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The Flash (2016)
The Flash, Vol. 4: Running Scared
The Fastest Man Alive continues his monumental run in DC Universe Rebirth with THE FLASH VOL. 4!
Barry Allen is at a crossroads. He’s lied to the woman he loves about his life as the Flash, and a rift is growing between him and his heroic young partner. Now, his greatest enemy has threatened to strike down everyone close to him! It’s time to make a tough choice that will launch the Flash into his most incredible mission yet: a siege on the 25th century stronghold of Eobard Thawne!
Rising-star writer Joshua Williamson (ILLUMINATI, RED SKULL) continues his smash-hit run on the Fastest Man Alive with THE FLASH VOL. 4! Collects issues #23-27.
Barry Allen is at a crossroads. He’s lied to the woman he loves about his life as the Flash, and a rift is growing between him and his heroic young partner. Now, his greatest enemy has threatened to strike down everyone close to him! It’s time to make a tough choice that will launch the Flash into his most incredible mission yet: a siege on the 25th century stronghold of Eobard Thawne!
Rising-star writer Joshua Williamson (ILLUMINATI, RED SKULL) continues his smash-hit run on the Fastest Man Alive with THE FLASH VOL. 4! Collects issues #23-27.
136 pages, Paperback
First published November 21, 2017
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875 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
December 7, 2017
First, we get a team-up with Hal Jordan. Yay! This leads directly into the Reverse Flash returning from the dead (which could have been explained better). He kidnaps Iris and takes her to the future where we get a new origin for Thawne. He's all Single White Female for the Flash. The idea behind a negative speed force doesn't really make a lot of sense. Wouldn't a negative speed zone be just an inert zone, so Reverse Flash would basically be a statue. That ending really surprised me.
I found it interesting that there was fallout from Barry lying about his secret identity. Typically that is glossed over in comics. Barry's very whiny and fearful in this volume, a little too spineless for me.
Received a review copy from DC and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I found it interesting that there was fallout from Barry lying about his secret identity. Typically that is glossed over in comics. Barry's very whiny and fearful in this volume, a little too spineless for me.
Received a review copy from DC and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 31, 2021
Quick shout out to Carmine Di Giandomenico for his outstanding art in these issues, he’s really captured the speed force.
Running Scared is the next collection on Joshua Williamson’s remarkable Flash run, putting together issues #23-27.
This actually comprises two story arcs, the first is The Color of Fear that sees a Barry – Hal Jordan team up, very cool, and then we finish with the eponymous Running Scared story as Eobard Thawne is back … from the dead … again.
No doubt Reverse Flash is Flash’s most complicated and dedicated antagonist, and he’s a nutty and weird dude, but maybe just maybe the creative team went to that well once too often.
Still good fun.
Running Scared is the next collection on Joshua Williamson’s remarkable Flash run, putting together issues #23-27.
This actually comprises two story arcs, the first is The Color of Fear that sees a Barry – Hal Jordan team up, very cool, and then we finish with the eponymous Running Scared story as Eobard Thawne is back … from the dead … again.
No doubt Reverse Flash is Flash’s most complicated and dedicated antagonist, and he’s a nutty and weird dude, but maybe just maybe the creative team went to that well once too often.
Still good fun.
December 15, 2018
This is by far the strongest volume since volume 1 (Which I enjoyed a lot). Why? Simple. The return of Reverse Flash!
Barry is doubting himself. Who wouldn't? After the events of The Button I don't blame him one little bit. So he's trying to decide if he should tell Iris his secret. That he is indeed The Flash himself. With Wallace West still not on friendly terms with Barry, and the Reverse Flash beginning his plans to take revenge on The Flash, things are going to go down fast. A brutal beatdown, a future hunt, and some new powers, this chapter of The Flash has it all.
Good: Really dug the art here. I know not everyone likes this sketchy art but for some reason I just love it, especially the lightning effects. I think the story of Reverse Flash is both funny and miserable, because he's a scary villain, but his background always been funny because he's just a weirdo stalker who can't get what he wants. I kind of love it. I also enjoyed the stakes here and a certain brutal beatdown is both scary and sad.
Bad: I thought the very ending with the new power is kind of weird and out of left field. I'm assuming it'll be a big part of the next arc but still weird. Also, Barry complains a little too much.
Overall, this is a really fun chapter. It has issues but I read it in one sitting and had a blast. A 4 out of 5.
