The Flash by Geoff Johns, Book Two

The Flash by Geoff Johns

by Geoff Johns, Scott Kolins (Illustrator), Phil Winslade (Artist)

In 2000, writer Geoff Johns took over THE FLASH and redefined a comic book icon for a new generation. Now, re-experience Geoff’s unforgettable five-year run in these stunning tales of Wally West, the Fastest Man Alive.

Wally West may be the Fastest Man Alive, but even he has trouble keeping up with the changes in his life. As the Flash continues to risk his life defending Keystone City, the threat of the Rogues grows in number. As new costumed criminals enter the battle, the Flash must do everything in his power to prevent an attack that is both deadly and personal.

This second volume in THE FLASH BY GEOFF JOHNS series collects THE FLASH #177-188, THE FLASH: OUR WORLDS AT WAR #1, FLASH SECRET FILES AND ORIGINS #3, and DC FIRST: FLASH/SUPERMAN #1 featuring art by Scott Kolins, Angel Unzueta and Doug Hazlewood.

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

399 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 24, 2016

About the author

Geoff Johns originally hails from Detroit, Michigan. He attended Michigan State University, where he earned a degree in Media Arts and Film. He moved to Los Angeles in the late 1990s in search of work within the film industry. Through perseverance, Geoff ended up as the assistant to Richard Donner, working on Conspiracy Theory and Lethal Weapon 4. During that time, he also began his comics career writing Stars and S.T.R.I.P.E. and JSA (co-written with David S. Goyer) for DC Comics. He worked with Richard Donner for four years, leaving the company to pursue writing full-time.

His first comics assignments led to a critically acclaimed five-year run on the The Flash. Since then, he has quickly become one of the most popular and prolific comics writers today, working on such titles including a highly successful re-imagining of Green Lantern, Action Comics (co-written with Richard Donner), Teen Titans, Justice Society of America, Infinite Crisis and the experimental breakout hit series 52 for DC with Grant Morrison, Greg Rucka and Mark Waid. Geoff received the Wizard Fan Award for Breakout Talent of 2002 and Writer of the Year for 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008 as well as the CBG Writer of the Year 2003 thru 2005, 2007 and CBG Best Comic Book Series for JSA 2001 thru 2005. Geoff also developed BLADE: THE SERIES with David S. Goyer, as well as penned the acclaimed “Legion” episode of SMALLVILLE. He also served as staff writer for the fourth season of ROBOT CHICKEN.

Geoff recently became a New York Times Bestselling author with the graphic novel Superman: Brainiac with art by Gary Frank.

Reviews

[Chad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Geoff Johns definitely writes what he knows in what was one of his first big runs on a major character. He turns Keystone City into Detroit (Johns grew up in Detroit), making it the working class city of the Midwest and the Flash its working class superhero. I like how Johns builds upon his stories even though most issues are stand alone stories beefing up Flash's rogues. There's a larger narrative that culminates in the 5 part Crossfire arc that ends the book. Scott Kolins's art looks better here than his recent art in books like Justice League 3000. I think a lot of it has to do with the colorist, James Sinclair, really knowing how to highlight Kolins's art.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

This whole book was really cool to read. The whole book was a build up of exploring the different villains in the rogues and what they were planning was slowly unraveled. The finale in here was enjoyable and satisfying and overall this was a really good story arc in this series, looking forward to what comes next!

[Subham · Rating 4 out of 5]

THIS WAS SO GOOD!

Its probably one of the greatest flash books I have read like so much happens here.

Running off the top of my head we see Wally's friend Piper and Chester been taken out, new rogues are forming and we see Wally go up against different rogues like Murmur, the new Trickster and even team up with Jay and Clark to fight Abra Kadabra in the future and finally the big storyline when all the rogues team up and fight Flash and if that wasn't enough he has to deal with the arrival of Thinker and his dastardly plans and what he will do to Wally. He is stuck in the crossfire and its amazing like so many things happen, Wally is stuck between this ever expanding Rogues gallery and its just so well done! <3

I love how Johns takes time to explore each Rogue and their motives and all and I loved that issue he did with Cold like one of my faves and finally he does the one in the end exploring Goldface and Blacksmith and like their motives are so fleshed out and gives Wally solid enemies and the ending of the crossfire arc was so good and I love the use of Thinker making him such a formidable villain. Plus the art is so good especially scenes of cloud and the view of the Gem cities from above like wow and it compliments Johns writing so well and more things to come! A high recommend!!

