[Editor’s Note: This review may contain spoilers.]
Writer: Joshua Williamson
Artist: Howard Porter
Reviewed By: Derek McNeil
Summary
“A Cold Day in Hell” part one! When one of The Flash’s Rogues is murdered inside Iron Heights prison, Barry Allen throws himself deep into the case, still reeling from the turmoil of his personal life! But when the clues begin to reveal an even greater conspiracy at work, The Flash soon discovers Iron Heights’ deadliest secret…
Positives
Last issue left us on a cliffhanger, teasing that a murder had just occurred at Iron Heights, and it appeared that Barry’s co-worker Kristen was the victim. However, we find that the actual victim was a minor Flash villain, who isn’t really a big loss story-wise, whereas Kristen is proving an interesting foil for Barry in his work at Iron Heights.
Also, we get to see Barry at work in his CSI job, which is a bit of a change. What little time we see him as Barr Allen is when he is dealing with Iris or Wally, not working in the lab or analyzing a crime scene.
Also, there are a few brief scenes, where Barry remembers using his detective skills in adventures that sound right out of the Silver Age – “The Mystery of the Murdered Martian”. One shows a Parademon tell him “Darkseid isn’t, Flash! Darkseid isn’t!”, in a nod to the current Mister Miracle series’ refrain of “Darkseid is.”
It also seems that Barry and Wally’s friendship is back to normal, as they amiably tackle bank robbing crooks together with no signs of distrust or anger from Wally.
Also, it appears that Godspeed is joining the Rogues, which could be deadly trouble for Barry. But is really throwing in with them, or is he only pretending to do so to help Barry figure out what’s really going on? Or is he going to play the Flash and the Rogues against each other for his own purposes.
Also, I have to say that Porter’s art is gorgeous in this issue. The art is clean and vibrant, with the character easy to distinguish and the action easy to follow.
Negatives
Yet another month without any mention of Iris. After Barry and her briefly shared a moment in the Dark Nights: Metal crossover issue, I’ve been eager to see that followed up on, so that they can come to a full reconciliation. Hopefully this will get resolved soon.
Verdict
A great issue of a great series. Williamson and Porter have managed to recapture the same magic I remember from reading the adventures of the Flash when I was a kid.