Barry is doubting himself. Who wouldn't? After the events of The Button I don't blame him one little bit. So he's trying to decide if he should tell Iris his secret. That he is indeed The Flash himself. With Wallace West still not on friendly terms with Barry, and the Reverse Flash beginning his plans to take revenge on The Flash, things are going to go down fast. A brutal beatdown, a future hunt, and some new powers, this chapter of The Flash has it all.
Good: Really dug the art here. I know not everyone likes this sketchy art but for some reason I just love it, especially the lightning effects. I think the story of Reverse Flash is both funny and miserable, because he's a scary villain, but his background always been funny because he's just a weirdo stalker who can't get what he wants. I kind of love it. I also enjoyed the stakes here and a certain brutal beatdown is both scary and sad.
Bad: I thought the very ending with the new power is kind of weird and out of left field. I'm assuming it'll be a big part of the next arc but still weird. Also, Barry complains a little too much.
Overall, this is a really fun chapter. It has issues but I read it in one sitting and had a blast. A 4 out of 5.
November 2, 2021
This one was really good!
Barry and Hal team up to defeat Multiplex and I love this story as Barry realizes the mistakes he has been making and how to correct them and seeing these two best friends was awesome and the art was good too but Eobard returns an das he takes down WALLACE and takes Iris to the future and reveals his identity to her and well its a race against time and secrets unleashed and a battle unlike other happens and when Flash finally takes it upon himself to stop his enemy once and for all Iris does something big.
Its an excellent volume and as soon as Barry is back to his normal self he sees things are not always simple and its a big cost he has to pay for wanting to have peace. Iris role in here was awesome and I love the way Josh highlights Eobard as his mortal enemy and the callbacks to the continuity is awesome and the art compliments it really well. Highly recommend this!
Barry and Hal team up to defeat Multiplex and I love this story as Barry realizes the mistakes he has been making and how to correct them and seeing these two best friends was awesome and the art was good too but Eobard returns an das he takes down WALLACE and takes Iris to the future and reveals his identity to her and well its a race against time and secrets unleashed and a battle unlike other happens and when Flash finally takes it upon himself to stop his enemy once and for all Iris does something big.
Its an excellent volume and as soon as Barry is back to his normal self he sees things are not always simple and its a big cost he has to pay for wanting to have peace. Iris role in here was awesome and I love the way Josh highlights Eobard as his mortal enemy and the callbacks to the continuity is awesome and the art compliments it really well. Highly recommend this!
February 10, 2019
Another very strong volume in the Flash saga. Time travel, reverse flash, murders, new powers what more do you want. It got a little repetitive in the middle which knocked it down from 5 stars but great stuff.
January 6, 2018
Argh...still pretty bad.
World: Still ugly art. Why is it that every artist that comes on board draw such fugly characters and gave weird facial expressions that don't really help the tone and the emotions of the book. The world building here, where do I start?! Yes it is a look at Thawn and a deep dive into his motivations but readers already know he's obsessed with Barry, I don't think we need to make Thawn pathetic and sad cause it serves no purpose but to despise him, but more on that in the character section. The time travel rule of thumb is to set clear rules to your time travel and be consistent but man Williamson is just all over the place and doesn't even bother to try to put readers into some form of internal logical consistent box to enjoy the story, the world is a mess.
Story: I really wanted to like this story and it has Flashe's most iconic modern villain and it was trash. The pacing was all over the place, the emotions was basic and unearned and once again we have a Barry that clearly is stupid and naive and not in a well written way. The entire plot was full of inconsistent time travel tricks and...who leaves a live gun in a museum? Would the 25th century curators not even know how to depower it?! Idiotic. Argh. I don't want to talk about this cause this writing makes me so annoyed.
Characters: This Barry is not well written. He's inconsistent, he's all over the place his personal voice and his motivations and drives are just argh. Than there's the part where he's also stupid and unobservant. Yeah he's terrible. Iris is still not a strong character and she still is not written well to make her mean anything. The banter between Barry and Iris is forced, short and unearned and their relationship just simply does not work at this point. Wally...not much to do here but he's also inconsistent and whiney and combative not in a good way. Then there Thawn which was ruined and any mystique and charisma he had before was washed away leaving a pathetically written whiney sad thing which is not a good villain. You want him to be menacing, you want him to be CHARISMATIC...he's not.
This book needs a new writer. I don't understand why some people think this is well written, go back and read Johns, Waid, Morrison and even Manapul and tell me this is as good...
Onward to the next book!
