The Flash #9
The road to Flash Point begins as Barry is called in to investigate a cape related crime scene and a new speedster from the future, Hot Pursuit, has returned to the present to warn Barry about bad things on the horizon.
The Good
Francis Manapul is back!!! No offense to Scott Kolins (very much enjoyed his fill in art), but Manapul is the artists who's defined this series. This guy was born to draw The Flash and this cover 100% evidences that. one word description for it, Iconic, no more need be said.
I love how this issue focuses on Barry more so than the Flash. I'm a CSI buff so it's always a treat to see Barry doing more down to earth police work. I particularly enjoy the antagonistic relationship between Barry and the Central PD lab. Early on in the series Barry delving into cold cases rocked the boat and really upset the department's status quo, I like how Johns is following up that storyline and fleshing it out.
Barry's conversation with Iris about missing the Flash Family picnic was very, very well handled. I love the way that Iris calls Barry on his crap. It's very organic and believable and occurs in a matter that truly makes you feel like this is a real couple. Somethings wrong with Barry, something that his woman can see, even if nobody else can.
Speaking of the Flash family, I wasn't wowed about Barry coming back and Wally (my fav Flash) and Bart being relegated to memories. Johns manages to give them a pretty nice cameo in this issue though.
The Bad
It would've been nice to see some build up of Elongated Kid's character in the before his post mortem appearance. As it stands now he's just a victim, he could've been a character, now he's just scenery.
By now you know I'm not a fan of DC's white covers for utilitarian reasons.
Not to fond about the reveal of who Hot Pursuit is under the helmet, but a few of you may very well enjoy it.
The Verdict
Buy this comic!!!...LIKE NOW!!!
Far and away John's latest Flash has been the best "traditional" super hero book on the market and you owe it to yourself to read it. Manapul and John's make a deadly one, two combo on this series. Manapul's art perfectly captures the necessary since of motion to make us feel like we're moving in Barry's world and John's ability to shine light on Barry's life in and outside of costume makes each issue in this series a compelling read from start to finish
