Flash: Fastest Man Alive #4 - *SPOILERS*

[Dr.Geekibus]

I think the Griffin storyline has been lame. And the 'secret' of the Speed Force just seemed sort of silly to me. I don't know, i just don't buy their solution to it. I also don't get why its so dangerous for Bart.

Anyone have a positive take on it at this point? I'd enjoy an alternate point of view.

[Joe Acro]

I find it interesting that the writers have basically introduced a new Pied Piper. It's a good idea to establish new rogues for Bart instead of barking up the same tree.

[Count Vertigo]

I think the Griffin storyline has been lame. And the 'secret' of the Speed Force just seemed sort of silly to me. I don't know, i just don't buy their solution to it. I also don't get why its so dangerous for Bart.

Anyone have a positive take on it at this point? I'd enjoy an alternate point of view.

Although I don't like the way Wally was set aside by DC, I really don't have a problem with Bart as Flash. My problem is the new Flash book is terrible. The writing is just awful. I don't care where the creative team came from or what their creditials are, they can't write comics.

What do you guys want? It's just starting. Give it some time. As for the speed force, maybe because it causes him so much intense pain seeing as how he is purportedly the fastest Flash to date thats why it's dangerous? Again, give it some time.:rolleyes:

As for that ignorant comment of "they can't write comics," well I can say is "can you do better?" It's been what...? 3 issues now? Please explain how you think the new book is terrible with examples. If you can.

[Jack Zodiac]

As for that ignorant comment of "they can't write comics," well I can say is "can you do better?" It's been what...? 3 issues now? Please explain how you think the new book is terrible with examples. If you can.

I honestly think I can do better, even with the situation these guys were given with introducing Bart as the new Flash.

Bart's uncharacteristically mopey and angsty. The first two issues were filled with breaks in the flow of the writing which hinted at the all-too-apparent "secret" of The Speed Force. The character dynamics are completely unbelievable: you'd never imagine Griff and Bart being friends, ever, or believe how quickly Bart and Val's relationship developed. And the retro continuity of this new villain, Mota, being "the Flash legacy's mortal enemy" is freakin' laughable.

I'm bearing it, because I love The Flash, I love Bart Allen, and I'm addicted to comic books like soap operas, but Jesus this crap is getting bad. They need to establish a constant for Bart, and they need to do that while addressing the current situation with The Speed Force without sacrificing character development considering his new role. If they can't do it by the sixth issue, this book's a lost cause under the current team.

[Jack Zodiac]

Oh, and aside from issue three, the art's been horrendous. I honestly can't do any better than that, though, 'cause I suck at art.

[Count Vertigo]

Now THAT'S a good response! Thanks for elaborating Jack!:)
It's always better seeing reasons why someone hates a title instead of just "Oh it sucks."

[Young Avenger]

No thread yet?

The writing is getting better but not by much. Bart is still acting emo but he seems to embrace taking up the Flash mantle. We found out this issue that the Speed Force and everyone it's absorbed is within Bart. That explains the badly placed flashbacks from previous issues.

[Count Vertigo]

EMO?? Good grief. Bite your tongue. Don't insult Bart like that!:eek: He isn't going around with an effeminate haircut, whining about not being loved or even acting like a poser goth or wasting $$ at Hot Topic etc

[Jack Zodiac]

Not, but he's still an angsty schmuck. The scene with him and Griff in Hell was horrible, and the set-up for a conflict between him and Val was unnecessary, considering their relationship isn't even five pages old, yet.

Horrible issue. The art went back to sucking, and the direction is still missing. I'm disappointed, because last week's issue seemed like it had more potential, but it virtually disappeared here.

[Young Avenger]

Horrible issue. The art went back to sucking, and the direction is still missing. I'm disappointed, because last week's issue seemed like it had more potential, but it virtually disappeared here.

Yea, the art did suck. Art last issue was beautiful. Lashley's art looked murky, and confusing. This book definitely needs a new regular artist.

[EZMOHR]

You know I never realy believed the art told a story. THE ART TOLD THIS BOOK SO FAR. Issue #1, #2, and #4 have been universally panned so far and quite frankly, I can see a good story in there, but the art has been horrible in a biblical way.

