Comic Review: The Flash #14 (DC Comics)

“The Rogues and I have a long history..which means that no matter where they are in the world. It’s my job to stop them.”

Joshua Williamson and Carmine Giandomenico reunite in delivering the return of Captain Cold in their latest arc, Rogues Reloaded.

It’s been quiet since the Rogues departure from Central City. Usually known as villains, sometimes identified as Robin Hood inspired heroes, their effect on Central City and Barry Allen aka the Flash has been felt. Since their disappearance, there has been a bit of wannabe’s popping up trying to claim their spot. This bothers Barry, and he knows a storm is coming for Central City. Is it not optimistic to think that the original rogues have hung up their criminal activities? Or is that just what everyone would like to think in order to sleep easier at night? What do the Rogues have planned and what do they have in store for our Scarlet Speedster?

Williamson does a fantastic job at getting in the headspace of Barry Allen and exploring the effects that the Rogues have had on Central City for better and for the worst. There are cool elements that Williamson showcases such as a support group for the people who lost everything due to the prior destruction dealt by the Rogues.

Art. Its great to see Giandomenico return to do art duties in this arc. His layout pages are top notch, they’re easy to follow, and their fluid enough that you’re able to figure out where one character is traveling from one location and panel to the other. The way he illustrates the Flash is unlike any other, there is a kinetic aesthetic that bursts with raw power whenever the Flash is on the page. Obviously, the powerful aura in Giandomenico’s pencils are enhanced with the colorful flair distributed by Ivan Plascencia in a favorable manner. Plascencia’s colors really meshes so well with Giandomenico’s pencil like Peanut Butter and Jelly. Steve Wands does good with His lettering, along with dialogue placement with the speech balloons, and contemplative, narrative texts that clearly display who and which characters voice the reader is reading/listening from. I recommend this as a good issue for this weeks pull list.