Flash 20 Review

[xBarryxAllenx]

Here's a link to my review of Flash #20 at Speedforce:

speedforce.org/2013/05/flash20review/

Please feel free to add your comments and links to your reviews and other reviews here. Thanks!

[Calazans]

Great issue.

I think each issue should have at least one awesome show of Barry's power. It's always a pleasure to old fans and helps to consolidate the love for the character on new readers.

I really like the new status quo, with Barry living with Patty, having unfinished loving business with Iris, dealing with the press with a smile (do you guys remember the rumor that he would be the only hero that was already loved by the people before join the Justice League on the promised movie?) and working with cold cases.

The Flash really needs an animated series to present the character, in his New 52 phase, to a new audience.

[dallinturner]

Yet another amazing Flash issue. These guys keep finding ways to surpass my expectations.

I also would love to see a Flash animated series based directly off this Manapul-Buccellato run. Hopefully the Flashpoint movie will be a huge success and inspire DC to start looking into something like that.

[Calazans]

Best Shots Extra: THE FLASH #20 @ Newsrama

Rating: 8/10

"It's been almost two years since the launch of DC's "New 52," an epithet that seems less accurate every month. While many books have already come and gone, and others have seen massive swings in quality, The Flash is just starting to find its footing. Pretty ironic for the "fastest man alive." The biggest problem with Frances Manapul and Brian Buccellato's Flash has ever been consistency, and now, with several major storylines under their belts, it's something they are finally starting to achieve. With a new status quo for both Barry Allen and his archenemy the Reverse Flash finally forming, the chances of leaving the chaotic, poorly paced nature of the early issues of the series behind are looking good.

Flash #20 sees Frances Manapul's return to the book's art chores, a much-needed return to form. Though artists like Marcus To and Marcio Takara are competent and often exciting in their own right, it's by Manapul's charming vision that Flash lives or dies. Manapul's often drastic and exciting layouts add more to the atmosphere of this title than any other element, so when they're missing, even if the fill-in art is worthwhile, the difference is palpable. That said, Manapul does seem to be playing it safe this issue, with less innovative or unexpected elements than his usual output, but with his trademark charm and energy thankfully intact.

The fact that Manapul's art is so gripping may be part of why the writing, also from Manapul and partner and colorist Brian Buccellato, seems to fall flat so often. With so much kineticism in Manapul's work, the stagnation that has occasionally plagued The Flash seems even more disruptive of the title and the stories. Still, with the build up surrounding the introduction and reveal of the new Reverse Flash, Manapul and Buellton seem to be getting a handle on how to organically introduce their high concepts and unfold a plot, as there's more intrigue than impatience in the Reverse Flash story.

Still, there's something about the whole thing that lacks weight. Flash #20 spends a lot of time focused on Barry Allen rather than his costumed alter ego, and while, with many characters, that would highlight the disparity between a hero and his mysterious nemesis, in this case, it feels like a weight around the Flash's ankle. The problem with Barry Allen as a character is the same as it has ever been; he's just not compelling. He's got his high-minded heroism, his never say die ingenuity, and his heart of gold — all of which were explored with good effect when he was briefly powerless last issue — but no real flaws to balance those things. Nothing to humanize him. He's far more interesting as the Flash, which may seem like a no-brainer, what with the red costume and super speed, but there's very little to set Barry apart from almost any character who could don the costume of the Flash, other than possibly some name recognition. With Allen's traditional relationships to Iris West and, as show this very issue, even Kid Flash also very much in flux, there are few things that make Barry Allen a necessary component of his own story.

