Flashpoint #5 (***spoilers***)

Well, here it is...my final monthly comic book. It is Flashpoint #5 (of 5), the last issue of the big summer event mini series and the stepping stone to the new relaunch of DC Comics (which began this week with Justice League #1).

Be warned: this post will have spoilers galore for the final issue as well as major personal opinion. Take it all with a grain of salt.

Flashpoint #5 (of 5)

So, a quick recap of how we got here. At the end of Crisis on Infinite Earths, Barry Allen (the Flash) was killed saving the multiverse. Universes merged to a single continuity. That was 1986. At the end of Final Crisis, Barry returned to life and the universe. That was 2008. At the end of Brightest Day, his old foe Eoward Thawne (Professor Zoom) was brought back to life. That was 2011. Zoom vowed to destroy his old foe and went back in time to kill Barry's mother. We saw this in the most recent Flash title and the Flashpoint: Reverse Flash one-shot.

Comic Books of the Week (8/24/11) part 1

Final big week of books before the end of it all. Let's get to the Flashpoint titles from the week first:

Flashpoint: Hal Jordan #3 (of 3) - so we ended last time with Hal prepping to drop a "Green Arrow" nuke (how fitting) on the Amazons in hopes to ending the war. Clearly this world's Hal fears one thing - commitment. Why he can't admit his love for Carol in person is a shame. This whole version of Hal is a shame. This is not the Hal Jordan I grew up with. Yes, he is a hero in the end - a sacrificial one (thanks to Flashpoint #4 spoiling that one three weeks ago) - but clearly he is shown here as flawed. Sigh.

Flashpoint: Lois Lane and the Resistance #3 (of 3) - while Lois does a lot in this issue, she still takes the backseat to the supers. Last month it was Grifter. This month it is Britannia. I wasn't thrilled with the art on this final issue either. Very disappointed with the way this mini played out, but I should have expected it. It tied to close to the Wonder Woman and Aquaman minis, and those two were disappointments thanks to the choppy story-flow each issue. Lois deserved better than this.

Flashpoint: Kid Flash Lost #3 (of 3) - the art was a bit uneven with two pencilers but I liked that we at least got to see a bit more of the Flash family through this final issue. The first two issues were slow but this one made up for it. It is kind of sad though what happened to this world's Max, Jay and Wally. They all deserved better. But Bart at least is able to come out a hero - another sacrifice this week but at least his is worth something (as opposed to Hal and Lois). Will Bart's actions be enough to jump-start the new universe? Most likely. Barry has been pretty much running into too many walls up to this point. He needs something to reignite things. Bart gave him the extra push.

Comic Books of the Week (8/17/11)

As I get closer and closer to my final comic book buying day (August 31st), I am finding every book I read from DC is less and less enjoyable. I actually knocked through all of my books from today while on the treadmill. Here's the skinny:

Flashpoint: Abin Sur #3 (of 3) - this final issue had two artists and it showed. The beginning and end pages were not too bad but the middle ones were horrendous. This mini was fair at best with the final pages possibly setting up a key element for the final issue of Flashpoint and the restart of the new DCU for September.

Flashpoint: Legion of Doom #3 (of 3) - this one ended pretty much as I expected - Cyborg owns Heat Wave, there is a lot of gratuitous violence and the ending implies that Heat Wave gets what he deserves. Sad. At the very least this issue spotlighted Cyborg, certainly showing some elements that will likely get some use when the new DCU launches with him as a founder of the Justice League. Beyond that, this mini was pretty skippable too.

Flashpoint: Wonder Woman and the Furies #3 (of 3) - I had a few problems with this final issue. First, it is practically half a retread of last week's Aquaman final issue. Yes, we get to see the motivation of the traitors revealed but that was about it. Next, it ruined the final issue of Lois Lane and the Resistance next week. Thanks a lot, Dan Abnett. Finally, for a mini that was supposed to also feature some Furies, we hardly got to see them more than just foot-soldiers at best. Wasted potential.

Justice League of America #60 - the final issue of Robinson's run and we know already that the team is disbanding. Funny, but a lot of the issue is about justifying why each of the team members is leaving. The rest of some Reader's Digest recaps of grand adventures of the team that never got to be fully written. Were these plots Robinson had planned out for the next few years? If so, sad to see they never happened. Most likely he knew the books were all coming to an end with relaunch and decided to blow out as many ideas as he could - knowing most would not fit/apply in the new revised continuity. So much lost potential here. Robinson clearly loves these characters though and wanted some happy endings (I won't run them). Funny but the final two page conversation between Dick and Donna seemed very much like a commentary on the relaunch. "Do you think they'll remember us?" "I want them to forget. Me anyway. I want the world to forget I ever existed."

