Written by Geoff Johns

Art and cover by Ethan Van Sciver

Barry Allen IS the Flash to all those who grew up reading comics during the Silver Age. I remember reading a few Flash comics during the pre-Crisis DC days, but I never became a full fledged fan of the scarlet speedster until Wally West dawned the tights after Barry disappeared into the Speed Force. Despite not knowing much about Barry outside of his reputation, I have become riveted by him in this mini-series thanks to Johns and Sciver, both of whom did the same thing with Hal Jordan in their Green Lantern: Rebirth mini series.

The story so far is that Barry, who apparently returned during Final Crisis, has turned into a “Black Flash,” who serves as a Grim Reaper-type who absorbs the lives of speedsters, as well as their share of the Speed Force. The Justice League and Justice Society have united to try to help their resurrected friend before he is absorbed back into the Force. Jay Garrick tells him that they will attempt to separate him from the Speed Force entirely. “You won’t be the fastest man alive anymore,” Jay tells him, “but you will be alive.” Barry soon escapes and tries to reenter the Speed Force to sacrifice himself just like he did in Crisis on Infinite Earths, but as he enters, he comes face to face with the one behind his transformation.

One of the things I love about DC’s characters is the sense of camaraderie and loyalty many of them have for one another. It’s touching in this issue to see Jay, Wally, Bart, and the rest of the JLA and JSA pull together to do whatever they can for their recently returned comrade. Barry himself is not so concerned, as he still fails to understand why he is back at all. Johns portrays Barry as a soldier long thought dead who suddenly returns to society and cannot seem to fit in anymore. Van Sciver’s elegant, iconic artwork is as stellar as ever. I could look at his drawings all day.

With the return of Barry and Bart Allen, DC has at least four speedsters out there now with similar costumes. This mini will more than likely thin out the herd, but I’m hoping that Johns won’t take Barry away so quickly, now that some readers, myself included, are just now getting to know him.

Rating - 5 out of 5 Lightning Bolt Underoos