One thing is for sure, reading all three issues at once sure did clear some things up. The sad news is that not many people will make it this far for the story. However, the art is looking pretty. And good, too.
This is another comic where we have the artist as the story teller. Much like in the other books where this has happened (Detective Comics, Batwoman), you definitely need to approach this book with an appreciation towards the art more so than towards the story.
The story in the first issue seemed to be able to stand more on its own than the other two issues. The story didn't so much go off the rails and wrecked itself as much as I thought it did, but its going in the direction of not telling much but little pictures and bullet points of information that will try to all come together in the end.
To the art's credit, it does some story telling of its own as well. There isn't the balance between the two that there needs to be though. There is some potential there, but Manapul needs more practice with it. The sad thing is that Flash has had some really great writers since I've read it and I read it expecting a good story. I also expect to see Wally West in the role of the Flash, but we get Barry Allen in the role. Having a different character in the role of The Flash isn't a bad thing, I just want the Flash to be more than a two dimensional character that he has been portrayed so far in this series.
If I had to give any advice to Manapul about the book I would definitely tell him to strengthen the story by focusing on a plot thread or two per issue. Trying to juggle what seems like 10 different plots and subplots in a 20 page comic isn't a good idea. Give your character more of a voice that shows their personality and doesn't leave make them sound the same or generic. I definitely see that there is potential to improve and cut your teeth some more.
I really have optimism for this book. I'm just seeing a more seasoned reader for this book that loves the Flash that will buy it month in and month out and very few new readers staying with it. That means that you will be seeing me buy it. I just don't want to feel like a fool when I put my money down.
Averages for Issues #1-3:
Words: 6/10
Pictures: 7/10
Overall Grade for Issues #1-3: 6/10, and going down. But it can be brought back up.
No comments:
Post a Comment