What do you think?
Rate this book
The Flash (2016)
The Flash, Vol. 5: Negative
The Fastest Man Alive continues his monumental run in DC Universe Rebirth! Barry Allen must get his powers under control and battle terrifying new villains before they both kill him.
Dark clouds gather around Barry and his new family when the citizens o
Dark clouds gather around Barry and his new family when the citizens o
126 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 27, 2018
48 people are currently reading
262 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
September 1, 2018
I'm not a big fan of where the book appears to be headed. The negative speed force makes no sense to me. A negative speed force would just be the absence of motion, wouldn't it? It would make more sense if the speed force had been altered by the big bad from Doomsday Clock or something along those lines to make it destructive for now.
The Iron Heights issue appeared to have a lack of editing. For one thing a CSI permanently stationed in a prison makes zero sense in the first place. Prisoners would by no means be allowed to wear their costumes or anything other than a prison uniform, nor would men and women prisoners be allowed to fraternize.
The art was pretty solid. Neil Googe's art seems to be getting cartoonier and his heads growing larger than their bodies.
The Iron Heights issue appeared to have a lack of editing. For one thing a CSI permanently stationed in a prison makes zero sense in the first place. Prisoners would by no means be allowed to wear their costumes or anything other than a prison uniform, nor would men and women prisoners be allowed to fraternize.
The art was pretty solid. Neil Googe's art seems to be getting cartoonier and his heads growing larger than their bodies.
December 16, 2018
In this volume The Flash is learning to deal with Venom taking ov-- Sorry, the Negative Speed Force.
I'm just teasing. This storyline does have a big venom vibe though but it's actually pretty entertaining so that's a plus.
Barry has lost almost everything. Even more he has the negative speed force as a part of him. What is it you ask? Well it makes him even stronger than before but also more dangerous. When he uses his powers it can create explosions or even kill people. It's a new power, and while it sounds useful, it could be very dangerous. On top of that we finally get Barry's life moving forward, with him starting a job at Iron Heights. Last but not least we have Wally and Barry beginning to work together again but of course it's not all cheerful smiles and high fives.
Good: I actually really liked Kid Flash and The Flash working together again. I just enjoy the idea of Barry having a backup with him and being a mentor. I also enjoyed Barry flipping out and losing his shit. Getting to the point he holds too much on his shoulder and just about to lose it. I also enjoyed the new rogue, he was a unique look and a kind of scary power.
Bad: The negative energy angle is kind of been there done that. I didn't really find him battling with it that well done. I liked the bathroom scene but that's really it (and no dirty minds, not that type of bathroom scene). Also the art changes half way through a arc can be disjointed.
Overall, a solid follow up to the effects of running scared. While The Flash hasn't hit the 5 star rating I think Joshua is providing a solid fun storyline. Not as good as Johns or Waids but way better than anything in New 52 Flash. A 3.5 out of 5.
I'm just teasing. This storyline does have a big venom vibe though but it's actually pretty entertaining so that's a plus.
Barry has lost almost everything. Even more he has the negative speed force as a part of him. What is it you ask? Well it makes him even stronger than before but also more dangerous. When he uses his powers it can create explosions or even kill people. It's a new power, and while it sounds useful, it could be very dangerous. On top of that we finally get Barry's life moving forward, with him starting a job at Iron Heights. Last but not least we have Wally and Barry beginning to work together again but of course it's not all cheerful smiles and high fives.
Good: I actually really liked Kid Flash and The Flash working together again. I just enjoy the idea of Barry having a backup with him and being a mentor. I also enjoyed Barry flipping out and losing his shit. Getting to the point he holds too much on his shoulder and just about to lose it. I also enjoyed the new rogue, he was a unique look and a kind of scary power.
Bad: The negative energy angle is kind of been there done that. I didn't really find him battling with it that well done. I liked the bathroom scene but that's really it (and no dirty minds, not that type of bathroom scene). Also the art changes half way through a arc can be disjointed.
