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The Flash (2011) #1-2
The Flash: Starting Line
The Starting Line (DC Essential Edition) features an outstanding collaborative storyline from creators Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato, and collects The Flash #0-12 and The Flash Annual #1. Featuring gorgeous, brand-new cover art, The Starting Line (DC Essential Edition) is a definitive entry point to the DC Universe's vast library, perfect for new readers and longtime fans alike.
Ever since he was struck by a bolt of lightning and doused in a potent mix of chemicals, Barry Allen has kept the streets of Central City safe as the Flash--the Fastest Man Alive! But thwarting crime has earned him a powerful and eccentric Rogues Gallery. Captain Cold, Heat Wave, Mirror Master, Golden Glider, the Trickster and Weather Wizard have now united in their hatred for the Scarlet Speedster, and they won't quit until they put the brakes on his crime-fighting ways.
The DC Essential Edition series highlights the best standalone stories the medium has to offer, featuring comics' greatest characters. These trade paperback editions focus on the easiest entry points DC has in its vast library, with seminal, groundbreaking tales that transcend the printed page. Start with the Essentials.
Ever since he was struck by a bolt of lightning and doused in a potent mix of chemicals, Barry Allen has kept the streets of Central City safe as the Flash--the Fastest Man Alive! But thwarting crime has earned him a powerful and eccentric Rogues Gallery. Captain Cold, Heat Wave, Mirror Master, Golden Glider, the Trickster and Weather Wizard have now united in their hatred for the Scarlet Speedster, and they won't quit until they put the brakes on his crime-fighting ways.
The DC Essential Edition series highlights the best standalone stories the medium has to offer, featuring comics' greatest characters. These trade paperback editions focus on the easiest entry points DC has in its vast library, with seminal, groundbreaking tales that transcend the printed page. Start with the Essentials.
344 pages, Paperback
Published October 30, 2018
18 people are currently reading
1470 people want to read
About the author
Francis Manapul
547 books231 followersFrancis Manapul is a comic book artist living in Toronto, Canada currently working for DC comics. His list of credits include the forthcoming Adventure Comics, and Superman Batman. In the past he's worked on titles like Legion of Super-Heroes, Iron and the Maiden, Necromancer, Sept Guerrieres, Tomb Raider, Darkness, G.I Joe and of course Witchblade.
Photo by Luigi Novi.
Photo by Luigi Novi.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 30 reviews
November 12, 2018
This isn't so much an essential story as it is the first year of stories after the new 52 reboot. The first arc is very good. The creative team smartly creates a new foe without any baggage for Barry's first arc. Mob Rule is an interesting villain. Hopefully, he (or should I say they) will pop up again. I wasn't a big fan of how Manapul sets up the Speed Force as this dimension where time is lost. I prefer Mark Waid's treatment during his run. The second arc with the Rogues featured some very scattered and disjointed storytelling that often made me feel I'd skipped pages.
Manapul makes the art in this book sing. It's just gorgeous, probably the best work of his career. I also enjoy how he pays homage to Will Eisner by drawing the titles into the backgrounds.
Received a review copy from DC and NetGalley. All thoughts are my own and in no way influenced by the aforementioned.
Manapul makes the art in this book sing. It's just gorgeous, probably the best work of his career. I also enjoy how he pays homage to Will Eisner by drawing the titles into the backgrounds.
Received a review copy from DC and NetGalley. All thoughts are my own and in no way influenced by the aforementioned.
October 17, 2018
**I received a copy of this via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
This edition features brand-new cover art (which are beautiful) and is such a great kicking off point to get into this fun character. Not only is it perfect for new fans who want to get into comics but aren't really sure where to start, but it's also a really nice collection for longtime readers as well.
Aside from a great story line, fans can expect to see some of Barry Allen's best foes from the Rogue's Gallery in this. You've got everyone from Captain Cold to Mirror Master to the Trickster who have joined together in their hatred of the Scarlet Speedster and will stop at nothing to bring him down.
