The Flash #22 (The Button Part IV)

     The Button comes to close in this issue of the Flash. While Batman and the Flash hoped to find the source behind the mysterious button, instead the duo unlock another forgotten member of the DC Universe.
      The cover of this issue spoils who returns. But just what is his role and does this mean the return of the Justice Society- that's something you'll have to read for yourself to find out. 
       I knew that Chapter IV wasn't going to bring the Watchmen and the DC Heroes to a head. But I really didn't expect this story to end on such a whimper. The first 3-parts were great. This one didn't match the action and excitement of the previous chapters.
       I honestly don't understand why DC allowed such a big spoiler on both the regular and variant covers. Did DC want to avoid fans having a collective stroke if somebody let slip the return of Jay Garrick? It just seems like a bad decision if you ask me.

      Worth Consuming but fair less superior than it's predecessors. 

      Rating: 7 out of 10 stars.

Batman #22 (The Button, Part III)

    After an illuminating journey through the timeline, the Flash and Batman return to the Bat Cave. Only, this isn't the Bruce Wayne Batman's secret base of operations. For the Flash and the Dark Knight have somehow returned to Flashpoint!
     I liked that this chapter did it's best to explain what happened to the Flashpoint universe. Plus, it was touching to get to see Bruce and his father reunite. Somehow, I suspect this episode is going to deeply impact the Caped Crusader's mission in the very near future. But, there's still a ton of questions to be answered. However, I don't think that's ever going to happen- at least any time soon. 
     As for the ending of this issue, it was a bit of a mind bender and I really don't have a clue quite where this is all going. (Okay- I have a small clue, if only because of the oh so unsubtle spoilers revealed on the forthcoming covers of Flash #22.)
      Speaking of Flash #22, my LCS was out of the final chapter to 'The Button', but they did order me a copy which I hope to get this week. I'll be reviewing that one ASAP!

     Worth Consuming!

     Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

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.