Flash Archives - GeeksHaveGame

November 10, 2017

FISTFUL of COMICS [Mini-Reviews]: The Flash, Guardians of the Galaxy, Jetsons and Eternity!

Hey geeks and geekettes! Welcome to GHG’s renewed Fistful of Comics, where — rather than focusing at length on a mere handful of drops for the week — we’ll be giving quick thoughts on the majority of important funnybooks released with least one extensive focal comic of the week.

Hopefully our swift blurbs will give you a swifter idea whether the book is worth the trip to your Local Comic Shizzop or not. Let us know what you think of this new, rapid-fire feature at GodHatesGeeks on Facebook and on Twitter @GodHatesGeeks.com !

Flash Rebirth 34.

The Flash has been by far one of the best rebirth titles to come from DCs “reboot that wasn’t a reboot”. In this issue we revisit one of the most enjoyable early stories in the title. Back in the first arc we met August Heart and Meena, who had both become speedsters thanks to being struck by lightning from the speed force storm. In an epic battle at the end of that arc between God Speed (August Heart) and the other speedsters, we were left believing Meena had been killed. However, back in issue 20 we the readers found out she is very much alive, and working for the Black Hole.

In this issue, she uses her ability to track other speedsters to find Barry and inform him of her survival. She tells Wally and Barry that rather than being killed, she was in fact absorbed by the speed force. She knows about Barry being infected with the negative speed force and claims she wants to help him, and enlightens him to the fact that having both speed force and negative speed force in his body simultaneously is ripping him apart.

Barry is so glad to see Meena alive he does not question what she tells him, and whilst happily reminiscing about their past together, leaves himself vulnerable. In a predictable turn Barry and Wally are captured by the Black Hole agents, having been set up by Meena. Meena then runs around Barry, removing the negative speed force from him and thus becoming the negative flash herself.

This issue again reiterates the underlying theme that Barry cannot control his emotions, and lets them get in his way – prior to their capture Meena states “you always let that big heart get the best of you”. I feel the whole negative speed force storyline has been to further convey Reverse Flash’s message, that Barry is his own worst enemy. This would also explain why Barry was unable to control the negative speed force, because it in itself was controlled by emotions.

If you have been following the Flash from the beginning, then you will definitely love this issue. Meena and God Speed (who was shown in the previous issue) were some of the best new characters to be added to the rebirth and it is good to see them back. There is perhaps potential for Meena to develop into a reverse flash-esque character, and become a very popular villain. I think that God Speed/ August heart will also be worked into this story somehow, possibly to work alongside Barry and Wally against Meena and the Black Hole. I am also glad to see that Barry has finally had the negative speed force removed from him, as I felt this story had dragged on a little too long and was becoming repetitive – every time he used his powers he would destroy parts of the city and become even more emotional. The only negative was that as soon as Meena was revealed to be alive and working for the Black Hole, it was rather predictable that the Black Hole would later appear to attack Barry and Wally.

4.5/5 – Speedsters Agree!

Written by Jordan Robertson

Guardians of the Galaxy #146 “Infinity Quest” Part 1

The Guardians are causing trouble again… What else is new?

2014’s Guardians of the Galaxy vaulted a rag-tag group of space rogues from comic book obscurity into cinematic stardom. Who could predict that a comic book property that was largely unknown even to hard core Marvel fans would prove to be Hollywood gold? Now, two films, an animated TV show and about 700 million dollars later, the Guardians truly have conquered the Galaxy.

GotG #146 is the newest issue from writer Gerry Duggan and artist Marcus To. Here we find the current roster of the Guardians (Quill, Gamora, Drax, Rocket, Groot and Ant-Man) united as they hunt for the infinity stones. One of the biggest complaints that Marvel comics has received lately is the tendency for the storylines and characters to match the continuity of the movies. This generally makes sense to make the cinematic and comic universes feel more streamlined, but often this course correction can feel forced. Case in point, the presence of Baby Groot and the hunt for the aforementioned infinity stones. Both of these plot points represent the status quo of the current Marvel films and the comic book storylines have been adjusted to reflect this.