I really enjoyed this collection. The artwork was great, especially all the little details like the lightning crackles around Barry as he runs, and it really was a good starting point for fans. However, the only minor issue I had was that some of the panels were a bit crooked and didn't line up that well, so at times it was a little hard to tell which dialogue went where. I'm not sure if maybe this was due to reading a digital version, but I read the majority of my comics digitally and usually never have that problem. Aside from that, I think it's a great release, especially with how popular the CW show is and The Flash recently being introduced in the movie universe (maybe one day we'll get his stand alone move), it gives people even more of a reason to bridge the gap into the comics world. Overall, I'd definitely recommend picking this volume up if you're a fan or looking to start!
This edition features brand-new cover art (which are beautiful) and is such a great kicking off point to get into this fun character. Not only is it perfect for new fans who want to get into comics but aren't really sure where to start, but it's also a really nice collection for longtime readers as well.
Aside from a great story line, fans can expect to see some of Barry Allen's best foes from the Rogue's Gallery in this. You've got everyone from Captain Cold to Mirror Master to the Trickster who have joined together in their hatred of the Scarlet Speedster and will stop at nothing to bring him down.
I really enjoyed this collection. The artwork was great, especially all the little details like the lightning crackles around Barry as he runs, and it really was a good starting point for fans. However, the only minor issue I had was that some of the panels were a bit crooked and didn't line up that well, so at times it was a little hard to tell which dialogue went where. I'm not sure if maybe this was due to reading a digital version, but I read the majority of my comics digitally and usually never have that problem. Aside from that, I think it's a great release, especially with how popular the CW show is and The Flash recently being introduced in the movie universe (maybe one day we'll get his stand alone move), it gives people even more of a reason to bridge the gap into the comics world. Overall, I'd definitely recommend picking this volume up if you're a fan or looking to start!
October 30, 2018
The Flash: Starting Line is a great value. It includes comics 0-12 plus the first annual for less than $25 on paper and even less digitally.
These episodes of The Flash hold up well. The drawing is bright with beautiful coloring. The plots are great.
I’ve never read some of the early stories. It was nice to read Barry’s backstory. The collection contains a great explanation of how he can move through solid objects and how he discovered that skill. Most of the best enemies are here.
The Flash: Starting Line is a great way to bring new readers quickly up to speed. It also is excellent to fill in blank spots for existing fans that may not have read the original issues. 5 stars!
Thanks to DC Comics and NetGalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
These episodes of The Flash hold up well. The drawing is bright with beautiful coloring. The plots are great.
I’ve never read some of the early stories. It was nice to read Barry’s backstory. The collection contains a great explanation of how he can move through solid objects and how he discovered that skill. Most of the best enemies are here.
The Flash: Starting Line is a great way to bring new readers quickly up to speed. It also is excellent to fill in blank spots for existing fans that may not have read the original issues. 5 stars!
Thanks to DC Comics and NetGalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 5, 2024
The Flash: Starting Line
Barry Allen may be a great forensic scientist, but he's always late to the scene. Perhaps because his side job is saving the lives of the citizens of Central City as the Flash!
'The New 52' reimagined 'The Flash', streamlining the story and making the artwork slicker and more suited to a new generation of comic book fans. This is a great introduction to one of DC's finest.
Barry Allen may be a great forensic scientist, but he's always late to the scene. Perhaps because his side job is saving the lives of the citizens of Central City as the Flash!
'The New 52' reimagined 'The Flash', streamlining the story and making the artwork slicker and more suited to a new generation of comic book fans. This is a great introduction to one of DC's finest.
March 3, 2020
As far as the comics go I'm no expert on The Flash.
I loved the early 90s TV show with John Wesley Shipp. At the age of 9 this was one of the coolest shows on TV. Of course now looking back it's campy and corny, but that pilot episode still holds up for me in so many ways.
Now to the comics... I own some singles from Green Lantern which feature a cross over between him and the Flash, mid 90s stories with awesome art... if they ever finish collecting Kyle Rayner Green Lantern Vol 3 I'll be sure to collect it based on the singles I own.
Flashpoint is the first major modern story I've read and I loved it.
Other then that I've read Mark Waids Flash Vol 1. Which felt very dated but a good read and Geoff John's Flash Vol 1 which opens with a flashpoint-esk mirror story but I dont think I finished that volume...