[James DeSantis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wally slowly becoming my favorite Flash. I really dug Jay from Earth 2 but now I'm just really getting into Wally's life. I mean to be fair he's had like 20 years of growing up and that's great, but you really get to know him in John's run.

So this book has a lot of great individual stories. The best ones being Captain Cold's origins, new the new rogues, and Jay telling Wally what's happening to his wife. All emotional scenes, a few surprises that made me go "Whoa" and get to see the beginning of zoom. All in all a lot of exciting things building up in this one.

I really am 50/50 on the art. It's solid in some parts, sometimes feel dated or stiff, other times just amazed. I also have a issue with exposition sometimes, a little TOO much with John at times but when he gets the dialog rolling it does turn in his favor.

If you want a far more interesting Flash than Barry I'd suggest reading this run. It's proving to be very entertaining. Can't wait to read Volume 3 now.

[Alex E · Rating 4 out of 5]

Geoff Johns is a solid storyteller.

I know that's probably a bit of an understatement, but after reading this volume, and having read his run on Green Lantern and Justice League, that thought solidified in my mind.

In this second book, Johns continues to essentially use every toy within "Flash" toybox to weave an intricate, long form story. This book is definitely a slow burn towards the climax, but it never feels slow or burden to read. We get a cohesive, well placed plot, that unfolds while at the same time building upon itself to create an elaborate story.

I really appreciate how each of the rogues have their own personality and depth and the characterization that occurs when they interact with each other. The surrounding cast around flash are all fleshed out and have their own "voice". It really feels like you are jumping into the Flash world when reading this book.

The art is great as well, especially with the Bolland covers, but a special shout out to Scott Kollins who really brings his A game. Some of the level of detail is astounding at times. It made me really appreciate his work and I now want to see other books with him as the principal artist.

Book 2 builds upon the foundation of Book 1 and supersedes it. I cant wait to read the 3rd.

[Blindzider · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

I enjoyed it more than the last volume. This entire volume is basically one story, slowly building to a climax. Along the way I learned more about Wally West and the background of a few of the villains, which was nice. Everything's more cohesive, giving you a one or two part story while building on the grander arc. In the end, the climax is relatively, well anti-climatic. The story feels average both in writing and scope and the depth of the threat is visually severe but Johns doesn't really make you feel the threat.

I've decided one reason I haven't liked these last two volumes is the art. Sorry, but Kolins just doesn't do it for me. I didn't care for the light, bright color palette either. Also, I've always had a hard time reading Flash stories because 1) his rogues gallery is kinda lame and 2) the guy can run fast enough to travel through time. Most of his gallery is no threat at all.

Here's hoping the third book is even better.

[Gabriel Llagostera · Rating 4 out of 5]

Este segundo tomo comienza con una serie de historias autoconclusivas muy entretenidas por sí mismas, además de que van mostrando piezas que anuncian una gran tormenta en camino.
Johns aprovecha acá a mostrarnos la humanidad de Flash además de darle carnadura a los personajes secundarios, sus bondades y atributos para que nos vayamos enganchando y que su destino nos importe.
Todas estas historias cortas terminan armándose cual puzzle en el último arco del tomo, en el que lo vemos enfrentarse a una nueva rogue gallery. Como todo lo de Johns, tiene sus momentos épicos, emotivos y otros un poco extraños, como el manejo de la velocidad de Wally que por momentos roza lo ridículo.
Sigue muy bien esta etapa.

[Kris Ritchie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Johns' second book is just as strong, if not stronger, than the first. I loved Captain Cold's standalone issue and the overall arcs with the Rogues and the Thinker were great. And that final page of the trade? Setting up big changes for the West family!