*read individual issues*
World: Still ugly art. Why is it that every artist that comes on board draw such fugly characters and gave weird facial expressions that don't really help the tone and the emotions of the book. The world building here, where do I start?! Yes it is a look at Thawn and a deep dive into his motivations but readers already know he's obsessed with Barry, I don't think we need to make Thawn pathetic and sad cause it serves no purpose but to despise him, but more on that in the character section. The time travel rule of thumb is to set clear rules to your time travel and be consistent but man Williamson is just all over the place and doesn't even bother to try to put readers into some form of internal logical consistent box to enjoy the story, the world is a mess.
Story: I really wanted to like this story and it has Flashe's most iconic modern villain and it was trash. The pacing was all over the place, the emotions was basic and unearned and once again we have a Barry that clearly is stupid and naive and not in a well written way. The entire plot was full of inconsistent time travel tricks and...who leaves a live gun in a museum? Would the 25th century curators not even know how to depower it?! Idiotic. Argh. I don't want to talk about this cause this writing makes me so annoyed.
Characters: This Barry is not well written. He's inconsistent, he's all over the place his personal voice and his motivations and drives are just argh. Than there's the part where he's also stupid and unobservant. Yeah he's terrible. Iris is still not a strong character and she still is not written well to make her mean anything. The banter between Barry and Iris is forced, short and unearned and their relationship just simply does not work at this point. Wally...not much to do here but he's also inconsistent and whiney and combative not in a good way. Then there Thawn which was ruined and any mystique and charisma he had before was washed away leaving a pathetically written whiney sad thing which is not a good villain. You want him to be menacing, you want him to be CHARISMATIC...he's not.
This book needs a new writer. I don't understand why some people think this is well written, go back and read Johns, Waid, Morrison and even Manapul and tell me this is as good...
Onward to the next book!
*read individual issues*
November 22, 2017
Read this review and more on my blog, uncovered-books.
I received a free copy of The Flash Volume 4: Running Scared from DC Comics in exchange for my honest opinion.
Barry has screwed up again. Is it just me or does every ‘Flash’ story revolve around Barry doing something stupid or not telling someone the full story. For the first few times I found this okay to cope with as it shows Barry’s inability to realise that he creates all his own mistakes, but now it just seems like there is nothing more to The Flash.
In Volume 4, we find Barry facing the Reverse Flash again but this time Eobard Thawne raises the stakes by involving the people who are closest to Barry. Whilst the pacing of what occurs worked, what actually occurred just did not make much sense.
The art style for the previous 3 volumes was not very pleasant and did not suit the story or just The Flash. Unfortunately more of the same continues for volume 4.
If you have enjoyed the previous 3 volumes of The Flash, then volume 4 is very much along the same lines.
I received a free copy of The Flash Volume 4: Running Scared from DC Comics in exchange for my honest opinion.
Barry has screwed up again. Is it just me or does every ‘Flash’ story revolve around Barry doing something stupid or not telling someone the full story. For the first few times I found this okay to cope with as it shows Barry’s inability to realise that he creates all his own mistakes, but now it just seems like there is nothing more to The Flash.
In Volume 4, we find Barry facing the Reverse Flash again but this time Eobard Thawne raises the stakes by involving the people who are closest to Barry. Whilst the pacing of what occurs worked, what actually occurred just did not make much sense.
The art style for the previous 3 volumes was not very pleasant and did not suit the story or just The Flash. Unfortunately more of the same continues for volume 4.
If you have enjoyed the previous 3 volumes of The Flash, then volume 4 is very much along the same lines.
May 5, 2018
The Reverse Flash is back from the dead (again) in record time since he died like 2 issues ago.
After a low key introduction reuniting Barry and Hal Jordan- Barry spends most of the issue being conflicted for not telling Iris he is the Flash- Thawne reappears and directly threatens Iris and Wally. The confrontation will let some secrets out of the bag and leave Flash distraught somehow.
A pretty decent volume, with intense action after a moody prologue, that digs up Thawne's origin. I wouldn't know if it differs from before but it kind of sticks, though his motivations are rather petty (ain't they all?).
The major flaw would be the lack of coherence artwise. At least 4 differents artists- I stopped counting- in 5 issues.
Four volumes running and Flash remains an interesting series. No real highs but no real lows either. A solid average; sometimes that's enough.
After a low key introduction reuniting Barry and Hal Jordan- Barry spends most of the issue being conflicted for not telling Iris he is the Flash- Thawne reappears and directly threatens Iris and Wally. The confrontation will let some secrets out of the bag and leave Flash distraught somehow.
A pretty decent volume, with intense action after a moody prologue, that digs up Thawne's origin. I wouldn't know if it differs from before but it kind of sticks, though his motivations are rather petty (ain't they all?).
The major flaw would be the lack of coherence artwise. At least 4 differents artists- I stopped counting- in 5 issues.
