Flashpoint # 1 Review
Reviewing Flashpoint # 1 written by Geoff Johns and art by Andy Kubert.
The new event book that Johns promises will change everything has finally arrived at LCS. And it is not only looks pretty visually, it also reads like a true-blue DC Comics event.
While the plot might be similar to Marvel’s House of M book, it is definitely better in terms of delivering a solid and intriguing story about a displaced hero in a world far different from what we know.
Shortly after seeing the Reverse-Flash cold-blooded murder of Hot Pursuit in the pages of The Flash # 12, Barry Allen wakes up in a world with no Justice League, a world where the rules have changed and where Aquaman and Wonder Woman are feared and despised characters, a world where Gotham’s Batman kills.
I was surprised with the quality of work and depth that Johns has fleshed out for this new world Barry has found himself in. By removing Barry’s powers he has effectively made the hero’s life even harder, raising the stakes to a higher level.
Batman together with the band of heroes and grey characters put together by the media darling Cyborg is both eclectic and exciting to read. I can’t help but wonder how these characters would pwn in their own tie-in titles including the upcoming Batman: Knight of Vengeance with Brian Azzarello and Eduardo Risso (100 Bullets). One of the best characters I have seen so far in this series includes S!H!A!Z!A!M! and the Outsider.
The other half of the creative group, Andy Kubert is definitely making a splash with his rendition of this dystopic universe. The art has played to its advantage but sadly, not everything is perfect, such as the controversial coloring error from the Flashpoint preview in the FCBD giveaway from DC where 31st Century speedster XS has been turned into a caucasian.
Despite the minor blip, I could say right now that Flashpoint is a great book to pick up. I heard the variant covers are doing well so it might mean a “speedy” conversion into cash down the road.
There’s also a very special surprise for Batman fans regarding the identity of the Flashpoint Batman.
I give Flashpoint # 1 five stars:
