The Flash #29 Review

Written by: Brian Buccellato
Art by: Augustin Padilla
Cover Price $2.99I
Release Date: March 26, 2014

A Killer Finale?

Brian Buccellato (along with Francis Manapul) have made The Flash one of the best books in the New 52. It's been action packed fun from the start, but all good things must come to an end.  Yes, Manapul and Buccellato are leaving for Detective Comics, but Brian stayed behind to finish up The Flash with a couple artists joining him.  The last few issues seemed to be a proving ground for Detective Comics with Barry doing less running and more crime scene investigating and I have enjoyed it.  The Flash #29 ends the Keystone Killer arc and Buccelleto's run, but is it a worthy ending?

I will say it now, I was very disappointed with this issue.  It was a lackluster end to such a great run.  The ending hints that this issue is a setup for the new creative team, but I'm not even sure of that.  We do get a bunch of smoke screens and red herrings as to Barry's history and his Mother's killer.  In the end we are no closer to knowing the truth.  I also was not a fan of the text heaviness of this issue.  A mystery/Detective story is bound to be exposition heavy, but it really slowed the pace down and that's something that should never happen in The Flash.

Like I said, I have enjoyed the CSI aspect of this arc, but this issue throws that away for a bit of nonsense and out of left field actions.  The Keystone Killer is defeated by some good vibrations and a House of Mystery appearance.  Guest Star, Deadman, even seemed confused.  It may also have been the text heaviness of the issue.  A mystery/Detective story is bound to be exposition heavy, but it really slowed down this issue.

I was also confused when I didn't see Patrick Zircher's name on the cover.  I loved his art on the last couple of issues and the book didn't dip in quality at all.  This issue features Augustin Padilla and there is now a dip. The art is average without the speed and flashiness (I'm sorry, but it's true) this book is known for.  Again, it's a letdown for what should be a great sendoff.

Maybe I was hoping for more from one of my favorite books and writer in the DCU, but this issue fell flat for me.  I can't wait to see what the new team has in store and also what Buccellato and Manapul do on Detective Comics, but until then I can't help feel a little sad. I promise I will always remember the good times.  Now I'm just getting carried away, sorry.

Bits and Pieces:

I love Brian Buccellato's Flash.  However, I was expecting a better sendoff than this issue gave fans.  The story and art are average and that just isn't what this series has been.  This was my least favorite issue so far and it's a real shame it came at the end of such a wonderful run.  A blackeye on an otherwise picture perfect face.

6.0/10