Four volumes running and Flash remains an interesting series. No real highs but no real lows either. A solid average; sometimes that's enough.
October 20, 2017
[Read as single issues]
The Flash's greatest enemy returns as the Reverse Flash manages to cheat death once again and menace not just Barry himself, but Iris and Wally West as well in this next Rebirth collection.
But before all that, it's team-up time as Hal Jordan returns to Earth to see his best friend. Of course, when Black Hole strike, things don't go quite as planned. It's been a while since these characters have been together, but they make up for lost time by showing us just why they fit together so well - they call each other out on their bullshit, and their powers are very visually compelling together. This is all just a prelude however for the real story - Running Scared is the Reverse Flash doing what he does best; wrecking lives and giggling while he does it. There's a lot of set-up here, and the ending isn't quite what you'd expect, but it up-ends the relationships between Barry & Iris and Barry & Wally for the forseeable future, so it definitely keeps you on your toes. I'm not 100% sold on the new origin for the Reverse Flash, but it's still better than the New 52 origin, so hey.
The Color Of Fear is drawn by Carmine Di Giandomenico who has defined the visual style of this book since Rebirth's outset, while Running Scared is Di Giandomenico with the incredibly detailed Howard Porter, who tackles some of the most insane spreads I've seen in a while. Porter's work rams so much into a panel that it can take longer to grasp all of his details as it does to read the words, and his Reverse Flash is equally as menacing as Di Giandomenico's, which really sells the storyline.
If The Button left you a little sour in terms of Reverse Flash, definitely check this one out. Just be warned - this isn't the Eobard you think you know.
The Flash's greatest enemy returns as the Reverse Flash manages to cheat death once again and menace not just Barry himself, but Iris and Wally West as well in this next Rebirth collection.
But before all that, it's team-up time as Hal Jordan returns to Earth to see his best friend. Of course, when Black Hole strike, things don't go quite as planned. It's been a while since these characters have been together, but they make up for lost time by showing us just why they fit together so well - they call each other out on their bullshit, and their powers are very visually compelling together. This is all just a prelude however for the real story - Running Scared is the Reverse Flash doing what he does best; wrecking lives and giggling while he does it. There's a lot of set-up here, and the ending isn't quite what you'd expect, but it up-ends the relationships between Barry & Iris and Barry & Wally for the forseeable future, so it definitely keeps you on your toes. I'm not 100% sold on the new origin for the Reverse Flash, but it's still better than the New 52 origin, so hey.
The Color Of Fear is drawn by Carmine Di Giandomenico who has defined the visual style of this book since Rebirth's outset, while Running Scared is Di Giandomenico with the incredibly detailed Howard Porter, who tackles some of the most insane spreads I've seen in a while. Porter's work rams so much into a panel that it can take longer to grasp all of his details as it does to read the words, and his Reverse Flash is equally as menacing as Di Giandomenico's, which really sells the storyline.
If The Button left you a little sour in terms of Reverse Flash, definitely check this one out. Just be warned - this isn't the Eobard you think you know.
August 30, 2019
Flash continues to impress me with another volume.
I can’t express this enough. Carmine. Di. Giandomenico. Is the best flash artist. We get a little Hal Jordan-Barry Allen team up which reminded me of flash rebirth 2009 and that old 3 of a kind story with green lantern, flash and green arrow which was pretty good and I’m pretty sure this is the book where Barry gets the negative speed force in him.
Overall pretty good book
I can’t express this enough. Carmine. Di. Giandomenico. Is the best flash artist. We get a little Hal Jordan-Barry Allen team up which reminded me of flash rebirth 2009 and that old 3 of a kind story with green lantern, flash and green arrow which was pretty good and I’m pretty sure this is the book where Barry gets the negative speed force in him.
Overall pretty good book
November 30, 2019
Closer to 3.5 stars. I’ve just always liked the reverse flash. Almost a Joker to the Flash. Unpredictable, nearly unstoppable.
November 21, 2017
I'm loving this run on The Flash! Barry's pretty upset with everything that happened in the last couple of issues with Batman so the beginning of this has him distracted. Then Hal Jordan shows up and they spend time together ending up fighting Multiplex. Finally, Allen is about to tell Iris the truth of who he is and Reverse Flash shows up to cause havoc. It's a great action-packed read from start to finish. The plot themes all get sorted out but the book ends with Barry's personal relationships in disarray. Great stuff!
July 29, 2018
Reviewed as part of Flash: The Rebirth Deluxe Edition Book 2
September 1, 2018
Probably the best Flash since everything got broken by the Nu52. That's in large part because Williamson not only brings back Thawne, but he uses him well, as his terrifying, maniacal, unpredictable self.
