Flash #3
Written by: Joshua Williamson
Art by: Carmine DI Giandomenico
In the first couple of issues, Joshua Williamson’s Flash failed to live up to its incredible premise by taking a bit too much time to unleash the new band of speedsters that was promised. The series needed a nice dose of the speed-force and now that it’s gotten that, Williamson is finally delivering on his initial premise.
The Flash #3 continues to grow the divide between Barry and his new partner August. Barry has moral codes that he sticks to when dealing with villains and August doesn’t see eye-to-eye with him. The tension is subtle and is growing over time. I like that Williamson is taking his time to define what separates these two characters, and what makes them similar. I am almost positive that he will become the mysterious villain teased at the end of this book and Williamson is doing a fantastic job of setting up his descent into villainy. The slow-burn effect of this transition will undoubtedly be incredibly effective once we reach the turning point of this story. Williamson is playing an effective long-game and that is why this comic may feel like isn’t moving as fast as its characters.
Barry teaching others about the speed force remains a fantastic idea that initially drew me to this series at the Rebirth presentation in March. We had moments of this in the previous issue but this week shows why that premise has been genius all along. Williamson writes a tender moment where Barry helps a young girl speed down by teaching her how to take control of her speed. Williamson brings forth the idea that emotion is what ultimately can help someone control the speed force in this fantastic scene. This impressed me so much because Williamson took about 2 pages to ground the speed force in humanity and make Barry seem like a real hero anyone can relate to. Among a string of good scenes, this one absolutely stole the issue.
Carmine Di Giandomenico returns for his third issue straight and continues to bring vibrancy and fun to this series. Giandomenico’s pencils aptly capture the emotion of the book’s characters in the quiet scenes and perfectly visualize the speed-force’s effects. However, what was most striking about the art here is the darkness of the final pages. The fear portrayed on August’s face felt like he was truly haunted by his encounter with Godspeed (who I believe is his future self). This adds a layer of dread to the villain that has already made him a presence in this story. After 3 issue straight, Giandomenico is still providing us with a fantastic visual complement to Williamson’s great story.
Flash #3 is putting the pieces in motion to raise this comic to the heights of its potential. Williamson’s slow-build approach might turn some readers off but I know it will reward those who stuck around when the payoff arrives. This issue showed us how carefully Williamson is building the tension between August and Barry, convincing me that when these two reach their ultimate split, it will be well worth the wait.
Art by: Carmine DI Giandomenico
In the first couple of issues, Joshua Williamson’s Flash failed to live up to its incredible premise by taking a bit too much time to unleash the new band of speedsters that was promised. The series needed a nice dose of the speed-force and now that it’s gotten that, Williamson is finally delivering on his initial premise.
The Flash #3 continues to grow the divide between Barry and his new partner August. Barry has moral codes that he sticks to when dealing with villains and August doesn’t see eye-to-eye with him. The tension is subtle and is growing over time. I like that Williamson is taking his time to define what separates these two characters, and what makes them similar. I am almost positive that he will become the mysterious villain teased at the end of this book and Williamson is doing a fantastic job of setting up his descent into villainy. The slow-burn effect of this transition will undoubtedly be incredibly effective once we reach the turning point of this story. Williamson is playing an effective long-game and that is why this comic may feel like isn’t moving as fast as its characters.
Barry teaching others about the speed force remains a fantastic idea that initially drew me to this series at the Rebirth presentation in March. We had moments of this in the previous issue but this week shows why that premise has been genius all along. Williamson writes a tender moment where Barry helps a young girl speed down by teaching her how to take control of her speed. Williamson brings forth the idea that emotion is what ultimately can help someone control the speed force in this fantastic scene. This impressed me so much because Williamson took about 2 pages to ground the speed force in humanity and make Barry seem like a real hero anyone can relate to. Among a string of good scenes, this one absolutely stole the issue.
Carmine Di Giandomenico returns for his third issue straight and continues to bring vibrancy and fun to this series. Giandomenico’s pencils aptly capture the emotion of the book’s characters in the quiet scenes and perfectly visualize the speed-force’s effects. However, what was most striking about the art here is the darkness of the final pages. The fear portrayed on August’s face felt like he was truly haunted by his encounter with Godspeed (who I believe is his future self). This adds a layer of dread to the villain that has already made him a presence in this story. After 3 issue straight, Giandomenico is still providing us with a fantastic visual complement to Williamson’s great story.
Flash #3 is putting the pieces in motion to raise this comic to the heights of its potential. Williamson’s slow-build approach might turn some readers off but I know it will reward those who stuck around when the payoff arrives. This issue showed us how carefully Williamson is building the tension between August and Barry, convincing me that when these two reach their ultimate split, it will be well worth the wait.
A Look Inside
