Review: Flash #6

The reason why I dare to read this book is that I want tosee if The Flash can be more than just aguy running fast.

I pleasantly impressed that it is.

While this book isn’t as pensive as Animal Man or as artistic in its world building as Memorial, Flashis a fun superhero comic.

Buccellato and Manapul, the writers, have developed someinteresting ways to challenge the fastest man on Earth.  This issue has the Scarlet Speedstertussling with Captain Cold.  Coldno longer needs the guns to create the cold.  The opening panels have the Flash coming closer and closeras his fist closes in for a punch. And then Captain Cold intercepts him.

That’s a great metaphor for the limitations put on theFlash.  In the last issue welearned that the Speed Force has been creating wormholes that may unravelreality.  Flash gets his scientistfriend to build a meter to warn the hero when his speed force power emissionsget close to critical.

As the plot jumps back in time from the current fight withCaptain Cold, we see that Barry’s getting closer to his girlfriend and Coldstands to lose his sister to a brain tumor.  Cold and Keystone City blame The Flash for the e.m.p. thatknocked out the power.  Saidblackout kept the doctor from operating to remove the tumor.

Cold and Flash battle in the harbor as a spire of weakeningice holds up the ferry with Barry’s girlfriend.

For a “New 52” book, this issue feels new.  I had a blast reading it, and I enjoyedthe barriers that Barry must face to be the hero and save the day.

Score: 4/5

Writers: Francis Manapul & Brian Buccellato

Art: Francis Manapul

Letters: Wes Abbott

Colors: Brian Buccellato

Publisher: DC Comics

Price: $2.99

Release Date: 2/22/12