It's also because there's some fun timey-wimeyness, jumping back between the present, a possible near future, and Thawne's 25th century.
And then there's the fact that Thawne is yet another entity who remembers pre-Flashpoint, offering some great interactions (for example, with the nuWallyWest) and some hope that we might see the return of beloved characters and histories.
And finally, Williamson just writes a plain exciting story with some extremely real repercussions, really moving along the story of this Barry Allen.
It's also because there's some fun timey-wimeyness, jumping back between the present, a possible near future, and Thawne's 25th century.
And then there's the fact that Thawne is yet another entity who remembers pre-Flashpoint, offering some great interactions (for example, with the nuWallyWest) and some hope that we might see the return of beloved characters and histories.
And finally, Williamson just writes a plain exciting story with some extremely real repercussions, really moving along the story of this Barry Allen.
July 18, 2018
This is probably a 3.5 for me. The art is very fitting for Flash, gangly and long. The storyline drags a bit, curious to see how it goes from here.
September 21, 2018
An outstanding story with strong art.
January 27, 2021
5 🌟
Barry goes to the 25th century to rescue Iris from Reverse Flash.
Barry goes to the 25th century to rescue Iris from Reverse Flash.
December 14, 2018
Good book. I love the green lantern issue. Having issues with other superheroes is really interesting and just is really cool. Carmine Di Giandomenico’s art is amazing as always, and when are Reverse Flash is making Barry and Iris look into their future and history. Good book in my opinion.
April 7, 2023
Running Scared does for Reverse Flash what I wish Rogues Reloaded has done for The Rogues, re-introduce a popular antagonist that shows all the best features and why they are a fitting rival for the hero. Williamson changes a lot of Reverse Flash's history (and gets rid of a key moment that I'm sure is going to upset long-time fans), but the result is a far more realistic and nuanced depiction of stalking and unwanted attention.
The book is also pretty rewarding for those who've read Williamson's Flash up to this point. Much of Flash's supporting cast have asked Barry why he hasn't pursued a relationship with Iris West and we come to realize a *huge* part of that is the constant anxiety Thawne inflicts on Barry, even making him wonder if his friends would think he's worth being around if they knew Thawne was always lurking around the corner. It's not only a strong introduction for the new comers to The Flash mythos, but possibly one of Reverse Flash's best stories to date. Highly recommended.
The book is also pretty rewarding for those who've read Williamson's Flash up to this point. Much of Flash's supporting cast have asked Barry why he hasn't pursued a relationship with Iris West and we come to realize a *huge* part of that is the constant anxiety Thawne inflicts on Barry, even making him wonder if his friends would think he's worth being around if they knew Thawne was always lurking around the corner. It's not only a strong introduction for the new comers to The Flash mythos, but possibly one of Reverse Flash's best stories to date. Highly recommended.
May 4, 2018
A worthy addition to the ongoing Flash saga. The collection builds upon previous arcs and teases future ones. We get Barry being very introverted and concerned about the recent return of the Reverse Flash, and his fears are realized a few issues later when Thawne reappears to threaten Iris. The story is engaging, and the writer offers a lot of detail on why Thawne behaves the way he does.
One star off for the inconsistent art. The art teams seems to change every issues or every other one making it hard to keep track of who is who with the differing art styles....
One star off for the inconsistent art. The art teams seems to change every issues or every other one making it hard to keep track of who is who with the differing art styles....
November 19, 2017
In a way I'm glad Eobard Thawne is so keen on knowing all the ins and outs of The Flash's histories, because it's books like these that make me less and less keen to do the same. Fugly artwork, with ridiculous proportions for even standard things like faces in part three, and just a mess of a narrative mean this can't be recommended. The help of a Green Lantern for two episodes is about as good as it gets.
March 9, 2018
I have to say, in my opinion, THIS IS THE BEST FLASH STORY OF ALL TIME. It has everything a good flash story needs:
