Batman/The Flash: The Button

Batman (2016)

by Joshua Williamson, Tom King, Jason Fabok (Illustrator)

The road to DOOMSDAY CLOCK begins here, with the invasion of the Watchmen into the DC Universe! BATMAN/THE FLASH: THE BUTTON DELUXE EDITION is the prelude to this epic story.

During the unforgettable events of DC UNIVERSE: REBIRTH, Batman found a mystery he can even begin to solve a strange bloodstained smiley-face button embedded in the Batcave wall. All analysis suggests the button is not of this universe...so where did it come from? And who left it here? These are questions only the Flash can help answer. When the button is stolen by Reverse-Flash, Batman and Flash follow his trail to a parallel world, a twisted alternate timeline that should exist. Someone is sending the heroes on a bizarre trip through reality, showing them glimpses of fallen loved ones and forgotten friends but who? Wally West warned the Flash of an unseen force influencing our world distorting histories, pulling the strings, watching all—and the strange yellow button could be the key to finding it. Featuring the all-star creative team of writers Joshua Williamson and Tom King alongside top-tier artists Jason Fabok and Howard Porter.

COLLECTING: BATMAN #21-22 and THE FLASH #21-22.

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Dc Comics, Batman, Superheroes, Fiction, Comic Book

104 pages, Hardcover

First published October 17, 2017

Reviews

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Button Deluxe Edition isn't very deluxe, in my opinion. I thought this was going to finally be the story that Flashpoint & Rebirth have been building towards...but no.



It's a story about Batman & Flash investigating more of the Button stuff and chasing Reverse Flash through timelines. And in the end, they basically know exactly the same things they knew about the Button as they did when they started. Awesome.



I'm not saying it's badly written, just that I was disappointed with the lack of any sort of resolution. On the upside, there's a cool but spoilery team-up with an Earth 2 character that was sort of fun to read about.
I seriously doubt there will be any lasting fallout from that, but I'm sure the writers will milk it for as long as possible.



To be honest, I feel like I've been catfished several times (by several titles!) about the Rebirth/Button thing, and draaaaaaaaging it out this way has starting to really test my patience.
I just want somebody to tell me when it's over and what book I need to read to find out what happened. Please. Because I think at this point, I've simply lost most of the interest & excitement I originally had for this storyline.

[Alejandro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Justice League’s greatest detectives together!


This TPB is the Deluxe edition (Hardcover, Lenticular cover & large format), of “Batman/The Flash” event known as “The Button”.


Creative Team:

Writers: Joshua Williamson & Tom King

Illustrators: Jason Fabok & Howard Porter


WHO WATCHES THE DETECTIVES?

This could seem as an unlikely team-up, but actually is quite the contrary since Batman (Bruce Wayne) is obviously the greatest detective of DC universe, and The Flash (Barry Allen) works as a CSI police investigator (even way, way, WAY before that being a CSI would became a hot topic), therefore, pairing them in a single case (maybe the biggest mystery that they have ever encountered) is in reality a dream team-up.

The Flash wanted to save his mother from being murdered when he was still a kid, so he used his metahuman speeding powers to travel back in time to stop his mother’s death…

…however that unleashed a nightmarish timeline known as…

…FLASHPOINT…

…putting the Earth at the brink of total destruction.

The Flash along with the help of the Batman (Thomas Wayne) of that altered reality, changed back the timeline…

…but time is a fragile thing, and once broken, it never can be fixed to what was…

…enter: the New52 timeline…

…and everything, while it wasn’t the same, it seemed to be good enough…

…however, Wally West (Kid Flash), the original one, caucasian one, reappeared causing a…

…REBIRTH…

…and at the Bat-Cave, a button appeared…

…one with the image of a Smiley Face with a drop of blood on it…

…to Batman and The Flash don’t mean anything…

…but to us! Those who we read Watchmen (by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons)…

…certainly means lots and LOTS!!!

However, Batman and The Flash were still clueless about this odd finding on the Bat-cave, months passed and they weren’t any closer to get a solution to the mystery, until…

…Eobard Thawne aka The Reverse-Flash attacks the Bat-cave to get The Button!

But the Reverse-Flash is the least of Batman and The Flash’s worries since he is just a pawn in an insidious game…

…The DC Universe is under attack and it seems that it has been since its very beginning…

…and it seems that this time, the heroes of DC won’t be able to stop this crisis.

