The Flash #79 – Joshua Williamson, Writer; Rafa Sandoval, Penciller; Jordi Tarragona, Inker; Arif Prianto, Colorist
Ratings:
Ray – 8.5/10
Ray: Few titles are doing better with the Year of the Villain tie-ins than Flash, which has not only given the Rogues new powers, but used the opportunity of Luthor’s offer to explore these workaday villains and their complex relationships. We’ve seen Cold, Heat Wave, and Mirror Master get their upgrades, and now the focus in Flash #79 turns to Golden Glider, who Williamson has used far more effectively than most writers.
She’s retired from crime at the moment, now working as a skating instructor for disadvantaged kids, but she’s lured back into the world of crime by her “family”. The Rogues are obviously plotting something big, but Flash doesn’t really have time to focus on it – he’s dealing with the much more immediate threat of the Black Flash, who killed Psych last issue. The traitorous Sage Force user won’t be missed, but this seems to have neutralized the Sage Force altogether, putting Fuerza and Steadfast closer to the line of fire.
The second half of this issue is busy – almost too busy, as Barry’s attempt to track down the Black Flash runs into one distraction after another. First Fuerza shows off her powers, giving Barry an opportunity to protect her – which causes Steadfast to call him out on his deception. I was very happy to see Iris show up again, and while things are definitely not back to normal between them I’m glad to see she both knows Wally is still alive AND is worried about the way he’s essentially been abandoned. Barry’s response doesn’t exactly satisfy, but that’s partially because Hunter Zolomon shows up for another battle.
I’m a little skeptical that everything is what it appears to be in Flash #79 – Zolomon is acting rather dumb here, more like a crazed stalker than the mastermind he was in “Flash War”. I wouldn’t be surprised if this is another trick of the Black Flash or Psych, but the non-stop chaos of this title is the perfect fit for a hero who never slows down.
To find reviews of all the DC issues, visit DC This Week.
Disclaimer: GeekDad received this comic for review purposes.