One more full week left to go, then the final week with one title.

Comic Books of the Week (8/10/11) part 1

Let's hit the Flashpoint books first this week:

Flashpoint: Citizen Cold #3 (of 3) - I was kind of disappointed with the second act of this mini last month after enjoying the opening volley. The finale here redeemed things a bit. Scott Kolins does grim and gritty villains well, and this book has a ton of them. All your favorite Rogues are here: Cold, Weather Wizard, the new Trickster, Mirror Master, the Pied Piper as well as Tarpit and Fallout. Iris West learns the truth about Central City's "supposed hero" and the book comes to a gratifying ending.

Flashpoint: Emperor Aquaman #3 (of 3) - I felt my stomach turning in knots as the book jumped back and forth between flashbacks and present day. I get that the issue had to resolve the plot of who was behind the war and how they deceived everyone, but the whole mini was like that. Learn how to tell a story straight-forward. Show, don't tell. That's Writing 101. And, of course, it all ends in issues 4 and 5 of Flashpoint, the first part which came out before this issue - way to ruin things there, DC. Poor editorial control over the mini.

Booster Gold #47 - the final issue of the series and final part of the Flashpoint "tie-in". I put that in quotes because, for me, it was a waste. Booster spent the entire time screwing around with Doomsday. I would rather have seen him be a key part in the resolution of the event - showing Barry how much of a hero he could be. Instead, we get poorly worked finale with only a few pages in the real FP action and then Booster fails. This made me sad. Of course, I should have expected the worst when Dan Jurgens couldn't do the art for this final issue. We only get a few pages from him near the end. I am very disappointed with this one.

Comic Books of the Week (7/27/11)

Flashpoint: Hal Jordan #2 (of 3) - reading about Hal as a pilot-turned-hero isn't so bad. I've always been a fan of his outside the ring-identity of Green Lantern. This issue was a bit better than the last and the art style actually suits the story and character.

Flashpoint: Kid Flash Lost #2 (of 3) - this issue held up a little better than the last one. We actually get to see traits in Bart that were always interesting - a smart, capable hero. I wasn't as thrilled with the art on this issue though. I look forward to see how/if Bart can get back to his Uncle Barry in time and help resolve things. My gut feel is Bart, along with Booster Gold, will help Barry "fix time" and result in getting things not quite right (leading to the DCnU timeline come September).

Lois Lane and the Resistance #2 (of 3) poor Lois gets bumped as lead of her own mini, thanks to the appearance of the Grifter as leader of the Resistance. The issue is all about him, which I am sure excites his Wildstorm comic fans. It makes sense to put him front and center as he has his own DCnU book coming in September. For me, the issue really was so-so. The change in art style from last issue helped a bit but not enough.

Justice Society of America #53 - Jerry Ordway provides the art on this second-to-last issue for the series. I love his style as it is perfect for the JSA. I love the use of the Challengers of the Unknown. My only concern is this whole story is forced to a rushed conclusion next time. Sad. I was actually getting into it.

Teen Titans #98 - Krul and company are going out with a bang. So glad the powers-that-be gave them extra issues to get to #100 by the end of August. Superboy-Prime is back and he's brought some allies to take out the Titans. Things could get really chaotic really fast. I'm glad to see this version of the Titans go out with a bang rather than a whimper. So sad they're being totally retooled for September (just one of the many reasons I am dropping comics come Fall). Special kudos to the art team for the shots of Ravager on page 11. They made her look well-proportioned without going over the top. Clearly these guys know their anatomy. Something some comic artists could use a refresher course on.

John Byrne's Next Men #8 (#38) - Byrne provides an interesting way to bring one former cast member into the future with the rest of the group. However, that is pretty much all this issue is - vignettes of the move of Gil/Gillian from body to body over time. We only get a brief feel for each life she shared. I was a bit bored by the fourth jump. And, looking at the end, it appears that the story (and perhaps the series?) might conclude with the next issue? That works for me. Since my dropping regular comics thanks to DC's new approach means I lose this title (my one regular non-DC title), I would be happy if the run were ending at the same time. But if it does not I won't lose too much sleep over it.

