The Flash #47
DC Comics
Written by: Joshua Williamson
Art by: Howard Porter
Colors by: Hi-Fi
Release date: 5/23/18
The beginning of Flash War looks like it’s going to start the same way most Flash arcs do, with tragedy and loss. The first few panels in the issue are powerful both in the art and the tension between Barry and Wally. What makes it work even more is how it transitions them into the recent past with the two of them racing together to meet up with Iris and Kid Flash for a little domestic time. It looks like the condition effecting Wally is getting worse and the fact that he continues to struggle with it without answers is frustrating both to the character and the reader.
Fortunately, the reader doesn’t have to wait too long for there to be a possible answer when a group of 25th Century officers of the Temporal Courts, who are all in the costumes of Flash’s Rogue Gallery, arrive to take Iris into custody for murdering Eobard Thawne. Of course and attack on Iris puts all three speedsters into protection mode as Iris tries to get more information. What doesn’t help the situation is Wally reacting rather than listening and causing the situation to escalate.
You can already see the cracks and conflicts forming between Barry and Wally as they clash over what to do about the future cops there to bring in Iris. The Renegades themselves are a bit of a mystery as well and their jurisdiction is never explained. They seem to be introduced as a means of bringing Iris into the future and continuing the story. It works, but there is something there that seems to be missing from the overall story and it could have made their presence have more meaning.
Porter’s art is amazing in this issue. Every panel seems to be in motion. From the camera angles to the characters, there is a frenetic energy to this issue that enhances the story and makes everything pop visually. Can’t wait to see what’s next.