The Flash #9 – Simon Spurrier, Writer; Ramon Perez, Vasco Georgiev, Artists; Matt Herms, Colorist
Ray – 8/10
Ray: After eight issues that just seemed to get more and more bizarre, it’s time for some answers—and lots of them. Barry and Wally are both back in focus, and it’s actually Barry who gets more attention this issue as he’s gotten close to the truth—the Flash Family is being hunted by a coalition of the deadliest rogues they’ve ever faced, including all the reverse speedsters and the deadly Abra Kadabra. That’s driven him to the point of insanity—just as he arrives back on Earth, in front of Iris, Linda, and Wade. I have to say I was amused by Iris being so nonplussed by this. Yeah, he’s sort of possessed, this has happened before and he’ll beat it. There’s also an explanation for the strange way Linda has been behaving, although it feels a bit rushed, as if it’s simply time to move on from the story. But it was very welcome to have some real clarity in this story for once.
Wally’s fate is still a little more ambiguous as he fades in and out of reality, far from home. A segment where he meets Dick Grayson and neither one is quite sure if the other is there was compelling, if very ambiguous. The best subplot might be the one where Inspector Pilgrim trains Jai, who is quickly finding his destiny outside of costume. Pilgrim is an interesting character, although the reveal of his identity was somewhat predictable. The ending cliffhanger whips us right back to surreal and confusing, but overall this issue feels like a step up from the series. Based on solicits, I’m not sure if this run is continuing past issue #12, so if it is wrapping up soon, it makes sense that we’re getting down to the brass tacks of who’s responsible for the family’s misfortune. This run has been fascinating, but rarely coherent enough to really click with me, and I’m hoping this issue is the start of a rebound.
To find reviews of all the DC issues, visit DC This Week.
GeekDad received this comic for review purposes.
