The Flash: Rebirth #1 Review
Spinning directly out of the epic events of DC Universe: Rebirth #1, the Flash finds himself at the center of a DC Universe at a crossroads.
The Flash: Rebirth #1
Written by Joshua Williamson
Art by Carmine Di Giandomenico
Cover by Karl Kerschl
Published by DC Comics
WARNING: Do NOT read this issue until after you’ve read DC Universe: Rebirth #1!
Writer Joshua Williamson (Captain Midnight, Robocop, and Nailbiter) and artist Carmine Di Giandomenico (Spider-Man Noir, Ironman 2.0, and Examen) set up Barry Allen—also known as The Flash—to take on an evil he has never faced before in The Flash: Rebirth #1.
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Since the incarnation of the DC comic book universe, the Trinity—Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman—have been seen as the cornerstones of DC comics. But in actuality, the Flash has been the connection that has always tied the DC universe together. Williamson sets the pieces in place for the Flash to once again be the link the world needs in The Flash: Rebirth #1.
The story begins with a deja vu-type of feel if the reader is familiar with the background of Barry Allen. A woman was murdered at her home, while her son was forced to watched the horrific event. Authorities on crime scene are quick to dismiss the case as domestic violence, and the father is the one who committed this horrendous crime. But it’s Barry Allen, who’s spent the last fifteen years of his life clearing his father’s name of the death of his mother.
Barry’s boss, director David Singh, immediately establishes the connection between the current crime scene investigation and Barry’s father’s case, and instantly tries to pull the forensic scientist off of the incident. Barry pleads with director Singh that he needs to be in this case because he pays attention to the details other crime scene investigators and forensic scientists would look over.
Readers are well within their rights to have issues with Rebirth since Geoff Johns isn’t writing any of the books. But Williamson pushes the Flash’s Rebirth narrative forward effortlessly. While Giandomenico’s art is hard to adjust to initially, the reader definitely can get used to the illustrations after some time.
The second part of the story is Barry bearing his soul to his father about the visions he’s been having. Barry feels that the Speed Force is trying to warn him of upcoming danger in the future. However, his father believes that Barry is just tired due to his burning the candles at both ends and needs to take a break.
The way Williamson uses Barry’s father as his quasi-therapist is critical. A key component of the Flash character is family, so it’s great to see Williamson carrying on that tradition in this series.
The last part of the issue is Barry doing Flash things while waiting for his lab results from the crime scene. During his shift as the Flash, Wally West appears to him. Wally, who is stuck in the Speed Force, makes one last effort to be freed by appearing to Barry. Barry remembers Wally, but certain memories are too vague. Eventually, Barry’s love for Wally pulls him out of the Speed Force and back into the real world.
Wally explains to Barry that there is something bigger at play and that some outside force has been watching them this entire time. Barry enlists the help of Batman to aid him with his current situation. The two founding members of the Justice League agree not to let the rest of the team know that their universe is being watched until they have acquired more knowledge on the situation.
The artwork from Giandomenico is great. Once a reader gets comfortable with his art style, they will not be able to get enough of it. Also, Williamson does a terrific job showing the parallels between the Flash and Batman: both use forensic science in their everyday lives to better the world’s problems; and as children, they both watched the murders of beloved family members.
More superheroes and comics: Green Lanterns: Rebirth #1 Review
The Bottom Line: This series will be one of the most exciting books to come out of DC Rebirth. Not only will this Flash story relate to Barry Allen, but it will be the overarching storyline throughout the DC universe.
The creative team of Willamson and Giandomenico are fantastic together. The two comic creators have amazing energy and their chemistry seeps through the pages. A fan of comic books cannot help but be excited for The Flash #1 when it releases in two weeks.