Miscellaneous Comments:    03 October 1999

    This was my first issue of Flash.

    And, therefore, one of my first every DC comics.

    I didn't grow up reading DC. I was a Marvel Zombie.

    Still am, to be honest. Never liked the DC way of doing superheroes.

    Still don't to be honest.

    I'm a big Vertigo fan, though. Shade, Doom Patrol, Animal Man & Sandman are all on my List of Favourites.

    But I've never warmed to the DC Universe superheroes.

    Tried Superman.

    Didn't like it.

    Tried Wonder Woman.

    Didn't like it.

    Tried Aquaman, tried The Demon, tried Green Arrow, tried The Ray, tried Superboy.

    Didn't like them.

    Then there's Flash.

    Back in '92, a local shop (not a comics shop, either, just a newsagents) had a copy of Flash #62 on it's shelf.

    I tried it.

    Today I have 80 issues of the series.

    For some reason I haven't fully detailed as of yet, I've really taken Wally West to my heart, and I really adore his adventures.

    A lot of it probably stems from this, my introduction to the character, and the debut of Mark Waid on the title.

    By anyone's standards, it's an incredible story.

    To kick off his run (taking over from William Moessner-Loebs) Waid chose to do a Flash: Year One four-parter, and this episode takes us back to the Summer that Wally turned ten.

    The Summer he met Barry Allen.

    The Summer he got his powers.

    Everything about the issue is masterful. Everything.

    It starts with Wally in full hero-mode. Terrorists have planted a bomb somewhere at the local airport. The police have to get three hundred people out.

    Flash has three minutes to search three hundred square feet.

    It's a gripping opening. One guaranteed to pull the reader in.

    That's one reason I like it.

    Another is the fact that Flash's speed is only part of the salvation. Wally has to use a bit of deduction, as well, in order to find the bomb.

    And when he finds it.

    He has to dispose of it.

    Fast.

    Well, with that out of the way, Wally meets his grand-father, and we are treated to the start of a flashback.

    Which is where the writing gets really impressive.

    Page Nine is lovely.

    Waid introduces us to Barry Allen and Iris West for the first time. And does so in a manner that successfully pulls the heart-strings of his audience. Even me, who had (indeed has) no knowledge of the characters at all.

    What follows is a sentimental treat. There's no doubt that Wally adores his aunt. And, what's really, really cool is that she - in turn - sees him as her best friend.

    Waid, in a few short pages, conveys a superb sense of their friendship, of their bond, that gives the reader a wonderful warm feeling.

    Then, to make things even better, Wally gets a chance to meet his hero: The Flash.

    In fact, by a fluke, he even gets to save his idol's life during a robbery attempt. "That was quick thinking, son! You saved my life! Thanks!"

    "S-Sure!" stammers young Wally. "An-Anything for you, Flash! You-You're my hero!"

    "Not today, pal!" comes the reply. "Today, you're my hero!"

    Now, how cool is that?

    Type of Series: Super-hero.

    Similar Comics: Superman; any series really, with a fairly naïve view of the world. One where there's a superhero who has adopted a city, and protects it. That kind of thing.

    Typical Issue: Wally (Flash) moves very fast indeed to accomplish something. All the while comparing himself to his hero: Barry Allen, The Flash who died years earlier saving everyone.

    Strengths: The writing. Waid is a very talented story-teller.

    Weaknesses:

    Plotting: A bit naïve, really. All that "gosh, you're my hero, Flash" stuff could come off as silly. But Waid's too good to let that happen. With Waid in charge, even a die-hard cynic like me can believe the fantasy.

    Logic: Nothing out of place.

    Originality: Hmm. Dunno. Hard to say. I suppose there's nothing all that new here. It's just that it's so well done.

    Ending: Top notch. Wally is showered in chemicals a la Barry, when he himself was transformed.

    Re-Readability: Incredibly re-readable. I've read this issue a lot over the years. And late last night, as I read it again, it still pulled all the heart strings. Too, too cool.

    Impressive Characters: Iris is the impressive one here. Heck, even I walk away from the story with an outrageous crush on her!

    Impressive Writers: Mark Waid.

    Impressive Artists: Greg La Rocque (penciller) and Jose Marzan Jr. (inker) do a great job here. Particularly with the airport scenes, where Flash in his new costume looks awesome.

    Impressive Dialogue: Loads and loads. I suppose the first exchange between Wally and Barry is the most impressive.

    Impressive Scenes: Loads and loads. All the stuff at the airport. Wally saving The Flash. The - hilarious - debut of Barry Allen. Wally's secret meeting with his hero. All impressive.

    Less-Than-Impressive Characters:

    Less-Than-Impressive Writers:

    Less-Than-Impressive Artists:

    Less-Than-Impressive Dialogue:

    Less-Than-Impressive Scenes: Wally's meeting with his grandpas is awkwardly done.

    Continuity: Steeped in continuity. This is the entire backstory for Wally West, star of the series.

    Guide:

    Reviews:

    Other Info:

GRADE: A+

Review by Michael Leddy

Comments are welcome: rikerdonegal@hotmail.com

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