1. A villain speedster.
2. Mind blowing time travel.
3. Alternate timelines.
4. A lot of running...
1. A villain speedster.
2. Mind blowing time travel.
3. Alternate timelines.
4. A lot of running...
September 28, 2018
রিভার্স ফ্লাস ইস ব্যাক।
December 2, 2017
A Masterwork of superhero storytelling. Williamson is killing it on the Flash series. This is arguably one the best Reverse-Flash tales I have ever read. Instead of writing the predictable villain destroys the world story Williamson writes a more personal psychological tale about obsession and revenge. Williamson's take on Thawne (Reverse-Flash) is unique and reminds me a little of the relationship between Batman and the Joker. Williamson also does a great job making us care about the Flash's personal life just as much as the super heroics. Like most heroes Barry has to constantly keep his identity a secret or his enemies will harm the his love ones. Williamson perfectly contrasts this difference between heroes with secret identities and those who do not with the inclusion of Hal Jordan aka Green Lantern in this story. When Hal is on earth he hides his identity but since he spends a lot of time in space he does not have the pressures of lying as much as Barry. For those who have been following the Watchmen mystery in the DC comics universe this book ties in to Batman/The Flash: The Button Deluxe Edition, DC Universe: Rebirth #1 & some of the things going on in the Action comics Superman titles. Once again the artwork is unique. Carmine Di Giandomenico's pencils crackle with energy.Great to see Howard Porter is still drawing for DC Comics as well. The coloring by Hi-Fi is handle beautifully as well. This is probably the biggest story the Flash creative team has done since The Flash, Vol. 1: Lightning Strikes Twice. This is a must read for all Flash fans.
December 24, 2017
And here's how constant reboots and retcons can drive you crazy. At one point Reverse-Flash details his history from before Flash changed everything with Flashpoint ... but it's not his pre-Flashpoint history (and online research indicates it's not the New 52 history either). So did they just insert a complete new history that's already been rebooted out of existence?
This is competently done otherwise, but the idea of Zoom as the destroyer of everything Flash loves has never really worked for me. Nor does the whole Batman-knockoff aspect of Barry being shaped by his mother's murder (ok, it works on TV, but not in the comics) and that's fairly important here.
This is competently done otherwise, but the idea of Zoom as the destroyer of everything Flash loves has never really worked for me. Nor does the whole Batman-knockoff aspect of Barry being shaped by his mother's murder (ok, it works on TV, but not in the comics) and that's fairly important here.
February 11, 2018
Yet another volume of tedious time travel back-and-forth that invalidates any tension or value in the book by the constant rewriting of its internal history.
October 6, 2020
**Reader note: If you're reading in order, "The Button" crossover with Batman and Reverse Flash comes before this, so you'd read Volume 3, then The Button, then this.
Review:
FANTASTIC.
And that's a Flash Fact.
I love Barry Allen, how he's always an upbeat, optimistic hero and member of the Justice League, but the truth of it is that in his own books, he can really bring the drama. And I just LOVE it.
And the drama is never greater than when the Reverse Flash is involved. Ever since "The Return of Barry Allen" and the change to make his past so much more linked with Eobard Thawne, the Reverse Flash, these two are just such incredible nemeses. The Reverse Flash is the original worst fanboy, someone who idolized the Flash so much, but completely twisted when he finally gained access to the Speed Force. He's evil and sadistic, and somehow he gets to Barry in a way no one else can, making the Fastest Man Alive feel helpless.
Which of course means that Barry always has to step up when it comes to fighting Thawne.
But I've fawned too much. I just love a good Flash story, and the best ones sometimes are the ones with sad Barry versus the Reverse Flash.
The only hang-up about this volume is that it doesn't really conclude, or at least really resolve, since we are left with some shattered hearts. Almost like the ending of season 2 of Cobra Kai, actually. But that's kind of to be expected, since I don't think Barry's fight with Thawne will ever really be complete. We do leave this volume on a sad note, however, rather than a triumphant one, and there are dark signs of things to come.
Thematically,./b> "Running Scared" is a great name for this volume, because it exactly describes what Barry is doing. He hasn't told Iris of his identity, and when he revealed it to Kid Flash, the kid was angry at him for lying. Barry has seen so many people in his life hurt by his enemies, that he is scared stiff at the thought of exposing Iris to it, while at the same time he's afraid that she'll turn away from him like Wally. But following the events of "The Button," Barry is more afraid than ever, even at anyone being close to him. He pushes people away, and in a flashback, we see that this is what Barry, who grew up alone after his father was accused and jailed for killing his mother, has done all his life. Barry feels so alone, but he pushes people away anyway. And while this isn't atypical for superheroes, I feel like Barry is one of the few who gets through it. This battle is the worst he faces, and Reverse Flash is really the worse case scenario for him: someone who knows him, who really knows him, but who he hates. And the Reverse Flash knows that, no matter what he does, it's not as bad as what Barry does to himself. This is why the extended Flash Family is so important... unlike Batman, who devolves into a whirlpool of violence and depression (even though there is the Bat family, they are all pretty violent) the Flash family is uplifting and hopeful, bringing each other up.
So, hopefully, sometime soon we will see them return in force.
