Barry May Not Survive The Flash #77
by Tony Thornley
There’s a lot going on in The Flash #77. However, when you’re in the middle of an arc titled “Death of the Speed Force” there’s going to have to be a lot happening…
Joshua Williamson, Rafa Sandoval, Jordi Tarragona, Tomeu Morey, and Steve Wands set up the worst day in Barry Allen’s life.
Barry, Wally and Avery have to fight off the Black Flash as the being tries to kill Steadfast to try to save the Speed Force. Barry realizes that he needs to gather the other Force users to try to save the Speed Force. However, even if that plan works, the Rogues are gathering once again, this time backed by a horrific gift from Lex Luthor…
Normally this sort of issue would be a lot of set-up and exposition. However, Williamson takes that classic sort of structure and flips it on its head, putting those key elements in amongst thrilling action and some incredibly tense moments between the characters. It’s very busy but it’s never cluttered or confusing. It makes for a very fun read while still pushing forward the plot and setting up the rest of the arc to come.
Sandoval and Tarragona continue to do great work, especially with the sense of motion they put on the page. They use speed lines and unusual layouts to push the characters across the page, and set the camera in places where characters are always rushing towards the reader. Barry still has moments where he looks much too bulky, but they do make improvements there as well, going a ways forward to resolving my biggest complaint about the art.
Things are getting tough for the Flash family, and it’s clear it’s going to get worse before it gets better. It’s definitely going to be a blast to read though.
The Flash #77 is available now from DC Comics.
