An incorrect future has arrived in the present.
Wally West has been experimenting with his “Flashes of insight”. Thinking this way of pro-active crime-fighting is the way, West has pushed the ethics line further and further into dangerous territory.
The Justice League has weighed in and denounced this act. It hasn’t halted West, who thinks he’s just stopped three bridge bombing. He couldn’t have been more wrong.
THE FLASH #38 by Ryan North, Gavin Guidry, Adriano Lucas & Buddy Beaudoin presents a talk of responsibility and power.
Let’s take a closer look at the latest.
THE FLASH #37 by Ryan North, Gavin Guidry, Adriano Lucas & Buddy Beaudoin (DC Comics)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
North shows the tragic fallout of West’s theory gone wrong. In staging the bridge explosions, the writing features West at a crossroads. Challenging his own scientific beliefs with reality makes for a solid argument. The Justice League members directly involved have their own take on events with one stamping home their disappointment and own view of events.
Since becoming aware of the abilities, Oliver Queen has had an extreme take involving the use of pre-cognitive powers. Watching West’s miscalculations transpire adds more gas to that fire. This leads to a more abrasive state where Queen his holding public court instead of a debate. The writing shows his willingness to cross lines concerning West. It is in such an aggressive manner, it is hard to see who is hero or villain.
Readers watch as the true motives start seeping into frame. This allows North to expose the real origins behind Wally’s new abilities. The response is more off-guard as blind faith meets extreme actions. It leads into a hostile finish with more confusion on who is right or wrong in handling the truth. A great building point but some characters just feel out of the ordinary when interacting.
READ LAST ISSUE’S REVIEW HERE!
Guidry and Lucas begin with an explosive full opening shot of Wally watching a bridge. The zoom out look drives how the impact of Wally’s failure. The expressions of Jon Kent and Oliver Queen mirror what many have been thinking during this time period. It never lets Wally think he’s made an error. Panels drive home the point of epic failure.
The images from the Arrowcave allow Queen to hold court with a scowl to his looks. Their reaction to a current plan shows how flawed both he and Wally have become. This is compiled with West’s bout with another rogue. The distraction becomes overwhelming, causing a push to close. His direct conversation leads into cold standoffs and eventual breakdowns of truth. The art never disguises the pain now swirling around Wally’s head. It pushes events towards a surprising final full page where patience is a distant memory.
FINAL GRADE: 8.5
The high price of precognitive insight proves too much for Wally West to bear in his latest chapter. North blurs the lines between right and wrong with solid writing. Guidry and Lucas craft strong responses as the ethical questions involved become too great. A fascinating look at ethics and heroics on every page.
Let me know your thoughts on The Flash #38 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
