The Flash Vol. 11: The Greatest Trick of All

The Flash (2016)

by Joshua Williamson, Scott Kolins (Illustrator)

The Trickster welcomes the Scarlet Speedster back home with an impossible choice either save the people of Central City or stop the villain who caused it all from escaping to wreak havoc another day. What will Barry choose?

Barry arrives back home from his Force Quest to discover something in his city is off. The people of Central City are all acting strangely, even the people closest to him. There's something tricky afoot, but what or who is behind this madness? Can Barry save his city as it plunges into chaos, or is he for once...not fast enough?

Collects The Flash #66-69 and The Flash Annual #2

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Dc Comics, Superheroes, Comic Book, Graphic Novels Comics, Science Fiction

144 pages, Hardcover

First published February 11, 2020

Reviews

[Chad · Rating 3 out of 5]

Impulse returns while Barry deals with Wally's death in a story that already appeared in Heroes in Crisis: The Price and Other Tales. Then Wally takes on the original trickster, James Jesse. The stories here are alright but nothing special.

[Robert · Rating 3 out of 5]

[James DeSantis · Rating 3 out of 5]

The flash remains a saturday morning cartoon with mutilation every once in awhile.

In this weeks episode we have Trickster come back into play. The ORIGINAL one. And he's not happy everyone forgot him. So he decides to play the biggest trick of them all. Make everyone happy! When Barry sees this he goes and tries to stop him but the Trickster might have some plans to stop him from running...FOREVER.

As always this is just another Flash adventure. It's not bad, and I do find it enjoyable, mostly cause the art is fun and some exciting moments of action. But man oh man, Joshua is just spinning his wheels here trying to fluff out this storyline. I'm all for simple superheroing adventures but The Flash could be SO much more. This is just decent.

A 2.5 out of 5.

[Subham · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a pretty good volume too!

It has the same story of the annual which was there in The Price TPB but its Flash vs Godspeed and premonitions of things to come but the main story is the origin of The original Trickster aka James Jesse and I love the way we see his messed up childhood and its similarity to Nightwing's was weird but we see how he had this weird relationship with Wolfe and how on his return he is trying to make everyone happy and we see how it connects to previous storyline and it turns into this weird long battle between Barry and Trickster and whether he will be able to save his friends aka the police and Henry/Commander Cold and at what cost!

I kinda liked this volume and not everyone will but its fun the way Josh builds on all the rogues that barry has and gives them their own story in an epic fashion raising the stakes and delivering oh them big time and showing the threat that the Trickster really is!

[Jirka Navrátil · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tohle bylo trošku slabší. Trickster je průměrný zámořská a dělat z něj hlavního padoucha nebyl moc dobrý nápad.

[Chris Lemmerman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hot off The Price crossover as part of Heroes In Crisis, the Flash is back to trying to sort out the problems plaguing his city - first on the list? James Jesse, the Trickster, who fancies himself the new Kingpin Of Central City! Plus, Barry's grief at Wally's unfortunate accident during Heroes In Crisis brings him back into conflict with Godspeed!

We open with a Rogue Profile, which I don't think we've had in a very long time, but it sets the stage nicely for Trickster's time in the sun in the following three issues. His backstory is sad, of course, but it's really the motivation behind his current scheme that comes to light here more than anything. The main story is solid, and manages to come up with good reasons for Barry to be on the back foot against someone he should literally run circles around. The annual is another reminder that Impulse is still out there, and has some nice Flash Family moments as Barry deals with poor Wally's fate after Heroes In Crisis. Plus I still love Godspeed, so seeing him show up is always a delight.

It's been a long time since an entire volume of anything was drawn by one artist, but Scott Kolins, to some the definitive Flash artist, draws all four issues of the main title and the annual that are included in this volume, so the consistency is through the roof here. Kolins has a distinct, blocky style that I've always found oddly charming on the Flash, and it's nice to see that the years haven't soured his skills on the title.

The Greatest Trick Of All isn't a huge stepping stone in the ongoing Flash series, but it bridges the gap between Force Quest and Year One, tying up a few loose ends along the way.

[Blindzider · Rating 2 out of 5]

This maybe deserves three stars but I think I'm getting bored with this run. Plus a few other things:

The first issue deals a little bit with Wally and Heroes in Crisis. That original story was fumbled and the after effects here are minimal and don't feel like they gave the character his due.

Never cared for Kolins' art. It's better than his previous run with Johns but I still don't like it.

Didn't care for the soft color palette.

Happy to see there was only one small mention of the new Force powers.

Wasn't happy to see yet another speedster in the story. Bart returns

They try to elevate the Trickster, but he still seems to be a joke.