YEt, issue three was the same freaking story and it was WONDERFUL. I definetly think the artist from issue three needs the reigns on this book. Or bring back Scot Kollins. IN fact yeah, I want Scot Kollins doing the art on The Flash again. Damn Marvel Exclusive contract.

[Jack Zodiac]

I think one of the best things about Johns's run on The Flash was Scott's art, and he was the primary reason I picked up all of The New Invaders.

[VonJakeNstein]

This was the worst issue yet. The WORST. That's something for a comic as crappy as this. The art was complete slop. Look at that splash page where "The Griffin" kills the guy on the boat. Pay close attention to his arm. It's sub-Liefeld level crap. The dialogue was embarassingly bad--"Retire this pimp!"

Flash has been my favorite DC Comic since I was seven. I'm dropping the book now. I encourage everyone to do the same...to show DC that this turd doesn't meet the high standards that they've established with all the other core books.

[Bored at 3:00AM]

Flipped through it this afternoon.

eh.

Too bad. I really like The Flash.

[Dr.Geekibus]

Read it earlier. Bah. It's dropping off my pull list as well. And did anyone else think that cover was a ripoff of an issue from the Wally West era? Can't remember what ish it was, but it was Flash carrying Linda Park. Even the body positions look the same.

I agree about the art. I looked at that splash page from every angle and still couldn't figure out exactly what the hell was going on.

Griff is the suckiest new villain. And did anyone really want to see the return of Mota? <sigh> And I had mid-range hopes for this title too. Oh well.

[Dr.Geekibus]

That was a good response Jack. Captured my feelings perfectly.

And Count, honestly I usually try to give a new series a good six issues to really get up to steam, but I'm just having a hard time with this one. There's very little to like about Bart, the Val love story seems forced and the Speed Force stuff just doesn't work for me.

I'd like to give it more time, but i'm just not sure I've got the patience for it.

Thanks for the responsible opposing viewpoint tho. ;-)

[Young Avenger]

Read it earlier. Bah. It's dropping off my pull list as well. And did anyone else think that cover was a ripoff of an issue from the Wally West era? Can't remember what ish it was, but it was Flash carrying Linda Park. Even the body positions look the same.

http://www.comics.org/graphics/covers/3358/400/3358_4_0000142.jpg

[Dr.Geekibus]

Nicely done YA. Thanks for digging that up.

I'm off to bed.

Night all.

Doc

[Kevinroc]

This book is so strange. I love Bart. He's a great character. And the idea of "promoting" a character to the role of his mentor before he is ready is a fascinating idea.

But this book hasn't delivered on that. The execution's off. And "Emo-Bart" is definitely a strange take on the character.

I really want to like this book but it's just not doing it.

[EZMOHR]

I'm still not ready to drop this book yet. I gotta believe a universe as rich as The Flash'verse has gotta bring something great in the end. And, I think it is kind of cool to see a new take on Mota....it could be good. The art just needs to completely do a 180.....and very soon.

[Kaos]

griff is a villain now.....poop....I thought he'd be a cool straight confrontational, cocky hero

[Steel Spider]

I'm glad that I dropped this book after #2. Come back Wally, I miss you :(

[skally19]

i'll prob drop it after the arc is done. BUT STOP WITH THE BRING BACK WALLY STUFF. it's not gonna happen. you guys are saying it's bart's fault this thing sucks. this is what happens when you get the writers from the old TV show to do a comic book(great idea didio). oh and there's at times when i really like lashley's art. but then other times it doesn't look polished. but i do like him.

[Sabrinaset]

Read the book last night, and....

Mmmmmaybe it's just me... buuuuut the only part of the book I really liked was the characterization of Jay Garrick.

Not enough for me to continue. I'm dropping the book. Can't say I didn't give it a chance. I'm not angry about it, just kinda dissapointed.

[Cayman]

What do you guys want? It's just starting. Give it some time. As for the speed force, maybe because it causes him so much intense pain seeing as how he is purportedly the fastest Flash to date thats why it's dangerous? Again, give it some time.:rolleyes:


Why give it time? Comics are expensive and if the creative team isn't putting out something worth buying each issue there's no reason to hang in there in the vague hope that it'll get better.

