Comic Vine Review

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The Flash #23 - Reverse, Part 4

5

Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato deliver a harsh battle between Flash and the new Reverse-Flash.

The Good

Let's start off with the art and colors this time. This is such a visual treat. It's not often we get to see Flash go up against another speedster. From Francis Manapul's art to Brian Buccellato's colors plus all the effects thrown in, this one will definitely make you stop to look over all the detail in each panel. You'll almost feel like you'll need to catch your breath before turning the page.

In terms of the story, this new Reverse-Flash is targeting those exposed to the Speed Force. This has kept us on the edge of our seat as Iris West and Barry were the only two left.

As Barry embarks on this final battle against the Reverse-Flash, he thought he knew who was behind the mask. If you've been wondering, this is where you'll find out. The way it's revealed is pretty epic. And harsh. Almost enough to make me want to shake my fist at Manapul and Buccellato. This is one of those moments you'll want to read for yourself rather than have it spoiled.

The Bad

Aside from that incident that occurs, this was another great issue. I was kept on the edge of my seat.

The Verdict

There's nothing like a good mystery full of high octane action. Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato have cranked things up in this Reverse-Flash story. We've been wondering who the heck this character is and when we find out, it's in a shocking manner. There are still more questions to find out. Thankfully we only have to wait two weeks for THE FLASH 23.2, focusing on Reverse-Flash. Manapul and Buccellato know how to deliver a great comic. We get a great and compelling story accompanied by stellar art and colors. It's almost like they're trying to spoil us.

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Provehito

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Edited By Provehito

@buddy_baker said:

@provehito:

I thought Elias would be Reverse-Flash, too. Even after he and Reverse Flash met in Issue 22. I imagined that it could be his future self, with the Pre-52 Reverse-Flash being from the future.

But that would'nt have been that much of a shocking reveal I guess?! I was suprised and entertained with Iris' brother beeing Reverse Flash, so it's better that way. :)

I had as much fun with that issue as the rest of you guys. Good action and great art (as always. I especially dig the coloring!)!

It would've been logical, considering Thawne and all, but yes, it is much this way. Slightly breaks the mold.

Good to know there's more people enjoying this series. I will miss the fantastic art combo of Manapul and Buccellato now that they're leaving, but at least they'll leave on a high note...I hope.

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Buddy_Baker

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Edited By Buddy_Baker

@provehito:

I thought Elias would be Reverse-Flash, too. Even after he and Reverse Flash met in Issue 22. I imagined that it could be his future self, with the Pre-52 Reverse-Flash being from the future.

But that would'nt have been that much of a shocking reveal I guess?! I was suprised and entertained with Iris' brother beeing Reverse Flash, so it's better that way. :)

I had as much fun with that issue as the rest of you guys. Good action and great art (as always. I especially dig the coloring!)!

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CrazyScarecrow

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@shadowhuntr: Oops sorry. Don't want any spoilers though? Stay off the internet.

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ShadowHuntR

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@crazyscarecrow: Next time, don't give any spoilers or simply hide them...

Thanks.

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JLDoom

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This was easily one of the best issues of this volume yet. The fight was just... incredible and the ending was crazy. I honestly can't wait to see how this story ends.

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CrazyScarecrow

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Hoping it was Eobard Thawne would be the Reverse Flash, but I like how it's Daniel West. Maybe because it shocked me and made Iris West's "death" more interesting and not just a copy of her original death.

Also I think Wally might be involved in the New 52 Flash mythos soon.....

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This issue was so excited. Francis & Brian killed it with the art yet again. The conclusion and special Reverse Flash issues are going to drive me nuts waiting on release.

I really think the outcome of this arc could create an opening for Wally to come into the fold somehow. A guy can hope!

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Bezza

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Great comic, but so frustrating that its another wait to see how it finishes up!

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Mbecks14

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Great issue! I have high hopes for the conclusion!

(I think this story would be a great way to bring Wally back in and I hope the reverse-time element of Reverse Flash can undo his murders, I was liking those other speed force characters)

so so good! Can't believe I have to wait 2 months for the conclusion.

I was so glued to the panels. And final couple pages were thrilling

Same!

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This book and Batman are top class of the New 52.

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Mucklefluga

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Caaaaaaaallllllleeeeddddddd iiiiiiiitttttttttt.

This issue was a 7/10 for me.

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Edited By entropy_aegis

It would've been more interesting if this Reverse-Flash had unique powers of his own.