On second thought, I think 2 stars is about right.

[Yasmine · Rating 1 out of 5]

Oh nonono. This is, I think, my first ever 1-Star The Flash review! Maybe more of a rant, but I'm gonna try not to spend too much time being upset over this.

I really didn't like this story arc, it was very unnecessary in my opinin and the artwork was just plain up weird. Where is the wonderfully drawn Barry Allen and Iris West that I remember? And what's up with this new way of making everything look so frightning, gruesome and grimacing? I didn't enjoy this at all and really hope that it picks back up again. The Flash was always one of my favourite comics to read and I don't want this to stop!

[Scott Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actual Rating: 3.5 (round-down)

For me the best story in the volume was the initial story where Barry, who is first shown still standing in the field outside Sanctuary holding Wally's empty costume, takes off into the speed-force trying to find Wally--who he's convinced must be out there somewhere. Instead he finds Godspeed, who is used to offer ominous foreshadowing of a new big baddy.

The rest of the volume is dedicated to the cover story featuring James Jesse, the original trickster as the villain. Jesse comes up with a pretty cool scam Barry has to do his version of the detective thing to to figure out what's going on. The mechanics work, and as a brief stand-alone the story is pretty well-handled, but I'm just not invested enough in the Flash's rogues gallery and it was at least as focused on Trickster as on Barry.

[Will Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

The central plot is pretty silly, but it works for a foe called "The Trickster". The fallout from Wally's "death" is handled really well here, and as silly as "Sage Force Snow" is, Williamson writes a remarkably tragic origin for James Jesse that has really catapulted him to being one of my favorite members of The Rogues. Happy I took my time with this one!

[Kieran McAndrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Flash Vol 11: The Greatest Trick of All

Barry meets a man who no longer the exists: The original Trickster, James Jesse is back and causing mayhem in Central City. Forcing Barry to confront his fears, Trickster accidentally helps Barry realise the true power of the Flash.

Strange (in a good way), this collection has some thought provoking ideas and outstanding art.

[John Yelverton · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did not enjoy this book very much with Iris abandoning the Flash to go and find herself, and the Trickster turning evil like the Joker. This is one of the best characters in the DC Universe with arguably the second best rogues gallery, and the writer continues to screw it up over and over again.

[Shannon Appelcline · Rating 3 out of 5]

Boy, this book is deeply enmeshed in the DC Universe meta story at this point. So, we get a first issue that's all about Bart Allen, and it's terrific to see him back and how he reacts to this new version of the universe, but he never actually interacts with our leads and instead runs off to Young Justice, Vol. 1: Gemworld. And then we get a second issue that's entirely reaction to Heroes in Crisis, and again it's great character work, and again it's kind of removed from our main plot.

The rest of the volume, which is about the Trickster, is much shallower. He makes the whole city happy. Sage Force, blahblahblah. It's hard to assess what his character is at this point in the DC universe, it's hard to assess what his history is, and there's no depth to either his plot or the resolution. (The confusing mess of a chronology for DC's universe, even at this point, probably contributes to the lack of depth.) Then we get a final issue which seems to entirely gloss over important plot points.

So we get two issues focused on external plot points which are pretty good, and we get three issues focused on our own plot points, which are pretty shallow. Not a great combo.

[Jess · Rating 2 out of 5]

The first story with the aftermath of Barry telling Iris about Wally's death... inspite of coming out of a terrible crossover... if REALLY good.

Then it goes a drops a turd.

I get it. Those of us who read comics in late 80s and early 90s are old now. Trickster is a bad guy on TV so DC wants Trickster as a villain in the comics.

But fuck that. When I was at my comics reading height (reading close to 30 titles a month) Trickster was a favorite character of mine because he was a wild card. He could be an actual villain. He could purely altruistic. Or he could be playing both sides against the middle to pull of a plan that benefitted him either in the short or long term. It made him a very compelling character to read about- one whom many of us Flash readers at the time- thought had been worthy of his own miniseries. Which we NEVER got. Turning him back into an out and out villain seems like a step backwards... but then so does 90% of what DC Comics has done since 2011.

[Daniel Butcher · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5.

I like the use of the original Trickster, his role at Iron Heights, and what his master plan is.

Plus a rerun of Heroes in Crisis fallout material which sadly plays the Flash families trust issues again.

[Georgie Zakka · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5
It’s a pretty short arc, they try and make it longer adding the annual but it only confuses you more because it has nothing to do with this storyline. The story itself is pretty good and the art is fine with some weird face expressions.

Overall good

[Eskana · Rating 2 out of 5]

A bit of a mixed bag, with lackluster, awkward art. This collection skips forwards a few issues (leaving off Flash/Barry teaming up with Batman to face Gotham Girl in the wake of "Heroes in Crisis" ... and if that doesn't make sense to you, just skip it!).

