The Good

Let's get this out of the way. This issue is like THE FLASH meets Die Hard. Where we left off last issue, Barry Allen was at Iron Heights and suddenly lost his powers (see recent issues of DIAL H). Where does that leave a powerless police forensic scientist? It leaves him raiding the weapons storage where he manages to get a bunch of the super villain inmates' items. This means we get to see Barry like we haven't seen him before.

After years of fighting the Rogues with their weapons, it's Barry's turn to try to be on the other side of the receiving end. The problem is, the weapons are genetically coded so fighting Trickster's liberators won't be an easy task.

Brian Buccellato gives us a great story with a brilliant change of pace. You wouldn't think an issue of THE FLASH with no speed powers would work so well. Buccellato's story shows us that Barry isn't just about being fast. It's always a great thing when super heroes don't have to rely solely on their superpowers. There's also a nice cameo before the final pages that should make some continuity critics happy.

Marcio Takara's art fits the story nicely. Seeing his depiction of Iron Heights and the story allows us to see it from a different perspective. The action and stealth scenes play out nicely and it reinforces the desire to see Takara on another monthly title.

For those missing Francis Manapul, he does put in an appearance at the end of the issue. Or at least his art (and storytelling) does. This sets the stage for the next chapter and it appears it's going to be pretty crazy.

The Bad

Seeing Barry in this way was a fun read. No complaints over the entertainment provided within these pages. Yes the shift from Takara's art to Manapul's is noticeable but it's been said that it was an editorial decision.

The Verdict

Get ready to see Barry Allen like you've never seen him before. Brian Buccellato concludes his two-issue solo arc and it's a doosey. With Barry losing his powers last issue, it's a whole new game and the story takes a great and different direction. Marcio Takara fills in nicely for Manapul and this issue just shows that he needs to be put on another ongoing title ASAP. We're on the verge of a new arc for the Flash and get quite the introduction in the final pages. THE FLASH is continuing to pick up speed so you'll want to be sure to keep up with it so you don't miss out on the craziness that's about to be unleashed.

The art was my biggest complaint about this issue. I've gotten so used to Francis, that it just doesn't feel like Flash without it.

Just picked up the first collected volume of this series, if I end up liking it I may add it to my pull list!

That cover looks familiar...

Yeah, the backup artists for this book haven't been all that good. It compounds the absence of Francis.

@dreamfall. the first trade is pretty good but for me the series didnt take off til captain cold came in. which is probably in the first trade i guess but the stories after that are great.

I liked the issue I wasn't a huge fan in the change of artist but this is definitely the comic I look forward to every month

Great issue this month. Only complaint, Reverse Flashes costume. A little strange.

isn't Bart supposed to be showing up in an issue of Flash soon?

I am absolutely loving every issue so far. I wish I could buy each issue instead of bumming from a friend, but alas I am a poor college student -.-. I love this series so much. It was so much fun to see Barry be a complete BA without the costume. Cannot wait to see the Reverse Flash

The Flash is the only series I buy monthly anymore because it's so good! I love the characters. I did like this arc, but I wish it had been longer. It felt a little squished. I think it would've been so cool to see more of Barry without his powers, and really investigating the mystery of who framed the Trickster. It's unfortunate that it got pushed into a filler arc.

Eh, kind of lost interest in Flash stories(except for JL) after Flash point. The whole losing his powers gig ehh IDK how I feel about that. Though if Bart shows up, that could prove interesting.

5/5? Really? IMHO this is the worst issue of the series I've read thus far. The art was terribly sub-par, and the plot was downright boring. There were a few cute moments w/ Barry trying to use the weapons...but it couldn't redeem a shoddy, rushed, filler issue.

Comic books need an inkers. This growing trend of inker-less books stinks. It makes the Flash look washed out, Superman look weak and Hawkman is just a blurry mess.

IGN gave it 9.0, which I think is a highest rating they've given any issue in this run.

i really cant stand the book. but i have to read it due to being a life long flash fan. words cant even begin to describe the disgust and contempt i feel with what they have done to the reverse flash.

I guess maybe I'm insane or just missed something, but I cannot honestly understand how this issue got rated so highly. The art was just...I don't know, I don't want to say "terrible" but that's the only word that comes to mind. The plot itself also just seemed to fill space before the introduction of the Reverse Flash. I know the writers are good (and the standard art returns next issue I think) so I'm sure it'll get better.

I haven't read this issue yet, but I'm excited to do so.

Oh on a side note. I'm not a grammar fiend but I think you made a mistake.

Original Quote: "Yes the shift from Takara's art to Manapul's is noticeable but it's been said that it was an editorial decision".

Corrected Quote: "Yes the shift to Takara's art from Manapul's is noticeable but it's been said that it was an editorial decision".

It doesn't really bother me, I don't like to critic people and I think this is a splendid review:)

- I'm wondering if that was turbocharger that died at the end, or Iris' brother/cousin.

I'm gonna parrot the other people here and say that the art was kind of an eyesore, but the story more than makes up for it.

I liked Cyborg's cameo. He and Flash are becoming good friends. I like that. I do wish Manapul drew those pages though. I'm looking forward to a Manapul interpretation of Cyborg.

Anyhoo, Buccellato killed it with his writing.