Pages

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

The Flash Vol. 4: Reverse

Writers/Artists: Francis Manapul & Brian Buccellato

Publisher:  DC Comics

Publication Date:  Aug. 19, 2014

Source:  Netgalley

Graphic Novel Challenge Book #21

Summary (from Amazon) :  The fourth volume of Brian Buccellato and Francis Manapul's New 52 breakout hit - The Flash!

A mysterious and powerful Speed-Force killer has left a trail of bodies in his wake and only Barry has the power to stop him. But when the killer stays one step ahead of him, Barry finds himself face to face with the Teen Titans and Kid Flash for the first time. All this will lead to a confrontation with the Flash's most deadly foe, The Reverse Flash!


Collects THE FLASH #20-25, and #23.3: REVERSE FLASH.

I have enjoyed the New52 version of the Flash.  Manapul and Buccellato have done a great job of recapturing the feel of the classic Barry Allen stories while using modern storytelling methods.  

One of the things that really stands out is the graphic design.  I always look forward to seeing how they are incorporating the title into the story.  I have only seen a few other artists use this method.  Will Eisner, Frank Miller, Jim Steranko, and various artists on Don MacGregor's "Black Panther" have made the title part of the art.  Sometimes it appears as part of a structure, sometimes as part of the background or debris.  It catches the eye while not taking you out of the story.

"Reverse" is the culmination of a plot that began in issue #1 (and even before that in the "Flashpoint" mini-series).  Manapul and Buccellato have slowly built suspense by revealing little clues.  The slow burn build up made the payoff in this collection all the better.

The only disappointment with this collection is that it is the end of their run on "The Flash".  This team will be missed.

Highly recommended.



No comments:

Post a Comment