Okay so how does New 52 The Flash Essential Edition Starting Line compare.
The art is awesome!! Really amazing!
This is the first 12 issues from N52 Flash run and I was all over with this... I started and stopped a lot as the story just didn't quite grab me. The final 4 issues or so I read in one sitting.
The climax is exciting and when it was all done I definitely felt like collecting more volumes of this Flash may be worth looking into... if the run (no pun intended) gets better as the story goes then this could be really cool.
Oh I forgot to mention I've read the first 3 Rebirth volumes and hated them ... the art was really weak imo and the story was even worse. Dozens of people get speedster power and another speedster called Godspeed is involved... I dunno if the arc got better but I gave up collecting.
So as of right now N52 Flash and Flashpoint are my favorite stories. Oh I also loved The Button story.
I recommend this Essential Edition!
I loved the early 90s TV show with John Wesley Shipp. At the age of 9 this was one of the coolest shows on TV. Of course now looking back it's campy and corny, but that pilot episode still holds up for me in so many ways.
Now to the comics... I own some singles from Green Lantern which feature a cross over between him and the Flash, mid 90s stories with awesome art... if they ever finish collecting Kyle Rayner Green Lantern Vol 3 I'll be sure to collect it based on the singles I own.
Flashpoint is the first major modern story I've read and I loved it.
Other then that I've read Mark Waids Flash Vol 1. Which felt very dated but a good read and Geoff John's Flash Vol 1 which opens with a flashpoint-esk mirror story but I dont think I finished that volume...
Okay so how does New 52 The Flash Essential Edition Starting Line compare.
The art is awesome!! Really amazing!
This is the first 12 issues from N52 Flash run and I was all over with this... I started and stopped a lot as the story just didn't quite grab me. The final 4 issues or so I read in one sitting.
The climax is exciting and when it was all done I definitely felt like collecting more volumes of this Flash may be worth looking into... if the run (no pun intended) gets better as the story goes then this could be really cool.
Oh I forgot to mention I've read the first 3 Rebirth volumes and hated them ... the art was really weak imo and the story was even worse. Dozens of people get speedster power and another speedster called Godspeed is involved... I dunno if the arc got better but I gave up collecting.
So as of right now N52 Flash and Flashpoint are my favorite stories. Oh I also loved The Button story.
I recommend this Essential Edition!
February 19, 2019
First, unlike other Essential Editions I've read this was a collection of stories and not a coherent graphic novel. That may not be considered a criticism by you but it was a weakness for me as I found some of the stories far weaker than others, especially the Grodd stories. The stories introducing the Rogues while somewhat interesting were for me a bit incoherent and up and down. Far stronger was the first story arc featuring Mob Rule.
The strongest feature of this book was the art. It really popped for me and I thought it was gorgeous throughout and added immensely to the power of the story. Art is alway particularly important for Flash as good art conveys the his speed and his phasing power in a way that words simply cannot and that was really evident here.
I didn't think this book was nearly as strong as the other Essential Editions I've read and I was really disappointed as Flash is one of my favorite characters when done well, as by Mark Waid or Geoff Johns. It was just lacking something here.
I received a copy of this book from Edelweiss and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
The strongest feature of this book was the art. It really popped for me and I thought it was gorgeous throughout and added immensely to the power of the story. Art is alway particularly important for Flash as good art conveys the his speed and his phasing power in a way that words simply cannot and that was really evident here.
I didn't think this book was nearly as strong as the other Essential Editions I've read and I was really disappointed as Flash is one of my favorite characters when done well, as by Mark Waid or Geoff Johns. It was just lacking something here.
I received a copy of this book from Edelweiss and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
May 31, 2021
This is a great starting book to learn about the Flash. His backstory and plenty of adventures. Barry Allen has been keeping watch over Central City for ages but now there is discontent. Some people don't want him around. They think he causes more problems than he resolves. He still has some fans though. This weighs heavy on Barry who doesn't understand the change in heart of the people he tries to protect. He gets blamed for things that aren't his fault. Public opinion reigns even if it's wrong.