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MartianManhunterIsBetterThanCyborg

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Great issue!

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Supermanwithatan01

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@cloverstone: ohh so if he kills the final speedforce user(s) then time just moves along without them? but then he'll have the power to reverse time whenever he wants? Forward and backward?

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So can the "reverse" Flash rewind time, He kept talking about it but I didn't actually see him do it..?

he can only do it if he can stop all the speedforce users from using the speedforce because when they do they move time forward, since speedforce IS time in the new 52

so if they stop moving time forward he can finally use his power to move it backwards

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patrat18

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Edited By patrat18
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Supermanwithatan01

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@supermanwithatan01 said:

@provehito said:

@supermanwithatan01 said:

@provehito said:

Yeah I was trying to catch up and his name stood out so much, I have a feeling Elias will turn into "Professor Zoom" esque ya know? But on the last page, Barry looked ****ed up and Daniel looked like he was absorbing the speedforce power, maybe he will actually turn back time and that's how we'll get his "origin" story. thoughts?

I remember when everyone thought Elias was this "Reverse Flash". Good times. Not so far-fetched, he might just become that sort of guy considering everything he has gone through for the Speed Force.

And yeah, Barry looked like he had the good years sucked out of him. Which is why I said that I probably no other Speed Force user has as much potential/juice as Barry may have; basically why Daniel would benefit the most from Barry's Speed Force connection.

I was actually thinking about that too. That Daniel would turn back in time, thus leading up to wherever divergence point he plans on changing. Some sort of narration of sorts for it, a crime, I don't know, something. Think there might've been a chance he got his powers during the Grodd invasion? He did first show up during that one.

That's exactly what I think. It's why they brought him up anyways. Is he supposed to be Wally's dad? (Wasn't Iris pre-52 Wally's aunt?) And I hope we get a more definitive view of his powerset. Professor Zoom and Zoom could both solo the Justice League, I'm hoping this gives Barry (and even Daniel) a chance to show off their power. I haven't decided if I like Daniel as to right now but I think the point is one might sympathize with him a bit. Also, I haven't kept up with much Flash but a few issues, I know Barry stated to Grodd that he was "KING" in the Speedforce, but what feats on panel does he have showing his power is massively amped there? Jw if you know of any or if i've missed a lot.

Zoom was whacked. Which is incredibly awesome too. I'm actually more up to date with New 52 Flash than Wally's story. But what little I've read of Wally and Zoom was awesome. I'd love to see what their full potential (well, perhaps not full, but very clear feats of ability) their powers (the Zooms) have in the New 52. I think once the Reverse Flash issue comes out one might be able to 'connect' effectively with Daniel. BTW, yes, Iris was Wally's aunt in the pre-New 52. I remember a podcast with Buccellato had him joking why Wally hadn't showed up and why this new Reverse Flash wasn't Thawne. So they joked "So we could make him Wally West". Or perhaps I'm getting stuff mixed up and it was actually so Iris got pregnant with Wally, something like that. That was like 2-3 months ago, so I don't really remember clearly. Guess they were hinting ever since that this Reverse Flash would be a West though. Heh.

And well, from what I remember, Barry got fairly beaten up by Grodd on the normal world. In the Speed Force he was pretty much blitzing Grodd (who also had a connection to the Speed Force), yet only Barry had the ability to come in and out at will.

Check it out.

Nice Nice, Yeah Wally had all of New 52 Barry feats, he was faster and he had the infamous (on the vine) speedsteal which was never shown a limit.

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scouts1998

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is the reverse flash wally west and if not is it someone we know?

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Provehito

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@provehito said:

@supermanwithatan01 said:

@provehito said:

Yeah I was trying to catch up and his name stood out so much, I have a feeling Elias will turn into "Professor Zoom" esque ya know? But on the last page, Barry looked ****ed up and Daniel looked like he was absorbing the speedforce power, maybe he will actually turn back time and that's how we'll get his "origin" story. thoughts?

I remember when everyone thought Elias was this "Reverse Flash". Good times. Not so far-fetched, he might just become that sort of guy considering everything he has gone through for the Speed Force.

And yeah, Barry looked like he had the good years sucked out of him. Which is why I said that I probably no other Speed Force user has as much potential/juice as Barry may have; basically why Daniel would benefit the most from Barry's Speed Force connection.