[Tony Laplume · Rating 4 out of 5]

Geoff Johns hit a definitive stride during this stretch, as he wove his way through a revitalized Rogues. It’s a trick he did differently in his later Green Lantern comics, which never really had the benefit of a sustained central focus, as these stories do around Wally West’s heroics (Hal Jordan will always end up competing for attention with all the other ring-slingers doing what he does, which the far more limited selection of speedsters have never diluted). I spent my formative comic book years adoring Mark Waid’s Flash, and kept him as the gold standard for a long time, even as I found other writers capable of doing interesting things with Wally, and Barry (and Bart, and Max, and Jesse, and Johnny). When Johns began his run, I was away from comics, and never really got into his work when I started back in (although he was responsible for a favorite arc, which will open the fourth book of these collections, eager as I am to revisit). I’ve been watching the Flash TV show throughout its run, which draws inspiration from a lot of creative eras. I had no idea Chester came from the comics! A different take, but here he is!

I honestly don’t think Johns has connected with material as he did starting around here. He’s revisited Cyborg, in Justice League, since, and a much more obscure character, Fallout, in his recent Image comics work, Geiger, so clearly he couldn’t shake the material easily. Clearly Stargirl remains close to the heart, but creatively this is a peak in a long and storied career. I previously read the opening issues from the run in an omnibus, but don’t remember them feeling as vibrant as this.

The next book will feature a huge swerve, one of the most famous moments in Johns’ career, foreshadowed in this one, and also mirrored by the Goldface arc. But if you’re a fan, you should read this. This is where it truly begins.

[Jake · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rogue War

How do you make the cities a big character? By focusing on what makes a big setting work. Characters with arcs and resolutions, a couple of status quo restorations. And some commentary that the writer ironically did years later.

[Christian Oliverio · Rating 4 out of 5]

We interrupt your story of a brief crossover tie-in, but don't worry! It will affect the main plot.

Murmur, a terrifying why aren't you in a Batman title villain, had just broken out of jail along with a few other Rogues... Let's cut to Darkseid invading Earth for a team-up! Despite my feelings on crossovers interrupting my story, Johns actually did a great job of making it relevant to the main story. From this crossover, Cyborg decides to move to Central City, becoming an important, if rare, side character. He plays a very important role in the finale, so I'll allow this being included. Plus, we got a fun villain out of it. This Black Racer is far more interesting than the last one and really complicated.

Now, for the main story: Crossfire. There is a new group of Rogues who are working together behind the scenes for... something. Meanwhile, a former mobster is running the worker's union for his own reasons. Are they connected? A lot of seemingly random filler, that turns out isn't filler. We get a pretty crazy finale that ties everything together: The Rogues, Cicada, Morillo, Hunter, the Thinker, Goldface, Cyborg, Linda, Flash's allies disappearance, Captain Cold, Piper, etc. They all get connected.

There are certainly pros and cons to this kind of story telling, but I rather enjoyed it. We had random adventures to give us a villain of the week vibe, harkening to classic comics, while maintaining the serial/read everything nature of modern comics. We have fun adventures, but the side quests actually matter for the main story. The only down side is that the end can feel like too many things competing for attention and some arcs/characters are pushed to the side. Otherwise, this was a fun and schizophrenic ride. It was goofy (looking at you, Trickster). It was disturbing (looking at you my beautiful Murmur). It was fun (looking at you, Morillo and Chyre: Partners for life). It was intense (looking at you, Warden). It was emotional (looking at you, Fallout).

In short, I like weird genre bending stories that can't keep a consistent tone, but do good at each end of the spectrum. But not everyone. So if you like a mixed cocktail of a story, this was very enjoyable.

[Nate]

A very Rogue-centric volume, and a very good volume at that. Johns definitely finds his groove here. He weaves plotlines together and fleshes out side characters with ease. It all leads to the “Crossfire” arc, where Wally is targeted from multiple sides by villains with varying agendas. It’s great. There are lots of memorable moments here, including – my favorite – the scene where Wally confronts the Thinker is his own mind. Then the part right after when Keystone City residents charge the Rogues. “Crossfire” is surely the highlight of this collection, but there are other really good parts here. The Captain Cold issue is another high point, where Johns gives him more pathos than he’s probably ever had. Johns has created quite a few new characters for this series, and while they don’t all stand out equally, the care he gives to them is wholly apparent. Like in JSA, Johns hits the sweet spot in balancing action and character.

