Flashpoint is wrapping up and the final battle is starting to take place. Flash, Batman, Cyborg, Enchantress, Element Woman, and Shazam team up to take on Aquaman and Wonder Woman.
The Good
I found a new favorite concept in the Flashpoint universe, and that's Shazam! I love the idea of 6 kids all representing one of the gods and coming together to form one meta-human. I know it's a bit like Firestorm, but I feel this idea fits the character of Shazam a little better. We also get to see the Flashpoint version of Metamorpho, and it's a cool twist, but it leaves me wanting to know more.
There's a decent amount of action to keep you interested, and on top of that, the writing ( Geoff Johns) and the art ( Andy Kubert pencils, Jesse Delperdang inks, and Alex Sinclair colors) are top notch. Although I have my problems with the issue, I was glued to the issue from page one. I really enjoyed the issue, aside from my problems, and I feel like we can see how some of this world ties into the DCnU, which starts the end of this month.
The Bad
It's all set-up for the last issue. There's lots of motivational speeches and a "we have to do something attitude," but when it comes down to it, all this issue really does is connect a few of minor moments to the larger picture: Stopping Barry's mind from wiping his memories, a traitor on the team, and setting up the final confrontation between Barry and his nemesis.
I have so many unanswered questions, and I feel like I'm just not getting them quick enough. With DC pushing hard for the new 52 and putting in ads into this book every few pages, I feel like I'm not giving this book as much attention as I should be because I'm already ready to move onto the next big event. I understand there needs to be advertisement for the next big thing, but I feel like too much (which is the case in this issue) takes away from the current story.
The issue starts off slow. It's not bad, but I felt like there was a lot being thrown at me in a short amount of time, then the pacing takes off as the poop hits the fan all within a couple of pages. It felt like I was stuck in traffic for hours, then got a bit driving freedom only to reach my destination 2 minutes later. It was a bit unsatisfying.
The Verdict
This was my least favorite issue of the main series, thus far. I have a feeling that the last issue is going to go out with a bang, so I say hang in tight. I love some of the new characters introduced in this issue, and I loved the writing and the art, but the issue felt like nothing but a bunch of set-up for the last issue. Only a few points were really consequential in issue number four. Aside from that, I feel like I am ready to move on after all the DCnU ads in all the comics. It's overkill. Finally, the pacing was worse than the (your local crowded highway, I'll use 290) during rush hour. I did overall like the book, and I'm more excited to see how the book ends more than anything else. I'd say borrow it from a friend.