Overall, a solid follow up to the effects of running scared. While The Flash hasn't hit the 5 star rating I think Joshua is providing a solid fun storyline. Not as good as Johns or Waids but way better than anything in New 52 Flash. A 3.5 out of 5.
December 31, 2021
Joshua Williamson and team collect issues #28-32 for the Negative Flash issues, an intriguing storyline called Bloodwork and an issue at Iron Heights prison.
Special shout out to artists Carmine “The Man” Di Giandomenico and Neil Googe for drawing some AMAZING art for our Flashy enjoyment. Also, a VERY special THUMBS WAY UP!!! for MY MAN, cover artist Kelley "The Freak" Jones on issue #32.
I’m going to be honest and say, as much as I like Williamson’s writing, the negative Flash just didn’t work for me. Just kind of a weird glitch in the Speed Force.
Bloodwork was good, Barry doing some forensic science investigation and of course then we finish with the always fun Iron Heights visit.
The Black Hole terrorist group and STAR labs tie in was fun to read.
Special shout out to artists Carmine “The Man” Di Giandomenico and Neil Googe for drawing some AMAZING art for our Flashy enjoyment. Also, a VERY special THUMBS WAY UP!!! for MY MAN, cover artist Kelley "The Freak" Jones on issue #32.
I’m going to be honest and say, as much as I like Williamson’s writing, the negative Flash just didn’t work for me. Just kind of a weird glitch in the Speed Force.
Bloodwork was good, Barry doing some forensic science investigation and of course then we finish with the always fun Iron Heights visit.
The Black Hole terrorist group and STAR labs tie in was fun to read.
January 6, 2018
A lot better but choked full of cliches.
World: Oh man, when Carmine Di Giandomenico is drawing this book I do not like it at all. I just do not feel his characters, they have weird weird faces and emote wrong. The art does get better when other artists are on it but they all seem to follow the really blurry scratchy Flash style (probably a Williamson idea). The world building this arc I have to say is much more contained, much more consistent and better constructed. I like the idea of the negative Speedforce and I like what's happening with Barry's world during this arc. It's smaller, it's more in line with a procedural, I like it.
Story: The story is way better paced than the previous run because this arc is slower. It takes it's time with the character interactions and it allows for the characters to breath. I enjoyed the procedural aspect of the story and the relationship aspect of the story. However, this book is not without it's faults. The villain is a straight on 90's villain and his motivations and backstory was something cringe worthy (oh well they can't all be gems). The stuff at Iron Heights was also over the top and tonally different from the rest of the arc with Wolfe being a cartoon character. The negative Speedforce is the same as Spidey's black suit, not super original but I am okay with that. I also like the interactions with Wally this time much much better, maybe Williamson is gonna fix Wally and the characters. Enjoyed this arc, still flawed and has a lot of old bad baggage but much improved.
Characters: Barry is more consistent (other than the really big issue I had with what he said at Iron Heights, I'm sorry that's just wrong for the character. Especially since he had a father there for the longest time...) I don't mind him being whiney and mopey cause that's where the character is at the moment in terms of relationship, but that does not should not change his hopefulness which Williamson did. I also like his interaction with the CSI and also characters in general, much more natural and lest frenetic. Wally is so much improved in the little time he had in this arc, he's not as whiney and the relationship is better with Barry, let's hope that this is how Williamson fixes Wally cause he is a big problem for me at the moment. The villain, straight outta a 90's comic, stupid, hokey, but a Flash villain through and through (I didn't like it but I did kinda like it).
This was a much better arc. I've not been a fan of the series for a long time (the tail end of New52 was also rough). Please keep this series simple, let him do cases, slowly build Barry up and have him fight funny hokey rogues.
Onward to the next book!
World: Oh man, when Carmine Di Giandomenico is drawing this book I do not like it at all. I just do not feel his characters, they have weird weird faces and emote wrong. The art does get better when other artists are on it but they all seem to follow the really blurry scratchy Flash style (probably a Williamson idea). The world building this arc I have to say is much more contained, much more consistent and better constructed. I like the idea of the negative Speedforce and I like what's happening with Barry's world during this arc. It's smaller, it's more in line with a procedural, I like it.