[DubipR]

Why give it time? Comics are expensive and if the creative team isn't putting out something worth buying each issue there's no reason to hang in there in the vague hope that it'll get better.

Agreed. Vote with your wallet.
I've give it a 3 issue standard. If it sucks donkey wang by 3, its gone. The people responded on how bad Nightwing was with Bruce Jones is, he's gone... the same should go with these 2 "writers"

[Dr.Geekibus]

I'm not in any big rush to bring Wally back either. Over the last few years they've had him disappear and reappear so many times that I'd hate to see him come back now. It would seem like a big copout.

That said, I'm still either leaning towards JQ as the new Flash or someone altogether new. Or get writers in who can fix this train wreck and get Bart on track. I realize he's had a rough go of it, but I refuse to believe this is the same kid who was Impulse just a few years ago. There has to still be some of that irrepressible spirit in him somewhere. And don't use the love angle as a crutch to bring it out. Been there, done that, got the t-shirt.

[skally19]

That said, I'm still either leaning towards JQ as the new Flash or someone altogether new. Or get writers in who can fix this train wreck and get Bart on track. I realize he's had a rough go of it, but I refuse to believe this is the same kid who was Impulse just a few years ago. There has to still be some of that irrepressible spirit in him somewhere. And don't use the love angle as a crutch to bring it out. Been there, done that, got the t-shirt.

the writers have been quoting in saying that bart'll be back to being his old impulsive self by #6. but they've been dropped by many people way before that

[kalorama]

I have to admit, I thought this issue was a big improvement over the previous ones. The story, while still undernourished, was starting to show some signs of life, and the art was a noticeable improvement over Lashley's previous issues. Still not great, but I'll give it a couple more tries.

[Count Vertigo]

That was a good response Jack. Captured my feelings perfectly.

And Count, honestly I usually try to give a new series a good six issues to really get up to steam, but I'm just having a hard time with this one. There's very little to like about Bart, the Val love story seems forced and the Speed Force stuff just doesn't work for me.

I'd like to give it more time, but i'm just not sure I've got the patience for it.

Thanks for the responsible opposing viewpoint tho. ;-)

I guess I'm just a little bit optimisitc. :D I've always like Flash ever since I saw him back in th 80s. I'm giving this until.... hmm.... Issue 10.

[DoctorDoom]

Gaaah! Why am I the only one who still enjoys this book? Are Doom's senses so off>

But seriously , I'm looking forward to a relationship between Val and Bart.

[Traser]

I actually enjoy this book a lot. I like the flashbacks and I like the idea of him being afraid of the speed force that is now seeming apart of him genetically. It's an interesting idea which could be spun a number of ways in which to disconnect himself and restore it properly. At any rate I like the nod to history in the flash backs which are fairly accurate not saying 100% b/c I dont know. But it's enjoyable and The Flash is and will definitely remain on my pull list. I like BArt taking over the mantle, and I wouldnt mind Wally coming back but just not as the Flash. Put him in the role of what barry was sort of in a continuity loop that allwos him to pop in from time to time and give him the happy ending with Linda and the twins.

I feel people are being a bit too harsh on the character since he's suddenly gone from teenager boy to an adult literally over night. Just be patient I say, dont know I'd have chosen the 2 guys from the tv series :D but its going ok and you know what I think the creation of Griffon is perfect with all the names of the villians in the Flash rogue gallery, it just seems fitting in a way with the Mirror Master, Captain Cold, The Reverse Flash as villian names. Plus Inertia is set to come back which should be interesting. I think these two guys are really trying to use and present Flash history to old and new readers alike and especially with the re-launch and all its actually nice for a change to be able to learn about the character and his history rather than just jump right into it especially if your new and giving the book a chance. At least its not Nightwing lol :)

-Nick-

[glue]

I wasn't crazy about the first three issues, but I think the third issue was an improvement over the first two and this last issue continued the improvement. I've gone from being on the fence with the book to actually looking forward to the next issue.

[Count Vertigo]

Gaaah! Why am I the only one who still enjoys this book? Are Doom's senses so off>

But seriously , I'm looking forward to a relationship between Val and Bart.