Marvel storylines have recently suffered from a lack of originality. At one time, Marvel comics was a breeding ground for superhero fiction, offering the film and TV studios a literal universe of storylines and characters to cherry pick from. Now the reverse seems to be true, where popular characters and plot points from the movies and television are now thrust into the comics, usually without much creative effort or intent. The result is a comic book universe that feels supplemental to its cinematic counterpart as opposed to the other way around. I don’t know why there’s a Baby Groot or why the Guardians care about the Infinity stones or why Ant-Man is now a member but It’s obvious that they want to mimic the movies as closely as they can. I’m not opposed to this tactic, I was just hoping for a more entertaining execution.

In “infinity Quest” part 1, we find our titular space swindlers up to no good again as they go undercover as members of the Nova Corps. There intention is to use the Nova Corps’ resources to assist them in their search for the Infinity Stones. All hell breaks loose when Ultron bots begin to show up and wreak havoc as they lock onto Ant-Man’s signature (Ultron and Ant-Man share the same creator; Hank Pym). Once again, all of these characters are recognizable from Marvel films. Ultron feels spoonfed into the storyline as yet another way to connect the comic to the movie universe. It all feels lazy and poorly executed. All of the Guardians have their expected personalities and nuances, and the issue progresses with little to no character development.

Marcus To’s art is standout, he’s a great pick for Guardians. His character depictions are accurate, and his panel flow and action sequences serve the characters well. Served with a more engaging plot, the comic would be even more exciting.

Marvel comics is going through a bit of a slump. Many people blame the constant events and “forced” diversity as the reason for the waning quality. I think it’s all in the execution. Marvel needs to go back to being a more creative place where creativity is nourished. Right now, it seems like they’re chasing the coattails of their cinematic universe as opposed to discovering new concepts for the film studio to draw from. Perhaps as the Guardians quest for the infinity stones, they may find some exciting story ideas in the process.

2.5/5 Bibles

Written by PSO

Jetsons #1

Less of a political skewing that The Flintstones was, not a reimagining that Scooby is – but something in the middle. Jimmy Palmiotti & Pier Brito shows us the environmental issues that shape the more than probable future world of the Jetsons ! We get to see what’s going on below these floating buildings , and it’s not pretty folks. Nuclear weapons, massive flooding, artificial intelligence , and there’s a giant meteor headed towards us ?! Not sure if George Jetson will live to see his 40th Birthday !

First of Six issues : 3.5/5 Bibles.

Written by Sean Farell

ETERNITY #1

Lemme go full-on-cosmonautic-throttle here and tell ya that Valiant’s latest effortlessness, entitled: Eternity #1, might’ve hit closer to the caldera hadMatt(Ninjak)Kindt, Trevor(2000 AD)Hairsine, and David(JLA)Baron, insisted to their publisher that they dub this moonrock-in-the-airlock-rub with the moniker of: Inanity #1, instead… Intergalactic planetarians(???), who might be conspiring to kidnap the Red Hero’s mini-me(???), who’s been log-cabin-jammed away in the Russian backwoods(???), so that he might become the next universal eyekeeper of some kind for all of existence??? Sounds like this’ll play out in LCD on some kind of Rocket-in-the-Groundsystem. Eternity 1 twinkles as an utterstellar misfire that doesn’t live up to the publisher’s namesake effort.

#rollandsmokethisonelikesteppedonmoondust

2.5/5 Shmattered Scatterlites

Written by Jason “Bad Preach-Around” Bud

October 29, 2017

The SUNDAY STASH [Mini-Reviews]: The WebHEAD Verse The Flash.

The Amazing Spider-Man 790 Fall Of Parker

“I’ve dealt with people hating Spider-man, but this is…different. Harder. Maybe because it’s not Spider-man they hate this time.”

