THE FLASH has consistently been one of the New 52's fun and exciting titles. Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato make a great team in writing together along with Manapul's art and Buccellato's colors. We're seeing Barry Allen make his way in the New 52 and there have been many obstacles thrown his way. He's currently dealing with Gorilla Grodd and the attack of his gorilla army but that will be the least of his worries when we see the debut of a new Reverse Flash.
We asked the two some questions to get an idea what's coming up.
Comic Vine: Looks like Barry and Patty Spivot have become closer. Is he ever going to try to save Iris West from the Speed Force?
Brian Buccellato: Barry and Patty are REALLY close. But that doesn't mean that Iris is going to be in the Speed Force forever. Without giving away, all I can say is… stay tuned. Perhaps their paths will cross soon. :)
Francis Manapul: Barry was told by Turbine that Iris was lost in time. His hesitance to go back to the past and potentially alter anything has prevented him from this search. That and barrel full of apes has kept him quite busy. However we will see a resolution to this by the end of Gorilla War.
CV: We're seeing a new character, Daniel West, Iris' brother. Can we assume he'll play a role in Iris' return?
BB: I wouldn't go making ANY assumptions about Daniel. This kid is a bit of a wild card and who knows what to expect from him.
CV: Will we find out what he's been doing since we first saw him in issue #0?
FM: This new year will bring on a lot of new information about the West family. Daniel and Iris has had a falling out in the past, and we'll be exploring what cut the familial ties.
BB: Absolutely! He is a part of the New 52 Flash universe and we look forward to exploring his experiences and how he relates to the others in book -- especially his big sister and any other friends and/or family members that cross his path.
== TEASER ==
CV: Word is we're going to see a new Reverse Flash. Where did the decision come from to create a third Reverse Flash for the New 52 instead of a previous one?
BB: I can't divulge trader secrets… but I can say that It all came about from a conversation between myself, Francis, Dan DiDio, and our editors Matt Idelson and Chris Conroy. I will say that Francis and I never really considered using the pre-52 version of Reverse Flash. That ground is well worn and so we prefer to just keep "moving forward".
FM: After our discussion with the gang, the introduction of Reverse Flash into the New 52 actually flowed seamlessly with the story we were telling. We're excited to introduce this "new" threat to Barry and his supporting cast.
CV: Tough question: is this the first time Barry has faced a Reverse Flash (or remembers facing a Reverse Flash) in the New 52?
BB: Yup. He has no recollection of pre 52 events and so this will be his FIRST dealing with Reverse Flash.
CV: Word also is Reverse Flash is getting a new look. What was the reason for that besides showing off how skilled you guys are?
FM: Our reason for updating his look stems more from the story. It has nothing to do with a desire to out do the past, but rather do whats right for the story we are telling. What we needed from the new iteration of Reverse Flash is a character that elicits fear in the our protagonist and the readers.
BB: Honestly, the way we are approaching the character and his/her motivations requires an entirely different look and feel. This may be a bit of a knock against the classic versions, but MAAAAAN his costume was YELLOW. I'm sure some might hammer me for not liking the old costume, but I think our version looks WAY MORE badass and, dare I say, SCARY.
CV: Is the Flash still going to struggle with the public's opinion of him as a hero after Dr. Elias turned on him?
BB: After ALL of the recent heroism that Flash has exhibited in Central City, he MAY finally catch a break from the public. And it looks like the worm has turned for that untrustworthy jerk, Elias. I wonder how he's gonna handle it.
FM: Let's see if he can survive Gorilla War first ;)
CV: Have you already thought about what's coming up after the Reverse Flash story?
FM: "Just when I thought I was out... they pull me back in". In short. Yes.
BB: Oh, yes… we are hammering away at our next arc… and even the craziness that will follow after that. It's gonna be a hell of a 2013, folks. :)
CV: Francis, did Brian tell you he said he was going to bring back Dr. Guerrero?
BB: Uhm.. hey Francis… I told Tony that we would bring Dr Guerrero back.
FM: I'll think about it. :)
THE FLASH #16 is on sale January 30, 2013.