The Flash #3 – Review

by Geoff Johns (writer), Francis Manapul (art), Brian Buccellato (colors), and Sal Cipriano (letters)

The Story: Captain Boomerang makes a break for it after getting a mysterious upgrade; the Renegades continue their quest to apprehend the Flash.

What’s Good: Atmosphere and tone continue to be the strongest thing going for Johns’ new Flash ongoing.  This remains a warm, honest, and positive book that lives up to the current Brightest Day aesthetic more than any other book in DC’s line-up.  This month, part of this easy-going feel is evidenced by just how fast this issue flies by.  Normally this would be a bad thing for a comic, but for the Flash, it feels natural, appropriate, and a testament to its energy.

I’m also happy to see Johns’ building up of Captain Boomerang.  It’s clear that in Boomerang, Johns is crafting a real nemesis for Barry Allen.  Captain Boomerang comes across as a badass, especially in his willingness to go for the throat, even when outnumbered, injured, and without powers.  It’s a time-tested strategy for garnering respect for a villain:  have him beat down a group of despicable, faceless goons that are even bigger jackasses than he is.  I also liked Captain Boomerang’s power upgrade.  It’s a great way to bring Blackest Night’s legacy into the Flash, without it feeling jarring or unnatural in the series’ positive environment.

Barry and Iris’ relationship continues to be a highlight for me as well.  There’s a loving familiarity and joviality that’s imbued into every last of dialogue shared between them.  They actually feel like a happily married couple in that its clear that they know each other better than anybody.  Their conversations continue to be an absolute pleasure to read.

Manapul’s art continues to be lush and inviting.  I especially liked his work on Iris and Barry’s faces; their expressions make them instantly likable and really convey the intimacy of their relationship more than any dialogue could.  Under Manapul’s hand, Barry and Iris lovable characters.