My how the tables have turned on poor Peter Parker. Spider-Man is loved (for the most part) and Peter Parker is now considered a menace. This issue of The Amazing Spider-Man by Dan Slott and Christos Gage delves into the strain that shutting down Parker Industries has on him as the issue starts off with Peter sitting in and having to explain to every employees why the company has to close its doors and how he himself takes responsibility for the events leading to everyone losing their jobs. This issue continues on as Peter suits up as the web-slinger in an effort to clear his head only to end up running into the Human Torch who’s very upset as well that Parker Industries is closing up shop. That’s not all either, on top of all this, a formidable enemy takes advantage of the situation to get back what belongs to him.

“4/5 Web Thwips”

Ramirez (Twitter: @Nerdy_Hero)

The Flash #33 Bats Out of Hell pt1

This issue of The Flash kicks off a crossover that is equal parts action and intrigue, like a comic book version of a “Bat” Steel cage match. It sets up an event that, if all goes as promised, will be ludicrously entertaining, and while it’s mostly just the undercard to the Main Event, there’s a surprising amount of depth in the script. This first part is written by Joshua (Nailbiter) Williamson with amazing pencils by Howard (Justice League 3000) Porter. It follows a brief recap of Metal #3’s ending, shedding a bit more light on the somewhat confusing events that took place. Leaving Flash and Steel vs the Doomsday version of Batman, Devatator and Murder Machine who’s inspired by Cyborg. While the duo are in the Fortress fighting for their lives, three other groups of heroes have made their separate ways across the universe to find stray traces of Nth metal: Wonder Woman, Dr. Fate and Kendra Saunders went to the Rock of Eternity; Aquaman and Deathstroke headed under Atlantis; and Hal Jordan, Mr. Terrific, and Plastic ~~Man~~Egg search for Thanagar.

From there, the Dark Knights effectively capture each of the Justice Leaguer’s in their own version of “Batcave Hell,” Flash, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, and Aquaman are left in specially designed Batcaves.

Of DEATH!

I won’t say this was the best issue of the Flash I’ve read in some months, but if you have been hooked on every installment of Dark Nights Metal then you will love the continuing story.

“4/5 BatFlash’s agree

Lance Paul (IG @the.travelingnerd)

July 18, 2017

DARK NIGHTS: METAL [Comic News]: First Look at a Dark Multiverse Batman!

We got our first glimpse this week of a Dark Multiverse Batman who will leap from the pages of this summer’s Dark Nights: Metal extravaganza! The solicitation for October’s Flash #33 comes with the cover by Neil Googe which reveals the evil Flash/Batman’s look. If this cover is any indication, the other Dark Multiverse Batmen are sure to instill fear in any Justice Leaguer! The Dark Nights: Metal #1 release date is August 16.

Keep your eyes peeled this week for new information on Dark Nights: Metal coming from Comic Con! The panel devoted to Metal is sure to be jam packed with hype and teases galore.

June 30, 2017June 30, 2017

SECRET WEAPONS #1 [Review]: Powers.

Luke “Heirophant” Anderson
IG @LUKEPOISONER

Valiant is so cool.

No, really.

Reading through Secret Weapons #1, the latest book to be released by Valiant (or as I call them, the real Marvel and the superior Image), I was struck by the lightness of feel, and the … cleverness of it all. Given the subject matter, what could have been Great Lakes Avengers or Legion of Substitute Heroes in the hammy hands of a bigger publisher, instead reads as something more like an indie small-town flick crossed with Runaways. Turns out the writer, Eric Heisserer is new to comics, but you might have seen his latest screenwriting effort, a little movie called Arrival. You know, that cool sci-fi flick that isn’t Interstellar.

Being paired with the excellent Raul Allen and Patricia Martin (they being he art team behind Ninjak, Ivar the Timewalker, and The Wrath of the Eternal Warrior) is a bonus; and gives this — the first comics outing for both writer, and this Harbinger offshoot team — a very familiar look and feel for Valiant readers.

