The Flash #236

"The Flash" #236 accomplishes several things. First off, it ends writer Mark Waid's run on the book. DC Editorial must have given Waid the job of establishing Wally back as the flash, explaining the new family dynamic, and explaining where Wally & his family spent their down time after "Infinite Crisis". This issue pretty much wraps up all of those points to varying degrees of success. For those wondering how Linda went from being a news reporter to the leading expert on juvenile speed force issues, we do get some explanation on that. This issue was the first read where I actually enjoyed both the primary and backup stories. I liked that Waid has tied the two together as well. Freddie Williams II's art is starting to grow on me. With each new issue, Williams is getting more comfortable with Wally and his supporting cast.

While Waid did not bring Wally back to the DCU with a bang, Wally's now firmly established back as the Flash. I look forward to Tom Peyer taking over the writing chores and moving the Flash into a new and exciting direction.

The Flash #235

From my previous reviews of Mark Waid's return to "The Flash" you can tell that I haven't been impressed. The plodding story involving Wally's family and a water-based alien invasion has just not captured my interest. However, in this issue, I believe Waid may be turning the corner. From Wally's interaction with the JLA members to his conversation with his son, the plot actually began to move forward. Freddie Williams II's art is much stronger in this issue as well. He looks like he is getting more comfortable in the Flash's world. I still think that the colors are a bit too bright making the comic look more like a Saturday morning cartoon.

The backup story continues to impress me and, without spoiling too much, I like that Waid has tied this fun story back to the main plot as well. "The Flash" picked up a little steam in this issue and has me looking forward to the next issue for the first time in a while.

The Flash #234

Writer Mark Waid's current run on "The Flash" is beginning to wear thin. I was willing to give him a pass as he reestablished Wally and his family back in the DCU but it is starting to drag now. I get it. The kids have issues with their powers. Let's move onto something that involves Wally as the Flash fighting rogues or something. I like Freddie E. Williams II's clean art style, but there's something missing here. I"m not sure if it is the bright coloring of colorists Tanya & Richard Horie, but the art just looks flat. Williams, however, does a good job with facial expressions and I like his page layouts. Maybe he needs someone else to ink his pencilling to bring out the depth.

In the backup story, artist Doug Braithewaite really shines. Colorist Alex Sinclair gives a painted look to Braithwaite's art and it provides a really stunning graphic novel look and feel. I'm enjoying the backup story more than the primary as Mark Waid does a good job of keeping "The Fast Life" moving forward.

I'm sticking with this book because I love both the Flash and Waid's previous efforts. Here's hoping taking the battle to the alien invaders of the last few issues peaks my interest.

Batman and the Outsiders #1

Of the DC "Trinity", I don't read the solo books of Batman. Growing up I was always a Superman fan and, since the George Perez days, a Wonder Woman fan. I never really got into Batman's solo adventures. I do, however, like seeing Batman bounce off of the other residents of the DCU. That is why you see "Superman/Batman", "Justice League of America", "Brave and the Bold", and, now, "Batman and the Outsiders on my pull list. I wasn't a huge fan of the Judd Winick "Outsiders". Nightwing never came across as strong as he did during the Wolfman/Perez Titans-era and the rest of the team didn't impress me. When I heard that Batman was taking over, I decided to give the title another try.

I was a big fan of the 80s version of "Batman and the Outsiders" and enjoyed seeing Batman quit the JLA to form his own team. While the stories were goofy and the reasons for being a team were weak, the book was a fun monthly read. The new Batman and the Outsiders has Batman establishing a team to take care of business that the JLA or JSA wouldn't want to sully their hands with. The team try out books were interesting but ultimately failed to capture the driving motivation for the team.

Writer Chuck Dixon starts "Batman and the Outsiders" on their first covert op and brings depth of character to each team member. Julian Lopez's pencils along with Bit's inking brings clean lines and outstanding visuals. I especially liked Marta Martinez's coloring. The muted colors fit the tone of the book and bring an almost painted quality to the art. Dixon looks to be taking this team in the right direction. Here's hoping that the creative team can stay together and on schedule.

With an outstanding cover by Doug Braithwaite, "Batman and the Outsiders" #1 is an excellent start to what I hope will be an outstanding team monthly from DC.

The Flash #233

New artist Freddie Williams II replaces the outgoing Dave Acuna and I'm not sure what to think about it. Williams can draw some good stuff. He did so in "Blue Beetle" and "Batman and the Outsiders" one shot. I know he can draw, but this issue looked rushed. Dave Acuna was in the solicitations for both this issue and the next and I wonder if Williams wasn't handed this issue very late and told to get it in on time. Doug Braithwaite's cover is very nice and captures the speed of The Flash. However, William's interiors almost look like something out of Johnny DC and not the DCU. The alien creatures come of as cartoonish. Some of the art looks tight - meaning a character in a panel - but all in all it wasn't very appealing. I hope Williams brings more to the table as he becomes the series regular artist.

The story also left me wanting. Billed by DC marketing as the JLA comes to take Wally's kids, it all really panned out to nothing. Lame aliens, lame characterization, all really builds up to a lot of nothing. I did, however, enjoy the Waid and John Rogers back up story "The Fast Life" much more than the primary story. This four part back up looks very interesting with great art by Doug Braithwaite. To me "The Flash" should be a premiere DC title and currently it is coming of as a second rate D-level hero title.