REVIEW: ‘The Flash: Fastest Man Alive,’ Issue #1

The Flash: Fastest Man Alive #1 is published by DC Comics, written by Kenny Porter, art by Ricardo Lopez Ortiz, colors by Romulo Fajardo Jr, and letters by Steve Wands. This is a tie-in comic to the upcoming Flash movie. Taking place sometime after Justice League, Flash is trying to be a hero on his own. But as a powerful villain made of metal starts causing trouble, Barry questions himself and goes to Batman for help and training.

The plot of this comic is interesting mainly because of the universe it is set in. Existing in the DCEU, it ventures into unexplored territory with familiar characters, which is an odd feeling. It isn’t quite an origin story as that has come long before, but it is a prologue for a solo film. There is excellent pacing to the issue, accelerating when it needs to but able to slow down for meaningful conversations. The action is energetic, matching a similar structure to an episode of The Flash TV show. Encounters with the villain first end in failure, leading to escalation. The plot and intention are very similar to one in the first season of that particular series, titled “The Flash is Born.” The comic isn’t necessarily surprising, but the energy leads to a satisfying conclusion. 

The character development is where this comic possesses the power. Separately the three leading figures of The Flash: Fastest Man Alive #1 are brilliant, but even better together. This world’s version of the Flash seems to contain the personality that Ezra Miller brings to the role. That frantic chattering is there, but more key to the story is that inexperience and low self-esteem. This speedster has not been a hero for long, especially not on his own. So getting beaten by a supervillain shatters his confidence and sends him running. That is where Batman comes in, again a familiar yet distinct character incarnation. The mentor-student dynamic started in Justice League is reignited and is a lovely and intriguing relationship. This is a kinder Bruce than some may be used to. He is a tough trainer and supportive of a young hero struggling to step out on his own. Then there is the villain, a classic Flash foe that is relatively underused. He is more significant than life and imposing but is given a soft spot that makes it easy to connect to him.

The art is terrific. Ortiz superbly illustrates a Flash that stands out from the others in comics. The costume, being armor instead of fabric, is depicted well, with the artist having fun with the textures instead of being studiously specific. I like the way in which Flash deforms at speed, literally becoming a blur. Even stopping, he doesn’t stand up straight, misshapen, and hunched over. His being presented as small also helps make the task in front of him even more remarkable, considering the hulking figure against him. The villain and Batman are also brilliantly designed, with elaborate costumes that hint at a more cinematic look than a comic one.

The colors are also fantastic. The application of textures on both the villain and the Flash provides the pages with a brilliant sense of depth. The design of Barry’s suit in this book is different, not just in construction but also the shade. The red on this costume is much deeper than that in mainstream comics. The lettering is large, dynamic, and easy to read.

The Flash: Fastest Man Alive #1 is an excellent reminder of what to expect from the Flash movie. Porter recaptures the tremendous chemistry that Flash and Batman had in Justice League and toys with it again, revitalizing the characters. While the story itself is drastically close to one already told, it is a relationship built within a different world that gives the book a heart. It’s a book pulsating with energy and enthusiasm, and fans wanting a prelude before the movie should check it out.

The Flash: Fastest Man Alive #1 is available now wherever comics are sold.