The team of psiots with the powers too weird and seemingly useless for Harada to put to use in the main Harbinger is being hunted by a nightmarish thing that speaks in an unreadable dialect resembling QR code. It’s all pretty fun. Throw in Livewire from Unity, and it makes for a pretty wild outing, and a worthy addition to Valiant’s Harbinger canon. For new readers, I’d say that Valiant make pure comics, and don’t bully you into buying every book in existence – that’s my job. So, go buy this book, or I’ll kick you in the shins. 4.5/5 Lesser-Known Disciples.

Hello again, faithful flock of the all mighty GHG, Cardinal Brooks here with my review of Flash #21 which the second part of “The Button” storyline that started in Batman #21. Said button is the very same iconic Watchmen button, worn by the Comedian! What is it doing in the DC universe, and what does it have to do with the death of the Flash’s greatest enemy? We still don’t know by the end of part two, but scribe Joshua Williamson and artist Howard Porter are crafting a great story so far, and it’ll be hard for readers to wait for the next chapter in this epic story.

This issue starts in a familiar way–at a crime scene–but in an unusual location– the Batcave–which has been trashed in a fight that almost cost Batman his life. We also see Barry processing the death of someone who took so much from him, while still investigating the said crime scene. At the end of the issue, Barry and Bats take a dangerous trip which gives us “The Button” yet another tasty cliffhanger. With the way it’s reading so far, this looks to be one of the best DC stories to come out of the Rebirth reboot. Bring it one boys!
4.5/5 Lightning Bolts.

**BEN REILLY: SCARLET SPIDER #1** – Marvel Comics

Taffeta “Dutchess” Darling
@taffetadarlin

With the return of “the character who has been labeled as one of the most controversial in Spider-Man’s history”, issue one of Ben Reilly: Scarlet Spider takes place in the aftermath of “The Clone Conspiracy” (which I didn’t fucking read, because I don’t read much of the newer Spider-Man titles; yeah–that’s right). Ben is trying to find his way and make his mark in Las Vegas. He wants to be a “hero” — although he also wants to get paid or take a reward for saving random strangers — and obsessively goes out of his way to recreate what Peter Parker has including his own MJ and Aunt May.

Written by Peter David (Spider-Man 2099), the issue has some mild enjoyability to it, yet desperately wants to recapture the 90s nostalgia image that the character first came out swinging with. Overall, it’s a mediocre attempt and does little to establish the character except that he has a new attitude and can kind of be a dick. While I can appreciate Ben’s new snarky side, the constant reminders of just how different Ben is from Peter grew obnoxious after about six pages and I found myself rolling my eyes and remembering why I don’t read a lot of Marvel titles these days. If they’d stick with some consistency, I might find myself reading issue two of this.. ha, nah I won’t. The artistic combination of Mark Bagley, John Dell, and Jason Keith compliment this issue with its default cityscapes and backgrounds, but there’s nothing that really jumps out at me as an “amazing” panel. After reading this issue, I can pretty much set up the traditional Spider-Plot in my head instead. 2/5 Excelsiors.

**ALIENS: DEAD ORBIT #1** – Dark Horse Comics

My first thought when I saw the cover of Aliens: Dead Orbit by James Stokoe, was “What was Moody thinking assigning me this?!” To be frank, I was not looking forward to the read, but went in with an open mind anywho.

Despite my damnedest to be fair, Aliens Dead Orbit was so hard to follow, and every character looked like they were distant cousins to Gorilla Grodd. Not only aesthetically unpleasant, but confusing since they all look the same! It also didn’t help my train of thought when my morkie kept humping his Cat in the Hat stuffed animal next to me.. but that’s all besides that point.