I was actually thinking about that too. That Daniel would turn back in time, thus leading up to wherever divergence point he plans on changing. Some sort of narration of sorts for it, a crime, I don't know, something. Think there might've been a chance he got his powers during the Grodd invasion? He did first show up during that one.

That's exactly what I think. It's why they brought him up anyways. Is he supposed to be Wally's dad? (Wasn't Iris pre-52 Wally's aunt?) And I hope we get a more definitive view of his powerset. Professor Zoom and Zoom could both solo the Justice League, I'm hoping this gives Barry (and even Daniel) a chance to show off their power. I haven't decided if I like Daniel as to right now but I think the point is one might sympathize with him a bit. Also, I haven't kept up with much Flash but a few issues, I know Barry stated to Grodd that he was "KING" in the Speedforce, but what feats on panel does he have showing his power is massively amped there? Jw if you know of any or if i've missed a lot.

Zoom was whacked. Which is incredibly awesome too. I'm actually more up to date with New 52 Flash than Wally's story. But what little I've read of Wally and Zoom was awesome. I'd love to see what their full potential (well, perhaps not full, but very clear feats of ability) their powers (the Zooms) have in the New 52. I think once the Reverse Flash issue comes out one might be able to 'connect' effectively with Daniel. BTW, yes, Iris was Wally's aunt in the pre-New 52. I remember a podcast with Buccellato had him joking why Wally hadn't showed up and why this new Reverse Flash wasn't Thawne. So they joked "So we could make him Wally West". Or perhaps I'm getting stuff mixed up and it was actually so Iris got pregnant with Wally, something like that. That was like 2-3 months ago, so I don't really remember clearly. Guess they were hinting ever since that this Reverse Flash would be a West though. Heh.

And well, from what I remember, Barry got fairly beaten up by Grodd on the normal world. In the Speed Force he was pretty much blitzing Grodd (who also had a connection to the Speed Force), yet only Barry had the ability to come in and out at will.

Check it out.

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patrat18

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10/10 damn good issue

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Edited By ajshadowhawk

A freaking amazing issue. The fight between the two speedsters was pretty damn epic throughout. Some really great panel layouts, which only added to the experience. And yeah, that ending was a downright shocker.

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Supermanwithatan01

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@supermanwithatan01 said:

@provehito said:

@supermanwithatan01 said:

Given the ending I imagine he'll be using it next issue.

Probably something to do with his being in jail, I bet.

Yeah I was trying to catch up and his name stood out so much, I have a feeling Elias will turn into "Professor Zoom" esque ya know? But on the last page, Barry looked ****ed up and Daniel looked like he was absorbing the speedforce power, maybe he will actually turn back time and that's how we'll get his "origin" story. thoughts?

I remember when everyone thought Elias was this "Reverse Flash". Good times. Not so far-fetched, he might just become that sort of guy considering everything he has gone through for the Speed Force.

And yeah, Barry looked like he had the good years sucked out of him. Which is why I said that I probably no other Speed Force user has as much potential/juice as Barry may have; basically why Daniel would benefit the most from Barry's Speed Force connection.

I was actually thinking about that too. That Daniel would turn back in time, thus leading up to wherever divergence point he plans on changing. Some sort of narration of sorts for it, a crime, I don't know, something. Think there might've been a chance he got his powers during the Grodd invasion? He did first show up during that one.

That's exactly what I think. It's why they brought him up anyways. Is he supposed to be Wally's dad? (Wasn't Iris pre-52 Wally's aunt?) And I hope we get a more definitive view of his powerset. Professor Zoom and Zoom could both solo the Justice League, I'm hoping this gives Barry (and even Daniel) a chance to show off their power. I haven't decided if I like Daniel as to right now but I think the point is one might sympathize with him a bit. Also, I haven't kept up with much Flash but a few issues, I know Barry stated to Grodd that he was "KING" in the Speedforce, but what feats on panel does he have showing his power is massively amped there? Jw if you know of any or if i've missed a lot.

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Provehito

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Edited By Provehito

@provehito said:

@supermanwithatan01 said:

Given the ending I imagine he'll be using it next issue.

Probably something to do with his being in jail, I bet.

Yeah I was trying to catch up and his name stood out so much, I have a feeling Elias will turn into "Professor Zoom" esque ya know? But on the last page, Barry looked ****ed up and Daniel looked like he was absorbing the speedforce power, maybe he will actually turn back time and that's how we'll get his "origin" story. thoughts?

