DC Relaunch: The Flash

Everyone has their Flash story. I'm exagerrating of course, but it's not like The Flash is a character that people are not aware of. Do they know the man behind the mask like they do Batman and Superman? Most likely not. Which is fair, he's been one of 4 men since the character was first introduced in the first issue of Flash Comics way back in 1940. The man who's logged the most time behind the mask though is Barry Allen. Barry was in a way, my Flash, as he was the one starring in the live action TV series that I saw as a kid. Now, I say in a way, because I have little recollection of what happened on that show, aside from him running around.

Barry was the first one in the costume most recognize, and he's the one of the cover for The Flash by Frances Manapul and Brian Buccellato that you see here below.

Now each Flash has been defined differently. Barry Allen works in forensics for the Central City police department. An accident involve some lab chemicals and lightning bolt has given him the powers of superspeed, powers so intense that he has managed such feats as large as time travel and vibrating between dimension. Not to mention that he saved the universe from destruction in the classic DC reboot from the 80s, Crisis on Infinite Earths (yes, for you not aware, we've been down that path). And while Grant Morrison brought him back in Final Crisis, what's important to remember is that he is back now. Let's not get into that all too much. If you'd like to investigate, it's there. Otherwise, we have some great stories to move from.

The other part of Barry Allen is his wife, Iris West Allen. A reporter, she's always one step of the Fastest Man Alive, and on his case about his constant lateness (which is a fun bit about The Flash, is that Barry Allen is always late). Over the years he's amassed quite a gallery of rogues who rival Batman's in sheer size. The Flash is generally a fun and dynamic series, and while he's had his share of down moments over the years, he's generally and upbeat character, and dedicated to work both as the Flash and Barry Allen, which is something we don't always see as often from Clark Kent and Bruce Wayne. Currently, the Flash is starring in the lead up to the relaunch, Flashpoint.

Handling the series both on writing and art is Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato. Manapul has been doing the art on The Flash since Geoff Johns' launch of series last year. Buccellato has done the colors for Manapul since their run with Geoff Johns on Adventure Comics starring Superboy. The art has been dynamic, and they've introduced a color wash effect that gives a unique look to their books that stands out from standard comics coloration. I have no doubt that their artist ability to tell a story will translate to them handling the series solo.

These are a few of my favorite Barry Allen Flash stories currently in print. There is another--the epic long-form story "The Trial of the Flash"--that will collected later on this year as well.

Flash Chronicles vol. 1 & 2 by John Broome & Carmine Infantino
Flash: The Dastardly Death of the Rogues by Geoff Johns, Francis Manapul, & Brian Buccellato

Another great story from Manapul & Buccellato (again with Geoff Johns) is Superboy: The Boy of Steel, which collects their run on Adventure Comics.

Back on track now, we'll be looking at a new entry: The Fury of Firestorm!