‘The Flash Annual #2’ (review)

Written by Joshua Williamson
Illustrated by Scott Kolins
Published by DC Comics

This is the continuation of the recent Flash #63. Barry finds Wally West and it looks like he is dead at the end of that issue. This picks up right from that shattering last scene. Barry is lost trying to figure out what is happening. It’s a devastating and emotional start to this Annual!

At the start of the issue, we also see that Impulse is back. He’s running with glee. Then, he notices something is missing. But what is it?

From there, we cut over to the events happening currently in the Heroes in Crisis series. Wally is dead and it is leaving Barry in a spin.

That’s when he starts searching for the person responsible. And that’s also when he comes across the villain of the piece.

Godspeed makes his return here. And it’s a pretty fierce return for sure. He takes apart the Flash with a vengeance. The issue basically consists of the two of them beating the hell out of each other through space and time. It’s pretty cool to read. Kolins isn’t my favorite artist in the world but he does a nice job here. The issue and fight move fairly quick and it kept my attention and interest throughout.

Eventually, Impulse makes his way into the fray! He comes in and kicks Godspeed in the face and asks “Who are you, dude?” It’s a moment that made me want to applaud! It was literally so cool I couldn’t believe it. It was a moment that was extremely emotional and well earned.

The fight is resolved. But there are two incredible scenes by the end of the issue. One is where Barry has to break the news to Iris. It’s a heartbreaking scene that is perfectly balanced and written. I choked up a bit honestly and I almost never do that. It was incredible.

Next, to end the issue, Godspeed meets up with his mysterious and unknown master. We have no idea who it is. But the last shot of the book has me intrigued. It was truly an excellent moment. This whole book is fantastic. This is the Flash I love. Williamson hits all the right notes here and it’s great. Hopefully this new direction sticks. It’s a great starting point and it’s one that I’ve been waiting for.

RATING: A