Comics / Comic Reviews / DC Comics

The Flash # 202

By Loretta Ramirez
September 28, 2003 - 11:37

Proper shoes are a necessity to be The Flash, or your feet will spark a blaze-a lesson Wally West quickly learns while experimenting with his newfound speed power. In "Ignition Part Two: Shifting Gears," Geoff Johns and Alberto Dose continue an intriguing story-arc which captures the jumble of awe, fear, and superiority that a young man must experience when discovering that he's the fastest man alive.

Wally West is in an oddly sympathetic position. An insecure mechanic, particularly touchy about his intelligence, West craves appreciation and respect. Now, an extraordinary opportunity is presented; the mechanic can out-run bullets! Yet, Johns, the skilled storyteller, won't permit West to revel in his speed. Instead, West quickly realizes that his power threatens his marriage and world. Thus, this issue ignites as an exploration of West's character and the peril

s of unharnessed power.  Dose's art enhances the mood of the story-arc. West's world is still appropriately drab and mundane now that he's no longer a superhero. Yet, the art's gloom doesn't detract from Dose's talent. A noteworthy scene is the warping of buildings after West accidentally causes a sonic boom that drops an entire city block. This is a surreal moment; reality warps as Flash's immense po

wer reenters the world.  Overall: B+

Last Updated: November 29, 2025 - 16:51