Story: The story is way better paced than the previous run because this arc is slower. It takes it's time with the character interactions and it allows for the characters to breath. I enjoyed the procedural aspect of the story and the relationship aspect of the story. However, this book is not without it's faults. The villain is a straight on 90's villain and his motivations and backstory was something cringe worthy (oh well they can't all be gems). The stuff at Iron Heights was also over the top and tonally different from the rest of the arc with Wolfe being a cartoon character. The negative Speedforce is the same as Spidey's black suit, not super original but I am okay with that. I also like the interactions with Wally this time much much better, maybe Williamson is gonna fix Wally and the characters. Enjoyed this arc, still flawed and has a lot of old bad baggage but much improved.
Characters: Barry is more consistent (other than the really big issue I had with what he said at Iron Heights, I'm sorry that's just wrong for the character. Especially since he had a father there for the longest time...) I don't mind him being whiney and mopey cause that's where the character is at the moment in terms of relationship, but that does not should not change his hopefulness which Williamson did. I also like his interaction with the CSI and also characters in general, much more natural and lest frenetic. Wally is so much improved in the little time he had in this arc, he's not as whiney and the relationship is better with Barry, let's hope that this is how Williamson fixes Wally cause he is a big problem for me at the moment. The villain, straight outta a 90's comic, stupid, hokey, but a Flash villain through and through (I didn't like it but I did kinda like it).
This was a much better arc. I've not been a fan of the series for a long time (the tail end of New52 was also rough). Please keep this series simple, let him do cases, slowly build Barry up and have him fight funny hokey rogues.
Onward to the next book!
November 2, 2021
This one was another great one!
Josh continues his epic run as Barry is infected with the negative speed force and he is destroying things in his path and he has to fight the Road Reapers and then Shrapnel but when things get tough and all he stops being the flash and he has to deal with the hell that is his personal life until Wallace helps him out and its awesome the way its done and I love how reverse its happening, the sidekick becoming the teacher but still they have their tensions! Plus that fight with Bloodwork could be another highlight of this run for me his origins and fight with Flash was really well done and he is one of my fav villains now!
And Barry at Iron heights now and working there and that can only lead to good things? And I love that status quo like how does Flash deal with his rogues present with him and more rogues forming in Central City. This is an interesting change and might lead to new stories.
Plus a tale of how Flash saved Christmas and the time he spent with wally <3! Its one of my fav short stories and like reminds you why Flash is the best and takes time to act as a breather sort of! Josh continues to challenge Barry's status quo and explores the different facets of his life perfectly!
Josh continues his epic run as Barry is infected with the negative speed force and he is destroying things in his path and he has to fight the Road Reapers and then Shrapnel but when things get tough and all he stops being the flash and he has to deal with the hell that is his personal life until Wallace helps him out and its awesome the way its done and I love how reverse its happening, the sidekick becoming the teacher but still they have their tensions! Plus that fight with Bloodwork could be another highlight of this run for me his origins and fight with Flash was really well done and he is one of my fav villains now!
And Barry at Iron heights now and working there and that can only lead to good things? And I love that status quo like how does Flash deal with his rogues present with him and more rogues forming in Central City. This is an interesting change and might lead to new stories.
Plus a tale of how Flash saved Christmas and the time he spent with wally <3! Its one of my fav short stories and like reminds you why Flash is the best and takes time to act as a breather sort of! Josh continues to challenge Barry's status quo and explores the different facets of his life perfectly!
March 19, 2018
[Read as single issues]
I expect this actually collects #28-32, since #33 is part of Dark Nights: Metal and #34 is part one of a new story, so we'll pretend that I'm right since I make more sense than DC's solicitations.
#28-29 feed off of the events of the previous volume; with the Negative Speed Force coursing through his veins, Barry needs to relearn all of his powers since it makes him ten times deadlier and a hundred times more uncontrollable. It also feeds nicely into the character arc that Williamson is taking Barry on, the darkest parts of himself on full display.