Comic Books of the Week (7/20/11)

Flashpoint: Legion of Doom #2 (of 3) - man, this is one seriously violent book. Yes, I know, it is about desperate criminals trying to escape a prison but wow. And I guess when you know your "world" is ending in another month it doesn't matter how many deaths you rack up either. I was kind of disappointed with the fates of Atom and Animal Man to boot. Ah well. I will likely only get the final issue for completeness sake.

Flashpoint: Wonder Woman and the Furies #2 (of 3) - more key story about the arrangement between Diana and Aquaman, and how everything went so horribly wrong. We get another hint that this war was not of their making - someone was pulling the strings but who? That mystery is enough to keep me coming back for the final month.

Justice League of America #59 - wow, seven of twenty pages spent on the musings of a mad-villain? Seriously? Clearly the passion of the story left James Robinson as the end of the road was coming up fast. His League's run ends next issue. This issue felt like a huge compromise - finish the arc asap so you can do a quieter final issue. I'm not that thrilled.

Legion of Super-Heroes #15 - the same can be said here. There is a lot in this issue, packed in, but it is done so at the sacrifice of some decent explanations. The Levitz Legion run of the past spent time developing and exploring character depths. I guess it all had to be rushed through so the arc could finish next month to clear the way for September. And DC wonders why a lot of fans were giving up on July and August issues after word of the September relaunch came out. It all seems kind of for naught.

Coming this weekend - my thoughts about "the New 52" based on the free sampler given out at the comic shops this week.

Comic Books of the Week (7/13/11)

We continue our countdown until August 31st, my final comic book buying day. Let's get to this week's books:

Batman: the Brave and the Bold #9 - this was an enjoyable, done-in-one adventure from the DC Kids line featuring Batman teaming up with Hawkman. The story mostly takes place in space, but shows good elements of both heroes (Batman being a friend, Hawkman being a devoted husband). The last page of the issue clearly was my favorite, a full page shot of what Hawkgirl was up to while her hubby was away.

Birds of Prey #14 - this was the first part of a two-part tale by a fill-in team. Gail Simone already finished her work on the run last time. This definitely feels like an inventory story to me - one that was there for release and had to be used before September's relaunch of the title with a new direction. While I enjoyed some of the art, the story really didn't excite me (between the WWII flashbacks and the return of some Nazi villains today). Yawn. I'll probably only pick up the final issue next month just for completeness sake. The series, one I once looked forward to greatly, is going out with a whimper.

Green Lantern #67 - the final chapter of the "War of the Green Lanterns" saga - another of a letdown. While I did like the nice touch of Kyle's role, the final battle with Krona seemed so arbitrary to me. Of course, the issue has a "shocker" but not really so much so. I am sure it won't be long into the new run starting in September before some things return to the status quo. As the final issue of this run, it too started out really well when Geoff Johns relaunched the book with Hal back in the Corps. Of late though things have gotten a little off - right after Blackest Night in particular. It just felt like it was spinning its wheels in a rut. Ah well.

Teen Titans #97 - the first of the bi-weekly issues so this book can hit #100 before August ends and the book is reconfigured again. I felt this story with Rankor has dragged on a bit too long, so I was glad to see it finally end. There are hints of subplots for the future in this one, but with only three issues left to go before the relaunch I am not really so excited about them. I can't get excited for a new member who won't be on the team in two months time. Ditto for a relationship between Superboy and Ravager when she'll be off the team too. Raven's mystery - I can't see that tying up in the next three issues either. At least with Superboy-Prime coming back next issue there might be some excitement before the final curtain call.

Booster Gold #46 - this book is dragging with the Flashpoint connection. So far we've seen Booster wasting too much time with Doomsday. Dan Jurgens only did half the art here and his story also seems severely shackled. I had hoped the Booster would play a key role in helping Flash solve the problem with changed history. But with only one issue left, if he does it will all be very rushed. Again, another book that I loved when it first came out, then got lost a bit with the change in creative teams, and is now going to go out with a big yawn.

Flashpoint: Citizen Cold #2 (of 3) - I loved the first issue, but this issue not so much. The issue is mostly a battle between Cold and the Rogues, but it just didn't do it for me. Perhaps it was Scott Kolins murky art or his disjointed story-telling. I know he only has three issues to get this done but any interest I was developing in the character and the setting has gone out the window.