Fighting the Rogue Gallery who have enhanced powers making them almost invincible is causing the Flash to question everything. Science has created a team of adversaries and the Flash has to find a way to stop them. Finding new ways to use his powers, the Flash sees what he can truly become but it's not without drawbacks.
I really enjoyed this book. The illustrations are amazing, the color superb and the writing is interesting, entertaining and informative. A great book about an intriguing character.
Fighting the Rogue Gallery who have enhanced powers making them almost invincible is causing the Flash to question everything. Science has created a team of adversaries and the Flash has to find a way to stop them. Finding new ways to use his powers, the Flash sees what he can truly become but it's not without drawbacks.
I really enjoyed this book. The illustrations are amazing, the color superb and the writing is interesting, entertaining and informative. A great book about an intriguing character.
February 17, 2019
This was so good! It was my first time reading a Flash comic and I loved it. The TV show is my favorite thing on right now and so it was really interesting getting a different look at the characters I love. It started out strong, but I found that I lost a bit of interest in the middle, pretty much when Grodd showed up. He was never one of my favorites on the show and this didn't help things out. But then The Rogues showed up and the story picked up for me again. All in all, it was really good and I'm definitely gonna be checking out more Flash comics.
November 13, 2019
Starting Line is a stand-alone series of adventures staring Barry Allen as the Flash facing off against the the Rouges Gallery and a few other villains. If you are new to DC super-heroes, then the Essential Editions are a place to start, otherwise, you might want to skip these. The storyline is decent, the art not bad in spots, and that is the problem. The Flash has had some very good story arcs lately, and the stories in Starting Line does not live up to those tales.
December 26, 2018
Entered to get this for my son who is a big fan of DC comics and he loves graphic novels so when I received this it was great. My son who is older loved it, he said the story was great as was the artwork. I received this from Goodreads and was really happy.
January 9, 2019
3.5 stars... starts strong... gets dark and then meanders into a convoluted mess at times... I don’t think my students will understand this and it got too violent... hard to find a good middle school student friendly Flash story this side of Lyga... I wish there was a Flash adventures book!
January 18, 2019
this is the first time i read a comic book but i have read manga before. It did take a little getting used to however. but i enjoyed it. it was a good look at the flash. I did not know much about that perticular character before reading this.
September 29, 2019
This was a lot of fun. I have discovered I'm more of a TV/movie fan, however. I sadly won't be identifying as a true die hard fan anytime soon. I will say though, all of the really lame moments from the TV show, like Gorilla Grodd, are way less lame in actual comic book format!
April 25, 2021
I'm not the biggest fan of The Flash and I thought this could be a good start to know him better. I did learn about this character a bit more and I enjoy my reading, but there was nothing for me to feel a connection or make me want to deep dive into different Flash series.
December 22, 2018
Excellent illustrations! I will definitely be buying more of these!
January 3, 2019
D.C.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 20, 2019
Stunning and beautiful art, average story
September 6, 2019
4-4.5/5 stars
August 1, 2020
A must-read if you love The Flash!!
The art is gorgeous!!
The art is gorgeous!!
December 18, 2022
Very solid!! Fun and dynamic, with great art. Really good at being fresh and also doing justice for classic Barry Allen lore.
April 4, 2023
An essential, this book is not. It’s really just a starting line.
Okay so the art is easily the best part of this book. I heard someone say Francis Manapul makes the art in this book sing. And I can’t think of a better way to describe it. Fast and kinetic action sequences with distinctive designs and endearing but powerful colours by Brian Buccellato. Also I fucking love it when the artist incorporates the title into the background, idc I think it’s dope as hell and the effort is very much appreciated.
Sadly though, the writing is where this book really falls flat. Something is just missing from here. I don’t know what it is, but it doesn’t feel complete. The second half was better though. With actual compelling villains, it made for an easier read than the first half which was just dicking around for 4 issues, then a two issue wrap up and two more setting up the next volume.
