REVIEW: ‘Speed Force,’ Issue #1

Speed Force #1 is published by DC Comics, written by Jarrett Williams, art by Daniele Di Nicuolo, Colors by Andrew Dalhouse, and letters by Simon Bowland. With the Flash busy with his own problems, other speedsters must fend for themselves.

This opening issue highlights just how youthful the book is going to be. With a lineup consisting of Wallace West, AKA Kid Flash, and Avery Ho, the Flash of China, the comic has a lively and exuberant pace. It takes little time to send them into action and towards a mystery. The exposition surrounding the wider Flash story is dealt with swiftly and efficiently.

What Flash is dealing with is not important within the context of this comic, so all we need to know is that he is not around. Therefore, if newcomers to both series want to catch up on Wally’s situation, they can, but it is unnecessary. Once it’s clear that they are alone, the focus on Wally and Avery instantly adds tension, as young heroes going off alone never ends well. The heroes spend almost all of Speed Force #1 running, which is actually the opposite of what’s happening in The Flash. This drags the pace along, forcing the book to stay fast. The last part of the issue has a surprising problem, with an unexpected villain that actually matches the fun that can be had in this series.

The lead characters are enjoyable and exciting. Both Avery and Wallace are interesting choices as they are often maligned within the Flash Family comics, and it is a pairing that has not been explored yet. They have great chemistry powered by friendship, but it is yet to be seen how that relationship will work in crime fighting. Both are as cocky and confident as each other, with very little want to ask for help.

It is evident early on that there will be guest stars aplenty, with Superboy gaming with the speedsters from the first page. How that will affect the story, or if other heroes will be brought into this series, is yet to be seen, but it opens the door for them to enter in the first place. The dialogue on the first page had me concerned initially, with an overexaggerated emphasis on words aimed at teenagers without actually making much sense. However, it seems like a tactic to raise the energy quickly, as the conversations calm down and the flow of the dialogue improves as the issue goes on. 

The art is fantastic. Immediately, the expressions draw attention. The facial features are huge and help to create noise and enthusiasm within the book. This also leads to some specific and superb emotions being captured. The costumes for both Avery and Wallace have similarities as well as their own unique attributes. They are both built for speed, but those small affectations make sure that uniforms are individual. The pieces of action and the speed at which the duo travel are illustrated beautifully. The fight scenes take place at high velocity, and that momentum looks terrific within the panels. Bodies contort and transform as they connect.

The colors are also sensational. The bright and vibrant shades that cover almost all of the characters convey the overall happiness of the comic. Avery and Wallace are a great pairing, partly due to the fact that their costumes don’t clash at all. The yellow and red of Kid Flash works brilliantly next to the purple and blue of Avery. The lettering is dynamic and efficient, easy to read at all times.

Speed Force #1 is a non-stop burst of energy. From the opening page, the comic uses the young heroes to drive the comic forward, never looking back. It’s a comic that is delightfully fun to read, positive, and always engaging. Where The Flash is incredibly dark and solemn at present, Speed Force has a much more positive approach. Neither is wrong, but it provides readers with alternate tones to tales involving speedsters, which is never a bad thing. It’s got the cartoonish art style and the eruptions of pace to make it accessible and enjoyable for audiences of all ages.

Speed Force #1 is available where comics are sold.