My Latverian brother! May the bountiful harvests of Vlatava's Sausage and Cheese Festival be presented to you by the best of Vlatava's beautiful, buxom, busty, bouncy frauleins! I'm with you in enjoying this title. I got high hopes for Bart and I like how Griffin could be the new "Zoom."

[Jack Zodiac]

I seriously hope Griffin's buried once a new creative team takes over, or at the least is radically changed into a character worth a damn. Right now, the only reason I hate him is because he's a moron, not because he's evil, or even "misunderstood." I heard they're bringing back Inertia, though, so there's definitely going to be an "anti-Flash" for Bart's Rogues Gallery. And someone will finally be acknowledging that Bart carried his own title for nearly one hundred issues!

[Count Vertigo]

Inertia? That could be interesting. But would he still be young or older as well?

[glue]

I seriously hope Griffin's buried once a new creative team takes over, or at the least is radically changed into a character worth a damn. Right now, the only reason I hate him is because he's a moron, not because he's evil, or even "misunderstood."!

I thought that what they were going for. This is just my take, but I see it as he's trying to be a hero, but he's far too immature/moronic/whatever. The fact that citizens seem to like him is no doubt stroking his ego. Something will happen to turn people's opinions and he'll become a villain that views people as ungrateful recepients of his good deeds.

[DonC]

i'll prob drop it after the arc is done. BUT STOP WITH THE BRING BACK WALLY STUFF. it's not gonna happen. you guys are saying it's bart's fault this thing sucks.


Had DC done good stories with Bart I'd still be saying I want Wally back. It has nothing to do with Bart. Wally West is the Flash, to me. That is who I want to read about. Barry, at least, had a good death. Wally just disappeared into editorial limbo.

Anyway, was there an issue #3.5 I missed? At the end of 3 Bart is still scared of his powers and won't use them without Barry's suit (which, by the way, doesn't look like the suit Barry wore) and kissed whatserface once. Then -in what looks to be the span of one day- he's acting like he's been the Flash for years.

And could the Griff storyline be any more paint-by-the-numbers? He's a bad guy now. What a shock. I got $5 says the phrase, "You were my friend, Griff! Stop this!" shows up soon.

[VonJakeNstein]

Wally has been the definitive Flash for me. When I was old enough to read, Wally was the Flash. Barry was just a memory and Jay was the elder/voice-of-reason character.

Wally West=Flash.

Having said that, I would be fine with a quality book about Bart. As much as I love Wally, the legacy aspect of the DCU is important. The problem with the Flash is not that it is about Bart but that it is utterly amateurish and inept at every level. Try to figure out if the art is worse than the writing (or vice versa)--your head will explode.

[glue]

Anyway, was there an issue #3.5 I missed?

Yes. It was an on-line exlusive thing DC was trying.

[Young Avenger]

I also want to see Wally back. He's was the Flash when I started reading and the one I enjoyed watching on JLU. To me Wally is the Flash and I want him back on the role. I have nothing against Bart but I really want Wally back.

[Traser]

I also want to see Wally back. He's was the Flash when I started reading and the one I enjoyed watching on JLU. To me Wally is the Flash and I want him back on the role. I have nothing against Bart but I really want Wally back.

Just to play devils advocate many could say the same about Barry and when they started reading Flash comics or even Jay. I have nothing against Wally but in regards to the legacy I'm all for Bart and hopefully Wally will return ala some similar Barry Allen loop hole but give him the happy ending. He's done plenty as the flash let someone else take a crack at the mantle

[Jack]

Put me in the "enjoying it" category too. It's been consistently solid, and I've enjoyed each issue more than the last. Yes, it's not a great book. It's not even close. But just because it isn't fantastic doesn't mean it's bad. I have no problem with the art, though I preferred #3 by far.

Regarding Wally, I'm entirely certain that he will be back, though at best he'll be supersonic. He'll be older, though, and the twins will come back as teenagers so that at least one of them can join the Teen Titans. If it's one, as a Kid Flash, if it's two they'll be the Tornado Twins. They'll cap out at supersonic too. So Wally will be relegated to the same role as Jay, the extremely experienced but less powerful supporting character.

[Damo]

In Soviet Russia, the Speed Force is in you!

