Flash #1
DC Comics
Written by: Joshua Williamson
Art by: Carmine Di Giandomencio
After reading the first two issues of Joshua Williamson’s DC Rebirth Flash run it remains clear that he truly has a grasp on the character of Barry Allen and his motivations. Now the question becomes after only two issues: Is that the only thing Joshua Williamson understands? So does The Flash #1 set up seeds of potential greatness or provide merely a newer incarnation of more of the same?
In the case of a down home, loving, and humble character such as Barry Allen more of the same is not necessarily a bad thing. After all, it finally feels like the most joyous character in the DC universe is beginning to truly come to life again for the first time since Geoff John’s now classic run on the scarlet speedster. However two issues in, at first glance it feels like there hasn’t been much done that point’s to an upcoming memorable take on the character.
One could argue that the subtle seeds being planted on how the rest of the DC Universe views the speed 
force, and the development of Officer August at the Central City Police Department and his relationship with Barry ,that a true slow burn of storytelling is taking place. Slow burns are a staple of police dramas so if that is ultimately what Williamson is setting up within the CCPD, the payoff will more than make up for the apparent slow start. Especially if what is being hinted at comes to fruition, that being the setup and development of Officer August as possibly the new evil speedster: God Speed. Having Barry do battle of the course of a few arc’s with someone he has developed a close personal friendship with, one that has been handled with care by Williamson, could setup a high stakes race for the ages.
The art of Carmine Di Giandomencio continues to dazzle in issue two providing some gritty realism that matches the police drama aspect this series appears it will be keen on. While still keeping intact the bubbly cartoon aspect to match the historic feel of The Flash series and it’s dynamic range of characters. Carmine’s art almost beckons back to what Michael Lark provided for Gotham central throwing you into
a classic muddled episode of Law and Order, with a little of what Greg Capullo did on the most recent Batman run sprinkled in. Providing overall art the feels cartoonish and gritty all at the same time, which is an insurmountable task for so many modern day comic book artist.
While nothing speed force shattering has been developed in the first two issues of Joshua Williamson and Carmine Di Giandomencio’s take on the Flash, you really cannot be upset with the story being told thus far. Williamson has restored the Flash and his supporting cast back to classic form, and Carmine’s unique art is bringing the book to life in a truly unique way that fit’s the Flash and Central City very well. That being said I am used to my Flash getting off to a bit of a faster start, but in the end if we continue down this slow burn route, fan’s of the man in red could be in for one of the more original takes on the character in the modern era.
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