REVIEW: ‘The Flash’ Issue #9

The Flash #9 is published by DC Comics, written by Si Spurrier, art by Ramon Perez and Vasco Georgiev, colours by Matt Herms and letters by Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou. As Wally threatens to fade from existence, Barry faces a cabal of his most dangerous foes.

The plot of this issue is much more palatable and easy to follow than previous chapters. The structure is still split across dimensions and time, but it is focused on both Flashes, providing anchors to the storyline. Spurrier reveals many answers to many of the problems and tensions occurring, and it clarifies the mind-boggling directions that the story was travelling in. There are still multiple plot threads, and they have just as much depth and emotional connections as before.

The pace is rapid, with Barry running for almost the entirety of The Flash #9. But then there are opportunities to slow down and take stock of relationships and the situation with the speedsters. The action is exciting, with a physical and visceral edge. The ending is a big surprise and sets up a monumental battle in the next issue.

Having this series focus on both Barry and Wally was a stroke of genius from Spurrier. Both men can lead a comic by themselves, but this universe is so massive that even they can’t be everywhere at once. Barry is stronger than ever in this run, finding his feet and starting to run fast again. He resists the power of Professor Zoom for much of the issue.

What is also made clear is the connection between Barry and Iris. There is one pivotal moment in the issue where Iris demonstrates how experienced she is within the world of superheroes while also understanding her partner’s power. Wally and Barry have a moment to talk with a guest star, and Spurrier brilliantly makes it specific to each Flash. It signifies generations, friendship, mutual respect, and history. The dialogue is sensational and purposeful, with ferocity at all points.

The art is fantastic. Georgiev and Perez combine brilliantly, the styles changing page by page but not in a noticeable way. There are periods when zaniness is needed, with some hysterical facial expressions while Barry runs at top speed. He moves while Professor Zoom threatens to take over his mind, which justifies the strain and exasperation on his face.

The movement and body language are also spectacular, perfectly depicting Barry’s desperation and exertion. But Wally’s conversation with a friend is much calmer and stoic, and the art reflects the more sentimental status of the scene. There are still a few problems with faces, especially that of baby Wade, Wally’s youngest son, but these instances are rare.

The colors are captivating. The red and gold of both Flash costumes are brilliant and vibrant, with so much more vibrancy than anything else on the page. The conflict between Flash and Professor Zoom is a battle between red and yellow and exists with a separate texture from the rest of the comic, implying that it is happening on a different plane of existence. The lettering is terrific in this issue, as Otsmane-Elhaou experiments with something new in every chapter.

The Flash #9 helps the series find its feet again. The clarity within the storytelling allows us to enjoy the dialogue and the intricate details of Spurrier’s script further, which has never faltered. The story is sad, but this particular issue is more triumphant. With so much sadness and confusion within the series, getting positivity injected into the book was a thrilling breath of fresh air. The art is fantastic, with the best attributes of both artists being used to their fullest. Numerous twists create a desperation to read the next issue.

The Flash #9 is available where comics are sold.