Flash #39 Review

War is Coming!

Written by: Joshua Williamson
Art by: Carmine De Giandomenico, Ivan Plascencia, and Steve Wands
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: January 24, 2018

While I wasn't to keen on the Flash book after it's first arc of Rebirth, Joshua Williamson is really turning it around.  Sure, having the Rogues make another appearance certainly didn't hurt, but it's more the sense of fun that has made me a fan once again.  Finally, Williamson seems to be ready to leave sadsack Barry behind and make the Fastest Man Alive fun to read again.  Now we get Grodd?!?!  That has to be awesome, right?  Let's find out...

The issue begins with a narration about man and power and before going into the story, it doesn't mean a whole lot at first, but damn does it look great!  It leads to Barry's meeting with Iris and I did have a smile on my face as they decide to be friends again, but also to stop holding secrets from each other.  Of course, that is more directed at Barry and him and Iris finally have a longer conversation about being the Flash.

Moving on, we catch up with Wally and it's back to old business as Karver is being taken to trial for his crimes while being part of Black Hole.  I don't mind this too much as it will hopefully get us to move forward with totally new stories once it's done, but I have to admit, every time I read in this book about the Speed Force Storm turning Wally into a Speedster, it does make me angry.  Wally had Speed Force powers way before Rebirth and this book's first big story!  Must be...Kid Flash Reborn!  Things pick up when Avery shows up...now she DID get her powers from Karver's storm and I love her so much!

The fun ends when a jailbreak ends in Karver's death and while Avery and Wally try to take care of it, Barry is giving Iris a tour of the Watchtower.  The two continue debating why Barry kept his identity secret when suddenly everything around Barry slows to a halt after hearing a strange voice in his head.  It leads him first to Multiplex, then Meena, then Raijin and then...I won't spoil it even though it's on the cover and I mentioned him in my intro paragraph.  Okay, I won't be silly...It's Grodd and
he looks awesome!

This is a setup issue through and through.  We are again told the Flash's origin (really?) and are caught up with all the major characters.  I still liked this issue, though, as the art was kick ass and Williamson is still making this a lot more fun to read.  Plus...Grodd!!!

Bits and Pieces:

The Flash Wars are coming so if you want to jump on the book and get up to speed before that happens, this issue is a good place for that.  You will get caught up with the major players and even get reacquainted with some old favorites.  All that and great art to boot!

8.0/10