[skally19]

wally won't be that much older if he is. he'll be back, they've all said his story isn't over yet. we'll get something in a year or so i bet

[DoctorDoom]

My Latverian brother! May the bountiful harvests of Vlatava's Sausage and Cheese Festival be presented to you by the best of Vlatava's beautiful, buxom, busty, bouncy frauleins! I'm with you in enjoying this title. I got high hopes for Bart and I like how Griffin could be the new "Zoom."
You may stay at my castle anytime brother.

[VonJakeNstein]

Super-villains would like this book. It hurts the super hero community.

[TheTen-EyedMan]

In Soviet Russia, the Speed Force is in you!


http://www.hyperborea.org/flash/bigimages/blue1.jpg

We live comfortably at 700 miles an hour.

[DonC]

wally won't be that much older if he is. he'll be back, they've all said his story isn't over yet. we'll get something in a year or so i bet


You're assuming they don't age him like they did Bart.

[Scarlet Speedster]

I too was underwhelmed by #4--how long will it take to wipe out Griffin from the DC universe? The dialogue in this issue was awful, the art suffered compared to previous issues and the storyline thus far isn't going anywhere (much like All Star Batman and Robin)--after four issues, I'm losing my patience.

This book needs a new creative team desperately. I know sales are good (for now), but if DC doesn't want to alienate all the Flash fans, they need something to shake up this title. I'm not suggesting they bring back Wally West as The Flash (though if they did in a well-written storyline I'd welcome it), but the new series is a lackluster addition to the Flash legacy right now.

[VonJakeNstein]

Those sales aren't going to be there forever. A lot of people are dropping the book. If you love the Flash you need to drop this book and tell DC what's what.

[Count Vertigo]

In Soviet Russia, the Speed Force is in you!
LMAO!!! I miss that humor from Yakoff!

[Ray192]

When I first saw the cover, I actually thought it was Carol... imagine my dissapointment.

Seriously, why won't anybody just take a look at an issue of Impulse? Instead of making a character that looks exactly like an older Carol, just bring Carol back!

[Young Avenger]

If you love the Flash you need to drop this book and tell DC what's what.

I can't do that. Sure the book sucks but I can't get my Flash fix anywhere else. He's not in the new JLA and he's not a supporting character in another book.

[Jack Zodiac]

When I first saw the cover, I actually thought it was Carol... imagine my dissapointment.

Seriously, why won't anybody just take a look at an issue of Impulse? Instead of making a character that looks exactly like an older Carol, just bring Carol back!

She was already older than Bart after his mom took her to the future for a couple of years, so they should both be about the same age now. And, they already have a history together. And, they'll finally use characters from a great book that everyone's seem to have forgotten.

[Mr. Palmer]

I'm also in the minority for having enjoyed the book.

However, in a review of my pull-list (which needed shortening), the Flash didn't make the cut.

[VonJakeNstein]

I can't do that. Sure the book sucks but I can't get my Flash fix anywhere else. He's not in the new JLA and he's not a supporting character in another book.

I know how you feel. That was my thinking too until I read issue 4 which was the last straw. When you get an attachment to a character its hard not to read their adventures month to month but I can't stand to see the character dragged through $hit by these hacks.

What I'm going to do for my Flash fix, is re-read a lot of the great Flash stories. Infantino, Loebs, Waid, Johns, Morrison, Millar...the lot of them. It's not the same but it'll do unto Didio gets to his senses and realizes the book stinks.

[Jack Zodiac]

I will say this, though. As Jakenstein just said, this crappy run has given me the initiative to go back and read some classic arcs, like Waid's run on the book, Morrison's JLA, and Impulse (which upon re-reading, I realize I have a couple of holes in the run I need to fix).

[Cody H]

I'll give it one more issue to pull me in, but more than likely I'm done. I enjoy the art but the characters aren't really compelling to me at all. Maybe things will turn around but I doubt it. Oh well.

[Nevets F]

I really enjoyed the issue.

[Fatguy]

This book makes me honestly sad :(

I LOVE the Flash, Wally specifically but I have no problem at all with Bart. I read the first 2 issues and didnt like 'em at all but felt no urge to drop it from my list, then 3 came out and it still wasnt great but made me hopefull for improvement, but then issue 4 came along and my decision to drop it came half way into the story.