#30-31 are then a second two part story featuring a new Rogue named Bloodwork, whose powers are a) gross and b) visually very interesting. The character himself isn't the most innovative, but he's one of the better new foes we've seen as part of Rebirth. We'll see if we see him again.
And then finally issue #32 sets up Barry's new status quo for the foreseeable future after his outbursts in the last few issues. This whole volume is pretty dark, and this one is exceptionally so.
The art is a bit more all over the place in this one than usual; Carmine Di Giandomenico takes the first issue, while Pop Mhan, Christian Duce, and Neil Googe show up for an issue or so each later on. It's a bit inconsistent, but they're all decent in their own right; Di Giandomenico remains the best of them, without fail.
Negative may be the title for this one, but it's pretty solid. It's not as good as some of the stuff we've had already, or what comes after it, but it's by no means a bad collection.
I expect this actually collects #28-32, since #33 is part of Dark Nights: Metal and #34 is part one of a new story, so we'll pretend that I'm right since I make more sense than DC's solicitations.
#28-29 feed off of the events of the previous volume; with the Negative Speed Force coursing through his veins, Barry needs to relearn all of his powers since it makes him ten times deadlier and a hundred times more uncontrollable. It also feeds nicely into the character arc that Williamson is taking Barry on, the darkest parts of himself on full display.
#30-31 are then a second two part story featuring a new Rogue named Bloodwork, whose powers are a) gross and b) visually very interesting. The character himself isn't the most innovative, but he's one of the better new foes we've seen as part of Rebirth. We'll see if we see him again.
And then finally issue #32 sets up Barry's new status quo for the foreseeable future after his outbursts in the last few issues. This whole volume is pretty dark, and this one is exceptionally so.
The art is a bit more all over the place in this one than usual; Carmine Di Giandomenico takes the first issue, while Pop Mhan, Christian Duce, and Neil Googe show up for an issue or so each later on. It's a bit inconsistent, but they're all decent in their own right; Di Giandomenico remains the best of them, without fail.
Negative may be the title for this one, but it's pretty solid. It's not as good as some of the stuff we've had already, or what comes after it, but it's by no means a bad collection.
February 15, 2021
Flash struggles to control his new "negative" powers, as they seem to do more harm than good.
Following the events of the last volume, the "negative speed force" has infected Barry, and it seems has replaced his original powers. These new powers tend to have a much more devastating effect on the environment around him, so that when Barry tries to help and chase down some crooks, he looks behind him only to see a path of devastation, which he literally created. This understandably sends him into a slump until he relies on Wally (the young/new one not the original) to help him train.
I thought this was interesting, but doesn't really get past the point of the idea of the story. It's about 3 issues of Barry feeling bad about his new powers, which makes him suck at his job and get transferred to the DC equivalent of Guantanamo Bay. It seems Wally will help him out of his rut however, which is a cool throw back to the days when the Flash had a whole support team/family to help him out when he needed it. Lately, he has been more of a solitary hero, and I think that family dynamic is definitely needed in the story.
I really like the art on this volume, especially the issues by Carmine Di Giandomenico. I think that one area where the book excels recently is the art. It may not be as good as the Porter or Manapul days, but its pretty good.
Overall, kind of a meh volume for a series that has been a bit lacking in general overall. Hopefully the next volume will take us back on track.
Following the events of the last volume, the "negative speed force" has infected Barry, and it seems has replaced his original powers. These new powers tend to have a much more devastating effect on the environment around him, so that when Barry tries to help and chase down some crooks, he looks behind him only to see a path of devastation, which he literally created. This understandably sends him into a slump until he relies on Wally (the young/new one not the original) to help him train.
I thought this was interesting, but doesn't really get past the point of the idea of the story. It's about 3 issues of Barry feeling bad about his new powers, which makes him suck at his job and get transferred to the DC equivalent of Guantanamo Bay. It seems Wally will help him out of his rut however, which is a cool throw back to the days when the Flash had a whole support team/family to help him out when he needed it. Lately, he has been more of a solitary hero, and I think that family dynamic is definitely needed in the story.
