Monday, January 6, 2014

The Flash #26

   I've made no secret of the fact that I haven't cared for the "New 52" version of The Flash, even though I'm happy to have "my" Flash, Barry Allen, back in the role.

   But despite some excellent art, the stories weren't compelling, and the changes to Barry's life seemed arbitrary. He leads an interesting life both in and out of costume (as a Police Scientist), but neither life was particularly compelling, and the exploration of the Speed Force that gives him his powers were equally muddled.

   So after two years of that, it's time for a new creative team, and so far, I'm happy to say, it's an improvement.

   New writer Christos N. Gage delivers a "done in one" issue that pits the speedster against a high-flying adversary, and adds a toxic component to the mix.  It's a breezy issue that's light on character development but heavy on the action.

   The art is by Neil Googe and it's a clean, modern-with-just-a-hint-of-traditional style that's very effective for this story. The layouts are fresh and the storytelling clear and easy to follow.

   It's not a perfect issue - what does the comics industry have against the Chicago Bears? - but it's an improvement, and I'm all for that.

Grade: B+

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