Some thoughts about Death Metal: Speed Metal #1

Who can save the Multiverse?

Wally West and the rest of The Flash family are trying to escape from the Batman who Laughs but Wally believes they must confront him right on if they want to win.

If this week's issue of The Flash was the perfect finale for Joshua Williamson's run, this serves as a good complement for it as well as yet another respectful depiction from the author for Wally West.

We have seen many examples of how much Williamson likes Wally (particularly during the Flash War arc) but here he's able to go completely free in his affection of the character. This is yet another tie-in to the Death Metal event but, unlike the Trinity Crisis story, this is mostly a side-story focusing on character instead of an important part of the main plot (which I believe is for the better).

Wally is the protagonist of this issue and the plot is centered around his history as well as his dynamic with The Flash family which is something that has always been prominent in Williamson's work. I really enjoy how most of the cast is portrayed here and, while I think some of the little conflict Barry and Wally had early on felt a little forced, it was good to showcase how much of a father figure Jay is to the whole group. Later on, both Barry and Wally get a more natural interaction and the writer demonstrates how different they can be while also showing what makes each other special.

The author once again demonstrates his respect for continuity here by bringing back many important moments of Wally's career including his most famous battles and enemies. Best of all for me is that Williamson brings back the first costume Wally changed when he became The Flash (which I like to call the "William Messner-Loebs costume") which I always liked and Wally making fun of the Batman who Laughs ("Batman who tries too hard") is the cherry on top.

Eddy Barrows handles the art and is solid with good and detailed expressions along with clear storytelling.

Great read, hope this is not the last time Williamson writes Wally.