Flashpoint #1-4 of 5 (DC/US$3.99)
Writer: Geoff Johns
Artist: Andy Kubert
Resistance is futile! In less than a month, the DC Universe will be rebooted with 52 new titles flooding the shelves. While I have kept my excitement in check (by thinking of the hole in my wallet!), my fingers are also crossed that this whole restructuring exercise will not be an excuse to cater to the new "box-office generation" recruits.
Let's hope the stories will not be diluted and that the rich history of the characters retained.
After the pre-and-post Crisis (On Infinite Earths) events, I have witnessed three Justice League revamps and the Flash-mantle being passed about like a game of musical chairs. While the ride was fun and memorable, these absorbing storylines were also done with respect for history and continuity.
I hope that next month's revamps carry the same sort of effect.
As we brace ourselves (and credit cards), the first wave has already taken place in the guise of Flashpoint, DC's remodelling of the Flash Universe or to be precise Barry Allen's life. For most of us, Wally West is the Flash, at least for the last 25 years.
Getting ourselves acquainted with another person in that scarlet jumpsuit would certainly take some getting used to as evident by Bart Allen's quick demise (Flash (vol.3) #12). Theoretically, Barry being the original Silver Age Flash should have no problems reclaiming the Flash mantle, but the truth is that Wally has "accelerated" the character beyond the Speed Force.
Yes, Barry needs to speed up his learning curve. Since his reinstatement (in Flash Rebirth), Barry's been picking up the pieces of his "old life" – same old job but surrounded by new colleagues.
Unlike the Wally-days where the Flash's adventures were fully occupied – be it by rogues, Linda or the JLA – I feel that the last year of the Barry-Flash adventures have been rather two-dimensional. Despite Geoff Johns' presence, Barry has not regained the stature associated with the character. Here's where I feel that Flashpoint's motive is to rebuild Barry's heroism in the eyes of a whole new generation.
Premised on an alternate timeline caused by the Reverse Flash, Flashpoint is Barry's biggest nightmare. Trapped in a world where he is powerless and Iris is not his wife, Barry's only consolation is that his mum is alive and "spared" by the Reverse Flash.
However, the Cyborg is this timeline's top cop, Citizen (not Captain) Cold becomes Central City's role model, the Justice League does not exist, the Atlanteans and Amazons invade Europe, and Thomas Wayne becomes the Batman! Obviously such major changes do not escape the attention of the others (besides Barry), with Bart and Booster Gold aware of the Reverse Flash's actions.
Frustration is the key emotion plaguing the plot as Barry faces an uphill task in undoing the Reverse Flash's acts as well as garnering support.
Time for the usual "rise from the ashes" trick to come into play – as evident by Barry's persistence in regaining his powers.
Barry gains Thomas' trust and assistance by convincing him that in the "real" world, Bruce is alive and is Batman.
Together, they re-enact a similar experimental setting that granted Barry his powers. The first attempt left Barry almost charred. Eventually lightning does strike twice ... and with the desired results. Regaining his powers is only the beginning as Barry now has to complete a host of challenges (unite the different heroic factions, save Superman, stop the Atlanteans and Amazons) en route to the inevitable showdown with the Reverse Flash!
For added suspense, the clock is ticking fast as the Reverse Flash's changes become permanently entrenched in this new timeline.
Any Flash-Reverse Flash saga is a major attraction and the Elseworld-inspired setting here further fuels their yin yang status.
However, having followed all of Geoff's Flash runs, I find this plot identical to his debut Lightning In A Bottle (Flash (vol.2) #164) story – which had Wally trapped in a reality where the Flash was persona non grata. A case of reusing the same winning formula?
Also I would have preferred Ethan Van Sciver's art work but Andy Kubert's pencils certainly proved me wrong.
He perfectly portrays the dark and futuristic feel expected of this plot. Additionally, Kubert's remodelling of Barry's scarlet costume and Thomas' Batman duds look so good that I ordered the action figures.
With one issue to go before the reboot, things are in motion for a big bang!
The Punisher #1 (Marvel/US$3.99)
Writer: Greg Rucka
Artist: Marco Checchetto
Not all Punisher revamps are the same, as evident by this "thinking man" incarnation of Frank Castle. Unlike the past two MAX versions, Greg Rucka adopts a sinister approach towards redefining Castle.
The premise is on a wedding gatecrashing theme involving some Marines. You can expect the Punisher to avenge the deceased ... the only difference here is that Rucka injects shades of Se7en and his Gotham Central stint to make this a memorable debut. Art-wise, Marco Checchetto is definitely a name to watch out for as he delivers an outstanding Castle.
The Infinite #1 (Image/US$3.99)
Writer: Robert Kirkman
Artist: Rob Liefeld
For me, Liefeld's name will forever be etched in comic's Hall of Fame for co-creating Cable and Deadpool. And after The Infinite, my perception remains unchanged. Despite having a strong writer in Robert Kirkman, the artwork here is shoddy and I doubt this project would elevate Liefeld back to his New Mutants/X-Force glory days.
The plot revolves around a portable time machine. A Cable-esque character named Bowen goes back in time to recruit himself (!) for a battle against an evil dictator. Along the lines of John Connor Vs The Emperor, this has to be one of those KIV scripts that Kirkman has been experimenting with ... during his Walking Dead off days.
Comic shop news
THE Singapore Toys, Games & Comics Convention 2011, the biggest comic book event in this part of the world, is back.
For two days – Aug 20-21 – you can meet mainstream and Asian talents such as Harvey Tolibao (Silver Surfer) and Carlo Pagulayan (Planet Hulk) at Suntec Singapore, the sprawling self-contained, totally integrated events infrastructure venue.
Aspiring artists can also present their portfolios to Marvel's international talent scout C.B. Cebulski. For more information, visit www.singaporetgcc.com.
> Comics courtesy of Earth 638, No.31J-2, Kelana Mall, Jalan SS 6/12, Kelana Jaya, Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Hotline: 03-7804 8380. E-mail: earth638@yahoo.com.
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