REVIEW: ‘The Flash’ Issue #14

The Flash #14 is published by DC Comics. Written by Si Spurrier, art by Vasco Georgiev, colors by Matt Herms and letters by Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou. This issue is part of the DC All-In relaunch. The West family take a camping vacation into a world with dinosaurs. But some secrets threaten to disrupt the family time.

This issue is a perfect refresher for a new era of DC Comics. The previous Flash arcs were fantastic but also had the power to drive readers mad with the celestial storytelling. So, for The Flash #14, a simple vacation is freeing and an excellent jumping point. It’s energetic, family-driven and fun. There are dinosaurs and Rogues. But it also isn’t long before some secrets get revealed, providing more depth and mystery to the comic.

Spurrier’s ability to reveal plots on multiple levels is extraordinary. It teeters on the edge of bringing back some of the plot lines from the end of the previous arc. The pacing is slow for a Flash comic, but that is because of how much exposition is unveiled. Not only is Wally on his “vacation,”  but he is now a part of the brand new Justice League, and Barry Allen has lost his powers.

Spurrier dedicates time to all of these threads and makes them all interesting. The scenes have different tones, ranging from heartfelt to hilarious. And because there is a reveal in the middle of the issue, exposing one of Wally’s secrets, it hides the fact that there is an even bigger one at the end. It’s a great conclusion to the issue.

The characters are wonderfully written. Spurrier is deep into his run and has perfected the personalities and chemistries. The West Family is fantastic, lively, and chaotic. The kids provide the issue with energy and exuberance, especially Irey. After so much carnage, there is calmness in their early conversations.

Love has returned to the series. The warmth is genuine, infectious, and a glue that holds Flash comics together. That can also be found in other scenes, whether the other speedsters are present. Barry losing his powers represents a significant event and leads to a change of guard. It feels poignant to have the two old friends no longer be equals in terms of speed or power. But Barry and Wally’s conversation is beautiful, carrying history with it.

The art is sensational, slipping back into chaos. The Flash #14 heralds a brand new costume for Wally, and the design is fantastic, actively changing mid-comic. At first, Wally wears the classic costume before the new one is revealed once they enter Skataris, a land filled with luscious vegetation and dinosaurs at the centre of the Earth. Georgiev excellently illustrates the new costume and sets Wally apart as a Flash on his own, instead of merely wearing a copy of Barry’s.

Skataris looks spectacular, reveling in the weird and wonderful nature. The dinosaurs are comically large, going for impact rather than biological accuracy. The location is about as far removed from Central City as the West Family could reach. That is established magnificently by instantly jumping into a flashback at Barry Allen’s home, which is far more domestic and settled. It shows where Wally is headed and where Barry resides, which are totally different circumstances.

The colors are incredible. They are vibrant and exhilarating, with bold tones on the dinosaurs. The whole landscape is awash with striking shades, making it wild and fascinating. The Flash’s new costume has had its color scheme altered, with black patches added to each area. The lightning that follows Wally is intensely bright, glowing on the page. The lettering is provided by one of the most creative in the business, yet it always remains clear and easy to read.

The Flash #14 is refreshing and deceptive. What starts as a cheerful camping holiday quickly becomes enthused with hidden agendas and mysteries. There is an eagerness to jump into action, which makes the issue lively and adventurous while also linking back to the family at the story’s root. Dinosaurs make any comic more exciting. The book is a fantastic way to shepherd the Flash into the new era of his family and his life in the Justice League.

The Flash #14 is available where comics are sold.