My biggest complaint is that exposition can sometimes be a bit much. But Johns' writing is generally smooth and realistic, so it's not a huge bother. I'm also not totally into the art.

[José Ignacio · Rating 4 out of 5]

Geoff Johns, I was not familiar with your game

Fantastic, that’s all I can say. My biggest issue here is definitely the pacing; the book kicks off with a lot of setup and not much really happening, but it’s worth it in the end as all that leads into something so dope that I can say that slow beginning is worth it once it kicks into overdrive.

This has some major payoffs and reveals from the previous book that I don’t want to spoil, but the sense of escalation (especially for a second book into a run) is marvelous, just an all out blast once you get to the main meat and potatoes of the book.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Highs :
-Long term planning from Johns that pays off.
-The supporting cast (including the Rogues) steals the show
-Scott Kolins detailed artwork, especially when depicting city landscapes.

Lows :
-I was not too crazy about the fill in artists, although Rick Burchett did a solid job on the surprisingly good DC FIRST: FLASH/SUPERMAN #1 .

[JJ Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t like this volume quite as much as the first one. Johns has a lot of clever ideas, and I do like how he brought all of the Rogues together, but I feel like there just wasn’t a ton of emotional resonance to a lot of it. It was still fun, and I’m glad to be getting more into the Flash, so still totally worth it.

[D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Johns FLASH comics maintain a high level of quality. Worth reading, especially if you read Book 1, because a lot of the storylines started there come back in the later volumes.

Solid superheroics.

[Jon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ended great, longer overall storyline. But this run is just fun flash versus rogues stories. And that’s enough for me

[Lucas Lima · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still great! I nice super hero stories, just the way Geoff Johns knows how to do it. And, man, Flash's villains are just to cool to just let them pass by. Must read about them!

[Jonathan Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

I see why this run made John’s famous. It is a good series and I am excited to continue it.

[Daniele NSP · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stelle e mezzo

[Adam Cole]

Backlog.

[IamT-Rex · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5 it’s only getting better loving this run on Wally

[Tyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing! Now I am starting to understand the love and praise for this run. What a great book with a ton of heart.

[Bone2Pick · Rating 4 out of 5]

~4 Stars~

[Pascal Lenstra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this one more then the one before. I liked the artstyle better and the villains were more compelling to me, especially The Thinker.

[Charles Mennerick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rogue-forward, science-y stories with an assortment of fun art and cool characters

[Tony Raju · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great start for one of the best flash runs

[Victor Orozco · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty cool.

Geoff Johns continues his splendid storytelling of the Flash. Things start small but are nice when we see Teen Titan Cyborg make an appearance to startoff. But even more give an interesting look at New God Black Racer. Love how this develops some of the tertiary characters in from the police to an interesting new member of the department. Hunter Zolomon, a unique name and apparently a good man out to help in the metahuman crimes division.

Lots of really interesting foes that really develop Wally West’s Flash. His old friend Frankie Kane/Magenta, old foe Clifford Devoe/Thinker and reformed Chester Runk/Chunk. Some of the old Rogues like Captain Boomerang and Top. And many, many more.

Definitely loving these Wally West/Flash stories. The Thinker storyline was interesting but in many ways it was like creating a sort of BRAINIAC style character for the Flash. Truly DeVoe has become more powerful that how he started.

As well as how dangerous Warden Wolfe is with the inmates.

Nice nods to some old friends as well. C+

[Lars Magnus Nordeide · Rating 4 out of 5]

Volume one and two is a great collection of Flash storylines by Geoff Johns. This was my first exposure to Wally West as the Flash and I like the way he is written with no secret identity an very human. It seems obvious that the creators of The Flash tv show is inspired by this series.

[Lewis]

i LOVED IT!