I really like the art on this volume, especially the issues by Carmine Di Giandomenico. I think that one area where the book excels recently is the art. It may not be as good as the Porter or Manapul days, but its pretty good.
Overall, kind of a meh volume for a series that has been a bit lacking in general overall. Hopefully the next volume will take us back on track.
October 9, 2018
Well this was fun (sort of ) . If I had to describe the story arc , I'd call it, the DC comics version of The Venom debut story arc. The difference being while Peter Parker enjoyed the Venom powers initially , Barry knows from the start that his powers are problematic and uncontrollable (for now) . Also the power , so far , hasn't shown signs of being a sentient being .
My problem with this was that I genuinely don't like the Negative speed force , and the finale felt a bit rushed (the one between Barry and Wally) , but overall I really did enjoy it , even enjoyed the bit where Barry lashed out at every one .
Also the art was weird for me . The coloring were just superb , but the sketches weren't . They looked off on many expressions , but again the colors were awesome
My problem with this was that I genuinely don't like the Negative speed force , and the finale felt a bit rushed (the one between Barry and Wally) , but overall I really did enjoy it , even enjoyed the bit where Barry lashed out at every one .
Also the art was weird for me . The coloring were just superb , but the sketches weren't . They looked off on many expressions , but again the colors were awesome
March 23, 2019
3,5/5. Well done arts and a good story for this volume of Flash. A bit too teeny/childish for me to dig in the entire series but I still have enjoy reading this volume! Never were a big Flash fan but getting to like it more and more over the recent years!
December 14, 2018
This was a good book. Even though it wasn’t drawn by Carmine Di Giandomenico (drawn by Neil Googe) I loved the creativity with Bloodwork and the addition with the Negative speed force basically damages everything it touches. Good book.
May 7, 2018
Much like superman and the lanterns, Flash has been so crazily overpowered that the only way to make him interesting is to constantly invent new and more ridiculous limits and restrictions, which just gets in the way of telling good stories.
February 15, 2019
At times some of the artwork with the blood just felt a little cheesy however I'm still enjoying the overall arc. Not too shre where its heading though. Solid end with a slight cliffhanger.
May 12, 2018
After his confrontation with Thawne last volume Barry is corrupted by the powerful negative speed force that he needs to learn to use before ravaging Central City.
The main plot is decent, an internal investigation on stolen evidence in the CSI that adds a new villain with a power that I would qualify as gross.
The effects of the negative speed force are challenging for Barry. He makes mistakes, causes damages and ends up more exhausted than ever- as if he wasn't late at work enough already, that'll cost him. He also becomes more aggressive, a counterpoint to his natural tendency to self-pity. He sure runs a lot of circles, wondering about himself, Iris, Wally and stuff so having him bark at Singh makes for a change.
A good average 3* book like the previous volumes-though a bit darker in tone- until the astoundingly mediocre last issue. Caricatural characters, cheesy dialogues right out from the 60's, corny situations... I even checked out if someone else than Williamson had written it. Nope, that was him all right. I don't know what went through his head for this one, I just hope it's an isolated incident. All the more since it sets up Barry's new environment for the near future.
Artwise it's 5 issues and at least 4 different artists. This lack of coherence just pisses me off, as it always does.
The main plot is decent, an internal investigation on stolen evidence in the CSI that adds a new villain with a power that I would qualify as gross.
The effects of the negative speed force are challenging for Barry. He makes mistakes, causes damages and ends up more exhausted than ever- as if he wasn't late at work enough already, that'll cost him. He also becomes more aggressive, a counterpoint to his natural tendency to self-pity. He sure runs a lot of circles, wondering about himself, Iris, Wally and stuff so having him bark at Singh makes for a change.
