Written by Joshua Williamson
Illustrated by Scott Kolins
Published by DC Comics
This issue Williamson has written an intriguing story here which is entertaining as hell. We get to see Barry return to Central City after his recent adventures. But the whole place has changed and not in the way you would expect!
We get to see the Trickster opening the issue with a villainous speech. It’s a nice beginning to the issue and sets the tone perfectly. He declares “It’s showtime!”
And off we go!
We get to see Barry finishing up a case involving missing kids in Opal City.
Together with Hunter Zolomon, they wrap it up as fast as they can and Barry heads back home.
That’s when he looks around Central City. It seems to be different. Things almost seem perfect.
Barry starts to notice it even more when he drops off a prisoner to jail. The warden of the prison even smiles.
Barry takes note of this. Then he runs off to figure out why Central City is turning into something different. He starts to wonder if there are malevolent forces at play here?
Barry goes to work and everyone is overly happy at the police department. People are smiling! Things seem absolutely perfect! Then Barry learns that there are no crimes happening in the city! It just gets wilder and wilder. Williamson doesn’t let up on the fun. And from here, it actually gets downright crazy.
Barry eventually comes across James Jesse and it’s a pretty wacky meeting. But it’s great that it done in a way you would not expect. It eventually turns to horror as everyone tells Barry to try being happy. They all become scary and violent and terrifying.
This is a great issue. Williamson really got this book back on track and it’s funny as well as being genuinely scary and fun. The art by Scott Kolins is perfect, too. He can handle anything Williamson throws at him with aplomb. I really enjoyed this comic book thoroughly.
RATING: A-
