The start of a major new arc for the Fastest Man Alive! In the future, The Flash is a broken man. His powers have failed him time and again at great cost to him and the city he has sworn to protect. Now he’s coming back to 2014 to stop the one event that destroyed his life. Meanwhile, in the present, Barry Allen must contend with thieves trying to capitalize on the devastation of FOREVER EVIL. It’s a tale of two timelines that ushers in one of DC’s most storied characters…featuring The New 52 debut of WALLY WEST!
The Good
Story– In the past Barry helps the police arrest a kid for vandalism. He then proceeds to go about his business at work. In the future Barry now clad in Blue has a finale showdown with Gorilla Grodd where he kills him before turning his sights to the past where he plans to kill current day Flash to save the world.
Cover-The future version of Barry Allen has a freaking sweet looking Blue costume! It’s polished, it’s vibrant and it jumps out at you while sitting on the stands.
Parallel- I thought it was quite effective how the writer drew the parallel between current day Flash’s optimism and his no killing stance vs. his future self being pessimistic and his willingness to kill.
Characterization– I’ve never been a fan of Barry Allen he was never “my flash” being a kid of the 90’s but I thought this issue outlined quite well his personality, views as a hero, relationship status and job pretty well. So much so I kept thinking of the classics like Superman and Spider-Man where their jobs were central parts of who they were. Kudos to
Black Hero– The new 52 Wally west makes his debut. Not yet heroic but he does get some background and characterization nonetheless.
Art- Everything looked good and the action flowed together nicely.
The Bad
RIP Wally west (90’s)– So the elephant in the room we’ve been talking about all week the new 52 Wally is black so all hopes are dashed of seeing the old Red head Wally again except in our comics of old.
The Ugly
I have not been this disappointed in a comic book since Marvel touted Luke Cage vs Black Panther back in Black Panther man without fear #517. As a single issue it was average at best. After all the hyping surrounding the debut of the New 52 version of Wally West this was more of a fizzle than a pop. I dare say that without the hype people would have been shocked at the coincidence that this black kid was named Wally West. Anyway I give The Flash Annual #3 – 2.5/5 stars
