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| [ BLACK BARGAINS IN A FLASH ] |
To QUOTE the William Shakespeare play, 'The Merchant of
THE REVIEW:
If I was a doctor, and this forty-third issue of the Flash was my patient, then after reading it I would have to diagnose it with ADHD. A semi-rare medical condition which causes the recipient to have high energy levels and a low concentration span.
Well, when I say medically, of course I mean narratively. The way I see it, dear reader, is that even though Barry's 'Daddy Dilemma' was once again this months central theme, in the same breath, it's basic narrative flow wasn't cleanly defined: With each scene following onto the next one in a somewhat timorous and jolting manner. What's more, I wasn't too thrilled with the way the initial set-up scene's were put into place: As they were inserted, slotted in, just to remind us about certain characters and certain plot-points.
Well, when I say medically, of course I mean narratively. The way I see it, dear reader, is that even though Barry's 'Daddy Dilemma' was once again this months central theme, in the same breath, it's basic narrative flow wasn't cleanly defined: With each scene following onto the next one in a somewhat timorous and jolting manner. What's more, I wasn't too thrilled with the way the initial set-up scene's were put into place: As they were inserted, slotted in, just to remind us about certain characters and certain plot-points.
For instance, in 'scene one', we're reminded that the Reverse
Flash, AKA Eobard Thawne, is back in action, and that he's recruited a number
of allies (or idiots) over in last month's Flash Annual. Then in the next scene
after that, or 'scene two' for those of you who are keeping count, we're reminded
about Barry's fatherly situation, especially when he meets his Dad face to face,
and lets him run free, regardless of being an escaped prisoner who could have killed a man. Finally,
from that point onwards, we're then presented with a number of 'character
building moments', showing Barry's new revitalized relationships with people
like Hartley, Wally, and Iris, until the plot then turns back in on itself and we
end with one hell of a climactic cliff-hanger.
No. Don't worry. I
won't spoil anything by giving away any of the details of said cliff-hanger. Yet
what I can do, is try to explain to you one of the things I never really understood
about the adventure.
See, when Barry and his Dad, Henry, first meet in this issue, Barry allowed his papa to run free, despite
there being some strong evidence that proves he killed a man in the previous issue.
Then, when they meet each other the second time, Barry is the Flash, and his
Dad explains to him that the main reason he broke out of jail, is so he could
inform him to look out for his son, Barry, without really knowing that his son
and the Flash are one and the same person.
My God! What a
kick in the head! A man breaks out of jail to get a hero to safeguard
his son, without the man knowing that the hero and his son are one and the
same. Nuts! Or words to that effect. Makes you wonder if Henry ever thought
about sending the Flash a message some other way, eh? Postcard please!
Now moving onto the
art side of things, and I like to mention how Brett Booth's new rendition
of the Flash costume is starting to grow on me. Last month I wasn't too sure of
it at all: As it came across as a mixture of Daredevil meets Ant-man care of the
Flash. Where as in this issue it's beginning to come across as a 'marvel-ised'
version of the Flash costume: With a set of more well defined speed-lines etched
in and around some appropriate places in the face, arms, and leg regions of his
body.
Do you agree with my
opinions, dear reader? Or do you think I'm talking out of my flash? Drop me a
line and put me straight!!
THE MUSIC:
At the very core of this comic a relationship is defined
between a father and his son. And to me, this relationship has become so
specific in terms of intent (for the elder to protect the safety of his
child) it can only be partnered up with one song, and one song only. 'Father
and Son' by Cat Stevens.
THE COMPARISON:
When he was a small innocent lad, Barry Allen would have
loved to have played ball with his Dad, Prisoner 11010101001. Heck, within reason, he would
have loved to have done anything with his Dad. So, in honor of Barry, his Dad,
and their relationship together, I would now like to define their relationship
in terms of an object. A baseball: Mainly because they would have rather
have played catch together, than have one of them get caught by the cops.
Hint-hint! Obvious pun intended.
THE CONCLUSION:
As previously implied, at the very end of this issue
something bad happens to the Flash. So, for the sake of cheese, Katanga ,
let's see if you can guess what that something is out of the following eight
scenarios. Because does he...
- Have a sex change and call himself, 'The Slap'.
- Open
up a kindergarten with Arnold Schwarzenegger.
- Run so fast that he explodes into thin air.
- Get transported into another dimension by one of Reverse Flash's cohorts.
- Punch Kristen Stewart in the face until she smiles that constipated smile of hers.
- Say
something so stupid, people start thinking he's related to the Kardashians.
- Take a pile of cocaine and use it as table salt.
- Flash his ass at the viewers.
Nuff said.
FLASH #43
Reviewed by David Andrews
on
September 09, 2015
Rating:
Reviewed by David Andrews
on
September 09, 2015
Rating:
