REVIEW: ‘The Flash,’ #71 – Fear of the Future

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With The Flash TV having just wrapped its fifth season, what better way for fans of Scarlet Speedster to continue seeing him than to check out the newest issue of his comic series. The Flash #71 is published by DC Comics, written by Joshua Williamson, illustrated by Howard Porter, with letters by Steve Wands and the colors by Hi-Fi Color. Barry continues his struggle to get control over his powers. He conducts several experiments to see what these new powers actually do. However, one of his tests lands him in a major situation as he comes to face with his first major villain.

In the previous issue, Barry Allen finds himself in the future after running at incredible speeds. The Flash #71 does an incredible job of paying off the ending shown in issue #70. Given that this is a Year One story, this would technically be the first time that Barry travels to the future. His reaction and bewilderment to this whole situation are handled well. It would be strange to see him automatically understand and be okay with what just happened. It shows readers that Barry is scared but also not completely letting this get to him.

Porter’s design of The Turtle, which is the first villain that Barry goes up against, is drawn very well. It’s one of the better depictions of a new menacing villain that’s shown up in the series. Turtle isn’t typically a major Flash rouge, but it’s fantastic to see him being included in such an important arc. This issue even points this out during one of the conversations that Barry has with the mysterious figure who appears at the end of the last issue. It will be interesting to see how Barry finds a way to defeat a villain who can negate and steal his speed powers.

A major highlight from the issue, as shown above, shows Barry taking in the kind of state Central City is in under the rule of The Turtle. The panel does its job of demonstrating not only how serious being a superhero can be, but what happens when a hero isn’t enough to stop the villain. Barry is thrust into a role that has major responsibilities that only he can prevent. Based on the concept of the Hero’s Journey, this is his call to action that he must answer to solidify himself as a true hero.

The ending sequence of the issue perfectly sets up what direction this comic will take. It pushes Barry’s journey further and establishes that he will do everything to be a true hero. However, this doesn’t mean that he won’t continue to question his decision, especially since he still cannot control his powers. This is the Barry Allen that many fans saw during the first season of the CW show, but the comic does a better job in fleshing out Barry’s nervousness and determination to do what’s right.

The creative team has done a phenomenal job carrying the same essence that was established during the first chapter of this fresh take on The Flash’s origin. With the story not fully revealing too much, it’s still a perfect time for new readers to jump in and get a fantastic story of Barry’s early days of being a superhero. It’s hard to think of where this story can go, but there’s little doubt that this has been one of the most innovative Flash stories told in recent history.

The Flash #71 is available now wherever comic books are sold.