Flashpoint: Deathstroke #2 (of 3)- did the art team change between issue 1 and this one? It certainly seems that way. Emperor Aquaman appears in this issue as Deathstroke's ship is attacked. Like with the above book, any interest I had from the first issue seems to have gone with this one - I was really bored. I'm probably going to skip the third one here.

Flashpoint: Emperor Aquaman #2 (of 3) - the art on this issue was very nice all the way around. The flashback of this Aquaman's origin was very detailed, almost too much so for a continuity that goes blip next month. But, perhaps, some of these elements might show up in the new Aquaman book come September. It is so hard to say. This book definitely has not been an Aquaman we've all known and loved for decades. This is more of an Aquman heavily influenced by Marvel's Prince Namor.

Comic Books of the Week (7/6/11)

Counting down to the end of August and the end of my picking up of new monthly comics... (sniff sniff), let's get to the reviews:

Adventure Comics #528 - Levitz and his varied art teams really deliver on this issue. As some old faces finally graduate the Academy, the Legion HQ is invaded. It is up to the only LSH members around - the instructors from the Academy - to find out what is up. Naturally, the current class follows behind, too curious for their own good. Will they survive the big battle in the final issue next month? I hope so. I'd really like this classic title to go out on a high note. More reminiscing next month.

Secret Six #35 - speaking of going out on a high note, Gail Simone and J. Calafiore are pulling out all the stops for this final arc of the team. After the revelations in Hell, Bane decides to take the team on a critical mission - to battle the Bat-heroes in Gotham! It is a shame we're only getting two issues for this story as I am sure it will be a good one. I know Gail and J. will not disappoint. Final thoughts on this series next month.

Flashpoint #3 (of 5) - another book that I really wish had more issues for it would be this one. Five is not enough to hold all the goodness. The opening pages really show why Barry Allen is the hero he is! That was amazing conviction and determination on his part. The scenes with Lois and the Resistance give a good glimpse at some elements of the post-Flashpoint DCU, which is fine. But I'm really digging the Flashpoint world and all its surprises. Speaking of: the revelation in the vaults of Project Superman was outstanding! Can't wait to see where this goes next issue.

Flashpoint: Abin Sur #2 (of 3) - this issue picks up from Flashpoint: Hal Jordan #1 and spins the story in an unexpected way. Loved it! What was even more shocking was the appearance of Sinestro and the revelation of why he decided to come to Earth. Could this be a key to the end of the event? I think it will be a factor with how things end up come September.

Flashpoint: Secret Seven #2 (of 3) - I was a little disappointed when I opened the book to find George Perez only did the cover this time out. I had hoped he would the pencils for the entire mini. Still, I loved what Milligan, Blanco and Koblish did with this one. Lots of characters, lots of intrigue, loved this version of Abra Kadabra (now that he didn't have a Flash to vex). I am sure some of the characters and elements of this book will also survive come September. Three issues aren't enough for this one either.

World of Flashpoint #2 (of 3) - Traci 13 is really trying to save the planet, but a teen can't do it on her own. I loved her little tour of the globe, looking for allies. Even though we only got glimpses, it was interesting to see how the characters we know and love were totally reinterpretted. Some great surprises here. I'm not sure how all this will end. Given the other books and the shortness of the main Flashpoint mini, I am thinking all the elements will come together in the final issue for some major re-triggering effect, out of which will spin the new relaunched DCU for September. More thoughts on all of this next month.

Comic Books of the Week (6/29/11)

Flashpoint: the Canterbury Cricket #1 - this one shot was really there to introduce a new character who then joins up with the Resistance against the Amazons in the UK. Will he stick around after Flashpoint ends for the new DCU? Probably so. Why else give him a one-shot like this? It was good to see the Demon and Godiva (though the later was poorly drawn, IMHO). Worth picking up? Only if you think the Cricket will be the newest breakout character. I am thinking not.

Flashpoint: Green Arrow Industries #1 - this one-shot really worked for me. Ollie as a weapons-seller, the use of villain-tech, the social commentary on big corporations destroying Main Street America - it all worked for me. Best book of the week.

Flashpoint: Hal Jordan #1 (of 3) - except for the Amazon/Atlantean war this read exactly like Hal's Green Lantern origin and the first fifteen minutes of the recent GL film. Yawn. Been here, done that. Give us something new, folks? Sigh.

