Story by Francis Manapul & Brian Buccellato
Art by Francis Manapul
The Solicitation
Central City in chaos! Iris West captive in Iron Heights prison! And as Flash tries to deal with all of it, he must also try to save the life of his old friend Manuel Lago from Mob Rule, DC Comics' hottest new Super Villain!
Preview
The Story
You know, for a guy who can run fast, this comic has run rather slow the past couple of issues.
Central City is still suffering from the EMP blast from what, the first issue? Someone would think that the Flash would at least figure out what caused it by now. Instead, we are are treated to an issue that concludes the first story arc and gives a small taste of things to come from the next one.
Now, if my thinking is right, Flash has been a superhero for five years. That's the thereabouts that DC has said for all their titles outside of Justice League and Action Comics. Given that, why is Flash talking about having to still learn his powers in this comic? Is he that slow of a learner?
What happens next just seems to be a little bit of crazy to me. Essentially, all of Mob Rule is stopped except for Manuel, who kicks a weakened Flash to knock him out and escapes with all of Mob Rule dead except for himself. But no need to worry, he starts cutting bits off himself to recreate Mob Rule. So big villain is stopped for now, only to have the chance to come back later when needed.
The twist at the end that makes you come back? Dr. Elias tells Flash that every time Flash goes near the speed of light, he picks up objects and launches them through time. Dr. Elias then says that they have to destroy the Speed Force which is causing this to happen.
Its a conclusion. I find nothing too exciting for the story. I've decided that this is the first time I look more forward to the artwork of a Flash story than I do the writing.
The Art
Flipping through this comic, I don't see much art that wows me. Its nice to look at, but I don't see something that jumps out and just floors me. Pretty standard OK-ish stuff here. Nothing like the first couple of issues that tried something a little different. Given this perspective and seeing how bland Manapul can look, I would rather see the earlier stuff.
The Cover
Doesn't Flash look awkward? Seriously, who runs like that? Was that done just so we could see a little bit of Flash butt? You can't see it here, but when you add in the Title Card and some words for the story, it totally takes out the skeletons that you see behind Mob Rule, the guy in the chair. This is a pretty generic cover for a series that had some good ones going for it in previous issues. Manapul just isn't pulling in his A game for the finale.
Grades
Words: 6/10 - Blah.
Pictures: 6/10 - Blah blah.
Recommend: A skippable conclusion. Villain is still alive after everything is said and done and nothing of note is important for this issue. Not even the art is worth coming to it.
Buy Next Issue: Let's hope the next arc kicks off better than this one concluded.
Previous Issues
Flash #4
Three Issue Trial
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