The worst part was that Aliens: Dead Orbit didn’t even get semi-interesting until the last page, and then it was over! A whole lot of nothing, and then some actual excitement at the very, very end. Yup. Sadly, it might be too little too late by that point. To give you a quick synopsis of Aliens: Dead Orbit — it starts with a team going to check out another space station that appears to have had a pretty substantial accident. The team wasn’t sure what to expect when they land on the station. Little did they know they would come face to face with a creature that looks similar to Spider-Man’s Venom mixed with GOT’s White Walkers. Now that’s an image! 2.5/5 Bibles.

What’s up people?! It’s your boy the Belser back again to spread that sweet, hot, buttery comic book love all over the place. Gross metaphor, I know, but it’s been a minute since I’ve done this and, gosh darn it, I missed you guys. Your boy’s been busy but that does not stop me from being able to get my hands on the latest hot comics. Case in point, my subject matter for today: the newest issue of the latest ongoing Black Panther series. Now, I read this book enthusiastically the first few issues. I have to say it was kind of lackluster. A lot of the supporting characters tend to take over the book and that can take you out of it.

However, they are making a good turn in the right direction. Here’s the Story: in conjunction with his latest book (Black Panther and The Crew), King T’challa is looking for the entities his people pray, the Wakandan pantheon of Gods known as the Orishas. His main reasoning is because of the fact that Wakanda kind of has suffered a great deal in recent times. Civil war and unrest. Many attempts at conquest. Death and destruction. While all this has happened, they have been silent. He wants to know why. In particular, the location of Bast the panther God that grand him his power. I really dig the detailed storytelling by Ta-Nehisi Coates. It’s very clear he’s a learned scholar and has a great deal of affection for this character. Also, I enjoyed the work of Wilfredo Torres. My favorite panels in this book are the ones depicting the looks of the Orishas themselves. The detail. The vibrant color. All so imaginative. 3.5/5 Bibles.

**BATMAN/THE SHADOW #1** – DC/Dynamite Comics

It’s been a while since I’ve read anything with The Shadow, and admittedly I don’t fully know much about him or his story. I remember the movie with Alec Baldwin, but only vaguely. So it was interesting to find out that Batman and The Shadow were doing a joint series — especially once I read up on The Shadow and learned that he was used as the basis for the creation for Batman. The more you know! *cue the musical diddy*. I jumped right in, and after a few pages I was hooked; needing to know how The Shadow is involved and who he is. The story starts with an Arkham employee checking in on various villains locked in their cells. Seems like he’s having a good night, that is until a mysterious figure enters his life. The story, written by Steve Orlando (Midnighter) and Scott Snyder (Swamp Thing), is well written with good dialogue and a nice flow as well. The artwork, by Riley Rossmo, presents a slightly different look for Batman, but overall very nice, with striking scenes that really present the mysterious nature of The Shadow. This saint will be keeping an eye on this series. 3.5/5 Black Hats.

June 24, 2016June 24, 2016

WONDER WOMAN / THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS / AQUAMAN / THE FLASH [Rebirth Reviews]: Under The Hood.

WONDER WOMAN #1 - DC Comics — **WONDER WOMAN #1** – DC Comics

"Monsignor" Travis Moody @travmoody — “Monsignor” Travis Moody
@travmoody

If you don’t know the name Liam Sharp already, get ready: this summer, you’re bound to hear it a lot. Sharp (2000 A.D., Gears of War) might just be the breakout star in all this Rebirth madness, too, which is no surprise to me, really, since DC fangirls and boys were already “ooohing” and “aahhing” months ago at Sharp’s revealed sketches during DC’s Rebirth announcement event. His Wonder Woman is the perfect mesh of power and finesse, her confidence entirely believable in every which way. With an assist from the dynamic Game of Thronesque colors of Laura Martin (Astonishing X-Men), her stature, motion and stance fit the regality witnessed with Gal Gadot in BvS; and the sudden fear struck across her face during the issue’s final confrontation–and, better, antagonist reveal–is nearly heartbreaking.

