[Editor’s Note: This review may contain spoilers]
Writer: Joshua Williamson
Artist: Scott Kolins
Reviewed By: Derek McNeil
Summary
“THE ROAD TO FLASH WAR!” Wally West is overwhelmed by fragments from his past! With his protégé’s psyche falling apart, Barry Allen races around the DCU calling in every favor possible to save his shattered family. Meanwhile, Hunter Zolomon’s sinister machinations tip over the first domino in what might prove to be the end of everything for The Flash!
Positives
This issue further explores Wally’s memories of a world no one else seems to remember. What is fascinating about these memories are recognizable to the reader as pre-Flashpoint DC Universe history.
Barry and Wally turn to a number of their allies for help: Martian Manhunter, Zatanna, Green Lantern Jessica Cruz, and Cyborg – but none of them are able to figure out what’s happening to Wally.
Wally’s condition allows for a number of nods to DC’s past. For example, Wally sees Cyborg’s appearance alternating between various Teen Titans/Titans versions and the modern version.
Also, we see an exhibit with a sign reading: “1940 G, 1956 S, 1986 B, 2006 P” – which refers to the years in which the various Flashes first appeared in comics: Golden Age (Jay), Silver Age (Barry), Bronze Age (Wally), and Pre-Flashpoint (Bart).
Wally seeks refuge in the Flash Museum, but it is truly heartbreaking to see the expression on his face when he realizes that the Museum doesn’t exist. Wally is losing touch with reality and his fear is palpable.
Barry also makes the observation that he had similar visions just before Wally returned in the DC Universe: Rebirth special. Could it be that Wally’s visions are presaging another return? Could it be Jay Garrick? Bart Allen? Max Mercury?
We also witness how Hunter Zolomon (a.k.a. Zoom) has an epiphany. He is now no longer motivated by a twisted desire to help Wally reach his full potential – he now only wants revenge on both Barry and Wally. Zoom promises to take them down the road to war, which we will see in the “Flash War” storyline starting next issue.
Negatives
This issue is a near-perfect lead-in to the Flash-War, and doesn’t hit any sour notes. However, although Wally’s new Flash costume has grown on me, I wish the colour was closer to Barry’s crimson. The colour seems too dark, and in some panels appears to be almost purple, which really looks odd. However, this is a minor quibble at best.
Verdict
DC has a summer chock full of major events: the Batman/Catwoman wedding, Man Of Steel, and Justice League: No Justice. But it seems that the main event will really take place in the pages of The Flash. Despite the hype for the other events, be sure to not to forget about the “Flash War.”
