Review: The Flash #73

By: Shawn Warner

“Year One” has become something of a brand in the DC Universe; beginning with Frank Miller and David Mazzucchelli’s now legendary 1987 arc it has gone on to serve as the title of choice for re-telling the origins of many of DC’s most iconic heroes. Joshua Williamson and Howard Porter’s “Year One” arc continues to recount Barry Allen’s earliest days as The Flash in dramatic fashion. Of course there are super-heroics, intense action and absolutely mind-blowing visuals, but the most impressive elements of this narrative are the human elements, the small moments of introspection between the confrontations with the sinister Turtle, the villain from the Flash’s future now plaguing his present. Williamson focuses on a Flash who has yet to master the Speed Force, in fact much of this arc has been a journey of self-discovery as Barry learns of new and wonderful abilities on the fly, literally on-the-job training for Speedsters. One of Barry’s now frequently used abilities is his phasing ability, which as of this issue he is far from mastering. This is an element of his newly acquired Speed Force powers that could save his life, this issue begins with Barry suffering from a gunshot wound, the bullet still in his body. Time for more of that on-the-job training. In one of the most dramatic and tense scenes of the arc Barry must decide to phase his hand into his body and remove the bullet, as if the tension need to be amped up, Iris is pounding on his door shouting to him while he is attempting to save his own life by employing this delicate and very precise procedure.

Williamson relies on some very tried and true Flash tropes such as phasing and time travel to tell an origin story that feels new and innovative, the inspired decision to use such an eclectic villain as the Turtle is one particular element that reaps big narrative rewards. The chemistry between these two is amazing, the obvious opposite power sets and even the physical differences all play so well here to tell an intriguing and fresh origin tale. Williamson also digs deep into the budding relationship of Barry and Iris. This is a bit different than we’ve seen this play out in past iterations, the tumultuous nature of their early relationship is a new wrinkle that Williamson has brought to light in this narrative. It’s not a path usually trodden by these two, however the combustible nature of this relationship could produce a dynamic that would enhance the dramatic elements of the arc and beyond.

This issue is arguably the best work of Williamson and Porter on the title. There is such a heightened sense of urgency and tension that every page seems to bristle with excitement. The character work is once again first rate especially where the Turtle is concerned. Williamson gives us an in depth backstory complete with the origin of the villain meticulously detailed and told through well placed flashbacks. The Turtle has earned a place among the Flash’s most infamous rogues in record time.

Howard Porter has been one of my favorite artists since I first discovered his work way back on Grant Morrison’s brilliant JLA run and if you need a reason for that just look at this issue of the Flash. These are perhaps the best pages of his stellar career. His effective use of dynamic page design and inventive layout quite fittingly add a feeling of movement and speed to the issue. Porter is an expert storyteller and nowhere is his prowess more evident than in this issue’s 16 panel double page spread. Not only are the images rendered beautifully, but the precision in storytelling technique is peerless.

Overall this issue is nearly flawless, they don’t get much better than this one, friends. From cover to cover there is an exciting sense of urgency, tension and suspense. The dramatic elements of the narrative take center stage allowing the action to act more as a framing device for the human elements. The visuals are absolutely gorgeous from the hyper-detailed line work to the vividly intense colors by Hi-Fi, this books is a standout. As the “Year One” narrative moves into the final act the stakes have never been higher for Barry on a multitude of levels. I can’t wait for the next issue. 5/5

[yasr_overall_rating size=”large”]

Writer- Joshua Williamson
Artist- Howard Porter
Colors- Hi-Fi Letterer- Steve Wands