The Good
Kid Flash has been one of the characters in the New 52 that has been a bit of a mystery. We've seen him in the pages of TEEN TITANS but we never got all the answers on him. Is he the same Bart Allen we knew before? How come there hasn't been any interaction between him and Barry? Why and how did he end in up in the present if he's from the future? We did see a tiny glimpse in an issue of JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA'S VIBE and now we're getting some more answers.
Let's be honest, Bart is a bit of a twerp. But he's young and misguided. Why would he listen to old Barry? What ensues is a fun interaction between the two characters that is long overdue. Throughout, it almost seems there is more to Bart than we may realize. Then again, can anything he says be fully trusted?
Of course the reason for Bart's appearance is because Barry is investigating the Speed Force murders. We do get some more development on that but more importantly, we get to see more Iris West. Perhaps someday Barry will realize he should be with her instead of Patty Spivot.
As fun as the story was, Francis Manapul's art and Brian Buccellato's colors added another layer to it all. Seeing the two speedsters race around different locales was a blast. It's clear that these guys know what makes Barry Allen tick and work. Their writing and art is exactly what this character deserves.
The Bad
While we can't get all the answers we might want right away, it almsot felt as if the interaction between Barry and Bart ended too suddenly. For two speedsters, it makes sense things would proceed at a faster pace. But for Bart to be on the cover, it makes you want to see more between the two. The story does shift into a couple other areas. These are important aspects to the book and we do need to see more of the developments with all involved. There just seemed to be a tiny lack of flow between the different parts.
The Verdict
The Flash vs Kid Flash. Who is faster? What sort of encounter will the two have. If you're a fan of either character, pre- or post-New 52, you won't want to miss this issue. Too much about Bart is still unknown and you'll find yourself hanging onto every word and panel with the two. Brian Buccellato and Francis Manapul's story with the Speed Force killer continues to be a problem and their art and color gives the book such a great look. The biggest problem with this issue is it feels too short. Or it felt like the story went by too fast. That might seem fitting for a book starring a speedster. Perhaps it's simply a longing for more action and story with the Flash.