My main problem with this book is Mob Rule. One of the biggest wastes villains I’ve seen in comics. Okay so The Flash has super-speed, he can run around and do a thousand things in a second, leading to increased expectations on himself. But he’s just one man. He CAN’T be everywhere at once and like all heroes this tortures him. Mob Rule is some badass CIA dude from Barry’s childhood who is like Batman levels of badass (or so we are told). His power is that if he loses a limb, not only will it grow back, but a clone of himself will grow from the cut off limb. A period of torture as a POW from CIA shenanigans later, and there’s dozens of this guy, all with distinct thoughts and actions. These clones have his training and his memories and act as a unified unit. Mob Rule CAN be everywhere at once.
So you got a villain who was a childhood friend, has the typical comic-book-character-former-military-training, and possesses the ONE major power that can challenge super speed (without just more super speed).
You have all that potential and they do nothing with it. Like I said:
Issues 1-4: nothing of importance happens here
Issues 5 & 6: uninteresting wrap up
Issues 7 & 8: set up for the next arc
The best part was when Manapul & Buccellato just said fine fine we’ll give you Captain Cold for an issue.
It’s bad if the set up for your company wide reboot revolving around a top 10 character isn’t as interesting as a filler issue.
The next volume was slightly more interesting. I liked the Rogues, only problem was once again too much of this book is just dicking around and doing nothing interesting. However our final chapter, issue 0 was a highlight so there’s that.
I won’t buy but I might rent the next volume from the library. This wasn’t great but it was readable. People are obviously coming to this book to get started on the Flash. Aside from the art, this book isn’t anything special and you’re much better off reading Flash by Mark Waid. Especially the first two volumes.
Okay so the art is easily the best part of this book. I heard someone say Francis Manapul makes the art in this book sing. And I can’t think of a better way to describe it. Fast and kinetic action sequences with distinctive designs and endearing but powerful colours by Brian Buccellato. Also I fucking love it when the artist incorporates the title into the background, idc I think it’s dope as hell and the effort is very much appreciated.
Sadly though, the writing is where this book really falls flat. Something is just missing from here. I don’t know what it is, but it doesn’t feel complete. The second half was better though. With actual compelling villains, it made for an easier read than the first half which was just dicking around for 4 issues, then a two issue wrap up and two more setting up the next volume.
My main problem with this book is Mob Rule. One of the biggest wastes villains I’ve seen in comics. Okay so The Flash has super-speed, he can run around and do a thousand things in a second, leading to increased expectations on himself. But he’s just one man. He CAN’T be everywhere at once and like all heroes this tortures him. Mob Rule is some badass CIA dude from Barry’s childhood who is like Batman levels of badass (or so we are told). His power is that if he loses a limb, not only will it grow back, but a clone of himself will grow from the cut off limb. A period of torture as a POW from CIA shenanigans later, and there’s dozens of this guy, all with distinct thoughts and actions. These clones have his training and his memories and act as a unified unit. Mob Rule CAN be everywhere at once.
So you got a villain who was a childhood friend, has the typical comic-book-character-former-military-training, and possesses the ONE major power that can challenge super speed (without just more super speed).
You have all that potential and they do nothing with it. Like I said:
Issues 1-4: nothing of importance happens here
Issues 5 & 6: uninteresting wrap up
Issues 7 & 8: set up for the next arc
The best part was when Manapul & Buccellato just said fine fine we’ll give you Captain Cold for an issue.
It’s bad if the set up for your company wide reboot revolving around a top 10 character isn’t as interesting as a filler issue.
The next volume was slightly more interesting. I liked the Rogues, only problem was once again too much of this book is just dicking around and doing nothing interesting. However our final chapter, issue 0 was a highlight so there’s that.
I won’t buy but I might rent the next volume from the library. This wasn’t great but it was readable. People are obviously coming to this book to get started on the Flash. Aside from the art, this book isn’t anything special and you’re much better off reading Flash by Mark Waid. Especially the first two volumes.
February 14, 2020
A really rather boring Flash story, that seems a little confusing.
I don't care about any of that, though, caude Francis Manapul's art is drop dead gorgeous. He's without a doubt in my top 5 artists and I hope hope he'll keep up the great work.
