The Flash #750 Review

Published by: DC

 

Celebration issues are always fun and are made even better when they kick-off new storylines. And that is exactly what we get here with Flash’s 750th issue (just on the heels of Wonder Woman attaining the same milestone). As there are 6 stories contained within this issue, I’ll give each story a quick review. High level, does it succeed as a fun issue? Absolutely! This is one of the better milestone issues I’ve read in awhile as it offers a new beginning to one hero, gives the conclusion of another, and starts off Barry’s new adventure against his new villain: Paradox.

 

“Flash Age, Pt. 1”

Writer: Joshua Williamson

Pencillers: Rafa Sandoval & Stephen Segovia

Inkers: Jordi Tarragona & Stephen Segovia

Colorist: Arif Prianto

Letterer: Steve Wands

 

The main story of this issue continues Williamson’s run on The Flash and offers the first encounter between Barry and his new villain Paradox. We were introduced to Paradox in the previous issue and got his backstory as well as his reasons for wanting to attack Barry. However, that wasn’t the main crux of this issue as their confrontation only happens at the end of this segment of the issue. 

 

The rest is dedicated to a celebration of The Flash as a hero as, interspersed throughout a conversation between Barry and Iris, we get snippets of various people that Barry has saved over his career. This offers a great contrast to Paradox - as he’s an antagonist that was essentially born out of being a bystander to one of Flash’s villain fights. 

 

The art team of Sandoval, Segovia and Tarragona do a good job throughout the issue. I particularly liked Segovia’s interstitials with all the people that Flash has saved. Sandoval’s pencils offer a good sense of speed (to Flash) and great framing. Tarragona’s inks aren’t as sharp as I’ve seen in past issues though, and unfortunately drown out a lot of Sandoval’s pencils with unnecessary inks. 

 

“Beer Run”

Writer: Geoff Johns

Artist: Scott Kolins

Colorist: Michael Atiyeh

Letterer: Steve Rob Leigh

 

This short story is a great look at the everyday, civilian life of Captain Cold and is perfectly told by Johns and Kolins. Simply put, Leonard Snart loves an underdog and loves his Keystone City Combines (a hockey team). And you know what? All he wants is some beer. 

The subsequent interaction, and misunderstanding at the convenience store, is a great use of the short-story format in comics. Really fun, quick read. And I hope Cold’s team gets better. :D

 

“Why You?

Writers: Francis Manapul & Brian Buccellato

Artist: Francis Manapul

Letterer: Joshua Reed

 

I had been a fan of the Flash for most of the 2000s and really enjoyed Wally as the titular character (and a brief stint with Bart as the main guy). However, after Flashpoint, Manapul and Buccellato’s run cemented my love for the character. The stories were good, but I’ll admit it was Manapul’s artwork that sold me (and should really have sold anyone who has seen it). 

 

Having said that, this short was a great return to form for both Buccellato and Manapul as they explored what it meant to be the Flash, and would it have really needed to be Barry? The answer? No, not really, but he’s glad he’s the one that got the responsibility. 

 

“Flash of all Worlds”

Writer: Marv Wolfman

Artist: Riley Rossmo

Colorist: Ivan Plascencia

Letterer: Deron Bennett

 

This short by Wolfman, Rossmo and Plascencia, is a fun fight between The Flash and Mirror Master (Scudder). It’s nothing too new, but showcases Flash’s engenuity when it comes to facing off against his Rogue’s gallery. 

 

I particularly liked Rossmo’s art in this short. I’m not as familiar with their art, but it was a nice change of pace with a very distinctive style. 

 

“At the Starting Line”

Writer: Joshua Williamson 

Artist: David Marquez

Colorist: Alejandro Sanchez

Letterer: Steve Wands

 

I’m sure by now most fans of DC have heard rumours of a 5G event that is potentially happening. Well, this short by Williamson, Marquez and Sanchez is a not too subtle hint that it is happening. The short stars Jay Garrick’s Golden Age Flash as he fights the Thinker. The clues to 5G are all in the dialogue as we get hints of Wonder Woman being in action in 1940 and the hints of the beginning of a possible Justice Society. Maybe?

 

Marquez is in top form here and is supported to great effect by Sanchez. This is bright, fluid, and Garrick is everything you want in a superhero here. Marquez also has a great eye for movement as a few of the pages will attest to. Flash utilizing his helmet as a weapon is a great visual in Marquez’s hands. 

 

“Flash Forward: Epilogue”

Writer: Scott Lobdell 

Penciller: Brett Booth

Inker: Norm Rapmund

Colorist: Luis Guerrero

Letterer: ALW’s Troy Peteri

 

The final installment in this celebratory issue is an epilogue to the recently completed Flash Forward mini-series by Lobdell, Booth, Rapmund and Guerrero, as it explores what has been happening to Wally West. This short serves two purposes: 1. To catch up any Flash fan that did not pick up Flash Forward and explain the changes that have happened to Wally; and 2. Really push the narrative that things are exactly what they seem in the timeline (I’m pretty sure this is another reference to 5G in the making). 

 

I’ve enjoyed Booth’s work in the past, and continue to do so in this short. My favorite part is probably the split pages that are used to showcase some of the changes to the timeline.

 

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All in all, this was a very fun issue of The Flash and does an amazing job of setting up not only the upcoming storyline in the series, but also what we can expect potentially in the next year. Great job!