“ I’m making the same mistakes I made with August–Teaching Wally how to use the powers, but not what it takes to be a hero.”
Joshua Williamson introduces a new arc with some classic villains making a return to the DC universe as The Speed of Darkness begins here.
While out jogging with Iris, Barry ponders the existential threat that Wally West ( Pre 52) warned hi, about which is an omniscient threat that is looming over all existence, unknown, but somehow in plain sight since the last page reveal of DC Rebirth. As Barry ponders this alongside the absence of The Rogues, a new villain by the alias Papercut starts causing trouble. Despite his origami throwing knives, do not be fooled, He can do more especially if he can use the very substance that paper stems from. Things get more serious as old Shady faces emerge from the shadows. What does the appearance of the supposed Shadowy figure mean for the Scarlet Speedster and his golden protege? Will Wally retain Barry’s lessons of wisdom and heroism? Or will he crash and burn consumed by the shades of darkness?
I like that there is emphasis on not repeating what came before in terms of August (aka Godspeed) and trying to guide young Wally (New 52) from going down a similar path since his own uncle within this timeline had once been the Reverse Flash (although not like the classic Eobard Thawne who still exists and is in prison). I also love that Williamson makes it clear and acknowledges that Wally is now with the current roster of the Teen Titans that are running around, and that Barry is also aware of that, which are positive signs of a good mentor ! Joshua Williamson does a good job at addressing any loose dangling plot threads by having Barry continue his investigations of the whereabouts of Meena. Williamson continues to balance the pace between characters new and old while putting a new spin on classic villains that makes the hamster wheel of Barry’s life spiral out of control.
The art by returning artist Felipe Watanabe is great and actually looks a little more different than his work all the way back since Issue 5. That isn’t a bad thing, it’s actually a good thing since it shows how much Watanabe continues to improve his craft as shown on each page of the comic. Watanabe’s art shines a lot more in this issue, and it pays off, especially when he illustrates the return of a shady villain from Flash’s old rogue’s gallery. Oclair Albert’s inks are crisp and clear and do a good job at enhancing Watanabe’s pencils, and the colors by Chris Sotomayor also helps to make the rest of the comic pop. Steve Wands continues to do a good job with the lettering and using appropriate colors whenever Barry or Wally are having internal monologs/ thoughts.
If you have been enjoying what Williamson and company have been dishing out, then I believe you’ll enjoy what WiIliamson will do next. I feel that this series like a few others from the rebirth line (such as Detective Comics, and Action Comics, among a few), will definitely address the omniscient looming threat that will be encapsulating the rest of the DCU for the next two years. This series has been consistent and seems to promise that kind of consistency. It’s a fun read, and I suggest definitely picking up and reading.
Newsdesk