Flash #20 continues the steady rise in the quality of this title. With a solid mystery afoot and the promise of finally caching in on some questions that have been dangling since DC's relaunch almost two years ago on the horizon, forward movement — the right way — seems to finally be in Flash's purview. It's just a shame that Barry Allen isn't really coming along for the ride, allowing himself to be swept along by his stories, rather than setting the pace for them. If Manapul and Buccellato can wrap their heads around making Barry Allen as compelling as the world he lives in, the last piece of this puzzle will finally fall into place".

www.newsarama.com/17890-best-shots-extra-the-flash-20-uncanny-avengers-8au.html

I don't agree with this "he's just not compelling" and this sort of things, but I do agree Barry needs a better approach to gain more hearts. I believe an animated series would do.

[ghikas]

Whats wrong with having no flaws lol its one of the main reason i love barry he doesnt have some weird issues that younger reads cant relate to. I think the barry is the best bet for younger generations who arent mature enough to get dark tones like batman.

oh btw the whole issue was amazing but i would have paid 2.99 just to see that one line

"remember barry smile its part of the job."

[xBarryxAllenx]

Just a thought - but if they go with the idea of a Barry-Patty-Iris triangle AFTER Barry has already moved in with Patty, this should add the spice to the character (and the very human flaws) some fans have been searching for. I do like where this is leading.

[Calazans]

Best scene:





Great point to start reading.

"Smile, Barry. This is part of the job".

[Calazans]

@ IGN

The Flash #20 Review
Barry can't catch a break.
by Melissa Grey MAY 22, 2013
Ranking: 9/10

"Poor Barry Allen has been through some stuff lately. There were rampaging sentient gorillas, increasingly fickle rogues, and a few ill-advised trips into the Speed Force itself. And just when our mild-mannered police scientist thinks he can settle down and hang out with his girlfriend's parents, a superpowered murderer feels the need to drop a few corpses on his lap. Oh, Barry Allen. That guy can't get a break. With the dynamic duo of Francis Manapul (story and art) and Brian Buccellato (story and colors) back in action, they're once again dragging the Flash through the muck. I sympathize, but I also kind of love it".

www.ign.com/articles/2013/05/23/the-flash-20-review

[speedster]

May 22, 2013 20:56:22 GMT -5 xBarryxAllenx said:

Just a thought - but if they go with the idea of a Barry-Patty-Iris triangle AFTER Barry has already moved in with Patty, this should add the spice to the character (and the very human flaws) some fans have been searching for. I do like where this is leading.

They should just all move in together and have a "Big Love" sort of thing going on.

Here is my review. While it was a solid opening chapter, I felt a bit frustrated that Barry was chasing down a mystery killer who we, the readers, already know about.

znculturecast.wordpress.com/2013/06/05/speed-reading-the-flash-20/

[xBarryxAllenx]

Thanks to all for the reviews! I love reading all the different points of view here!

[flashlmd]

Does anyone have an exhaustive list of Barry Allen's appearances in other DC titles to include his new 52 apps?

[Calazans]

Jun 14, 2013 14:13:48 GMT -5 flashlmd said:

Does anyone have an exhaustive list of Barry Allen's appearances in other DC titles to include his new 52 apps?

no, but he's doing it:

new52flash.blogspot.com.br

[xBarryxAllenx]

That link will take you to a great site by a very dedicated Flash fan. Thanks for adding the link here!

[flashlmd]

Yea, Dallin's site is awesome !!! I have posted there. He sent me a link for Barry's apps past, present, and future. I was just hoping to do some more recon.

dc.wikia.com/wiki/Category:Bartholomew_Allen_(New_Earth)/Appearances

I am in the process of going through that list tracking what Comixology actually has currently. As soon as I am done I would like to post it on this forum. I will then make one for Bart, Wally, & Jay.

[xBarryxAllenx]

That would be simply amazing!

[flashlmd]

Hey, maybe we could have a place on the main forum page under the Misc Section titled: Flash Appearances. Please tell me what you think?

[xBarryxAllenx]

Great idea! I've set up a thread in the "Flash Universe" section for this purpose. Thanks!

[flashlmd]

Cool, I'll check it out.

[flashfma]

Does anyone have a link for a good chronological timeline for The Flash comics from Golden Age - Flashpoint?