Review for The Flash: Rebirth #1 (DC Comics) By Eddie R.

Barry’s back...... or is he?

Like everyone else in the comic book world, I was thrilled when I heard Geoff Johns and Ethan Van Sciver were going to give The Flash a touch of Rebirth, just like they did for the Green Lantern Franchise. I was even more excited to read that they were bringing back one of my childhood favorites, Barry Allen.




Unlike others in my age group (early 30’s) who think of Wally West as “their Flash”, mines always been Barry. I grew up reading The Flashes Silver-Age stories from old issues, found at various flea markets and garage sales, at very young age. So the Barry I remember is still the noble soul who sacrificed his life for all those he loved, when he first “died” back in Crisis on Infinite Earths. To me, this was a signal that things within the DCU were going to change. And after reading this first issue of The Flash: Rebirth, I have that same feeling again.

Right from the start, we are confronted with a mystery. A villain, who, if you know what to look for in the first 2 pages, and whose identity becomes obvious to readers of the Wally West series, manages to recreate the same accident which gave both Barry and Wally their powers. It is at the end of this sequence of events where we learn this villain is the one responsible for bringing Barry back.

But at what cost?

As the story progresses, we learn that the citizens of Keystone City, along with the heroes of the DC Universe, have planned various “welcome back” parties, to celebrate Barrys return.

There’s only one catch: Barry himself isn’t really in a celebrating mood.

Barry feels that he cannot stand still in one place too long, like something is after him. Either this is a case of foreshadowing on Geoff Johns part, or maybe the way Impulse is acting to his grandfathers return is justifiable, and another sign that something isn’t right with the Speedforce.

More Evidence follows as certain flashbacks reveal a hidden aspect of Barry’s past, which seems out of place and character. Then the sudden appearance, and death, of another Speedster trapped within the Speedforce, shows the readers that this isn’t going to be your typical Flash Story.

For all the new readers who want to get into The Flash series, and those who love a good detective story, this book is for you.

For all the Barry Allen, Wally West, Impulse, and even Jay Garrick fans out there, all I can say is if you know your “Flash Facts”, then you know this story is going to pick up speed very quickly.

8/10