Typically, there are two ways in which creative teams tend to handle The Flash. One is to lean into the science and cosmic weirdness of a man who can run faster than light. This tactic was taken by the team that opened the current DC All-In series. The other way, adopted by the new creative team of Ryan North and Gavin Guidry, is to focus on the comedic side of the character. In this, their first issue feels like a spin-off sequel set in the DCAU following the continuing adventures of the Fastest Man Alive.
The opening introduces us to Wally West. Now married with children to reporter Linda Park, Wally is trying to balance being The Flash with being a father. He’s generally good at both, though his tendency to act before thinking does cause trouble. Thankfully, his problems are rarely worse than having to use his powers to heat the frozen dinner he forgot to cook.
New problems arise, however, in a rush of people falling off buildings — people who were promised big paydays and Internet fame for the best POV streaming footage of The Flash saving them. This leaves Wally run ragged as he tracks those responsible for the rain of would-be influencers.
North and Guidry’s The Flash run is bringing the funny
Ryan North built his brand on comedy comics like Dinosaur Comics and Unbeatable Squirrel Girl. Even his current run on Fantastic Four is full of sly humor amid the super-science weirdness. It is already apparent that his writing on The Flash will be in the same vein.
North’s take on Wally West evokes the more humorous version of The Flash from the DCAU. One can almost hear Michael Rosenbaum‘s voice with every dad-joke and quick aside. However, there’s also some serious satire of on-line culture and “Flash Facts” amid the comedic chaos.
The artwork of Gavin Guidry complements North’s scripts quite well. Guidry’s designs are crisp yet fluid, with a sense of constant motion. This extends even to the static scenes of people talking. The colors by Adriano Lucas and letters of Buddy Beaudoin provide the perfect finishes to a pretty package of pictures.
The Flash #31 promises to be the start of something magical. This issue does everything a first issue should, introducing us to the main characters and the creative team. New readers and old fans of the Fastest Man Alive looking for a way to catch up would do well to get in on this.
Grade: 10/10
The Flash #31 is now avaialble at comic shops everywhere.
