Some thoughts about The Flash #750

How does the world see The Flash?

The actions of the Scarlet Speedster have inspired millions but Barry is not the only one who held that mantle.

An anniversary issue is here and we're back to the classic numbers as well. This is not only for the fact that we're celebrating the huge amount of issues The Flash but we're also celebrating a lot of the history of the character and this includes many famous writers who share a connection to him.

The first story is written by Joshua Williamson himself who explores how much people around Central City appreciate The Flash despite that Barry doesn't believe himself to be good enough for them. Is a classic story about how common people love their hero, something that it has been pretty typical about The Flash and is what makes him different from other superheroes. Williamson as usual references a lot of continuity including all the stories he has been writing so far but also classic Rogues like the Rainbow Rider and even more surprisingly, Heat Wave in his New 52 look which makes me believe that the time when the Rogues got superpowers is still in continuity. All of this leads to the upcoming story concerning the villain Paradox and Godspeed while also showing how Barry is not willing to let tragedy stop him again. Rafa Sandoval and Stephen Segovia share the pencils and they do a decent job during their respective stories.

Then Geoff Johns returns to write a tale appropriately suited during the Wally West era focusing on Captain Cold who just tries to live his life as a low-class criminal while Wally funnily believes that all of Cold's actions are part of a major plan which shows how unique is Johns' vision about the character. Scott Kolins handles the art and again, his art is perfect for this particular time.

Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato also make a surprising appearance and, speaking as someone who really liked their New 52 Flash book, I'm glad to see them back and they don't disappoint with a tale pretty similar to what you would see during their run concerning sci fi elements and references like Patty Spivot as Barry's girlfriend, I just we would have gotten some closure concerning their creation, Mob Rule. Manapul's artwork is gorgeous as usual with pretty creative layouts.

Marv Wolfman arrives with a story about The Flash against Mirror Master and it makes sense to have him here considering he's the one who killed Barry but the story is not particularly memorable, it's fine for what it is though. Riley Rossmo is in charge of the pencils and I usually love his work but I don't think he's the best choice for the character, he's okay when he depicts the most bizarre parts but his style is too strange for the rest.

Then Williamson appears again with a story about none other but Jay Garrick which depicts his early adventures as The Flash where he had to fight some of his iconic Rogues like Ragdoll, the Fiddler, the Thinker, the Shade and even his nemesis, Rival (and speaking as a big fan of James Robinson's Starman, it was cool to see such important characters like Ragdoll and Shade being referenced again). This is somehow connected to the Reverse-Flash and Jay's inevitable appearance in present time which I'm excited for. David Marquez' artwork is pretty good looking.

Finally Scott Lobdell brings the epilogue of his Flash Forward miniseries with Wally's new God-like status on the Mobius Chair. It's pretty interesting to say the least since Lobdell mentions how much continuity has been changing with a huge emphasis on the New 52 and it makes sense based on Lobdell's role during such era but what makes it especially intriguing is how he explains that they're all the same events on the same Earth that somehow happened at a different time and in a different way. This is also setting-up Wally for a more important role in the future which makes me excited. Brett Booth returns to draw the book and again, his style is fitting for the representation of the New 52.

This was a surprisingly solid anniversary special, even the "worst" story here was a decent read. Well worth the money.