A good average 3* book like the previous volumes-though a bit darker in tone- until the astoundingly mediocre last issue. Caricatural characters, cheesy dialogues right out from the 60's, corny situations... I even checked out if someone else than Williamson had written it. Nope, that was him all right. I don't know what went through his head for this one, I just hope it's an isolated incident. All the more since it sets up Barry's new environment for the near future.
Artwise it's 5 issues and at least 4 different artists. This lack of coherence just pisses me off, as it always does.
June 20, 2018
THE FLASH VOL 5: NEGATIVE follows Barry Allen as he struggles through the negative energy that is swallowing him up and leaving destruction in his wake, all the while fighting crime and trying to keep Central City safe.
Some of the things that draws readers to the Flash is his burning desire to help everyone at all costs and that his powers are never fully figured out and therefore are always surprising him. In the graphic novel, those themes are prominent and welcome. The artwork is great and such a unique new villain is introduced; one that could thwart Barry for years to come.
A pleasure to read and great world to escape to, THE FLASH VOL 5: NEGATIVE drew me in and I can't wait to read the next volume.
Some of the things that draws readers to the Flash is his burning desire to help everyone at all costs and that his powers are never fully figured out and therefore are always surprising him. In the graphic novel, those themes are prominent and welcome. The artwork is great and such a unique new villain is introduced; one that could thwart Barry for years to come.
A pleasure to read and great world to escape to, THE FLASH VOL 5: NEGATIVE drew me in and I can't wait to read the next volume.
March 19, 2023
En verdad me encantan estas portadas, aunque la versión en español tiene ese margen blanco y feo y esas cosas azules del rebirth xD. Lo bueno es que para el siguiente lo quitan y ya puedo tener portadas sin márgenes.
Desde el volumen 4 regresó mi esperanza, me gusta, hay un avance, hay cambios, hay cosas nuevas, relevancia. Sigue teniendo a veces el modo típico de "entra villano, acaba villano" pero almenos siento que avanzan las cosas aparte de eso.
Ya tengo casi todos los números me falta el 11 y entré en un nuevo problema, no se cuanta referencia se hará a los cómics del pasado y me dan curiosidad, pero son demasiados, ojalá se pudieran conseguir con la facilidad de los libros.
No se si continuaré de golpe o me esperaré un tiempo que tengo que leer otros comics/mangas, pero por lo menos sí me gustó.
Desde el volumen 4 regresó mi esperanza, me gusta, hay un avance, hay cambios, hay cosas nuevas, relevancia. Sigue teniendo a veces el modo típico de "entra villano, acaba villano" pero almenos siento que avanzan las cosas aparte de eso.
Ya tengo casi todos los números me falta el 11 y entré en un nuevo problema, no se cuanta referencia se hará a los cómics del pasado y me dan curiosidad, pero son demasiados, ojalá se pudieran conseguir con la facilidad de los libros.
No se si continuaré de golpe o me esperaré un tiempo que tengo que leer otros comics/mangas, pero por lo menos sí me gustó.
January 1, 2018
I don’t know if #34 actually belongs in this collection as I feel like it’s a completely different storyline (also it feels extremely rushed and pretty stupid), so considering all the earlier issues, this one is good and full of development. It feels a bit filler-like, like we are just seeing Flash deal with his inner demons while dealing with the, I suppose, figurative Negative Speed Force. I liked it, though. Good writing, but the art was a little inconsistent. Mid-story artist switching, etc.
January 21, 2019
Basic Plot: Barry copes with the negative speed force, the other changes in his life, and his job.
I think that the main purpose of this arc was just to get Barry into Iron Heights. I could be wrong, but there didn't really seem to be a single overarching plot to this arc beyond him dealing with the negative speed force. The art was a bit spotty, some of it was definitely of good quality but some looked rushed/messy.
I think that the main purpose of this arc was just to get Barry into Iron Heights. I could be wrong, but there didn't really seem to be a single overarching plot to this arc beyond him dealing with the negative speed force. The art was a bit spotty, some of it was definitely of good quality but some looked rushed/messy.
March 3, 2020
This is still entertaining, but I'm not seeing anything truly exceptional yet. This volume feels more like a transition, with Barry going through a change, including some self-analyzing and personal growth. I wish they would have a consistent artist too.
January 28, 2021
5 🌟
Barry is having trouble controlling his powers after being infected with the negative speed force. He and Kristen, along with two cops, investigate blood samples that have been going missing from cases.
Barry is having trouble controlling his powers after being infected with the negative speed force. He and Kristen, along with two cops, investigate blood samples that have been going missing from cases.
December 24, 2017
Issue 34 of this arc totally saved it for me. The story is always great and so is the art but I felt it had been getting a little slow. Issue 34 art was fantastic!
September 28, 2018
নেগেটিভ ফোর্স ফ্লাসকে ধীরে ধীরে মেরে ফেলছে বলে কি কাজটাই না করল ফ্লাসের প্রাক্তন প্রেমিকা।
December 1, 2020
Okay this is getting better. Enjoyed it
July 25, 2020
Williamson manage to create an almost interesting plot, but the consistencies of the characters' behavior throughout the series is weird. As if the plot is more important than the character changing their mind every freaking second.
I'm enjoying this one, but cannot recommend this to anyone
I'm enjoying this one, but cannot recommend this to anyone
March 23, 2018
3 1/2 Stars
The Flash Vol. 5 is back with a new artist, but they managed to keep the same author. Volume five is more like a collection of three separate plots than one cohesive one, but considering how fast paced the Flash usually is, I’m not really complaining about this. If you haven’t been following the story up until now then you’d probably be pretty confused if you tried to jump in right at this point (which is perhaps fairly obvious).
For more reviews, check out Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks
The Flash Vol. 5 is back with a new artist, but they managed to keep the same author. Volume five is more like a collection of three separate plots than one cohesive one, but considering how fast paced the Flash usually is, I’m not really complaining about this. If you haven’t been following the story up until now then you’d probably be pretty confused if you tried to jump in right at this point (which is perhaps fairly obvious).
For more reviews, check out Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks
June 14, 2018
Still reeling and infected by the Negative Speed Force, Barry's powers are doing more harm than good, especially from collateral damage. Yet the hero life must continue on... but he is finding it hard to keep balance. Flash is so busy (we see him take down Reapers and Shrapnel), yet Barry is not showing up for work much and he almost gets fired. Captain Singh calls Barry into a meeting and explains to him (and some other co-workers and lab partners) that someone in the department is destroying evidence.
Using his skills as a CSI, Barry is almost able to find out who the mole is, but someone sets the records department on fire. A little singed, but fine, Barry is able to put together all the pieces and they lead to one of the morgue workers, who reveals himself as the thief, but also shows his meta-abilities and covers himself with what can only be described by me as a "muscular blood suit". He declares himself one of the Rogues and gives himself the moniker Bloodwork. They fight and Bloodwork is only defeated when Barry lies and convinces him that he will be given mercy if he only calms down.
The fight with Bloodwork, and everything else that has been happening has Barry frazzled. He calls Wally (Kid Flash) to ask him to take over as the Flash, but Wally instead decides to train Barry, helping pull him out of his funk. The fight with Bloodwork also has consequences with Barry's job as a CSI. It saves his job overall, but gets him and his lab partner transferred to the CCPD lab inside Iron Heights, where they meet the "no nonsense and hard case" Warden.
Will Barry be able to hold the job at Iron Heights? What about when Copperhead shows her face in Central City again, seemingly trying to regain criminal footholds? And how is Meena (Fast Track) still alive? She's been dead since the war with Godspeed....
The Flash is still a good comic, but I wish it was released faster in graphic novel format.
Recommend.
Using his skills as a CSI, Barry is almost able to find out who the mole is, but someone sets the records department on fire. A little singed, but fine, Barry is able to put together all the pieces and they lead to one of the morgue workers, who reveals himself as the thief, but also shows his meta-abilities and covers himself with what can only be described by me as a "muscular blood suit". He declares himself one of the Rogues and gives himself the moniker Bloodwork. They fight and Bloodwork is only defeated when Barry lies and convinces him that he will be given mercy if he only calms down.