Plot Synopsis: There are five issues in this collection, and as I mentioned before, it comes right after "The Button." It would be best to read that and/or watch a video on it before picking up this volume, since Barry in this volume is really affected by the events of "the Button."
Anyway, Barry (as gloomy as he can be) suddenly finds that Iris has thrown him a surprise party. But since he's still emotionally dealing with the troubling revelations of "the Button" , Barry has trouble even paying attention to his friends, even Hal Jordan, who's shown up for the party. Iris confronts him about this (and there's a hilarious moment where Hal is the third wheel in this relationship conversation) but they are interrupted by a supervillain.
Of course.
While Hal and Barry deal with the villain, Wally2 is sent to take Iris home. Unfortunately, home isn't safe either, and there they find the Reverse Flash. Since Rebirth happened, neither Wally nor Iris remembers Thawne, although he knows them (although he snidely tells Wally that "he's not even the real Wally West...") and is delighted to think he can spoil Barry's secrets. Eobard quickly defeats Wally and takes Iris to the future, to the Flash Museum, forcing Barry to fight him there.
We see a retelling of Eobard's origin story (still lines up with "Road to Flashpoint") as well as possible timelines for Barry, and the introduction (I believe) of the reverse speed force. Great conclusion, sad for Barry, but it works really well. I can't wait to see what's next!
Review:
FANTASTIC.
And that's a Flash Fact.
I love Barry Allen, how he's always an upbeat, optimistic hero and member of the Justice League, but the truth of it is that in his own books, he can really bring the drama. And I just LOVE it.
And the drama is never greater than when the Reverse Flash is involved. Ever since "The Return of Barry Allen" and the change to make his past so much more linked with Eobard Thawne, the Reverse Flash, these two are just such incredible nemeses. The Reverse Flash is the original worst fanboy, someone who idolized the Flash so much, but completely twisted when he finally gained access to the Speed Force. He's evil and sadistic, and somehow he gets to Barry in a way no one else can, making the Fastest Man Alive feel helpless.
Which of course means that Barry always has to step up when it comes to fighting Thawne.
But I've fawned too much. I just love a good Flash story, and the best ones sometimes are the ones with sad Barry versus the Reverse Flash.
The only hang-up about this volume is that it doesn't really conclude, or at least really resolve, since we are left with some shattered hearts. Almost like the ending of season 2 of Cobra Kai, actually. But that's kind of to be expected, since I don't think Barry's fight with Thawne will ever really be complete. We do leave this volume on a sad note, however, rather than a triumphant one, and there are dark signs of things to come.
Thematically,./b> "Running Scared" is a great name for this volume, because it exactly describes what Barry is doing. He hasn't told Iris of his identity, and when he revealed it to Kid Flash, the kid was angry at him for lying. Barry has seen so many people in his life hurt by his enemies, that he is scared stiff at the thought of exposing Iris to it, while at the same time he's afraid that she'll turn away from him like Wally. But following the events of "The Button," Barry is more afraid than ever, even at anyone being close to him. He pushes people away, and in a flashback, we see that this is what Barry, who grew up alone after his father was accused and jailed for killing his mother, has done all his life. Barry feels so alone, but he pushes people away anyway. And while this isn't atypical for superheroes, I feel like Barry is one of the few who gets through it. This battle is the worst he faces, and Reverse Flash is really the worse case scenario for him: someone who knows him, who really knows him, but who he hates. And the Reverse Flash knows that, no matter what he does, it's not as bad as what Barry does to himself. This is why the extended Flash Family is so important... unlike Batman, who devolves into a whirlpool of violence and depression (even though there is the Bat family, they are all pretty violent) the Flash family is uplifting and hopeful, bringing each other up.
So, hopefully, sometime soon we will see them return in force.
Plot Synopsis: There are five issues in this collection, and as I mentioned before, it comes right after "The Button." It would be best to read that and/or watch a video on it before picking up this volume, since Barry in this volume is really affected by the events of "the Button."
Anyway, Barry (as gloomy as he can be) suddenly finds that Iris has thrown him a surprise party. But since he's still emotionally dealing with the troubling revelations of "the Button" , Barry has trouble even paying attention to his friends, even Hal Jordan, who's shown up for the party. Iris confronts him about this (and there's a hilarious moment where Hal is the third wheel in this relationship conversation) but they are interrupted by a supervillain.
Of course.