This is the prologue to the...

...DOOMSDAY CLOCK!!!

[Sam Quixote · Rating 2 out of 5]

Batman/The Flash: The Button follows on from the end of last year’s DC Universe Rebirth #1 when Batman picked up The Comedian’s smiley-face badge in the Batcave. Here, Batman and Flash continue to investigate what the button means though it’s obvious that it’s teasing the Watchmen’s imminent appearance in the DC Universe.

The thinking behind all this is that some of the Watchmen got up to shenanigans that haven’t been revealed yet and Flashpoint/The New 52 was the result. Rebirth is a separate universe more in line with classic DC continuity (but keeping some elements of The New 52) whose characters will explore this mystery as well as introduce the Watchmen into the DC Universe proper.

So The Button reminds us of that overarching storyline by touching on it all once again. Flash dusts off the Cosmic Treadmill and he and Batman revisit the Flashpoint Universe for a scene with Thomas Wayne, the Flashpoint Batman, Reverse Flash “sees God” and the Watchmen are teased - much more concretely now - again. That’s it? That’s it! One big nothing.

The predictable ending reveals who “God” is and it’s who you’d expect - there’s only one Watchman with this kind of power. What surprised me though was who else is involved - and it’s not one of the Watchmen!

The Button is a wafer-thin non-story that’s readable but completely pointless. The opening Tom King/Jason Fabok issue was decent with sharp writing and great art but it’s a bit shallow with just Batman and Reverse Flash fighting. The rest of this short four-issue book is poorly written by Joshua Williamson who can’t write as concisely or skilfully as King, with fugly art by Howard Porter. It doesn’t help that the focus is mostly on Flash, a boring, outdated character I’ve never liked much.

I’m interested to read the forthcoming DC/Watchmen event, Doomsday Clock, but you really don’t need to read this entirely superfluous prelude as basically nothing of note happens.

[Chad · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked that they put the lead in to DC's next big event, Doomsday Clock, in the normal Batman and Flash comics. You want to make sure you've read Flashpoint and DC's Rebirth one-shot first. This is all leading in to who was behind the creation of the new 52, which any comic fan knows who it is once that button showed up (and if you still had doubts, you see his hand at the end of this.)

OK, the Reverse Flash shows up, knocks the snot out of Batman and steals the button. The Flash and Batman crack out the cosmic treadmill to follow along and return to Flashpoint. A couple of JSA members pop up at points in the book. Yay! (The JSA is one of the things I miss most since the new 52 started. Without them, you don't have the legacy of characters passing on the torch that was unique to DC.) So Batman and Flash make it back to our world and then we get a little teaser for Doomsday Clock.

Jason Fabok's art is exquisite. DC better keep him happy. Howard Porter's art has gotten more anime influenced lately. He draws such ugly faces now. There's also something about the color palettes with his art that is off-putting as well.

Received an advanced copy from DC and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Khurram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Flashpoints

I loved this book. Ok, I might be a bit biased. Batman and the Flash (Barry Allan) are my favourite DC, and Flashpoint is one of my favourite storylines.

A button was found in the Batcave, it has been dormant for a long time finally it activates. Batman calls the Flash, but that is not who answers. This is an action packed, space & time crossing awesome crossover.

Great artwork and story. This leads to a number of other stories and another huge crossover between companies. Each of the issues starts with the issues covered, and then there is a varient cover gallery at the end of the book. There is also an epilogue leading into the next big story.

[James DeSantis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun little crossover event. First off we get Batman and The Flash teaming up. Second off I didn't like Watchmen the graphic novel when I read it back in high School. I might try again but I dunno, too dark for me. Yet I'm actually excited to see them crossover into DC Universe. It's exciting and fun IMO.

What I liked: The art. Well, some of it felt odd yet some of it looked great. The coloring especially was really nice. I also loved seeing banter between flash and bruce since they're so smart. I liked the opening gets you right in to it. A beat-down from reverse flash to get things started and then the events right after sure starts with a bang. Also loved seeing some of the flashpoint characters return even for a moment. The ending leaves us open for a big cliffhanger and I'm pretty pumped.

What I didn't like: The art sometimes felt static. Like placed in it wrong. Also the last issue felt kind of "okayish" except for the last panel. It didn't have the excitement of the other issues.

I overall had a good time reading this short little crossover. It hit the marks of fun and I hope for more small events like this. A solid 4/5.