Justice Society of America #52 - the mystery of the door beneath Monument Point continues. But, I couldn't get into it. Yes, we have some nice-to-see guest stars with the Challengers of the Unknown, but how can I get excited for a story that I know has just two issues to wrap up? And there is no sign of the JSA in the relaunch come September. Spinning our wheels here, people. Sad.

Comic Books - Flashpoint week 4 (6/22/11)

Flashpoint: Lois Lane and the Resistance #1 (of 3) - this mini is going to give us another view point of the Amazons occupation of London. Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning do a good job writing Lois, though I can see how she is not completely the same without Superman/Clark in her life. As the cover hints, I hope we'll see more characters in this mini as well. Enjoyed it.

Flashpoint: Kid Flash Lost #1 (of 3) - I'm on the fence on this one. Sterling Gates wrote Bart very well; he showed why this character has such potential. Oliver Nome did a decent job on the artwork. The thing is I just don't feel the urgency of the story. Yes, Bart is trapped in a future that isn't his own. Yes, he is in serious trouble and will need the new Hot Pursuit to help him. But will Bart be a key to helping Barry resolve the whole Flashpoint problem? Not sure at this point. My gut tells me maybe since Bart is one of the people that knows time is screwed up. We'll see.

Flashpoint: Reverse Flash - the cover says 1 of 3, but this was only supposed to be a one-shot. Given "the end" on the last page, I am thinking it is a cover goof. Scott Kolins wrote the issue, but I was surprised the the art was done by Joel Gomez. Scott usually pencils his own stuff. Honestly, this issue did not work for me. It seemed like a Reverse Flash primer for anyone who does not normally read the Flash and thus had to be filled in on what Eobard Thawne has done all these years to Barry. The issue ends with him confronting Barry's Mom but we all know it was the pre-Flashpoint continuity where he did this deed, not Flashpoint. So, what's the point of this issue? I had hoped we'd seem Zoom undoing events that created the Flashpoint continuity. Wasted opportunity.

Comic Books of the Week (6/15/11)

Legion of Super-Heroes #14 - was it just me or did this issue seem a bit rushed? I liked the first few pages, especially the mystry of Professor Li, but the Immortus stuff seemed to go too fast (especially given it was spotlighted on the cover). I liked the LSV pages, but we kept jumping around - it all felt very disjointed.

Teen Titans #96 - on the flip side, this issue seemed very drawn out. Mostly it focused on Beast Boy and Solstice, while Rankor just seemed to stand around. What villain just stands around? I am bored with this plotline yet we still have another issue to go. This is definitely not keeping me interested for the final issues of this run. Bring on Superboy Prime, please.

Flashpoint: Grodd of War - I liked this one-shot. It painted a nice character study of what Grodd would be like if he actually accomplished his goals without opposition. In short, he longs for something more. Will he get it? We'll find out in another of the minis.

Flashpoint: Legion of Doom #1 (of 3) - when I found out Cyborg would be showing up later in this mini, I grabbed this one. Hmmm...a little different. I enjoy Heat Wave usually but this version is just a little too much for me. Oh, and those last pages with Cluemaster and... just ewwwww. Since it is only three issues, I may keep picking it up just to see where it leads.

Flashpoint: Wonder Woman and the Furies #1 (of 3) - a key issue to why the Atlanteans and the Amazons are at war. This "flashback" explains what caused a union to go terribly wrong, putting the two forces at odds. The question is why? Hopefully we'll learn more.

Comic Books of the Week (6/18/11) - Flashpoint

Welcome to week two of the Flashpoint event over in DC Comics. Let's get to the books:

Booster Gold #45 - another solid issue by Dan Jurgens. Booster battles Doomsday who is being controlled by an old friend. Also, he meets Alexandra Gianopoulous, a woman who I think might be very important in the post-Flashpoint JLI book (written by Jurgens). If the character takes off, this issue will be important as her first appearance.

Flashpoint: Citizen Cold #1 (of 3) - Scott Kolins does the Rogues very well. This issue was quite enjoyable as we get a look into Central City's "hero" Citizen Cold (Len Snart). Definitely worth a look for Flash fans, though that final page may tick off a few folks. Just remember: alternate reality which has little effect (we hope) on the post-Flashpoint reallignment. Though I would like to see this character continue along this route - it would be fun.

Flashpoint: Deathstroke and the Curse of the Ravager #1 (of 3) - if you love Pirates, you'll love this one. Lots of DCU reimaging in this book, and it all works for me. I could see this as a natural extension given the rest of the world events. Solid book.

