sciver's art was just wonderful to look at.
Unfortunately, then there's Geoff Johns's story in the collected FLASH: REBIRTH. It was supposed to be the triumphant return of Barry Allen. It was supposed to reveal the secret of the Speed Force. Maybe I just don't have the patience to follow Johns's line of thought, because I still have NO IDEA what the secret of the Speed Force is. This story jumped around and all over the place, zooming from modern day to flashback with no warning or way to set the panels off, and there was way too much banter (I don't get how heroes can do all that talking to each other when they're breaking the sound barrier???), and the few unformed explanations that I *think* were provided here were either A) kinda lame, or B) completely lost on me because I got tired of muddling through the loads of captions and tediously-worded balloons.
In short, FLASH: REBIRTH evaded my attempts to comprehend about 80 percent of this storyline. Granted, I've not read much FLASH, so I definitely felt like someone coming into the middle of a very convoluted storyline. I certainly can't tell you the secret of the Speed Force, and I'm praying there won't be a quiz.
I give it TWO STARS. It avoids one star because Van Sciver's art was just wonderful to look at.
July 27, 2016
As much as I dislike all comic characters who've been dead for years being raised from the dead (it cheapens the sacrificial act by making it temporary and not permanent), this was a better than average resurrection story.
December 23, 2018
This was my very first Flash comic, I can't criticize it too much just for the fact that I didn't read West's flash and some others, but I suppose this was a good chance to start with this great DC character, in this story we see all the other Flash characters and the reverse flash.
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