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Daedelus
04-29-2004, 07:12 PM
Writer- Geoff Johns
Penciller- Howard Porter
Inker- Livesay

"Fast Friends"

An epic issue dealing with the ramifications of Hal Jordan as The Spectre's manipulation of the world's memories of the Flash and his identity as Wally West. This issue is so good on so many levels, but will probably be best remembered for the Superman/Flash race that is just to cool for words.

The Justice League comes calling as they realize some one has played with there memories of not just the current Falsh's identity, but also the Barry Allan Flash. Howard Porter is in RARE form here and, if not for the blow it would be to Flash team, I would beg DC to move him back to JLA! Even Aquaman looks sweet! The way the League deals with this situation and Aquaman saying

"You disapeared. You returned. That's happend to ALL of us. But this time whatever happened to you has effected everyone."

This "every day" aproach to the problem is rather realistic considering the events all the JLA have encountered and is very refreshing. Maritian Manhunter being able to "see the same kind of pain and sorrow in my eyes-John lost his family a long time ago-because I can hear three words float into my head."

"I am sorry."

This is what makes Flash, Titans, and JSA such great reads. These character moments that Johns inserts at just the right times! And Superman's ominouse:

"No, he's not to fast. And he'll talk to me. I'll catch him."

So now Flash has blasted out of the JLA teleplorter after refusing the League's requests with Superman in hot pursuit. It is never even an isus who is faster, but the way the race and how they talk as they do reveals more about the characters in one issue than most creators could in a year. Wally's realization that he could steal Superman's kinetic energyand stop him cold, but that would be like throwing him out of a car--one moving at two thousand miles a second.

Wally's frantic search for his wife with Superman close behind eventually comes to an end. What follows with the Wally and Clark out of cotume is very telling about how each of them view Superheroing and each other. The need for "fortresses of Solitude" and "Batcaves" to interacting with civillian, to how to have relatioships with the women they love while at the same time putting them in mortal danger. Very touching stuff. My only complaint is that I wanted to see the Wally/Dick Grayson chat! But I guess I'll have to be back next issue, and I will for it and every one that follows!

Writing- A
Art- A
Final Grade- A

Prozac Man
04-29-2004, 08:40 PM
I am so glad I started getting this book. I started on the last issue based on the preview. As I said in the Superman thread, I love what Clark had to say about him marrying Lois. :)

A

Tonguedevil
04-30-2004, 05:41 PM
Originally posted by Daedelus
An epic issue dealing with the ramifications of Hal Jordan as The Spectre's manipulation of the world's memories of the Flash and his identity as Wally West. This issue is so good on so many levels, but will probably be best remembered for the Superman/Flash race that is just to cool for words.

Absolutely. This book is pure, unapologetic superhero escapism. Probably been my favorite read ever since "Blitz" started in #197.

I can't get enough of this comic, and I think it just goes to show that superheroes, when done right, needn't have their core concept watered down or their identities revealed to remain engaging.

If anything, as this book exemplifies, superheroes really just do need to be superheroes, I believe.

CountD
04-30-2004, 06:41 PM
here, here..

I started 2 months ago thanks to reading some people's posts here.. and my curiosity usually gets the better of me, so I went for it.

this issue was very good, and for the price? Definitely. The Flash has been continually solid and draws me in as a reader. This is a comic book for the reader if that makes any sense at all.

This issue, Wally brushes off the league and you have fun with a little race when Superman claims he can 'catch him'. There are, of course, serious undertones as Wally begins to regain the trust and respect of fellow leaguers.

I give this a high B

Godfather
04-30-2004, 07:30 PM
I missed out on the whole Blitz arc, now I'm kicking myself in the ass. Those issues around 200 cost like $10 now :(

Tonguedevil
04-30-2004, 07:49 PM
Originally posted by Godfather
I missed out on the whole Blitz arc, now I'm kicking myself in the ass. Those issues around 200 cost like $10 now :(

Yeah, but if I'm not mistaken, "Blitz" is being released in TPB during either June or July. It's on DC's solicits for one of those months, I'm sure - I remember taking note when I saw it.

And if I could recommend one arc from over the last few years, this would be the one. The Flash went down, Zoom rose up, all hell broke loose before it was over...

And things changed.

Moonbeam
05-02-2004, 04:16 AM
This issue was incredible! I can't believe how much characterization Johns is always able to cram into one book, and this one is filled with it. Plus, put a race with Superman in there and lots of superhero interraction and I'm just ...

Well, I think I'm going to go read it a second time. I don't do that often, but this week just seems to be a week for it. GREAT issue.

Godfather
05-02-2004, 04:35 AM
Originally posted by Moonbeam
This issue was incredible! I can't believe how much characterization Johns is always able to cram into one book, and this one is filled with it. Plus, put a race with Superman in there and lots of superhero interraction and I'm just ...

That's exactly what I was thinking and I hadn't even finished the book yet. While I liked the last couple issues (I started Flash on my pull at 207), I have to say this one is just superb. Johns is easily one of my top 3 writers right now.

drdash
05-11-2004, 01:41 AM
great character driven issue and a great characterization of superman. johns really needs to be writing a superman book. each issue keeps getting better. i loved how johns referenced some of waid's old storylines. can't wait for nightwing to show up next month.
grade=A

ciao
drdash

gOgIver
06-05-2004, 02:04 PM
If you can only buy one Johns title this would have to be it IMO. Nice issue:)