[Calista · Rating 3 out of 5]

For some reason, I saw this and thought it looked like a stand-a-lone story. Silly me. This is part of the whole DC Rebirth! I'm still in the New 52 era so I'm not exactly here yet.

So, I hate storylines that mess with timelines. I feel they are way overdone and I hate how things change. It's like the story is throw away and doesn't matter somehow to me. Anyway. I did like the Batman story in this, but I didn't like the whole, his dad is now Batman deal. That is ridiculous. Just stupid. The flash was pretty cool in this story too despite going back in time. I wish they could just stick to running fast.

It's an interesting story and now I need to go back and read the first in this Rebirth series. It would be good to read I think.

[Logan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good crossover! So first things first if you haven't, you need to read Flashpoint then The DC Universe Rebirth One Shot, as this continues on from those with what I guess is a series now? Either way I like how DC is tying everything together and this is a fun crossover regardless of what it affects! So the story is Batman finds a mysterious button in the batcave, not knowing where it came from, (Although we as readers know exactly where it came from) and now Him and Flash go on a trip to find out where it came from! Without going into spoilers, this crossover has a really fun story, is it perfect? No, but its fun and I think any Batman or Flash Fan will enjoy it! Artwork by Jason Fabok(Who does the Batman issues) is amazing and very nice too look at, but I wasn't the biggest fan of Howard Porter's art (Flash artist), the art suits the flash comic, but since this is a crossover it doesn't work for me, I particularly wasn't a fan of how Batman was drawn. But overall this is a really good crossover! Highly recommend it!

[Donovan · Rating 4 out of 5]

So this is a prelude to an event, Doomsday Clock. This can’t stand on its own because it’s derivative of Flashpoint and Rebirth. And frankly there’s little suspense, because anyone who’s read Watchmen will know who’s behind everything.

That being said, it’s action-packed, fast-paced, with tender moments, and two great detectives working together. It’s fantastically illustrated. I’m glad Joshua Williamson has helped Tom King finally write something decent for Batman. And I’m excited to see where this is going.

[Ray · Rating 3 out of 5]

A well-done enough take, spun out of DC Rebirth, about superheroes playing with continuity and not actually saving anyone. As usual. I'm not really a fan of Watchmen getting folded into the DC universe, but if so this is as good a job as any. Makes sense that it's a Flash adventure and then Batman along for the ride for sales, the two do make for a natural teamup.

[Gianfranco Mancini · Rating 4 out of 5]

Preludio a Doomsday Clock non proprio imperdibile per chi come me non ha letto nulla del Rebirth DC, e Batman che centra Thawne lanciato in velocità con un pugno è una grandissima fregnaccia può essere giustificato solo se lo si vede come una gran botta di culo un gran colpo di fortuna, ma tutto sommato la storia è davvero niente male ed i due numeri illustrati da Jason Fabok sono un vero spettacolo.



Non che quelli di Flash disegnati da Howard Porter siano brutti, ma non mi piace proprio il modo in cui disegna i volti dei personaggi.



L'incontro tra Bruce e Thomas Wayne ed il finale, ma solo se letto prima di Doomsday Clock, alzano parecchio la qualità complessiva del volume, ed è stato un vero piacere ritrovare anche se per poco il mondo di Flashpoint, storyline letta ed apprezzata qualche anno fa.



In conclusione, una lettura più che soddisfacente per me.



Peccato per il prezzo decisamente un po' alto per una miniserie di soli quattro albi, ma La Spilla resta comunque un gran bel piccolo crossover per completazionisti incalliti.
.

[Lashaan Balasingam · Rating 4 out of 5]

You can find my review on my blog by clicking here.

The crossover events are back with Batman and The Flash teaming up to pursue one of the greatest mystery to hit the DC Universe in the Rebirth era. With Batman/The Flash: The Button, fans are presented with a highly anticipated story that continues things right where DC Universe: Rebirth #1 by Geoff Johns left off. This four-part crossover, collecting Batman #21-22 and Flash #21-22, presents us with a couple of fantastic cameos of classic DC characters as well as a thorough recapitulation of one of the most important event that took place in the DC Universe: Flashpoint by Geoff Johns. With the hunting yellow smile button and its little smudge of blood, both the World’s Greatest Detective and the World’s Fastest Man look to decipher its eerie origin and meaning. This storyarc kicks things off with the arrival of another character who sees something devastating in this enigmatic button and propels our favourite heroes on an adventure through time that will surely leave lasting scars, both physically and mentally.