Also picking up on Diana’s newfound steam is writer Greg Rucka (The Punisher, Batwoman). After an exposition-laden Rebirth issue a couple weeks ago, Rucka steers WW “Into The Woods” and the results are hauntingly beautiful. Each panel is designed like a quick edit cut, but with all the harsh spirituality of her Themysciran heritage. Sharp’s wild character designs are captivating, and Rucka’s dialogue never cheeses up the battles. Readers siding with Diana should have their hearts beating the whole time. With Etta and Steve Trevor (who looks damned gruff and cool in this issue) also locked in for at least half of this ongoing, it’ll be interesting to see how her forthcoming origin story (drawn by Nicola Scott) affects the current, vastly enjoyable matter-at-hand. 4.5/5 Bibles.

THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS: THE LAST CRUSADE #1 - DC — **THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS: THE LAST CRUSADE #1** – DC

Kimberly "Cenobitess" Brock @beerock26 — Kimberly “Cenobitess” Brock
@beerock26

Batman is fairly aged and worn down in the latest episode of Brian Azzarello (Wonder Woman) and 300 scribe Frank Miller‘s The Dark Knight Returns. Bruce is honing Robin in hopes that he will have a suitable successor once he has officially retired. There is a great conflict between the men, and Batman sees much of himself in the impulses of his young partner. However, Bruce’s fatherly nature is not ignored in his attempts to tighten the reigns on his blooming partner.

As The Joker wrecks his sociopathic havoc on Gotham’s insane asylum and the city itself, Batman battles age, injury, and internal conflicts while Robin is pushing forward to establish himself as a important figure in Gotham; although his youth and inexperienced expose him. The Last Crusade is massive, and offers a bit of everything — both heavy on suspense and action — while maintaining interest throughout. 3.5/5 Sin City Bibles.

"Cardinal" Roberto de Bexar @RobBex2 — “Cardinal” Roberto de Bexar
@RobBex2

When Geoff Johns brought Aquaman into the New 52, he poked fun at his status in pop culture and really made the book come to life. His run, much like that of his Green Lantern, was nothing short of amazing. So when Rebirth was announced, this comic-loving Cardinal was very intrigued to see if Dan Abnett (Guardians of the Galaxy) could recapture that glory–and I have to say, the usual space-set scribe does an admirable job of recreating what made Johns’ Aquaman so great. Arthur Curry is a literal “fish outta water”. Pun intended, of course. Mera (a.k.a. “Aquawoman”) is the only one under the ocean who truly loves and has faith in Art, and he is feared by the majority of the surface world.

Abnett has created great tension within the book between Arthur Curry and his people, the surface world and an ever-vengeful Black Manta. Former GOTG artist Brad Walker’s art is crisp, clean and, at times, dynamic. It’s not the overly cartoonish Aquaman of yore; but, he is bringing an indie-esque, realistic approach that looks fantastic. With this slippery super team, this run has the potential to be — at the very least — the second best ever run on Aquaman. 4.5/5 Underwater Neptune Bibles.

Colleen "of the Covenant" Vincent — Colleen “of the Covenant” Vincent

This #1 in the DC Rebirth Universe, goes through the day-to-day live of Barry Allen, the best known iteration of the speed force, a.k.a. The Flash. It seems like Barry is having trouble, you know, with reality missing a whole decade and all. But, he is making the best of it, living his dual life as the heroic speedster and civilian gig as a Central City forensic scientist. While the Flash saves folks from tornados and burning buildings, Barry Allen is reviewing crime scenes to give justice to those he couldn’t save. He has a full life, Wally West (a.k.a. Kid Flash) has returned, and he is playing a father figure to.. uh.. Wally West, Iris’ nephew; all a bit confusing, sure, but the entire issue is really just a set up for the players.

S.T.A.R. Labs transport gets attacked and someone Barry cares about gets caught in the middle and lightning strikes…again. Someone undergoes a transformation and indeed “The Storm Is Just Getting Started”. We’re barely in the first act and this reader is hooked. Writer Joshua Williamson (Captain Midnight, Robocop) brilliantly uses Barry’s internal monologue to move the chess pieces into place. The immensely talented Carmine Di Giandomenico’s (Daredevil, X-Factor) art is given is fantastically rendered life by colorist Ivan Plascencia (Constantine, Haunt). The speed force looks as much a character as any of the others and that action sequences leap off the pages. Tune in for the next episode! 4.5/5 Lightning Bibles.

