The Flash #1

Title: The Flash #1
Publisher: DC Comics
Writer(s): Geoff Johns
Artist(s): Francis Manapul
Colorist(s): Brian Buccellato
Letterer(s): Nick J. Napolitano
Cover Artist: Francis Manapul

Story/Concept: (6/10) Your standard first issue of a new series nothing in here that knocked my socks off about the book that would make me want to stay with this title past this issue or maybe even the first story arc at most.

Writing: (6/10) Geoff Johns is a talented writer but I think with all the added responsible as the creative architect of the DC Universe it is starting to affect his work and it is not as strong as it once was. I know he is trying to establish Barry Allen back into the main DCU but one issue in I’m not feeling it. So far it is feeling like déjà vu, we have been in this world before with Wally and it serving more as a reminder how cool Wally West was and how lame Barry Allen comes across. But since this is Geoff Johns I will give him a chance to prove me wrong since I have been so fond of a lot of his past works, he as earned that much.

Art: (9/10) This was the total high point in this first issue for me the great artwork of Francis Manapul which is becoming a up and coming talent that is just getting better and better. His style has evolved so much since I first saw his work on Legion of Superheroes and I must say I like it a lot. He has gotten looser with his pencil so it has a more light classic comic style compared to his more manga-influenced work in Legion. But this work comes off more fluid and lively all the characters seem to jump off the page. Also Francis plays with aspects of page layout and goes some amazing action panels and splash pages. The whole art team did a stellar job from top to bottom from color to ink and art these are what good comics are made of.

Cover: (8/10) I like the image Manapul choose it is classic Flash showing the power and the speed, which are the cornerstone of the character.

Overall: (7/10) Not the greatest first issue I have ever read, but I’m along for the ride I will order the first trade and make an ultimate decision after I read a complete story arc. Not head over heals with the story but I love the artwork so only time will tell if the writing will ever catch up to the quality of the art on the book.

Bottom Line: This is not Geoff Johns best work, but it is worth a try if you’re a fan of the character but I feel patience is required for this one.

Comic Book Savant