The Flash: The Fastest Man Alive is published by DC Comics, written by Kenny Porter and illustrated by Ricardo Lopez Ortiz.
Issue #1 is available from 13th September 2022 either directly from DC Comics online or from your local comic book store, digital copies will be available from the usual content providers.
Synopsis
In The Flash: The Fastest Man Alive, Barry Allen’s world-saving adventure with the Justice League has driven Central City’s favorite son to become a truly skilled and inspirational Super Hero. But when a new threat by the name of Girder emerges in Central City, Barry turns to Batman for advice on training to master his powers. Under the Dark Knight’s tutelage, The Fastest Man Alive will have to find a way to defeat this metallic menace or be crushed by Girder’s strength!
Review
Finally it’s time to dig in to DC’s much-hyped tie-in to 2023’s The Flash. Like the movie, the comic was pushed but finally issue one hits newsstands today and brings with it a very exciting story for the theatrical version of Barry Allen.
The Fastest Man Alive picks up some time after the end of the Justice League movie. Barry is still coming to terms with his new found powers and not using them to their full potential. Writer Kenny Porter wastes little time before pitting Barry against a colossal foe in the gigantic Girder. The classic villain helps challenge Barry in a number of ways. Firstly, the physical challenge is too much for Barry’s homemade costume to handle. Secondly, his run ins with Girder leaves the young hero questioning his self-belief.
If you’ve been aware of this comic, even just from the cover art, then you’ll know Barry is supported by another legendary DC hero. Porter cleverly writes Barry as turning to Batman for guidance in overcoming his doubts. Fans will no doubt be excited to see more of Ben Affleck’s Batman ahead of his appearance in both The Flash and Aquaman and The Lost Kingdom in 2023. Porters writers the character a little lighter and warmer than he appeared in Snyder’s films. The mentorship role suits The Dark Knight though and his role is still pivotal in the story.
Porter resets the world somewhat, honing in on what we saw briefly in Justice League where Bruce recruited Barry in to the group. Here, Porter uses that relationship to give Bruce the ability to help Barry come to terms with his powers. It also gives the creative team the opportunity to give Barry’s new costume an origin story ready for when it debuts on the big screen. But with his lessons learnt, Barry’s speed may still not be enough to win the battle with Girder.
This was my first experience of Porters work but I enjoyed how he was able to reintroduce the much-loved character. This is by no means an origin but at the same time it feels like I’m meeting the character for the first time ahead of the upcoming film.
Ricardo Lopez Ortiz expertly illustrates the story giving a vibrant style to the book highlighting the hectic and action packed Flash style.
Verdict
I enjoyed the opportunity to meet the big screen Flash in a more foundational story. Taking a step back and re-focussing on his story has me looking forward to watch comes next for the character.
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