Another story published under the Flashpoint banner but set outside the Flashpoint Universe. This issue examines further the lengths and depths Eobard Thawne, AKA the Reverse Flash, AKA Professor Zoom, will go to to give Barry Allen hell. In many ways this issue is a sequel or continuation of The Flash #8 from 2010. Titled The Reverse Flash Rebirth, that issue explored Thawne's life in the 25th century and what led up to him becoming the futures most deadliest villain. Here, we get a good look at the Reverse Flash's dalliances with the speedsters of the past in his quest to become history's only Fastest Man Alive!
The story was one of the best in the Flashpoint series. But that does not mean that this book is not without it's flaws. The most obvious issue is the artwork. Joel Gomez's (Witchblade) pencil work is rough at best. Many of his characters look dis-proportionate. Now I am not one to really talk, the guy obviously more talent than I, but many scenes just look out of sorts.
The second problem with this comic is a little more unforgivable. The cover states that this is issue #1 of 3. Well, I am here to tell you that there is no issue #2 or #3! This was one of the last things off my Flashpoint wish list and the main reason is for months I looked and looked and looked some more for those non-existent titles. Flashpoint: Reverse Flash is a one-shot no matter what the cover says.
And now you my friends have been fairly warned.
Worth Consuming
Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.
This opening salvo in the Road to Flashpoint looks that the troubled, often confusing origin of the Flash's worst enemy: Eobard Thawne AKA Professor Zoom AKA the Reverse Flash.
Though this isn't considered part of the Road to Flashpoint storyline, this issue is included in the Road to Flashpoint trade and it's an important piece of the puzzle. Written by DC genius Geoff Johns; Johns really the right person to craft this tale that is full of time paradoxes, thrills, and murders aplenty. Plus, Johns is the only one who can make this despicable villain just that bit sympathetic to the reader. Assisting Johns with artwork duties is Scott Kolins (Beyond!), who does a fantastic job throughout the entire issue.
Want to know the motivation behind the Reverse Flash's hatred of his 'idol', then you must read this story. The definitive origin of the villain who would be the World's Fastest Man at any and all costs!
Worth Consuming
Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.