I don't care about any of that, though, caude Francis Manapul's art is drop dead gorgeous. He's without a doubt in my top 5 artists and I hope hope he'll keep up the great work.
August 4, 2023
What a mess this book was for me. It had some good moments, but it was incoherent, not well thought through, and not well-written at all. Maybe it just came along in a bad moment, but I was really struggling to go through it.
And I love Flash.
Pity, was expecting so much more of it.
And I love Flash.
Pity, was expecting so much more of it.
May 26, 2021
Lo recordaba más emocionante pero el arte de Francis Manapul es hermoso y la historia del regreso de los Rogues sin duda fue interesante.
September 11, 2018
I received this graphic novel as an advanced reader's copy. The Flash is becoming a new phenomenon in our library and since the Justice League movie, they have been going out more and more. This adventure in particular was more invigorating and addicting because of the drama and adventures Barry goes through with his job, friends and his mishaps as The Flash. The artwork as always is very captivating and made the story come to life even more. At first, I was not a fan of comic books but as I read them for the library, they are growing on me little by little every time I read them. That is why we are giving it 5 stars!
October 1, 2018
The Flash: Starting Line is a supersized volume that takes you back to the beginning of Barry Allen being the Flash. I found this to be the most entertaining comic featuring the Flash for its non-stop action and full ensemble of Flash's enemies. Flash learns about why he needs to run to save the world. He finds love and loses it all the while friends become enemies, the Rogues are back in action, and Gorilla Grodd is on a rampage. The art mostly shines but a few wonky panels prevent total perfection. The color beams in Flash panels but sizzles a little in other places. Overall, the volume ensnares and pleases the reader for hours of amusement and is worthy of a multitude of rereads. My favorite Flash edition ever. My voluntary, unbiased review is based upon a review copy from Netgalley.
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November 3, 2018I received a copy of The Flash: Starting Line through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
The Flash: Starting Line is a DC Essentials collection. I personally love these collections, as they do a decent job of collecting the most important/popular plots. In this case the collection focuses more on all of the one-shot issues, but I think that made it stronger rather than weaker. I loved reading all of the shorter Flash stories contained within this volume.
The best part about it being all shorter plots is that it felt like we were reading the highlights, and that there was little time spent (or wasted) with duller and quieter moments. This is the Flash after all; I want to see him moving, moving, moving.
The other reason I love the collected editions is that you usually get more for your money. Here there are thirteen issues in total, but the cost is less than $25. You would not have gotten even close to that price buying the individual issues. Plus, while it doesn’t always happen, sometimes the collected editions end up at a higher value later, which is always nice. Especially for collectors.
I’ll admit that I haven’t read a lot of the Flash’s older series (I jumped in right around New 52), so I know I’ve been missing out on some of the classic plots. Because of that I really enjoyed getting a chance to get my toes wet, so to speak. I knew I’d enjoy this, but I hadn’t expected how much I’d end up liking some of the plots included.
I can safely say that newer readers will have no trouble understanding what is going on (again, I’ve read the two most recent series, so I have some knowledge, but it isn’t extensive). I also think its safe to say that fans of the older series will enjoy seeing these issues printed all together like this. I know I’d feel that way for any of my favorites at least.
The artwork was phenomenal. It’s easy to forget how bright and wonderful comics can be, especially with the trend towards darker and grungier styles (which I also enjoy, for the record). It’s a refreshing change, and honestly, it just feels so perfect for the Flash. I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.
For more reviews, check out Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks
The Flash: Starting Line is a DC Essentials collection. I personally love these collections, as they do a decent job of collecting the most important/popular plots. In this case the collection focuses more on all of the one-shot issues, but I think that made it stronger rather than weaker. I loved reading all of the shorter Flash stories contained within this volume.
The best part about it being all shorter plots is that it felt like we were reading the highlights, and that there was little time spent (or wasted) with duller and quieter moments. This is the Flash after all; I want to see him moving, moving, moving.
The other reason I love the collected editions is that you usually get more for your money. Here there are thirteen issues in total, but the cost is less than $25. You would not have gotten even close to that price buying the individual issues. Plus, while it doesn’t always happen, sometimes the collected editions end up at a higher value later, which is always nice. Especially for collectors.
