Review: The Flash #39

The Flash has finally made it to 700 issues. It feels like I should talk about this a bit, butÂ 700 is just a number. In a couple of weeks that numberÂ will change to 701. For now, let’s just dive straight into the Flash’s 700th issue.

The first thought that ran through the minds of readers was probably, “Grodd’s back! Yay!!!!!” or something like that. Unfortunately, there isn’t that much of the brainy behemoth in this issue. You have probably guessed the common excuse for such a situation: “It’s a 1st-part issue it’s just taking time to develop.” My response to someone who claimed that would be…”Yes. Yes, it is.” It’s still somewhat disappointing, but if Williamson had rushed into the story without proper build-up then readers might’ve had a fit. (But maybe rushing into things would work for the Flash) Anyways, this is a set-up issue so you may have to wait a little longer if you were itching for a Grodd smackdown.

Now, for what is in the issue: Running, talking, and wait is that it? No, I’m from the South so I’m exaggerating. I’m also misleading you a bit. I actually did like this issue. Most of the issue revolves around Barry confessing some secrets to Iris, but an emphasis on “some”. Meanwhile, Kid-Flash is trying to make sure no escape attempt is made on Dr. Karver, a bad-guyÂ dude who’s a member of the “Black Hole” organization. Wally also has a friend show up to lighten his spirits. Some bad mamba-jambaÂ goes down near the end of the issue, but I’m not a fan of spoiling bad mamba-jamba. The end of the issue is most of the set-up that I’ve talked about.

One thing you can say about Josh Williamson’s Flash: It stays consistent. He has maintained the same tone throughout 39 issues. To some, this may be a bad thing but to me, it’s just fine. Josh Williamson is a talented writer who needs to stay where he is at. I’d be ok if he continues to write “The Flash” for a long while. This Grodd story has some great potential, and did I hear something about a Flash War?

The art is consistent in “The Flash” too, but I’m not as big of a fan about this. Honestly, I am not thrilled with the art style of Carmine Di Giandomencio. The art is loose, but it may be on purpose. The Flash is a character who by nature is loose, but I am still not on board with the art-style. I do not hate the art, I do not loathe the art, I just don’t care for the art. Either way, the Flash series is still a solid title.

The Flash’s 700th issue is a good story,Â with terrific potential. There wasn’t anything screaming at me, “THIS IS AWESOME!” but I found myself entertained. (The point of comics I think) This was largely a set-up issue, so it really is okay. It does it”s job of preparing us for the next issue, which looks brutal for the Flash. Now that we have build-up out-of-the-way give me some Grodd action in #40 Mister Williamson!

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(W) Joshua Williamson (A/CA) Carmine Di Giandomenico