Flashpoint: Emperor Aquaman #1 (of 3) - and here we find out all about the Atlanteans and their leader. Again, good book and very key to the overall events in the main mini series. Lots of good back story. Is it wrong to say I'm liking this alternate-reality? At least here we know the rules (unlike the upcoming "relaunch" in September that we're still kind of in the dark about).

Comic Books - Flashpoint week 1 (6/1/11)

This was the first full blown week of the Flashpoint event. I picked up the first issues of three of the four tie-in minis. My thoughts:

Flashpoint: Abin Sur - the Green Lantern #1 (of 3) - I found this one rather interesting. There seemed to be a lot of elements of the typical Green Lantern line (enemies, allies, etc.) with, of course, the notable difference of Abin Sur still being the Green Lantern of sector 2814. It isn't clear yet how the change occurred but that's okay for now. What is intriguing is what Atrocitus might now about "the Prophecy of the Flashpoint". We should find out more next issue.

Flashpoint: Secret Seven #1 (of 3) - I was sold on this one as soon as I saw that George Perez was doing the art. He is one of my all-time favorite artists. The man can draw everybody well. This story too seems to be standing on its own so far. We have Shade the Changing Man and the Enchantress, plus a whole lot of craziness and mystery. How does it tie into the main event? No clue but I enjoyed it a lot. Bring on next month!

the World of Flashpoint #1 (of 3) - even though we get a nice idea of what is going on with the Earth in this altered reality, the true star of the book is Traci Thirteen. We're getting another interesting character driven story set in the middle of this big event. Of the three books so far, this is one tie-in I think that most readers of the main five-issue mini will want to pick up. It gives good supplemental material to what else is going on.

Flashpoint #2 (of 5) - the opening six pages gives us a look at a lot of characters on this new world, including Deathstroke and Aquaman. It was a nice teaser to the minis starring them coming up soon. We then get eight pages picking up where last issue ended - with Barry Allen trying to explain what is "wrong" to this reality's Batman. Some good stuff. Next is a nice four-page intro to two more of the upcoming minis, the ones starring Wonder Woman and Lois Lane. Lastly, back to Barry and what the cover promises - an attempt to get his speed powers back. These page and the earlier eight really give a testament to Barry's character, what made him a great hero. He doesn't lie down quietly and accept things; he fights with whatever he can and is willing to pay the price to succeed. Did he this time? We'll find out next issue! The last seven pages are devoted to a world map (a nice two page spread that ties into the World of Flashpoitn well), and five sketchbook pages by artist Andy Kubert. I love things like this a lot (worth the extra buck on the cover price for this mini).

Comic Books of the Week (5/11/11) part 3

Last comic posting for the week - let's do the "timewarp" again!

John Byrne's Next Men #6 (#36) - Tony's story in the Civil War continues. I love how John Byrne portrays this strong African-American agent stuck in a time that would be very difficult for a woman of her race and intelligence. His attention to detail in this period is outstanding and his artwork is amazing as always. Is it any wonder he's one of my all-time favorite comic book creators? I really thank IDW for believing in his vision and storytelling abilities. I hope this book runs for a long time because it is like he's giving us this great novel that has plenty of time to unfold.

the Flash #12 - the "final issue" for the moment, this arc comes to a close as "the Road to Flashpoint" concludes. Zoom is back, Hot Pursuit makes a fatal miscalculation, and Bart and Barry work together. Where do we go from here? That's easy - Flashpoint! What happens to this book after that? Time will tell. Solid issue by Geoff Johns and guest artist Scott Kollins and regular artist Francis Manapul.

Flashpoint #1 (of 5) - and things change in an instant! Thanks to Zoom, Barry Allen wakes up in a world that is drastically different. I love how Geoff Johns portrays Barry's methods of figuring things out - very police detective like. The art by Andy Kubert and Sandra Hope is solid, especially for such a wide-sweeping story. I love this reality's Batman - very grim and gritty. I love how Victor Stone is portrayed as well - a great character who doesn't get enough usage (good to see it here). The rest of the heroes (and I use this term loosely) of this world are intriguing as is the set-up of the war of the world between the armies of Aquaman and Wonder Woman. This series has a nice epic feel to it right out of the gate - and with all the tie-in minis to give us backstory it should allow us to explore this new playground nicely over the next couple months. Finally, fantastic revelation on the last page. I like it! Barry is going to need all the help he can get to put things right.