While Hal and Barry deal with the villain, Wally2 is sent to take Iris home. Unfortunately, home isn't safe either, and there they find the Reverse Flash. Since Rebirth happened, neither Wally nor Iris remembers Thawne, although he knows them (although he snidely tells Wally that "he's not even the real Wally West...") and is delighted to think he can spoil Barry's secrets. Eobard quickly defeats Wally and takes Iris to the future, to the Flash Museum, forcing Barry to fight him there.
We see a retelling of Eobard's origin story (still lines up with "Road to Flashpoint") as well as possible timelines for Barry, and the introduction (I believe) of the reverse speed force. Great conclusion, sad for Barry, but it works really well. I can't wait to see what's next!
February 24, 2018
Opening after the events of last Volume and beginning at Barry's birthday party, our hero is very mentally lost, not even remembering his own birthday and stumbling on the party by accident. Hal Jordan arrives to give his wishes, but when Flash and Green Lantern are together, monsters are bound to show up.... and they do. Kid Flash grabs Iris to get her to safety and the monsters are defeated. However, while Hal tries to counsel Barry on why he should tell Iris he is The Flash, Eobard Thawne, thought dead by the events of "The Button", wakes up in his time (25th Century) and travels back to now, intent to cause Barry harm.
Barry comes home to find Wally severely beaten, and a message from Thawne indicating that he has taken Iris "home", making Barry run off to the 25th Century. Flash and Reverse-Flash begin to battle, and Thawne reveals his origin...
Growing up as a huge fan of the Flash, Eobard becomes the curator of the Flash Museum. Finding part of Barry's DNA, he manipulates it to gain access to the Speed Force, desiring to become Flash in the 25th Century. Barry, visiting the future, comes across Thawne and decides to train him, seeing possibility to develop him as a superhero. Thawne, however, is found to be creating the situations that he then rescues people from. Barry does not approve and stops training him. Barry returns to the present and Thawne continues to train himself.
Switching to a yellow outfit (because that's what all the Flash sidekicks wear), Thawne runs back to present day to join Flash, thinking himself proven to be fast enough to help. He comes across Barry giving Wally (the red headed currently adult version on the Titans, see old continuity) praise and asking him to be Kid Flash. ABSOLUTE JEALOUSY arises in Eobard's heart, and he vows to be Flash's enemy.... his Reverse...
Origin told, Thawne overpowers Barry and removes his mask, showing Iris Barry's identity as The Flash. When Barry tries to outsmart him, Thawne throws him into the Negative Speed Force, seemingly losing him forever. Just as Reverse-Flash is about to kill Iris, a darker Flash emerges and the fight renews. Barry easily now has the upper hand, even removing Thawne's connection to the Speed Force from him, but he can't end it between. BLAST from a laser shot by Iris, and Eobard Thawne is dead again.
But what does this mean for Barry and Iris? Too many secrets and lies create too strong of a divide, and Iris tells Barry to leave her alone.
This title is excellent, and this Volume even more so. High recommend. DC is really establishing him as a flagship character again.
Barry comes home to find Wally severely beaten, and a message from Thawne indicating that he has taken Iris "home", making Barry run off to the 25th Century. Flash and Reverse-Flash begin to battle, and Thawne reveals his origin...
Growing up as a huge fan of the Flash, Eobard becomes the curator of the Flash Museum. Finding part of Barry's DNA, he manipulates it to gain access to the Speed Force, desiring to become Flash in the 25th Century. Barry, visiting the future, comes across Thawne and decides to train him, seeing possibility to develop him as a superhero. Thawne, however, is found to be creating the situations that he then rescues people from. Barry does not approve and stops training him. Barry returns to the present and Thawne continues to train himself.
Switching to a yellow outfit (because that's what all the Flash sidekicks wear), Thawne runs back to present day to join Flash, thinking himself proven to be fast enough to help. He comes across Barry giving Wally (the red headed currently adult version on the Titans, see old continuity) praise and asking him to be Kid Flash. ABSOLUTE JEALOUSY arises in Eobard's heart, and he vows to be Flash's enemy.... his Reverse...
Origin told, Thawne overpowers Barry and removes his mask, showing Iris Barry's identity as The Flash. When Barry tries to outsmart him, Thawne throws him into the Negative Speed Force, seemingly losing him forever. Just as Reverse-Flash is about to kill Iris, a darker Flash emerges and the fight renews. Barry easily now has the upper hand, even removing Thawne's connection to the Speed Force from him, but he can't end it between. BLAST from a laser shot by Iris, and Eobard Thawne is dead again.
But what does this mean for Barry and Iris? Too many secrets and lies create too strong of a divide, and Iris tells Barry to leave her alone.
This title is excellent, and this Volume even more so. High recommend. DC is really establishing him as a flagship character again.
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