The Flash Rebirth #1 –
DC Comics
Written by Joshua Williamson
Art by Carmine Di Giandomencio
Colors by Ivan Palscencia
Letters by Steve Wands
Cover by Karl Kerschl
DC Comics has seen quite a bit of success with Rebirth so far. In the first week, I personally felt that the heart and soul had been brought back to the publisher I grew up on. One thing it succeeded in doing, is making me want to read more. I never quite got into The Flash during the New 52, but I thought Rebirth may be an excellent chance for me to get reacquainted with the Scarlet Speedster. As it turns out, the title isn’t the only bit of familiarity in this kickoff story.
Barry Allen has caught a case that looks VERY familiar to something from his past. He is insisting on staying on the case, but something is happening that he can’t quite explain. (MINOR SPOILERS FOR THE INITIAL DC REBIRTH ISSUE AHEAD!) Barry seeks advice from a family member before we get to once again see the memorable reunion between himself and Wally West that we remember from DC Rebirth. That’s when this story somewhat splits in two, and both Flashes try to solve separate mysteries. Barry then goes to one man he know will have the answers to the big picture of what is going on. The issue ends with a tease ahead in Barry’s current case, which may or may not involve a familiar foe.
Even though Wally West seems to be the key to Rebirth as a whole, referencing Flashpoint and bringing Barry into the mix just felt right. The interactions between Barry and Wally are so genuinely written, you get lost in what it is they were investigating in the first place. We don’t get a wise cracking Barry Allen, but we do get the deeply analytical scientist that I have always been drawn to with the character. Speaking of drawing, I like the new style that Di Giandomencio brings to the table here. It has an edge that really shines through, especially when Barry is on the move. There is a two page spread that is a callback to a classic Flash issue cover that just works SO well in the context of the story. As someone who actually liked a lot of things about the New 52, so far Rebirth just feels right. While this is a bit more dark and moody at times, the raw emotion that Williamson is bringing to Barry Allen really makes me think this is going to be a very compelling read. I’d speed to your local shop to get this one.
RATING: PULL / BUY