I can take the art, which has been soooooo bad (except #3), but its the dialogue which ruins it all for me. Its not right when reading a comic makes you cringe in horror from printed sentences. And the "relationship" between Bart and whatever her name is, reminds me of the worst parts of all those 80's teen flicks.

Its just done for me. I can take a lot from a comic containing a character I like, but something with a complete lack of soul, grasp on how humans communicate, and anything genuine, shouldnt come with a $3 pricetag. :(

[kentonindy]

(1) Bart doesn't deserve to be Flash, in my opinion. In order to have a successful replacement for an existing hero, the new version needs to be a brand new character (Kyle Rayner, Michael Holt) or an existing character who has earned the status of heir apparent (Wally West, Donna Troy). Bart was barely mature enough to carry the mantle of Kid Flash, and instantly aging him to adulthood doesn't change that fact.

(2) I could tolerate substandard art if the story were blowing me away, which it clearly isn't.

(3) I shouldn't have to wait more than four issues to get to the point of something. THE NEW TEEN TITANS managed in four issues to premier and incorporate three brand new members (Raven, Cyborg, Starfire), introduce two epic new supervillians (Deathstroke, Trigon), introduce and kill off a minor villian (Ravager I), cross over with JLofA, and begin a major story arc involving the subjugation of the entire universe from an extradimensional threat, while also reintroducing and fleshing out the remaining four existing members. FTFMA in four issues? Not so much.

[skally19]

i like that it's bart. it's legacy. dont' worry we'll see wally, at the end of some issue. a streak of lightning'll save bart with caption of bart thinkg.."is it him.." more streaks of lightning.."it is..it's.." new page "wally" and then one page of wally standing their partially lightning. with us also seeing the back of bart's head. yup. it'll happen.

[handOFfate]

Yeah, this book isn't so hot right now. I'm sticking with it for a few more issues since there's supposed to be some kind of major turning point coming. Hopefully Bart becomes a little more like his earlier self. This version is just depressing.
Does it strike anybody else that Griffin looks a lot like the Pied Piper?

[Scarlet Speedster]

Does it strike anybody else that Griffin looks a lot like the Pied Piper?

I thought the same thing!

[Psychoweasel]

Didio has Showbiz ties, right? And he hired two (as proven by the last four issues) TERRIBLE Showbiz writers, correct?

So, going by Showbiz rules, there are likely two reasons for them to be involved here;

1 - They knew someone who knew someone who he owed a favor.
2 - They have the negatives.

Either way, I don't see him firing them any time soon. :(

[MWGallaher]

Does it strike anybody else that Griffin looks a lot like the Pied Piper?
A floppy hood on a character that has a super-speed power. Perfect. Totally destroy the visual impression of speed when the character is shown moving fast, but with his stupid cowl still in place. Is there any aspect that they haven't managed to botch on this book?
I'm continuing to buy it only to enjoy watching the trainwreck.

[Dr.Geekibus]

I was looking at the DC December solicits and was wondering who Inertia is? I'm wondering if I missed some issues somewhere along the line or is that someone else's villain crossing over. Or perhaps have I had too much cold medicine today?

Anyone? Anyone?

Bueller?

[Jack]

I was looking at the DC December solicits and was wondering who Inertia is? I'm wondering if I missed some issues somewhere along the line or is that someone else's villain crossing over. Or perhaps have I had too much cold medicine today?

Anyone? Anyone?

Bueller?
Inertia is the Reverse Impulse. He's a clone of Bart whose age, instead of being accelerated, was retarded. He spent... uhh, I forget exactly how long, but it was a hell of a long time... growing to maturity, then travelled back in time to replace Bart.

[MutoMikey]

I'm dropping the book now. I encourage everyone to do the same
That's pretty mean. The book isn't so bad that there needs to be a community wide ban on it.
I'm still enjoying it. But I don't like the art. The guy from the last issue should be on this permanently, I loved that art. To me, it looked like a fusion of modern Flash art and old Impulse art, which is fitting.
As for the writing; I like the story, I really do, but the pace is really getting to me. You know what I think? Waid should come back. He created Bart and had a Hell of a run on The Flash before. The guys they got now may have created a show I love, but, they can't write a comicbook story too well.
BUT!....I'll stick with it. It's the Flash, it's Bart, and they're bringing back Inertia! I've wanted to see another confrontation between him and Bart for a few years now! Awesome!