The fight with Bloodwork, and everything else that has been happening has Barry frazzled. He calls Wally (Kid Flash) to ask him to take over as the Flash, but Wally instead decides to train Barry, helping pull him out of his funk. The fight with Bloodwork also has consequences with Barry's job as a CSI. It saves his job overall, but gets him and his lab partner transferred to the CCPD lab inside Iron Heights, where they meet the "no nonsense and hard case" Warden.
Will Barry be able to hold the job at Iron Heights? What about when Copperhead shows her face in Central City again, seemingly trying to regain criminal footholds? And how is Meena (Fast Track) still alive? She's been dead since the war with Godspeed....
The Flash is still a good comic, but I wish it was released faster in graphic novel format.
Recommend.
April 21, 2018
'The Flash Vol. 5: Negative' by Joshua Williamson finds The Flash in some pretty tenuous territory after his encounter with Eobard Thawne both physically and emotionally.
The Flash has been affected by the negative speed force, and it causes destruction and harm whenever he uses his powers, so he has decided to stop being The Flash until he can figure things out. Things at work aren't any better for Barry Allen. Someone is stealing evidence from past cases. This along with Barry's perpetual tardiness is going to have consequences beyond this volume. Along with all the darkness, we get a light Christmas fill-in that feels kind of out of place here.
I like the writing and surprises along the way. I loved the subplot with Wally, and really like what is done with his character. The art isn't my favorite, but it's an interesting choice.
I received a review copy of this graphic novel from DC Entertainment and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
The Flash has been affected by the negative speed force, and it causes destruction and harm whenever he uses his powers, so he has decided to stop being The Flash until he can figure things out. Things at work aren't any better for Barry Allen. Someone is stealing evidence from past cases. This along with Barry's perpetual tardiness is going to have consequences beyond this volume. Along with all the darkness, we get a light Christmas fill-in that feels kind of out of place here.
I like the writing and surprises along the way. I loved the subplot with Wally, and really like what is done with his character. The art isn't my favorite, but it's an interesting choice.
I received a review copy of this graphic novel from DC Entertainment and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
September 7, 2018
Barry's been infected by the Negative Speed Force. It's a fun new bit of speed-force mythology and an intriguing new problem for Barry. However, the great heart of this volume is its concentration on Barry's work at the CCPD: how he interacts with his fellows and how he solves a real case.
And, the case is pretty cool, as evidence goes missing. Oh, Williamson doesn't really do a good job of bringing it to a conclusion, and when he does it's just to have a punch-up with a new rogue. But the path getting there is great.
Also, Barry's new status quo in the last issue is quite intriguing (even if the issue itself is kinda dull.)
Not nearly as strong as V4 of the Rebirth Flash, but still a fun read.
And, the case is pretty cool, as evidence goes missing. Oh, Williamson doesn't really do a good job of bringing it to a conclusion, and when he does it's just to have a punch-up with a new rogue. But the path getting there is great.
Also, Barry's new status quo in the last issue is quite intriguing (even if the issue itself is kinda dull.)
Not nearly as strong as V4 of the Rebirth Flash, but still a fun read.
June 12, 2018
I've really enjoyed previous volumes of Williamson's Flash work, but this was just a whole slog to get through. I don't like this persona of Barry Allen as it seems out of character, and I'm a bit tired of the conflict between Iris/Wally and Barry. Additionally, the villain and the set up just wasn't interesting. As another reviewer notes, the part of the book that takes place in Iron Heights is ridiculous and silly. Art overall was good, but the story sunk this for me.
April 24, 2018
This Volume was incredible, The conflict that Barry Allen is battling within himself was told extremely well at times making me feel uneasy when he wasn't behaving like the Barry Allen we all know and love and also showing a more human side to the Flash. Love the villain Bloodwork i hope he makes another appearance in the future and also as always the art is awesome.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews