The Flash #21 (The Button, Part II)

  
   The Flash arrives in the Bat Cave to find a bloodied Batman and a partially eviscerated Reverse Flash. As a crime scene investigator by day, the Flash immediately gets to work casing this crime scene. Soon some pesky questions arise:

• What triggered the strange electricity between the mysterious smiley face button and the Psycho Pirate's mask
• How did the Reverse Flash find his way to the Bat Cave?
• How did Eobard Thawne once again beat death only to be murdered again moments later by a mysterious force?
• And what did the villain mean with his last words: 'I saw God?'

     It looks like the Flash and Batman aren't going to get anywhere using traditional methods. So, the Flash breaks out his handy cosmic treadmill in hopes of going back in time to observe the Reverse Flash's invasion of the Dark Knight's lair. 

      In the travels through time and space on the time travelling device, the duo uncover more hidden parts of their past that have been wiped out by an unknown entity. But no one could have predicted just where the Scarlet Speedster and Batman's race through the Speed Force will take them- straight to the XXXXXXXXXX. (Edited for spoilers.)

     Another thrilling chapter of 'the Button.' More of the highly controversial New 52 is undone and above all, the Pre-New 52 timeline is returned to canon once more. Another great cliffhanger, too! Joshua Williamson (Birthright) has done a phenomenal job in this chapter. I can't want to see what he's got in store next in Batman #22.

    Worth Consuming

     Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

Batman #21 (The Button, Part I)

   After months of getting nowhere, Batman and the Flash decide to put their heads together behind the mysterious smiley face pin that was discovered in the Bat Cave. But before the Flash can arrive on the scene, another speedster makes a surprise appearance in the Dark Knight's lair- Eobard Thawne, the Reverse Flash!

     When this book dropped last month, a lot of fans where upset that this opening chapter of 'the Button' didn't do enough to move Rebirth storyline closer to the highly anticipated crossover between the DC Universe and the Watchmen. I thought this opening was a fine starter, especially with the shocking cliffhanger. Hey- DC's not going to pass up such an epic event on just a few issues of Batman and the Flash. It's coming, give it time.

     I really loved the opening scene of this issue as well. It reminds me of how Crisis started out all though years ago. Plus, having the Psycho Pirate's helmet play such a large part in the flow of the action, 'the Button' is proving to just be another amazing chapter in the ever changing history of the multiverse which started in Flash #123 'The Flash of Two Worlds' all the way back in 1961.

     Worth Consuming

      Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

Flashpoint #5

    The reason behind the Flashpoint is finally revealed!
     Wow such a twist!
     What such an amazing point of view from the Reverse Flash!
     
     Now the Flashpoint storyline is playing out every Tuesday night on the CW. I'm actually glad that I waited until now to read Flashpoint. The first two seasons of the Flash were completely new stuff to me. I was really up to date with everything from Barry Allen's Silver Age debut through the Crisis on Infinite Earths. But Barry's return- well that was undiscovered territory. I really think if I had, the last 2 year's would've been kinda predictable.
      I just hope season 3 is as exciting and new as the previous 2 seasons. But if it does get a little too much like this storyline, I really hope they don't a have scene where all sorts of random unexpected players suddenly enter the final Atlantis/ Themyscira battlefield and just kinda preen and threaten.
      It was the height of ridiculousness! 

    Worth Consuming

    Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

   

Flashpoint: Reverse Flash #1

  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.

The Flash #8 (The Reverse Flash Rebirth)

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.