-Mikey

[MWGallaher]

As of issue 4, I think I've figured out what bothers me most about this series.

It's very, very clumsy, and clumsy is the last characteristic you want in a series about the "fastest man alive."

Page one: Griffin "can see miles in the dark"?!? What the heck are his powers? I thought he had superspeed a few issues ago? Are his powers supposed to be constantly changing? Does he simply have a lot of them? Is it supposed to be a mystery?
Pages two-three: What a mess of a layout! What's Griffin doing? Is he forcing his hand through the guy or around the guy? Another new power of electric bolts? And then the narration: "There's Slout." Hunh? Is that a typo? What's a slout? Oh, I guess it's supposed to be a name, but it's not one I've ever heard. I guess it's the CEO mentioned on the previous page.
Page four: "What happened?" Good question, Jay, lemme look over the page a couple more times and try to decipher. Well, there was this huge explosion two feet from the boat, and Griffin apparently saved everybody by telling them to "Get down" on the previous page. Apparently a dinghy full of explosives won't do any damage if everyone on the boat just gets down. And then Jay Garrick looked at us, and then somebody shined a beam from a lighthouse directly at something burning in the water...oh, wait, that can't be right...hold on, I'll figure it out...oh, no, I've got it, Jay somehow managed to see the burning something (but apparently the boat and everyone on board are still fine), and that's not a beam from the lighthouse, that's Jay himself displaying a new visual effect.
Page five: So this "Thatcher" was the mystery villain in issue one, the guy who can survive a head-on crash? And just like that, he's done with? Did I miss something last issue? Could be, I guess...I assume he was just a disgruntled union man, then? Are Bart and Griff still scabs? Whatever...clumsy way to handle the villain who's been the catalyst for all the major developments so far in the series.
Flip, flip...
Pages seven and eight: Clumsy to feature the same car in the top panel of facing pages, especially when the artist can't draw the car to look the same in both panels. I don't mean just the details, but the basic proportions of the car seem to change. And the comment that Griff was taking Bart "straight to Hell" might have been less confusing if the panel showing the nightclub with the unlikely name "Hell" had made the signage more readable.
Page nine: Not especially clumsy...yet. But look at the bottom two panels. What's that Griff's waving in Bart's face? A gloved fist, right?
Page ten: Griff's got a new power--he can dematerialize his gloves! Lashley, Velluto, whoever did this page, didn't you guys read the whole script before drawing it? If you knew that the shocking reveal of an old man-looking hand was on the next page, set it up a little better. And now the bimbos split without an argument when Griff gets disgusted with his image in the bathroom? Did the writers forget that Griff drove them over here? Most people I know don't take well to being forced to find their own ride home after someone's driven them to their "crib" (ugh. Can we kill that slang yet?)
Page eleven: Thanks for blurring the art, guys. Cause pigeons are fast, man. Fastest birds alive. And I can suspend disbelief pretty well, thank you, but when Tina McGee starts off talking about how little she's able to figure out from the data, and then, on...
Page twelve:...she leaps to the (declarative) conclusion that Bart is the Speed Force, and all the speedsters are living inside of him, and he's been "changed on a macrobiotic level", whatever that means...well, it's clumsy. Hard to read, hard to believe, hard to even understand.
Page fourteen: So this Mota is Bart's "family's mortal enemy", eh? Well, sometimes retconning a new creation as having had a long history opposing a character works. But not with the Flashes. This series has been about "legacy" for 20 years now, and the "Flash Family" history has been explored in quite some depth. This isn't working for me. It's clumsy.
Page seventeen: So what's Griff's problem supposed to be again? Something about his hair? OK, I guess he's supposed to look old or something. Who can tell, with all the lines that artists these days put on everybody's face? Oh, I skipped Griff showing off another new power on the last page. How clumsy of me.
Page nineteen: If someone had aged decades, I think I'd notice that before a shaved head. When the writers have that as Bart's first comment, I'm left assuming his face has gone back to normal. Well, it is different than it was two pages ago, anyway. Ah, this must be the page where Velluto takes over. Bart finally notices the new face in the last panel. Clumsy writing.
Page twenty: Bart was "impulsive" when Griff first met him? So Griff was responsible for changing Bart from an impulsive punk to the gloomy moper he was as of issue #1? Nah, I think this is just a nudge-in-the-ribs reference to his previous identity as "Impulse". Clumsy inside "joke". And way to spotlight the big reveal of Bart using his power in front of Griffin for the first time: cram it into a tiny panel, and have Bart botch this simple act of running away. Wonderful.
Page twenty-one: I kinda like the bottom panel, actually. I remember reading that one of the things they tried to achieve in the Wally West relaunch was finding new ways to visually convey running at super-speed, rather than continuing to ape Infantino's approach. Best page of the entire series so far.
Pages twenty-two to twenty-three: What?! That's the way not to follow up the best page of the entire series so far. A page like 21 demands some kind of followup! Cutting the scene there to wait until the next issue is just clumsy. And disappointing. Sudden change of scene, Val's now a curvaceous bombshell? At least these pages were well-constructed and readable. Unfortunately, we're treated to tacky, cliche villain talk: "Come give Daddy a kiss"? Yawn.
All this clumsiness can't be blamed on any one member of the team. The writers aren't thinking out the consequences of what's happening in their script, the pencillers are staging action poorly and failing to convey important information well, the inker team of three is failing to maintain a consistent look, the colorist is making awkward choices (like a conspicuously detailed moon that doesn't match the technique in the rest of the page), and the editor is failing to corral this mess into publication-worthiness.

