Flash #22 Review – It’s All Gone in a Flash
We’re finally here, the end of The Button arc. The first issue was outstanding, and the next two kind of fizzled out. The finale was just as lackluster, leaving more questions than answers. I don’t mean questions like, but who did Reverse Flash think was behind the Button or what does the Superman S mean in the end? I know all those wouldn’t be answered yet, especially since the next arc in Flash will take him into the future to stop Reverse Flash before he goes back to the past. I think I hurt myself writing that sentence.
What I mean are questions such as, what was the point of most of this? The entire Flashpoint scene was meaningless. Jay Garrick’s appearance was meaningless. What was the purpose to teasing fans with Jay Garrick? Why bring in Flashpoint only to make it permanently disappear?
It’s maddening to witness how DC is choosing to unravel the masterminds behind Rebirth as well as what Rebirth is. I still hold it’s better than Secret Empire.
Like DC Universe Rebirth #1, the issue began with another speedster voice trapped in the time stream. Thanks to the cover, we have an idea who is trying to reach out to Flash as he and Batman careen after Reverse Flash. Also like DC Universe Rebirth, it takes Flash saying Jay’s name to free him from his time prison. Jay surfaces enough to help Batman and Flash get home, to the right spot and space in the time stream. And just as they land, Jay is sucked back in, much like how Flashpoint disappeared soon after Batman and Flash’s arrival.
Which leads to the question of why have them at all. Was it to show fans that Jay Garrick may come in later, if Dr. Manhattan deems him worthy? (And yes, it was pretty much proven that Dr. Manhattan is behind it all, and he is the one who killed Reverse Flash.) Was it to show Flash that he and others have forgotten so many of their friends?
The issue wasn’t all meaningless or even meh. Two things really stood out for me and were absolutely the best parts of the entire issue.
The art was killer.
I want more of this art instead of the stretched, weird faces that have plagued Flash in the past. Even while I was shaking my head at some of the plot, I was in awe of every panel for the gorgeous artwork.
Secondly, Bruce Wayne’s final panels were heartbreaking. Before his father disappeared from Flashpoint, Thomas begged Bruce to give up being the Batman. As Bruce stands in one of his living rooms/parlors, he sees the Bat Signal flash in the distance. And he simply stares at it. Alfred asks him if he’s going to answer it, and Bruce sadly hangs his head. I instantly felt a lump in my throat. No matter how old we get, our parents’ words still affect us, even if we never really knew them.
Our Rating: Yep
Author: Joshua Williamson
Artists: Howard Porter and Hi-Fi
Publisher: DC Comics
Publish Date 05/17/2017
Acquired via Purchase