Similar to Batman: Night of the Monster Men by Steve Orlando, the creative teams who’ve worked on each issue doesn’t remain the same throughout this short event. While Tom King remains the main writer for both Batman issues and Joshua Williamson remains the main writer for both The Flash issues, the artists on each series rotate between talented artists Jason Fabok and Howard Porter. The alternating artwork from one issue to another continues to be a sad reality in these DC Comics crossover events as the style never truly matches and demands visual readjustment as you progress through the event. However, besides this issue, the artwork is solid throughout the story and is far from being a repulsive element to this fantastic adventure. The artwork by Howard Porter genuinely ended up being a nice little change of style and offered us a different visual take on our heroes. Even the alternating writers was pretty interesting as it really brings forth a clear contrast between both King’s (the less wordy and repetitive Batman) and Williamson’s (more wordy and much more true to character; especially with a detective-oriented Batman and forensic-oriented Flash) writing styles. One of the biggest problem that should however be pointed out is the aberrant short length of this event. With only four issues, this story felt a lot more like a prelude to bigger things to come, similar to what Geoff Johns’ DC Universe: Rebirth #1 felt like, than a sequel that would go down as a turning point for the DC Universe.

There isn’t a lot that happens in The Button as the mystery behind the button continues to torture our DC heroes. In fact, upon completing all four issues, I felt like there was a lot of panels and pages that were dedicated to simply refresh the memories of fans on past events and their pertinence in the current problematic that clouds the DC Universe. Even if these recaps, especially regarding Flashpoint and the sudden temporal loss of the past 10 years, constituted a huge portion of this storyarc, the entertainment value stayed high and happened to be quite exciting. What I loved most of the storyarc are the cameos of Flashpoint Batman (who isn’t Bruce Wayne, but actually his father) and a “new” Flash (Jay Garrick) . Their integration into the whole investigation made the storyline just that much more fascinating. Questions about their presence would come raining down in a furry and leave us suffocating with a desire for bigger things. And bigger things is exactly what Geoff Johns seems to be planning with the revelation of his next project: Doomsday Clock .

The Button turned out to be a short and exciting crossover event that does nothing more than continue to tease fans. It isn’t exactly filled with mind-blowing narrative, but it does contain some very important moments that will surely leave a big impression on our heroes. One can only wonder what will happen to Batman after his amazing father-son moment. I couldn’t help but pray that Bruce Wayne would not abandon his life as Batman upon the wishes of his father to pursue happiness for once in his life and forget about his cowl and cape. The death of Reverse Flash will also launch The Flash on a journey of introspection as revenge is now fulfilled. . While the alternating artwork isn’t ideal or very appealing, all the artists, inkers and colourist do an amazing job in making their respective products vibrant and excellent. This short crossover event also brings fan a nice little break from respective series by diving slightly deeper into the big threat that had been looming around since the launch of the Rebirth era last year. What’s to come will surely be cataclysmic and epic in scale. Patience is all that will be required from now on.

[Lyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Flash.

Joshua Williamson.

Batman.

Tom King.

I was going to read and really like this series.

This is the snazzy, glossy DELUXE EDITION but I also have all four comics, 1) because I’m that cool, and 2) I own the complete run of The Flash rebirth series and a good chunk of King’s impressive run on Batman.

The Button sets up the Doomsday Clock / The Watchman tie in DC extravaganza! And also ties in the earlier Flashpoint series of fun.

Besides the great writing and extraordinary artwork, this is just cool as the other side of the pillow. There is the Watchman allusions waiting in the wings with some Superman / Doctor Manhattan scenes, the EXCELLENT Flashpoint flashbacks and the fight between Batman and Reverse Flash was a highlight! And a Jay Garrick sighting!

[Steve · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this from Edelweiss and DC Comics in exchange for an honest review. I also received a copy from Netgalley.

Almost half the pages were blank with a dashed red line around the outer edge of the pages. The pages that were complete were okay, but I couldn't follow the plot at all.

So, 3 incomplete stars.

[Subham · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a short one but so good!!

Reverse Flash targets Batman and well the fight in a minute is interesting but when Flash comes in to check on Bruce he sees this and finally decides to solve the mystery of the Button and they do but what they find will send them to flashpoint and back again and as they witness the loss of their history and that someone is messing with them and confront Thomas and the horrors of the one who keeps changing time and the fate of Eobard will change them.