I remember when everyone thought Elias was this "Reverse Flash". Good times. Not so far-fetched, he might just become that sort of guy considering everything he has gone through for the Speed Force.

And yeah, Barry looked like he had the good years sucked out of him. Which is why I said that I probably no other Speed Force user has as much potential/juice as Barry may have; basically why Daniel would benefit the most from Barry's Speed Force connection.

I was actually thinking about that too. That Daniel would turn back in time, thus leading up to wherever divergence point he plans on changing. Some sort of narration of sorts for it, a crime, I don't know, something. Think there might've been a chance he got his powers during the Grodd invasion? He did first show up during that one.

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Supermanwithatan01

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@supermanwithatan01 said:

@provehito said:
@supermanwithatan01 said:

So can the "reverse" Flash rewind time, He kept talking about it but I didn't actually see him do it..?

I think he can rewind time as he keeps on absorbing the Speed Force from the other users. Probably no one has the full potential Barry has, and he's been saving up for a full-on rewind once he had taken care of Barry's speed.

Given the ending I imagine he'll be using it next issue.

Probably something to do with his being in jail, I bet.

Yeah I was trying to catch up and his name stood out so much, I have a feeling Elias will turn into "Professor Zoom" esque ya know? But on the last page, Barry looked ****ed up and Daniel looked like he was absorbing the speedforce power, maybe he will actually turn back time and that's how we'll get his "origin" story. thoughts?

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Provehito

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@provehito said:
@supermanwithatan01 said:

So can the "reverse" Flash rewind time, He kept talking about it but I didn't actually see him do it..?

I think he can rewind time as he keeps on absorbing the Speed Force from the other users. Probably no one has the full potential Barry has, and he's been saving up for a full-on rewind once he had taken care of Barry's speed.

Given the ending I imagine he'll be using it next issue.

Probably something to do with his being in jail, I bet.

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Supermanwithatan01

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@supermanwithatan01 said:

So can the "reverse" Flash rewind time, He kept talking about it but I didn't actually see him do it..?

I think he can rewind time as he keeps on absorbing the Speed Force from the other users. Probably no one has the full potential Barry has, and he's been saving up for a full-on rewind once he had taken care of Barry's speed.

Given the ending I imagine he'll be using it next issue.

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silentecko711

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can anybody tell me who the reverse flash is i'm never going to be able to get to this issue :(

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Provehito

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So can the "reverse" Flash rewind time, He kept talking about it but I didn't actually see him do it..?

I think he can rewind time as he keeps on absorbing the Speed Force from the other users. Probably no one has the full potential Barry has, and he's been saving up for a full-on rewind once he had taken care of Barry's speed.

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Supermanwithatan01

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So can the "reverse" Flash rewind time, He kept talking about it but I didn't actually see him do it..?

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Provehito

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Fantastic issue. Manapul and Buccellato have the best art from any DC comic right now IMO. They're really my favorite duo, and the Flash has been increasingly entertaining.

The fight was really cool though, and man, that reveal. Didn't see it coming.

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manwithoutshame

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This issue was incredible. One of the best Flash fights ever, which spans the entire issue.

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darknightspideyfanboy

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@batmannflash: well she does look like it cant wait for next issue then

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Edited By batmannflash

@darknightspideyfanboy: well she sort of did. Super speed comes with super mind or whatever you call it

Note:

Her powers activate and now everything looks slow around her. (At least I think that's the artist tried to show)
Her powers activate and now everything looks slow around her. (At least I think that's the artist tried to show)

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darknightspideyfanboy

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@batmannflash: ty kinda wish she got a different power like speed think or mind whatever you call it lol

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batmannflash

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Barry is the best flash. Im glad the new 52 started with him as flash

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Knightfall225

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Barry is the best flash. Im glad the new 52 started with him as flash

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batmannflash

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Edited By batmannflash
@darknightspideyfanboy said:

lol that must have been a very fast motorcycle to catch up to flash and reverse Flash also what did iris do?

overall i like it was exciting for me

Iris finally got her powers by being in the speed force and ran in front of Barry to save his life. I really hope she's not dead

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darknightspideyfanboy

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lol that must have been a very fast motorcycle to catch up to flash and reverse Flash also what did iris do?

overall i like it was exciting for me

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batmannflash

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Edited By batmannflash

so so good! Can't believe I have to wait 2 months for the conclusion.

I was so glued to the panels. And final couple pages were thrilling