[TheTen-EyedMan]

I never thought I'd say this.

BRING BACK MARK WAID.

[Jack]

Page fourteen: So this Mota is Bart's "family's mortal enemy", eh? Well, sometimes retconning a new creation as having had a long history opposing a character works. But not with the Flashes. This series has been about "legacy" for 20 years now, and the "Flash Family" history has been explored in quite some depth. This isn't working for me. It's clumsy.Yup, the Flash has been about legacy for twenty years. And Mota has been around for sixteen of those years.

[Dr.Geekibus]

I knew who Mota was, but I really never thought of him as Flash's arch-enemy. Flash has had his 'rogues gallery' for a long time. I just figured Mota fit into that revolving display of supervillains. But this makes it sound like he's top dog. It doesn't ring true, which is a problem with retconning like that.

[Jack]

I knew who Mota was, but I really never thought of him as Flash's arch-enemy. Flash has had his 'rogues gallery' for a long time. I just figured Mota fit into that revolving display of supervillains. But this makes it sound like he's top dog. It doesn't ring true, which is a problem with retconning like that.
They're not saying that he's the greatest enemy of any Flash. It's just that he has been a villain for all of them, which is exactly why he's being brought back to face Bart.

[MWGallaher]

Yup, the Flash has been about legacy for twenty years. And Mota has been around for sixteen of those years.
How about that? I'd forgotten Mota's (only?) prior appearance in the Flash Anniversary Special, where all that was indeed established. But it's all about the feel. And despite this being a pre-existing character with just such an established history of battling all the Flashes under different identities, they were unable to make Mota feel like a "legacy" menace. Which isn't surprising since he had only been used (again, so far as I can tell) once, sixteen years ago.

[the4thpip]

What do you guys want? It's just starting. Give it some time. As for the speed force, maybe because it causes him so much intense pain seeing as how he is purportedly the fastest Flash to date thats why it's dangerous? Again, give it some time.:rolleyes:

As for that ignorant comment of "they can't write comics," well I can say is "can you do better?" It's been what...? 3 issues now? Please explain how you think the new book is terrible with examples. If you can.
What a load of bull. It's been 4 really bad, overpriced comics.

And I can't lay any eggs, but I'm still better at judging the quality of an omelette than your average chicken. I've been reading comics for almost 30 years and I am perfectly qualified to say that Flash is a horrible comic book and not worthy of my hard-earned money, so I dropped it.

Give it time my sweet fanny.

[Paul Nolan]

The last couple of stories of Geoffs John's run severely dropped in quality. It felt like he was spending too much time setting the pathway from Identity to Infinite in other titles and not concentrating on the Flash. And issues 226-230 (in my opinion) were truly awful.

I am enjoying the title again now, and look forward to where it's going.