Issue Breakdown: This collection starts with a Flash annual dealing with the Flash's reaction to "Heroes in Crisis," a special event in which Wally West appeared to have died, shortly after having returned to reality. Barry is upset, understandably, but gets caught up chasing the villain Godspeed, who suddenly reappears and taunts him. Godspeed reveals to the new Kid Flash "Ace" and Avery Ho (the Flash of China) that Wally is dead, but both refuse to believe it, since this is comics and they've known many people to come back from the "dead." Barry's really sure this time, though, and he breaks the news to Iris, who decides she needs some time alone. It also is suggested that Godspeed may be working for Hunter Zolomon, although he may just be running a long con on the villain.

The rest of the collection is the Flash facing two villains: the original Trickster, Jesse James, and his protegé, Axel. The Trickster storyline was interesting, since this villain (especially when it's Axel) has very little appeal and gets little respect, so it was different to see him actually pose a threat. Despite this, I almost found the Trickster posing a threat to be out of character... although the story built into the premise well enough. It focuses mostly on Jesse, giving a backstory that fleshes out his childhood and motivations. He is able to manipulate Commander Cold, the future cop, into providing him with tech that allows him to brainwash all of Central City. It was a decent enough story, but the art was still distractingly bad, so it was hard to get invested... also, it's the Trickster, so I found it hard to care.

Overall, while this is a good enough "in-between" sort of collection, I wouldn't recommend it to anyone as a beginner. Too messy.

[Ross · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tug on some plot threads from awhile back and lay down some fresh ones too...

It's a speedster reunion of sorts. This collection gives us a brief cameo from a Flash family member we haven't seen in SO long. It's an impulsive visit, and doesn't contribute much to the main story. They're off to search for their other friends. We also get an appearance of a recent evil speedster that, 'ran off into the sunset' not too long ago. They're there to lay down some lore for future storylines.

(clear use of John Fox's time jump gauntlet from the future)

Primarily, we're focused on James Jesse and his Rogues origin. His origin is a spin on Dick Grayson's story and also the villainous origins of Prometheus. I can't tell if they've set him up as being another 'lost' character from the pre-New 52 or not. His origin seems intact, which makes me think Barry didn't think to add him to Flashpoint...he was soooooooo forgotten.
-----------
These forces are still a MESS. This volume doesn't have a lot of single issues within and about half the story is promotions for other runs. ('Flash: Year One', while being issues from the main storyline, itself isn't included with the other volumes that make up the Williamson run. If you're reading along, it's TECHNICALLY vol. 11.5)

Bonus: This takes place post-'Heroes in Crisis' so we've 'lost' Wally West....AGAIN
Bonus Bonus: Iron Heights gets wrapped up? Same goes for the warden. Hmmm...

[Phil · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not terribly exciting, but got an introduction to a new character. I guess James Jesse is the original Trickster as opposed to this Axel dude who Barry and Kristen tried to turn against the Rogues when they were using Iron Heights as their base to take over the crime world. Seems to be a pattern with so many of these DC characters!

In terms of a story, I am enjoying this darker side of Flash after the fall out from Heroes in Crisis. He's coming to terms with loss and it's not been going well. Even Iris has taken off for a break. One cool set up on the last couple of pages finally brings in a connection to someone harnessing the Still force. Look forward to seeing where that goes in Flash Year One. Plus I look forward to getting more insight as to who was the blue speedster who broke out of the penitentiary in the 25th century and seems to be controlling Godspeed in the Annual #2. Unless I have that all confused!

[Alex E · Rating 2 out of 5]

The original trickster returns to make sure everyone remembers his name now that everyone has forgot about the original - James Jesse.

I've never been a big fan of the trickster, out of all the rogues, he kind of seemed like the most out of place and goofy (and that's saying something with those guys) so to base a whole volume around him was a bit of a misstep by Joshua Williamson. I think he works best as a partner or part of a group. In my opinion, the volume wasn't as interesting because... cmon how long is the trickster going to "win" before the freaking Flash takes him down? It's just a matter of time.

There are some other issues regarding "The Price" storyline, in this volume, but they are missing the Batman issues, thus a bit confusing and out of order.

Not the best volume of the Flash I've got to say. However, I would say check it out if you are a diehard Flash fan - or of the Trickster!

