The Flash #7 – Simon Spurrier, Writer; Ramon Perez, Artist; Sofie Dodgson, Colorist
Ray – 7.5/10
Ray: This series has been one of the strangest to come out of DC in a while, but with this issue it feels like it enters a new level. This issue focuses heavily on Impulse and Max Mercury, who have found each other again but now find themselves apart from time and space—in the custody of the Linear Men. As the mysterious time traveler who encountered Jai a few issues back catches them up on the state of the timeline, it’s revealed that he may have ties to some major characters in the book—and may not be as benevolent as he wants everyone to think. It’s great to see Bart again, although he seems a bit more cynical here than he usually is, and I think Spurrier actually has a really good handle on the characterization of the strange speed force mystic that is Max Mercury. Maybe it’s because these characters are so offbeat to begin with that their segments of the story work best.
That being said, I do not know at all what is going on with the characters in the main Flash family, as they seem to be acting more and more off-kilter with each issue. Wally barely appears this issue, having gone missing in the space between worlds. That leaves Barry to investigate the fate of his former partner—and he’s not doing all that well, acting increasingly rash and even attacking Pied Piper when he thinks the former supervillain might have relapsed. Then there’s Linda, who has gone from depressed to delirious and barely seems aware of what’s happening around her. This story started as commentary on Post-Partum Depression, I think, but it’s taking an increasingly alarming turn. Ramon Perez does a good job capturing the incredibly surreal nature of the world the characters find themselves in, but this entire run continues to feel like a very odd match for the property.
To find reviews of all the DC issues, visit DC This Week.
GeekDad received this comic for review purposes.
