The Flash #30 Review

Written by: Robert Venditti and Van Jensen
Art by: Brett Booth
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: April 23, 2014

Getting Up to Speed

The main reason to check out Flash this month is the new creative team of Robert Venditti, Van Jensen and Brett Booth.  It's always fun to see how a new team goes about making their mark and the three do it by presenting a time traveling mystery, the return of a fan favorite character and a story that's a good jumping on point for new readers.  Everything is in place, but is it any good?

Central City is a mess.  I mean, it's not as bad as Gotham, but what city is?  I'm joking, but it's a real mess. Gorilla Grodd and the Crime Syndicate may be to blame, but a certain really fast running guy blames himself. The people of Central City are trying to pick up the pieces and that includes the CCPD and Barry Allen.  In order to return to duty they must all pass a psychological evaluation.  We may not know the final bit of Forever Evil, but we can guess two things...the good guys won and it took it's toll on everyone.



I really enjoyed the whole psychologist bit.  It shows that Forever Evil had a major impact on everyone. Venditti and Jensen don't just sweep it under the carpet like most comics do.  It is also pretty funny.  Barry is busy talking about his feelings of helplessness during FE, then when the Doctor turns away, he speeds off to save people as the Flash only to come back just in time to continue the session.  It's also a pretty good way to get people up to speed on where the book and the DCU have been.

Everything isn't all catch-up and talk about your feelings, though.  The book starts five years in the future and ends Twenty years ahead.  Both times involve the return of Wally West...sort of.  Something has gone terribly wrong with Flash (and Central City) and it looks like it all leads back to Wally.  The ending will definitely have people talking and I'm interested to see if they like it.  As of right now, I'm skeptically optimistic.  I will be back next month (as if that was in question) so mission accomplished. On a side note, I did like the headlines of the newspapers behind Barry in the final scenes.  Rogues fans pay attention.

I also liked Brett Booth's art in a big way.  I've never been disappointed with Booth's work so I guess the trend continues.  Anyone who was worried about him replacing Francis Manapul can relax because it is fun, fast and awesome.  Just like it should be.

The only complaint I have this month is I wanted more Flash.  I realize it's a new creative team trying to get everyone up to speed, but I'm a spoiled brat.  I've been reading the whole time, I know what's what and I want more Flash!  Okay, I'm done being an ass and realize the value of a good jumping on issue.

Bits and Pieces:

Venditti and Jensen hit all the notes of a good first issue.  We get some catch-up mixed in with a really interesting cliffhanger.  Brett Booth's art is awesome especially the scenes with Flash being Flash. Unfortunately, there wasn't enough of those to make this a great "Flash" book, but it was a good comic book that shows Barry and company are in good hands going forward.

8.0/10