An extra-sized anniversary issue with Barry Allen and company came out this week, and it was chock full of battles, discussions, and surprises! Time to review Flash #50 from DC Comics.

FLASH #50

Writer: Joshua Williamson
Artist: Howard Porter
Colorist: Hi-Fi
Published by: DC Comics
Cover price: $3.99

Solicitation: The lightning-fueled finale of “Flash War!” Zoom adapts two new Speed Force powers into his arsenal against both Barry Allen and Wally West. What are these strange new powers? What can they do? And how will this haunt the Scarlet Speedster long after “Flash War” is over? It’s the power of two Flashes pitted against the seemingly unstoppable Hunter Zolomon!

THE FIGHT OF THE FLASHES

I know I’ve said this before, but I believe the current creative team on The Flash has been making some of the best Flash stories I’ve read in decades. They’ve been great stories full of surprises with dynamic art that matches the stories. It’s been a high-octane time!

The fiftieth issue is always a huge event, and Mr. Williamson and company have certainly pulled out all the stops for this one!

At the beginning of this issue, Hunter Zolomon is talking with Barry and Wally about how tragedy makes a hero. Then he talks about how the Strength Force and the Sage Force make him stronger and faster than they are. Then he runs off to Hypertime to make the universe the way he wants it to be.

After a struggle with Zoom, Barry and Wally must talk things through, especially since the latter wants to bring his children back into the timeline. But time travel may not be something the speedsters can do again. At least, we think that until we see the last panel of the main story when a member of the Allen family we haven’t seen in a while returns!

As usual, Mr. Williamson spins a gripping story featuring high-speed fights that could be confusing since Zoom has taken on Flash’s uniform.

Of all the heroes in DC, Flash is the one with the conscience that bothers him the most. So this issue features him trying to fix things he’s messed up. Being it’s in a comic, you just know it can’t end well! Just look at the Kid Flash part of the book!

The characterization continues to be powerful, with each person dealing with problems and concerns. High-speed action keeps us involved on each page. The plotting, as always, moves along at a fast pace, appropriate for the Flash. And there are always too few pages in this comic!

ART THAT GOES ‘ZOOM’

One of the greatest things about Flash is the art, which portrays Williamson’s plot superbly. Each expression is realistic and understandable, and the action sequences keep me turning the pages as fast as I can – again, appropriate for the Fastest Man Alive.

Porter does a superb job on this issue, especially given the number of folks wearing Flash and Flash-like costumes. I never had a problem telling just which Flash was which. Nicely done!

BOTTOM LINE: Happy 50^th Issue!

As far as where Barry, Wally and Zoom go from here, I have to say that I don’t have any idea. But I’m just as engaged as I have been since issue #1, and it’s going to be quite an enjoyable ride!

Flash is one of those consistently great comics! Each time it comes out, I can’t wait to read it! And this title still costs only $2.99 (except for this issue, of course)! Highly recommended!

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