Like most readers, I felt disappointed after reading this issue. Sure, superheroes come back from the dead all the time, but Barry Allen, who for a generation of readers wasthe Flash, was dead for a long time. He gave his life to save the world, or worlds, from the Anti-Monitor in 1985’s Crisis on Infinite Earths. Virtually unseen since then, Barry’s mantle was taken over by his nephew Wally West. In my mind, Wally isthe Flash, and then when Bart Allen showed up as Impulse, and later Kid Flash, that was enough to fulfill my speedster requirements. So why bring Barry back? Good question.
And it’s one that goes unanswered here. Writer Geoff Johns and artist Ethan Van Sciver are a great dynamic duo, and they brought Hal Jordan back to the land of the living in Green Lantern: Rebirth 5 years ago. That was a phenomenal, meaningful, action-packed series, and as much as I grew up enjoying Kyle Rayner as GL,it was great to see Hal return. That’s not the feeling I get here. There’s enough of a framework constructed for future issues to build upon, but I can’t really say I’m entirely interested. I’ll keep paying attention though, only because Johns is an expert story builder, and Van Sciver’s art is impressive here, as always, with it’s fluidity and extreme motion. At last year’s Comic-Con I sat in on the panel where Van Sciver explained his enthusiasm for this series and his interpretations of the Speed Force. I look forward to seeing that more than anything else in this series.
This is an issue not for newbies, with it’s abundant guest stars (primarily the JSA) and the complicated relationships Barry has with other speedsters (exactly how did Bart get resurrected, and why his anger at Barry’s return?). I can only hope this series will become more focused in the future, and I am somewhat intrigued to see how the DCU adjusts to this latest development.
Not much happens here though. Basically Barry talks with Hal at the Flash Museum, and various other spandex wearers talk about Barry, filling in a few details about him along the way for perplexed readers. I was happy to see the return of Savitar, a villain I haven’t seen in years, and the surprises that the Speed Force holds are intriguing. THough the revelation about Barry’s father-not so much. The ads for this series have claimed that Barry is back and it’s the worst thing that could’ve happened to him. How that plays out will be mildly intriguing, but I guess after the spoils of GL: Rebirth, I was expecting more. This is a slow build rather than a shot out of the gate, but Johns can usually be trusted. I hope he knows what he’s doing.
I’ve been reading the Superman Homepage for, well, years now. It’s the place to go for all your Supes-related news. Yesterday, being April Fool’s Day, they launched a few pearlers. 
Challengers Comics is throwing a city wide party this Saturday April 4th, 2009 at 5pm.
This is sad. I loved Angel, the Buffy TV series spin off. Sure, David Boranaz isn’t the greatest actor, but Angel was awesome -perhaps even better than Buffy. Not as funny, but it had characters worth caring for and those lovely cliff hanger endings that creator Joss Whedon (and fanboys) love so much. The singing demon Lorne was one of the show’s highlights and the light to the dark the stories often presented. Sadly, the actor who played Lorne, Andy Hallet has passed away. He died on Sunday, at the age of 33-the same age as me, as a result of his heart disease. His impact on the show was great, and his return to the series in the final episode was a truly effective surprise.
This series surprised a few people with it’s high quality upon its debut 4 months ago, especially seeing as it had actor Stephen Baldwin’s name attached to it. I’m glad I gave this a go though and I recommend picking up the eventual Trade when it arrives, particularly if fast paced thrillers with something a little extra are your thing.
I read a lot of comics. I look forward to the Previews catalogue each month and my new comics every Thursday or Friday. For as long as I’ve been reading them, comics have primarily consisted of 22 story pages. Sure, the argument over that arbitrary number re-surfaces from time to time, and perhaps monthlies aren’t as in favour as Trades and OGNs, which find a more welcome home at bookstores, but to make a story have impact in 22 pages is no easy feat. Not every comic I read is a winner of course, and some steal minutes from me as I trudge through them. However, this month has been a good one. And of course, if you read comics, you more than likely want to work “in” comics as a creator. If that’s you, then take note of these recent releases in how to craft an engrossing story.
I picked up War of Kings #1 when it was released a few weeks ago. I haven’t been up to date on all the Marvel happenings lately, but I’m glad I grabbed it. What a space epic! With a royal marriage, speeding spaceships and weird aliens, it was awesome. Now, you can read it for free, and if you like it, the second issue by the same creative team is due out on April Fool’s Day. (No kidding!) Press release below.
comicbookjesus 