FLASH #4

[ TOO MUCH TO SAVE ] 

There once was a gang called 'Mob Rule'. Who treated the Flash like a fool. In fact they were so brash, that the Flash gave them a bash, with donkey and a decrepit old stool. True story - honestly - I overheard a conversation between the creative team of Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato, plus Publisher, DC Comics, in January 2012.

So what’s the story morning glory?
In this issue of the Flash - entitled 'Mob Rule' - three very revealing questions get asked and answered, all with the vein notion that monkeys will one day rule the Earth (I think).

Question One - Who is Mob Rule? Well, this collection of duplicates tell scientist, Dr. Elias, that  'Mob Rule' was once and old friend of Barry Allens called Manuel Lago - whom became a mercenary after his father died, before he was then given powers to heal himself from injury. Moreover, with this particular power, came a strange side-effect as well - Manuel could duplicate himself many times over, and in each case he could give this duplicate his own emotions as well.

Question Two - Where is Manuel Lago? Err - at the moment he is with forensics' officer, Patty Spivot, whom is currently berating him for leaving Barry Allen behind - due to Barry being shot last issue. However, when 'Mob Rule' suddenly arrives and tells Manuel that Barry is dead - opps - he is not too pleased at all.

Question Three - So is Barry Allen dead? Ha! Your having a laugh, aren't you? Barry (the Flash) Allen dead? No way! He's just temporarily stunned because his 'mental powers' through him off balance momentarily, causing him to hit his head on the wall. No, Barry is back - back as the Flash.

To be continued...     

What is the most memorable sentence spoken in this issue?

Now I know that this sentence was not meant to be funny, but I did find it amusing when 'Mob Rule' said to the Doc "We came from Manuel Lago".

It's as though 'Manuel Lago' was a name of a rustic village in Mexico.

Was the story any good?

As a story on it's on, I have to say that I did kind of like this issue of the Flash. Firstly, because this was basically an 'origin' issue - and certain things with Manuel needed to be clarified. Secondly, I liked the simple structure to this tale - as it had a flowing narrative which I personally like. And lastly, I enjoyed the Flash emerging from his injury as if he had drunken too much coffee or something - it was silly, but relatable.

Was the art any good?

Personally speaking, I did like this issue's art slightly more than lasts issues. OK, I do not really know why - as conceptually, they are very similar in vein. Still, Manapul and Buccellato do draw a mean flashback sequence - one that has that grey unsaturated quality to it that I like to see in a book - very noir.

What is the best thing about this issue?

Again, another thing that I found funny with this issue, even though it was not meant to be, was the horse.

Yes - I said the horse.

Well, to me, this animal appeared to be very regal in stature, as if he was running in a 'sweepstake' or something.

Also, I did like the Suicide Squad reference - 'Baslisk' who would have guessed?

Oh! That reminds me, I have to place a bet on later in the day - wish me luck.

What is the worst thing about this issue?

Overall this issue was not that bad to read really. But I have to say that I found the name 'Mob Rule' a silly name to call a 'gang', plus, showcasing Iris for the sake of showcasing her, was completely unnecessary.

If you could sum up this issue in a phrase or saying, what would that phrase or saying be?

Well, because of the whole 'one man multiplying himself' motif running through this story arc, the soccer chant - 'Up the Arsenal' - does have a unifying ring to it, huh?

If this issue were a movie, an object, or a piece of music, what would that be and why? 

Please note, I have tried to hold off on this filmic reference for quite some time now, but the Michael Keaton film 'Multiplicity' was dying to be this issue's tally. Here, have a click on this to see what I mean...

What do you think would have made this issue better than it was?

For me, I would have liked the issue to start with Barry's return, and not end with it - because we all knew he was not dead. Plus, in addition to this, what about if 'Mob Rule' had a game of round the clock 'table tennis' just for larks?

Final thoughts...

I am sure that my 'good will' towards this particular comic book has shone through my review - because I did like this issue quite a lot compared to last issues offerings.

Though, when are we going to see some of the other 'Flash players' in this book, huh? I want to see some of the new dynamics that the DCnU is brining to the Flash.

Marks out of 10? 8