The Flash #35 Review

Why So Serious?

Written by: Joshua Williamson and Michael Moreci
Art by: Pop Mhan, Ivan Plascencia and Steve Wands
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: November 21, 2017

Are you ready for Negative Flash?  It's funny, I probably would have said "no" a couple months back, but now that Meena's made her full return, I think I'm into it.  Yea, I really want Joshua Williamson to move forward with something new, but this is one of the last old threads I hope he ties up.  So, is it any good?  Let's find out...


The issue opens with a very quick flashback to show us what happened to Meena when she was absorbed into the Speed Force after Godspeed attacked her.  I actually am a bit shocked that there wasn't more here because it serves as the main reason she is back...REVENGE!  Yea, Black Hole saved her and now she is out for Barry's hide.

We continue with Meena telling Barry why she hates him and it basically comes down Barry hoarding the Speed Force and it's knowledge for himself.  There is a bit of "why didn't he save me" thrown in for good measure, bit it rang a bit hollow and forced.  I need more to make me feel her pain and accept this heel turn.  The scene ends with Barry having to let Meena go to save Kid Flash, but in a continuation of what we've gotten in recent issues, it's a team effort that saves the day.

This is what I've wanted in this book for a long time and am so glad we are getting it, even if it's still not fully Flash/Kid Flash adventures.  I hope that Williamson realizes that when he actually lets up on the dark stories he seems to love pushing and has a little bit of fun and hope (sounds like the Rebirth promise there) that this series becomes so much better.

We then head off to see Meena as we are reminded of the dangers of the Negative Speed Force and also introduced to the big bad behind Black Hole and the Speed Force Storm that opened up this series.  I can't say I have any real feeling about it yet, since I usually take a wait and see attitude with things like this and also because it really came out of left field.

We then get a little, but very ominous bit with Kirsten in Iron Heights, a very minor update on the Iris/Barry situation and a cliffhanger that I hope isn't what I think it is.  The problem is, I can't see it being anything else.

If you've been reading from the start, I think you will like this issue of the Flash.  I still am holding out hope that this suddenly becomes a fun book, but maybe I'm asking for too much.  The parts with Barry and Wally have that potential, but even then, Williamson holds back by continuing to have Wally be upset with Barry.  Still, I am interested in seeing what happens with Meena and the Negative Speed Force, Blackhole and this bloody cliffhanger.  Plus, Pop Mhan's art is great in this issue!

Bits and Pieces:

The Flash continues being a book that is good enough for me to continue with, but not great enough to recommend.  Joshua Williamson keeps giving readers a darker tone that may excite some, but not this guy.  I want Flash to be fun!

7.0/10