June 9, 2016June 10, 2016

WONDER WOMAN / THE FLASH / AQUAMAN / DETECTIVE & ACTION COMICS [Rebirth Reviews]: Flashpoint Oh.

WONDER WOMAN REBIRTH #1 - DC — **WONDER WOMAN REBIRTH #1** – DC

In a world full of male comic book characters and only a select few scantily clothed women –- there comes Wonder Woman Rebirth #1. As a woman, I am all for strong independent women comic book characters; however, I am not about a woman just trying to find some man or creature to tell her who she is and what the end of “her story” is. Despite all of its exposition — nearly damn all of it — Wonder Woman Rebirth #1 was a little confusing at times, and very repetitive. The story skipped around a lot and, at times, felt like it was missing the point: Wonder Woman attempts to figure out what happened to her and what happened to her story and why it is always changing.

Doesn’t Wonder Woman know that–in a world full of Kardashian’s–she should at least bring something different to the table that’s not all tiresome? At least artists Liam Sharp (2000 AD) and Jeremy Colwell (Powerpuff Girls) do a fantastic and vibrant job of bringing Wonder Woman Rebirth #1 to life. The colorful palette this comic book uses is eye-catching and will leave you stunned with an energetic feel. Greg Rucka‘s (Punisher) script could definitely use some work, but there is a decent foundation; it could just use more of an overall purpose and a little more tightening up. Diana is supposed to shatter earths, but that’s, sadly, and definitely not the case here. 2/5 Bibles.

THE FLASH REBIRTH #1 - DC — **THE FLASH REBIRTH #1** – DC

My people! The Belser, here again to brighten days and light up nights (whatever that means…lol). Today’s review is part of the Rebirth storyline, DC Comics’ latest “not-a-reboot” effort to feature one of the most visible heroes in recent years, The Flash. Between the popularity of the CW show and the revival of interest in the 90s show, The Flash is definitely an A-Lister in the eyes of the public. So here’s the story: While investigating a crime scene that closely resembles the death of his mother, Barry Allen is having Speed Force visions of a young man pleading for his help. The young man is Wally West, the former Flash.

Due to the events of Flashpoint, Barry initially has no memory of Wally. That is until a flash of recognition brings Wally back to reality. Meanwhile, Wally also attempted to contact–of all people–Batman. In doing so, White Wally leaves behind a clue, a bloody smiley face button, that surely will lead to a much bigger mystery (if you read DC Universe Rebirth #1, you’ll know what and who is exactly watching them). The Belser really liked this comic. The story by Joshua Williamson (Birthright) was very compelling and easy to follow. The art by Carmine Di Giandomenico (All-New X-Factor) was equally impressive. My favorite page showed The Flash attempting multiple jobs at once (saving the city, working his CSI gig, going on a date, etc). Hurry geeks, and get your butt to the store. 4/5 Bibles.

AQUAMAN REBIRTH #1 - DC — **AQUAMAN REBIRTH #1** – DC

"The Traveling Nerd" Lance Paul @lance_paul — “The Traveling Nerd” Lance Paul
@lance_paul

As a longtime Aquaman fan, it’s nice to read a story that doesn’t take itself too seriously, and, even better, when touching on some of the more frequent jokes thrown at our favorite fish-hero! Dan Abnett (Warhammer 40,000) crafts an excellent jumping-on point for past fans (or even newer readers), hoping to find out more aqua adventures just before AM gets his big screen debut. Abnett sets our hero as a fish outta water, a man stuck between two worlds: the land dwellers who laugh at him and the sea people who don’t trust his human heritage. Even his new Fiance, Mera, is often at a loss with her blonde love.

