This Week: Flash #25 brings the execution of author Si Spurrier’s series to epic conclusions.
Note: The reviews below may contain spoilers. If you need quick spoiler purchase/pass recommendations for the manga in question, please see the bottom of the article for the final verdict.
Flash #25
Writer: Si Spurrier
Artist: Vasco Georgiev
Colorist: Matt Harms
Letter: Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
Cover Artist: Davide Paratore
Since taking over the writing chores in the ongoing Flash series in 2023, author Si Spurrier has taken Scarlet Speedster to unexpected locations, injecting elements of horror and high fantasy at various times. The series’ current “Bad Moon Rising” is firmly planted in the realm of sci-fi war epic, with this week’s issue marking the end of that story and the end of the series’ Spurrier era.
The series’ trapping may be very different now than when he first began, but Suprie continues to firmly root the drama in his Western family. “Bad Moon Rising” saw Wally West do a one-man war with the moon against the powered-up Eclipso by isolating himself and making Jamie Madrox-style copies to act as soldiers in period-style battles. In it, Wally’s children, Iris and Jai, fought on two different sides to stop Eclipso and save his dad.
The West Twins are still relatively new characters, and former series writer Jeremy Adams did a lot to establish them as individuals. Spurrier expanded it wonderfully, giving them unique quirks and hang-ups that made them extremely accessible to readers of any age. Jai in particular has a lot of focus, and he and his father had a moment in last month’s issue that was truly a great bookend for what Spurrier did with the character. Both Iris and Jai play a key part at the end of “Bad Moon Rising,” and it’s a great showcase of how far they’ve come to the past two dozen issues.
Spurrier worked with artists Vasco Georgiev and Matt Herms later in his run, and their visuals helped ground the series in Superheroics. Georgiev’s style is cartoonish and lively, beautifully capturing the energy of super speed and the joy of its power set. This is a dialogue-heavy issue, and his character has the weight of what is going on, the decisions they are forced to make in their faces. Herms’ bright colors complement the linework well, adding to the overall sense of the classic superhero that permeates the run, adding texture and vibrancy to the more outlying sci-fi elements. While Spurrier is leaving the series, Georgiev and Herms aren’t that much for at least some of the following issues.
If there’s one Spurrier running in Flash, it’s certainly remembered, but it would be a big swing it took. From the fears of the universe with the unconventional flash artist to Mike De Dedato Jr.’s fantasy family vacation in Gemworld with his dog, a secretly newborn universe. The swing isn’t always a hit, but it was a joy to see them. I hope that those who carry on the next long-term series will not lose their storytelling spirit.
Final Verdict: Purchase.
round up
Absolute Wonder Woman #12 is Kelly Thompson, Hayden Sherman, co. “When My Mother Made Me” is a great storyline, expanding the world of the series, introducing new threats and seeding future stories. The conclusion of that story is very firmly based on what Diana feels is missing, but that’s not exciting or entertaining either. This series is not intended as puns and is simply fantastic. Justice League Unlimited #11 and Superman #30 are both lead-in to JLU #11 from DC Ko Mark Waid and Carmine Di Giandomenico. In the future, Joshua Williamson and Dan Mora Superman #30 found a steel guy trying to save Booster Gold from the rest of the Legion of Superboy Prime in Turncoat and Darkseid. Both books are very fun, with some really good twists along the way, and it’s also interesting to read in tandem, especially considering which ends how. Earlier this week, I learned that the ongoing Green Arrow series will end in December, which is truly a shame. Chris Condon and Montos tell a truly amazing street-level story with Emerald Archer. Green Arrow #28 continues the “Crimson Sands” storyline, exploring the history of Roy Harper, and adding a new villain to GA’s Rogues gallery. If you can’t make money with these creators on this series, tell these high quality stories. You may need to get out of the money-making business.
Have you missed our previous reviews? Check out the complete archive! And check out all the latest comic reviews for Beat!
Like this:
Like loading…