Its an epic story and I remember reading it when it was coming out and its so good and has some great elements like them finally solving the mystery of the button and finding its Dr Manhattan and its a perfect prequel to Doomsday clock but I love the moment between Bruce and his father which was so well earned and makes you emotional! The art of Fabok and Porter is top tier and it really is a marvel to look at! A must read!

[Artemy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A surprisingly fun little crossover between The Flash and Batman that is dragged down by the fact that its main plot about the Comedian's button is totally inconsequential. This volume seems more important for the main Flash and Batman titles, though, so for those who follow those two books this one will be a necessary read.

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Flashpoint, The Flash screwed up the entire D.C. Universe after he tried to change the past. And then in DC Universe: Rebirth, he learned that something bigger might have been the cause after he and Batman discover a bloodspotted smiley-face button in the Batcave and they're visited by a mysterious Speedster named Wally West claiming to know Flash. This graphic novel is the follow-up, as Batman and Flash once again try to learn the mystery of the Button, why Reverse Flash would risk his life to get it, and who these people are that are trying to communicate with Flash through the Speed Force.

Obviously, you would most likely be totally lost if you read this without having read those previous two books, so don't even try. But if you have (and you should) this book will deepen the mythology surrounding the entire existence of DC's New 52 and Rebirth titles. I expected it to be a mess but I'm actually pretty excited about the possibilities. But beyond that, I was again treated to a cool Batman and Flash story. I love seeing these two master detectives together and their personal connection that was formed during the Flashpoint story deepen even more this go-around. I especially enjoyed the dramatic second of issue of Batman in this volume. The book as a whole is a quick and effective read and will probably satisfy fans of both characters.

[Carolina · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exceptional story as well as an exhilarating beginning road to the Doomsday Clock and the world of The Watchmen. I was not expecting this storyline to break me a little. Yes, I cry with comics and graphic novels too. Batman and even Flash (especially after watching The Flashpoint) are characters that mean so much to me. Not because I was a fan as a child but because as an adult I found their stories, and backgrounds extremely human, dark, broken, and strong. So there was no surprise there that for me, some parts of this comic were gonna hit home. I won't be able to explain in detail due to spoilers but it really did shake me a bit.

I am also a huge fan of Alan Moore's The Watchmen so crossing over these 2 worlds is really exciting for me. When Batman finds the button with the smiley face and blood stain on it, I actually gasped in elation. Pairing both Barry with Bruce was also so cool to see. Watching them both investigating and trying to solve this mystery was pretty great. But their more human, heartfelt moments were the ones that stood out to me. Besides that, I'm really excited to continue this road with them and cross over to the Watchmen universe.

[Brendan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was definitely a prelude to the big event in November, Geoff Johns returning after the brilliant rebirth issue. The rebirth issues have been either a little mixed or right on the money and while I enjoyed the book, it didn't set the world on fire. Can't wait until November and the watchmen introduction is almost certain, with Superman holding some key. Not the strongest book but worth a look as a continuing of the rebirth issue.

[Ariyan Abidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

خيلى خفنه اين رويداد. از يه طرف كراس اور فلش و بتمن. از يه طرفم ملاقات بتمنِ پسر با بتمن ِ پدر (Flashpoint) و يه سرى اتفاقات ديگه كه بهتره خودتون بفهميد.

ترتيب خوندن مجموعه هم به اين شكله👇

1. Batman rebirth 21
2. The Flash rebirth 21
3. Batman rebirth 22
4. The Flash rebirth 22

و اما پيش نياز ها👇

رويداد ٥ قسمتى Flashpoint
و كميك تك جلدى DC Universe Rebirth

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this review and more on my blog, uncovered-books.

I received a free copy of Batman / The Flash: The Button Deluxe Edition from DC Comics in exchange for my honest opinion.

In November, DC Comics are releasing a 12 issue maxi series which brings The Watchmen into this DC continuity. This 4 issue mini-crossover sets up what will happen.

Batman has a smiling yellow button with some blood on it, but when he is unable to figure out who the owner of the blood belongs to, he enlists the help of The Flash. Since both Batman and The Flash are both amazing at solving mysteries, for both of them to be unable to find an answer to something plays on both of their minds. Things start to change however when Batman casually throws the button onto a table next to an object which causes events to occur that neither Batman or The Flash expect.

