The Good

Looks like we have a mystery on our hands. We caught a glimpse at the new Reverse Flash last issue. For some reason he's killing those touched by the Speed Force. From the little we see, it opens up the door for major problems for the Flash. Barry Allen is trying to get his life back in order after being presumed dead for a while. Even with all his speed, he might not be prepared for what he finds.

Brian Buccellato and Francis Manapul are reunited as the writers and art team on the book. As the story unfolds, you're going to want to pay close attention to every detail on each page. The two writers have been cryptic in interviews about the motives of this new Reverse Flash and it's a great feeling being able to read a comic and not being sure what's going to happen. Too often these days, the big stories get spoiled intentionally or unintentionally.

It's not just about the Flash and the new threat in town. We're seeing more on the relationship between Barry and Patty but what about Iris? Whenever she shows up you can't help but feel the awkwardness. Manapul and Buccellato know how the unwind the story elements. There's a great variety in the pacing and seeing Barry actually slow down for certain things gives the book a unique feeling. Even the smallest appearances by other characters adds to the overall feel of the book in it not just being about Barry.

Manapul's art combined with Buccellato's colors was missed the last couple issues. Seeing it all is like seeing an old friend. It hasn't been that long but the whole package of art, color and writing is what makes this book stand out from the others.

We get some great set up in the first part of this new arc. It's clear that soe big things are coming.

The Bad

It's issues like this that make you long for the days when issues contained an extra couple pages. While this is a book about a speedster and even though Barry does do some things at normal speed, it almost feels like some minor things had to be sped up a little, like Barry finding out what the nature of Albert's device was.

Gomez and Flash's interaction seemed a tad extreme. It's understandable why Gomez would react that way but having a conversation while fighting just felt a little weird.

The Verdict

Who is the Reverse Flash? What the heck does he want and why is he killing those touched by the Speed Force? That's the big question and you'll be glued to the pages as you try to figure out what he's all about. Buccellato and Manapul are back together after two issues and seeing the art, colors and writing reminds you why this is such a refreshing series. There is plenty that happens here but it feels a tiny bit short on action as it sets up the beginning of a new arc in a big way. With the new character and the tease at the end of this issue, it's going to be a long wait until next month's issue.

This was a great issue, as usual. Can't wait to see what happens next.

I have been loving this book so far. I never thought The Flash was that cool but I bought the first trade and am hooked.

Pardon the pun, but Barry's life has yet to slow down! Seems like he's been facing at least one or more of his rogue gallery every issue at a rapid pace, not to mention his apparent run in with JLD. how the heck does he have time to be on the JL too?

that annual issue and the issue after as well as te capatain cold issues are probably the best so far. thoigh i havent read this issue yet. i went to two stores and neither had it. going to a third tomorrow.

Hope my LCS still have stock for this.

I thought it was pretty obvious who the Reverse Flash is? Dr. Elias or whatever his name is?

The art has really made this book for me.

This one was fantastic.

Maybe I'm just too hard on this book, but I've found the last 3 issues to be mediocre. For some reason, everyone else seems to think otherwise. Am I missing something? I mean, the art is great but as of now the story has hit a lull.

- I honestly don't understand how he jumped to Kid Flash after seeing a reverse Flash icon.

- Also, can the computer not play at anything lower than half speed?

That seems too obvious.

i can't remember who filled in the last few issues but it was a good job , with that said I am really really glad francis and booch are back as one

Good opening issue for this arc. The last 2 issues felt like filler for this one.

This is my favorite issue so far. Really good!

Loved this issue Booch is my favourite writer right now

Glad to see this Dynamic Duo back in action for another great issue.

Having something is better than nothing, and it's obvious that Kid Flash will be targeted by Reverse Flash, better do it in this comic other than that poor excuse of the Teen Titans.

- Bart being targeted by the Reverse Flash? Well, that should be interesting.

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