I’ll admit that I haven’t read a lot of the Flash’s older series (I jumped in right around New 52), so I know I’ve been missing out on some of the classic plots. Because of that I really enjoyed getting a chance to get my toes wet, so to speak. I knew I’d enjoy this, but I hadn’t expected how much I’d end up liking some of the plots included.
I can safely say that newer readers will have no trouble understanding what is going on (again, I’ve read the two most recent series, so I have some knowledge, but it isn’t extensive). I also think its safe to say that fans of the older series will enjoy seeing these issues printed all together like this. I know I’d feel that way for any of my favorites at least.
The artwork was phenomenal. It’s easy to forget how bright and wonderful comics can be, especially with the trend towards darker and grungier styles (which I also enjoy, for the record). It’s a refreshing change, and honestly, it just feels so perfect for the Flash. I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.
For more reviews, check out Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks
November 4, 2018
Even though I enjoy superhero movies, I've been a bit annoyed by comic books the couple times I've tried to dip into them. There's just not enough plot per issue, and crossover plot points from other heroes leave you with the choice of spending more money on other titles or having only a vague idea of what is going on. This format does away with some of that, and I quite enjoyed it. With all the issues for the year bundled together, the "artificial cliffhanger after minimal exposition followed by a month-long wait" annoyance wasn't there, and there were no major plot points that hinged on knowing something from another title. An acquaintance with Flash and his recurring villains would add to the experience, but a newbie would not be lost or frustrated.
The stories themselves fairly skillfully combined origins & explanation of the Flashverse (if that's a word) kind of plotlines with regular superhero fare (foiling bad guys, balancing romance and secret identity, etc.). The artwork wasn't bad, but did feature more talking head panels than I was expecting. Honestly, since I'm not a comic connoisseur, I don't know how it stacks up against similar efforts. Overall, I'm probably not the usual audience for this book, but it was fun.
The stories themselves fairly skillfully combined origins & explanation of the Flashverse (if that's a word) kind of plotlines with regular superhero fare (foiling bad guys, balancing romance and secret identity, etc.). The artwork wasn't bad, but did feature more talking head panels than I was expecting. Honestly, since I'm not a comic connoisseur, I don't know how it stacks up against similar efforts. Overall, I'm probably not the usual audience for this book, but it was fun.
January 22, 2019
The big come back of Barry Allen as the Flash!
You would think that after 25 absent as the Flash, Barry Allen's new run would be something to look foward to. However, the first arc of this book is a big letdown, apart from the amazing art, the story is pretty meh. No surprise it was changed for what was coming next.
DC promised and served, I normally stay at arms legnth of the Flash because I'm not a big fan of how all his stories need to be dorky and ridiculous, I just can't take it serious, I mean, have you seen his Rogues gallery?
But, this book made an amazing job (on his second arc) re-introducing us to the Flash, the speed force and his villains. I don't know how Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato succeded in telling serious origin stories about DC most ridiculous villains. I loved it the Rogues arc and change, this new take suits them and gives more perspective to new comers (like me) on their attitudes. It was perfect!
Nevertheless, it was kind of a let down that this book ended with a cliff hanger on all sides. Still, is there's a second essential of this I'm up for it.
You would think that after 25 absent as the Flash, Barry Allen's new run would be something to look foward to. However, the first arc of this book is a big letdown, apart from the amazing art, the story is pretty meh. No surprise it was changed for what was coming next.
DC promised and served, I normally stay at arms legnth of the Flash because I'm not a big fan of how all his stories need to be dorky and ridiculous, I just can't take it serious, I mean, have you seen his Rogues gallery?
But, this book made an amazing job (on his second arc) re-introducing us to the Flash, the speed force and his villains. I don't know how Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato succeded in telling serious origin stories about DC most ridiculous villains. I loved it the Rogues arc and change, this new take suits them and gives more perspective to new comers (like me) on their attitudes. It was perfect!
Nevertheless, it was kind of a let down that this book ended with a cliff hanger on all sides. Still, is there's a second essential of this I'm up for it.
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