I’m a week behind on my comics, so I’m catching up,… with the Fastest Man Alive! Seriously though, this book is amazing. While there are those books of the New 52 that get plenty of praise, such as Animal Man, Swamp Thing, Batman, and Action Comics, and rightfully so, I do not hear that many people praise this book. It’s just all kinds of cool. Which is surprising, as I was really worried about this book. The writers, Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato, are also doing the art! While I know that Buccellato has a new book out called Foster, which I have not yet read, I know that Manapul had no previous writing experience. This worried me, as I enjoyed the short lived preboot Flash series, which Manapul also did the art on. His art is fantastic , but I did doubt his writing ability. Boy, was I wrong. This book just blows my mind more and more each issue, and pardon the pun, but it is surely not slowing down anytime soon. Its story matches the art, with a very fast paced, science fiction-ish tone. The color of the background matches the tone of the setting, be it a bland grey prison or a bright green science lab, the book always gives off an impression in color. I cannot even begin to express how much I love the art. Manapul also uses the setting as a way to show action words, be it SPLASH out of water, or the introduction FLASH in the snow as Barry slides into panel, it is just amazing. Motion is also shown extremely well, with the lightning that flows off of Barry as he runs only emphasizing this. Again. This book should is awesome on art alone. Not that the story isn’t good, which is Barry dealing with his past in the form on Manuel Lago. His friend from his late high school or early college years, who mysteriously disappeared and returns with an unfathomable secret! The arc is wrapped up in this issue, and in a very satisfying way. It also sets up plenty of future stories, one of which I am particularly excited for (Captain Cold!) All of this should’ve told you that this book is a must. Literally, the art alone merits you try it. The only negative thing I’ve heard people say about this book is that Barry is the Flash as opposed to Wally. If you can accept that, try it. If you can’t, still try it.
-AvryOtt (Comments are appreciated!)