The art style managed to bring out the best of both Batman and The Flash. I personally have not been liking the art style that has been used in The Flash Rebirth recently, I found that this one seemed to work; hopefully this art style will continue for both Batman and The Flash.

Whilst not necessary currently, I would completely recommend reading The Button because I am sure that events that occurred during this will play a significant part in what is to come.

[Rory Wilding · Rating 3 out of 5]

It has been over a year since DC started their big relaunch “Rebirth”, a new initiative following the New 52 (which ran for five years) that restored the DC Universe to a form much like that prior to the Flashpoint storyline, kicked off by the return of Wally West in DC Universe: Rebirth Special #1 by Geoff Johns. In that particular issue, which sets up many threads throughout the current DC lineup, Batman discovers a smiley face button in his cave and this is where the four-issue event “The Button” picks up from.

Please click here for my full review.

[Eldon Farrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really wasn't sure what to make of this storyline when it was announced. The scope is grand which leaves lots of room for error. Pleased to report the opening salvo was rather entertaining with eye candy artwork. Bring on the Doomsday Clock!

[Stefan · Rating 2 out of 5]

You're not going to bring me back with this DC.
Even King's writing was so-so.
Fabok as always. Enjoyment watching his art.

[Wayne McCoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Batman/The Flash: The Button Deluxe Edition' by Joshua Williamson and Tom King collects the 4 issue crossover series from Batman #21-22 and The Flash #21-22. If you haven't read anything about Flashpoint, I suggest you start there or you will be feeling a bit lost.

During DC Rebirth #1 last year, Batman found an odd smiley face button with blood on it in his batcave. How it got there is supposedly the premise of this series. What we get instead is a story involving Flashpoint, Reverse Flash and Thomas Wayne. The cosmic treadmill makes an appearance too. Most of this won't mean much if you aren't familiar with Flashpoint.

Instead of the story I expected, this one went in surprisingly different directions. The events here are leading up to the 12 issue Doomsday Clock series where the Watchmen characters will interact with DC characters. There is a brief tease on the last panel. I expected this series to do more than a little toe dip in the Watchmen universe, but I found the story and art quite satisfying and I'm glad I read it.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from DC Entertainment and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.

[Nikki in Niagara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is totally awesome! The beginning of a new DC crossover event starring The Watchmen! I'm so out of the loop, I hadn't even heard! This volume doesn't actually have any Watchmen in it but the ending does definitely more than hint at what is coming up. "The Button" centres on Batman and The Flash (Barry Allen), while having them rushing through alternate times and history via the Speedforce. If you've been following the Rebirth storyline up to this point you will know that there are many superheroes who are suffering from a memory lapse, this volume starts to explore and explain what exactly happened. This is a fast-paced story with Batman facing off with his father, an alternate Batman. Also, the main villain here is the old Reverse-Flash who Flash thinks is the one who distorted time. Great book! Can't wait to read the new Watchmen story!

[Corey Allen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Yeah, no thanks.

[Frédéric · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not sure what to make of it. My lack of knowledge of the DC Universe clearly prevented me from understanding the Flashpoint and this 4 parter don't help much. It builds up to something but I have the impression it treads some water before a bigger event like, say, Doomsday Clock?

Anyway, obscure (to me) scenes and interactions don't prevent me from appreciating the King/Williamson effort. It's well constructed, tensely paced- notably the 60 seconds countdown of first issue- and not unpleasant to read.

Fabook's in-house style feels a bit bland on Batman and I clearly better appreciated Porter's on Flash.

Those of you guys who got the point of Flashpoint might rate it better but as it is I can't go beyond a "technical" rating and that's a 3*.

[Rod Brown · Rating 2 out of 5]

Tom King's Batman Rebirth graphic novels have been growing on me, but I have never tried Joshua Williamson's Flash books. While King's entry is decent in that it actually tries to do something clever with the dialogue and the concept of super speed, the majority of the stories are scripted by Williamson and come across as generic superhero sound and fury signifying nothing as this book is just a tease for the upcoming Doomsday Clock story.

At one point Batman literally asks, "What does this all mean? Why send us to that place and then destroy it before our eyes?"

The Flash and I both have no clue.

[Candice · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was absolutely delightful. I really did enjoy both the arc and the art. A+ jobs guys, it's part of my favs now.