The Comic Book Bin
DC Comics (1429) Articles


TopShelf Month

Darkhorse Month

Women's Month


 
Comics : Comic Reviews : DC Comics
Last Updated: Oct 20, 2009 - 7:25:21 AM




The Flash # 242
By Koppy McFad
Jul 22, 2008 - 2:21:16 AM

Publisher(s): DC Comics
Writer(s): Tom Peyer
Penciller(s): Freddie E. William
Cover Artist(s): Freddie E. William
$2.99 US 32 pages
Email this Article
 Printer Friendly Page
 Mobile Friendly Page

Add to Del.icio.us     Add To Reddit
Add To Digg     Add To Stumbleupon
Add To Technorati Favorites     Add To Ask


flash.jpg

After battling a psychic rampage in Keystone City, the Flash, Wally West, takes his twin children to Gorilla City, seeking a cure for their rapid ageing... only to discover something horrible awaiting them there.

This issue is rather disjointed. There are actually several plots running together and sometimes, they get in each other's way. There is the psychic attack that is causing citizens to go on a rampage, there is the advanced maturity of Wally's kids and there is a holy white gorilla that must be returned to Gorilla City. Along with this, we get an extended flashback about the cause of the psychic rampage and a short introduction to Gorilla civilisation. It is a lot to take in.

What does come through however is the characterisation-- of Wally West as both tough and compassionate, as both mature and emotional. Of his kids who are still learning how to be heroes but who are also eager for new experiences. Even the supporting characters get a chance to leave a lasting impression on the reader. One might suspect that the creative team is using the strong characterisations to keep the story together. Certainly there are big plot holes, like why Flash would expose his children to the dangerous world of superheroism or how Gorilla City has transformed from a scientifically-advanced enclave to some sort of mystical garden-city, fixated on a supernatural ape-child. But these details don't really trip up the story as the characters are convincing enough  that most readers will accept their reasons for doing things.

The art takes a little getting used to. It is bright and full of strange colours and bizarre shapes. The characters-- particularly the kids-- have a cartoonish look. But at the same time, like well-made cartoons, the art does catch the eye, making it easier to read the book. It also does not rely on over-use of speed lines or other depictions of Flash's super-speed as previous versions of this book have done.

 

Rating: 7/10


Related Articles:
The Flash: Rebirth # 4 (of 6)
The Flash: Rebirth # 3 (of 6)
The Flash: Rebirth # 2 (of 5)
The Flash Rebirth #1
The Flash: Crossover
The Flash # 242
The Flash # 236
The Flash #231
The Flash: The Fastest Show On Television
All Flash #1



Comment Script Join the discussion:

Add a Comment

Comments


© Copyright 2002-2009, Coolstreak Cartoons Inc. - All rights Reserved. All other texts, images, characters and trademarks are copyright their respective owners. Use of material in this document(including reproduction, modification, distribution, electronic transmission or republication) without prior written permission is strictly prohibited.

Top of Page

Blood and Water
Vampire stories are all the rage these days. Most are silly teenage romances, but every once in a while a vampire tale comes along that doesn’t, um…suck.
Justice Society of America # 32
Mr. Terrific is dead... but not if the Justice Society can help it.
Secret Six # 15
Deadshot tries to come to terms with his homicidal impulses.
Blackest Night #4 (of 8)
Barry Allen does his best to rally the heroes, but will they be able to stand against the arrival of Nekron?
Superman: World of New Krypton #9
Jemm storms New Krypton’s High Council Chamber demanding an audience, Kal-El and Zod meet, and the first murder on New Krypton is committed.
Madame Xanadu #16
The return of series artist Amy Reeder Hadley also marks the start of a new, creepy, and great Matt Wagner story.
Superman #693
General Lane makes Mon-El an offer he has to refuse, but an unlikely ally might just save Mon-El’s life.
The Brave and the Bold # 28
The Flash travels back in time to World War II where he joins forces with the fabled Blackhawks.
Blackest Night: Titans # 3 (of 3)
The Titans in a final showdown with their deceased members.
Northlanders #21
A settlement along The Volga River in Russia deals with the onslaught of a plague in the start of a new story arc.
Superman: Secret Origin #2 (of 6)
Young Clark Kent experiences a bit of a super identity crisis, but manages to get by with some help from his parents and some new friends…Long Live The Legion!
Superman/Batman #65
The Scarecrow takes Superman, The Batman, The Joker, and Lex Luthor on a fear gas induced Halloween nightmare ride.
Azrael #1
The new Azrael’s ongoing series debuts with the death of a major character…
Supergirl #46
The Metropolis Three finally capture Reactron, Thara and Kara make up, and some more light is shed on Lana’s mysterious condition…
Blackest Night: Superman #3 (of 3)
Superman, Superboy, Alura, and Supergirl kick some Black Lantern butt, and Ma Kent holds her own…with some help from Krypto.