The creative team pits Arthur against a rogue splinter cell of Atlanteans set on damaging the thin peace the Sea King has fought to build (assuming, New 52). The art of Scot Eaton (X-Men: Endangered Species) and Oscar Jiménez (The Flash) is some of the best I have seen grace this super water hero in years. Though, it would have been nice to see Arthur’s look brought more in-line with the theatrical version coming soon–if for anything, to at least bring more new fans to the book perhaps confused with a blonde Ken doll over a Dothraki-water-war-hero! 4/5 Sea-Horses Agree.

DETECTIVE COMICS #934 - DC — **DETECTIVE COMICS #934** – DC

"Father" Sean Farrell @hashtag — “Father” Sean Farrell
@hashtag

“We’re getting the band back together! (Well, for the first time)” Detective Comics #934 is the return to the original numbering, with the same ol’ Batman and the same ol’ mission. But this time, The Bat has plans not to go it alone. James Tynion IV (Batman Eternal) & Eddy Barrows (Nightwing), with Eber Ferreira & Adriano Lucas, have been tasked with making sense of this new vigilante team consisting of Batwoman, Red Robin, Spoiler, The Orphan (Cassandra Cain) and Clayface?! Ok, I’ll bite.

This first issue in the Rebirth Universe quickly establishes that someone is keeping tabs on the vigilantes in Gotham (talk about not having enough hours in the day for that job) and Batman, as usual, is in on the case. The recruitment drive and introduction of each of the team members allows–even someone who’s not been near a Bat-book in years–a comfortable way back into the mostly unRebirthed world of Batman. Mysteries are established, and motives are defined. Barrows pulls out all the stops with lovely work as usual. Solid storytelling; some dazzling layouts showing off the city and its heroes. Clayface gets a wonderful treatment here. Who doesn’t love a good redemption story? The Rise of the Batmen has begun. 4.25/5 Batarangs.

ACTION COMICS #957 - DC — **ACTION COMICS #957** – DC

**GUEST REVIEWER** "Brother" Matt McGrath @bendsteelnhands — **GUEST REVIEWER**
“Brother” Matt McGrath
@bendsteelnhands

Action Comics #957 lives up to its name. There is no wasted dialouge and no unnecessary narration. Each word and each panel is packed. Fans, if you were born after 1999, just try to keep pace. Dan Jurgens‘ (Batman Beyond) plot moves at such a super-speed it requires a single panel midway through to express how everything has gone from zero to crazy in 14-pages. “Wait, is Dad actually going to fight Luthor?” Jon White asks the Pre-Flashpoint Lois Lane as they watch a confrontation between armored Lex Luthor adorned with an S-shield and draped in the dead post-Flashpoint Superman’s cape. “Apparently so,” she says biting a nail. Action #957 is the first time we see Superman, John Byrne’s 1986 ‘Man of Steel’ Superman, step out of the shadows and back into the spotlight since he was wedged into the post-Flashpoint continuity after the Convergence event. Patrick Zircher’s (Cable & Deadpool) pencils are clean and dynamic. And there are at least three homages to this new-old Superman.

On page three, Lex Luthor’s S-Sheild shines in the dark, which recalls the introduction of the four imposters during the Reign of the Supermen arc. As Superman flies from his upstate farmhouse in a fury on his way to confront Luthor, the image recalls Clark’s flight from Smallville in Byrne’s Man of Steel mini-series, and the final splash page with a hulking Doomsday wrapped in cables recalls the cover of Superman: Man of Steel #18. This issue is firing on all cylinders. The whole supporting cast is used, and used effectively. We get glimpes of photojournalist Jimmy Olsen. Maggie Sawyer and the Special Crimes Unit, the newsroom at the Daily Planet and Superfamily homestead. Again, nothing feels wasted and none of the panels devoted to the supporting cast feels superfluous or overstuffed. This is the world of Superman and Metropolis at its finest. 5/5 Superman Imposters.