Flash 221 Discussion *Spoilers*

[Brian R]

Alright, so things finally get going in this second issue of "Rogue War". The two opposing sides go at it and it makes for some nice visuals like Heatwave vs Cap Cold and Weather Wizard vs Magenta. I like how Johns has them do things that actually make sense when they are fighting, things like Kid Boomerang cutting Piper's flute in half, or Wizard screwing with Magenta through the EM spectrum, it may seem obvious but its a smart use of their powers. We see the two Tricksters go at it, which was well overdue, and while the original is still the best, the kid really shows he has some guts and is not afraid to cause a lot of destruction.

When Flash finally shows up, we see him get attacked by both Captain Cold AND Heat Wave? Presumably Heat Wave was just pissed because Flash put out his "beautiful flames" but it still seems a tad out of character for this reformed rogue. So, while Flash asks him what the hell he is doing, it gives Cap the perfect opportunity to turn Wally into an ice cube... except he doesnt get a chance, because The Top shows up! The issue ends with the Top telling Wally that the day has come for him to undo what he has done to the rogues, and leaves us dieing for the next issue.


Overall, a terrific issue, the art and writing were top-notch as usual, and it was really action-paced to boot. My only complaint is that with so many battles going on, you dont really get to see too much of any particular one, but that really cant be avoided with this storyline unless Geoff wants to turn it into a ten part event. I cant wait for next month, this book makes me wish I had a time machine. :)

Please post your opinions.

[Jared_Humpherys]

Theory on why Heat Wave is acting so funny:

Considering what's been done to the Top, and Captain Cold's remarks to Heat Wave "You're still one of us, deep down. You're still a Rogue," as well as how weird Heat Wave's been acting, I think that perhaps he was one of the victims of the mind-warping; other Rogues may be as well(aside from Piper and Trickster, for various reasons).

All in all, great issue.

[RedNave]

I'm pretty happy that I decided to start reading The Flash now, really enjoying it, I think this issue has cemeted it into my must get comics on my pull list, great story and equally great art work.

I really like how every Rouge has been introudced, prior to Rogue War I only had ever heard of Mirror Master.

[pureclint]

This book just out and out rocks, Curious if the Top brings in all the new Rogues to fight next issue.

[jetter_cheeze]

Loved the 2 page spread when Flash first arrived. "War." hell yea.

Did anyone else notice the reference to other writers and creators? Such as Millar Street And Johns Town and Loeb DMD? Loved it.

[The Lucky One]

Seriously awesome issue. I'm questioning James Jesse's tactics, though- it's one thing to think your 4-man squad can take out a 5-man opposing force, but letting one escape to summon a huge slew of reinforcements? (Not that I'm not reeeeally looking forward to seeing the newer Rogues jump into the fray next issue, as indicated by the cover.) And announcing your presence by blowing down the door, THEN trying to put them to sleep through hypnosis? Get it together, James.

So are we thinking the Top's presence is going to cause some of the reformed Rogues to revert to type? And if so, bets on who'll still be "good"? Anyone other than Piper?

-D

[Cody H]

Man, this comic is getting really really good again. I think Johns is at his best when he's focusing on the rogues and given that this has been building for a long time know, I expect a nice payoff on this one.

[TJ Shoun]

Maybe it was just me, but I liked Porter's pencils even more than usual.

Yeah, that two-page spread of the Rogues going at it when Flash shows up was just incredible.

And considering that issue a few months back featuring Heat Wave, I thought his characterization was on. The guy's obviously got problems regardless of his desire for redemption...

[SonnyC79]

Very awesome issue. I thought it was great how he handled that one situation

[Core]

I too, am enjoying this arc.

And I wonder if John's won't pull a fast one and have the Top show up to help Wally instead of the Rogues. The in-house commercial page's blurb for issue #222 mentions something about a "new ally" arriving to turn the tide of the Rogue War. In any case, I'm looking forward to next month's issue.

I do feel bad for the sometimes-dead Captain Boomerang. What a horrible showing of disrespect he's receiving...horrible and creepy.

[comic_lover]

Alright, so things finally get going in this second issue of "Rogue War". The two opposing sides go at it and it makes for some nice visuals like Heatwave vs Cap Cold and Weather Wizard vs Magenta. I like how Johns has them do things that actually make sense when they are fighting, things like Kid Boomerang cutting Piper's flute in half, or Wizard screwing with Magenta through the EM spectrum, it may seem obvious but its a smart use of their powers. We see the two Tricksters go at it, which was well overdue, and while the original is still the best, the kid really shows he has some guts and is not afraid to cause a lot of destruction.

When Flash finally shows up, we see him get attacked by both Captain Cold AND Heat Wave? Presumably Heat Wave was just pissed because Flash put out his "beautiful flames" but it still seems a tad out of character for this reformed rogue. So, while Flash asks him what the hell he is doing, it gives Cap the perfect opportunity to turn Wally into an ice cube... except he doesnt get a chance, because The Top shows up! The issue ends with the Top telling Wally that the day has come for him to undo what he has done to the rogues, and leaves us dieing for the next issue.


Overall, a terrific issue, the art and writing were top-notch as usual, and it was really action-paced to boot. My only complaint is that with so many battles going on, you dont really get to see too much of any particular one, but that really cant be avoided with this storyline unless Geoff wants to turn it into a ten part event. I cant wait for next month, this book makes me wish I had a time machine. :)

Please post your opinions.Man,I loved it.

[amphetamine]

Loved the 2 page spread when Flash first arrived. "War." hell yea.

I couldn't help but wonder "Does Johns play Heroclix?" When I saw that splash. :D

Did anyone else notice the reference to other writers and creators? Such as Millar Street And Johns Town and Loeb DMD? Loved it.

There's a reference to "Miller Avenue" in the current issue of Batman, too. There's a *lot* of references like that out there -- I can recall several times during the orginal Batman series. They're nice little tidbits.

[Blueferret]

The page when Flash shows up and gets blasted by Cold and Heat Wave reminds me of an old V1 cover with Barry Allen getting blasted by both of them. Great issue. I really like where this story is headed.

[Ilash]

Okay, another very good issue of the Flash from Geoff Johns. I do have one rather large complaint though. However much I love what Johns has done with the Rogues, I miss Wally West. Not only does it seem like Wally is only a guest star in every third issue of his own book but even when he does show up, he never really seems to be the centre of attention. This is pretty much the reason why I'll always love Waid's run more than Johns. Mark Waid made Wally West my absolute favourite superhero character as he focused his entire run around him. Let's also not forget that Linda was an actual character when Waid was writing but lately, she just hasn't made much of an impact on the title at all. Plus, I may be alone on this but I loved the other speedsters constant presence as well. Don't get me wrong though, I do like what Johns is doing, creating one really good superhero story after another and perhaps it is better that he hasn't tried to copy Waid's run at all but I just wish there was more of a focus on the Flash himself. Anyone else with me on this?

[Cody H]

Yeah, I've noticed this too, but I'm willing to accept it for this particular storyline, but as you've said, it'd be nice to get a little more focus on Wally and I'm hoping we'll be getting that focus pretty soon, perhaps in the next arc.