REVIEW: ‘The Flash,’ Issue #785

The Flash #785 is published by DC Comics, written by Jeremy Adams, art by Amancay Nahuelpan, colours by Jeromy Cox, and letters by Rob Leigh. This is a tie-in to the Dark Crisis event. Separated on three different Earths, the Flash Family searches for the true Barry Allen. But desperate to rescue her children and her husband, Iris joins the fight.

The separation of the three stories inside the various worlds remains brilliantly woven by Adams as the Search For Barry Allen arc concludes. Truthfully, there are five stories happening at the same time, with the overarching Dark Crisis event and mission to bring Barry home by infiltrating the three Earths. Adams beautifully finishes all of these threads with care. Every world has a history and a mission that was merely interrupted, not started, by the arrival of a Flash. The Mad Max world has a treasure and glimmers of hope in a truly chaotic landscape. The Batman-like Earth has a fierce conflict with fascinating dynamics and the final world is mixed with horror. The theme of family has an effect on every aspect of the story in The Flash #785. The final part of the comic is rewarding and sends several characters on a path that may transform the direction Dark Crisis is taking. 

There is a gigantic cast inside this comic, yet Adams is able to breathe life into all of them. Every one of the Flash Family is so fun to read because they are all inherently good. They keep each other safe and protect one another. Many of the alternate Barry’s found in this issue have varying backstories and their own personalities, but there are traits that seem to run through them all. That longing within Wally that he wants his closest friends around him instead of on their own is really heartwarming, proving why he is so likable.

The art continues to be incredible inside this book. The action is erupting on all worlds and Nahuelpan makes each one unique. Whilst speedsters are present throughout the multiverse, the landscape and situations change dramatically. This is presented through intricate details, right down to panel layouts. The designs for the characters are incredible, especially on the worlds that feel most different. There are brand new additions to the Multiverse and real consideration has been given to how they look. And still, each world has subtle differences in their line weights and art styles that give them individuality.

As the colourist, Cox is able to adapt just as well as Nahuelpan is to create different looks for the separate Earths. The shades are darker and blend around the shadows on Night Flash’s world, then brighter to embrace the open vastness of the Mad Max Earth. On the last world, the fight from last issue appears to have broken that reality slightly and the landscape is now bathed in a deep red tone of its own. Oddly, this allows the minute changes between the colours on the Flash suits to become clearer with another shade added to the mix. The lettering is great for almost the entire comic. but sometimes the placements can make it difficult to follow the correct order. 

The Flash #785 brings all stories to the finish line and avoids tripping over itself. Adams shows a terrific understanding of structure as he is able to control such a huge plot and a dozen speedsters while having the emotional core shine through. All of this is presented through intelligent and magnificent artistic skills. Although there is a specific Barry Allen the family is looking for, it is amazing to see this celebration of him across the multiverse. And with the rest of the Justice League gone, Barry is reassuring backup. With Dark Crisis expanding in scale, he might be pivotal to shifting the momentum.

The Flash #785 is available where comics are sold.