[Adam Fisher · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars. (If the art was a bit better, this would be a 5)
I think this will go down in history as one of the greatest Trickster stories ever. Determined to cement his name as the greatest villain of Central City, James Jesse takes his time and learns to utilize the Sage Force, giving everyone in town the "curse" of happiness. With everyone happy, is The Flash needed? Such a great fight... read it and see.
Also, this Volume started with the fallout of "Heroes in Crisis" and the loss of Wally West, Iris and Wallace finding out, and a battle against Godspeed, who is working for a new unseen villain.
The end leads into the next Volume "Flash: Year One" because apparently Barry needs to remember something he's forgotten. Guess We'll find out soon!
Recommend.
NOTE: Hopefully more about the Forces soon...

[Krzysztof Grabowski · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nie wiem czy to Williamson traci smykałkę do tej serii, czy ja przestałem się tak "jarać" całkiem niezłymi przygodami Flasha, a może to zwykłe zmęczenie materiałem i należałoby zrobić sobie dłuższą przerwę. Niemniej historia największego numeru oryginalnego Trickstera nie jest interesująca.

Bardzo wiele da się tutaj przewidzieć, a największe zaskoczenia w tym tomie, za szybko okazuje się zwykła hukową petardą. Nic mi to nie dało. Nie ma tu emocji, bo te szybko są studzone wyjaśnieniem. A motyw przejęcia mentalnej kontroli nad mieszkańcami Central City też jest średniawy. Mamy tu sprawdzone wzorce, niekoniecznie tak interesujące, jakby chciał autor.

To plus wprowadzająca historia z innym biegaczem, który płaszczy się przed kolejnym zakulisowym przeciwnikiem. Ej, ale czy to na przełomie samej tej bieżącej serii nie miało już miejsca? I to chyba nie raz...

[Kat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Basic plot: The speed force is dying because of the new forces unleashed, so the Black Flash tries to take out the other force users while Barry Allen desperately tried to prevent anyone from dying and the younger Flash family hunts down the Rogues.

Lots going on here. The art was good at times, but there is at least one artist working on this book who has a distinctly different, more old school style that I don't like nearly as much. The story is moving very fast (no shock, really, for this title). I can feel the speed and the urge cy, but there is very little actual emotion behind it, just a sense of panic. Maybe that is the intent? No clue. The book is good, but it isn't knocking my socks off.

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

This books is really derailed with the events of Heroes in Crisis taking Wally off the board, and it's very noticable. I don't want to say Williamson is burning time till he can get to something better or if just wanted to write a tricker story, but it's really not that engaging of a story. Trickster is sorta rebooted here after the n52 mixup, and of course his neglect filled childhood made him this way, but it taps into more of the same forces, and isn't super exciting to read. Unless it picks up soon, this whole story is running on fumes

[Roxanne · Rating 2 out of 5]

This Flash title hasn't been good for awhile and I can't say it's improved with this volume. There's some stuff with Godspeed that I'm sure will come back around, but it mostly revolves around the original Trickster. The story feels like filler and really doesn't have much weight to it. You would think Barry would be dealing with the death of Wally West more, but it's really only covered in the first issue presented. All and all, it's meh. Not a compete drag, but not a ton of fun either.

[AviChaim Snyder · Rating 3 out of 5]

This volume was ok. Was hoping for the Trickster to be more consequential than he was due to him being teased throughout the series but it felt that this "villain of the week" was dealt with very quickly while also putting some aspects of the Status Quo back. I'm a fan of this Flash run and there are so many aspects that have been fun and cool to read; however, there's also a lot of parts, mainly plot wise, that are falling a little flat. Grade: B-

[Erik · Rating 2 out of 5]

The backstory for the Trickster was a bit generic and didn't get me to feel any sympathy for the character, which seemed to be the point early on. The circus twist doesn't work very well either, as I can't imagine people would get so upset watching what they assume is child abuse only to turn around and applaud when they realize they've been played. Trickster has always been a character that I felt worked fine as a supporting character, but here he comes off as pretty annoying.

[J.J Flores · Rating 3 out of 5]

This volume is kinda divided in two arcs. In the first one, the Rogues came back and are trying to take control again (as always). And the second one is about the Black Flash, a monster trying to take control of all forces, but Hunter Solomon will take care of this, after Flash tells him the truth about his mother and Thawne.

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

I never read Flash in the comics before, except in crossover circumstances. I never thought I would like the character until I started watching the CW show. This probably wasn't the best storyline to start with as much of it was steeped in many events that have been going on previously in the book and others. I'm thinking Year One is going to be a much better launching point for me.

[MetaComix · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why is this so poorly rated!? I mean the annual was pointless, I get it, but the Trickster story? Holy crap!

This was simply the creepiest Flash story I've ever read. I never really cared for the Trickster, but Williamson just proved that he's one of the most dangerous enemies of the Scarlet Speedster. Loved every second of this arc.