‘The Flash #781’ Review
Written by Jeremy Adams | Art by Fernando Pasarin, Matt Ryan | Published by DC Comics
Time for my semi-regular check-in on the Scarlet Speedster, review-wise that is. I always try to keep an eye on the book, as it has often been the touchstone for the current quality of DC books. Batman material sells itself, so books like The Flash are usually far more innovative and risk-taking as they have to make an effort to get themselves noticed. The writers are given a little more freedom and usually good stuff results. It never hurts either that The Flash, or the Flash family, is such an integral part of the DC Universe, as almost nothing story-wise is off the table. I’ve loved The Flash for decades, and it’s nice to see him regarded as a top tier character once again. For now anyway. let’s see what Jeremy Adams has in store this month.
First of all, love that ‘Bring Your Kid Flash to Work Day’ cover. Attention-getting and fabulous, the RuPaul of DC covers this month. We start with Kid Flash, among others, sitting a test at the Teen Titans Academy, under the less than watchful eye of stand-in teacher Roy Harper. That’s Wallace West, in the classic yellow Kid Flash costume. He’s then tempted to come out and play by former Kid Flash Wally West, currently The Flash when Barry’s not up to bat. He resists, but those speedsters have constantly itchy feet and Wallace reluctantly skips maths to follow (reluctantly skips maths, yeh right). So what’s this pressing emergency that requires the two of them to run all the way to Argentina? alien invasion? return of Professor Zoom? Grodd’s Gorilla Army?
None of the above. It’s the last chance to try some ice cream in a shop that is soon to close. Seriously. Actually, once we stop chuckling at that, it turns out the real reason is for Wally and Wallace to have a sit-down face to face heart to heart chat, just like any of us would do. Except theirs is on the top of a massive skyscraper, obviously. What we get, is a hugely affectionate take on Wally’s very early days as Kid Flash, with Jeremy Adams writing a mini love letter of sorts. It’s a case of looking back to look forward, as Wally’s explanation of his past, of how he took on extra responsibility from Barry, is used to ask Wallace to take on extra responsibility for Wally. Wally has had issues with mental health in the past of course, so this is quite the step for him, and he asks Wallace to step up for him.
First, as always, show the new guy the ropes. Time to pull out the DC Atlas, and show Wallace the patrol route. Bialya, Nanda Parbat, Molinia, even Skartaris, until they finish up in the scariest place of all, Chicago. Which is apt, as here is where Wally has to make the scariest request of all. He needs a babysitter so he and Linda can have a date night. Before Wallace can find a way to get out of that, they have to deal with the return of Girder, who shouldn’t be robbing a bank as he should be locked up in Iron Heights. Time for Red Flash, Yellow (Kid) Flash to spring into action…
This was a joy to read from the first page to the last. It was almost like a throwback book, with a fantastically light tone that entertained throughout, with sparkling dialogue and nods to both the past and the future. I’m not sure there’s anyone writing anywhere who dials up better banter than Adams. The art by Fernando Pasarin and Matt Ryan is a thing of beauty, with very simple layouts but perfect execution. Lovely clean line art, something I also enjoy. In both word and picture this issue excelled. It allowed long time fans like me a bit of nostalgia wallowing, and also gave new would-be fans a good jumping on point. It had, to use the terrible cliché, something for everyone.
Buy this book, and you’ll believe two men can run.
Really fast.
Everywhere.
All the time.
(With added jokes)
