The Flash by Mark Waid, Book Three

The Flash by Mark Waid

by Mark Waid, Mike Wieringo (Illustrator), Rob Haynes (Illustrator)

Superstar writer Mark Waid's run on THE FLASH is now re-collected in a new series of graphic novels, continuing in THE FLASH BY MARK WAID BOOK THREE!
Collects THE FLASH #83-94.

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

368 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1994

About the author

Mark Waid is an American comic book writer widely known for shaping modern superhero storytelling through influential runs on major characters at both DC Comics and Marvel Comics. Raised in Alabama, he developed an early fascination with comic books, particularly classic stories featuring the Legion of Super-Heroes, whose imaginative scope and sense of legacy would later inform his own writing. He first entered the comics industry during the mid 1980s as an editor and writer for the fan magazine Amazing Heroes, before publishing his first professional comic story in Action Comics. Soon afterward he joined DC Comics as an editor, contributing to numerous titles and helping shape projects across the company. After leaving editorial work to focus on writing, Waid gained widespread recognition with his long run on The Flash, where he expanded the mythology of the character and co-created the youthful speedster Impulse. His reputation grew further with the celebrated graphic novel Kingdom Come, created with artist Alex Ross, which imagined a future DC Universe shaped by generational conflict among superheroes. Over the years he has written many prominent series, including Captain America, Fantastic Four, Daredevil, and Superman: Birthright, bringing a balance of optimism, character depth, and respect for comic book history to each project. Waid has also collaborated with notable artists and writers on major ensemble titles such as Justice League and Avengers, while contributing ideas that helped clarify complex continuity within shared superhero universes. Beyond mainstream superhero work, he has supported creator owned projects and experimental publishing models, including the acclaimed series Irredeemable and Incorruptible, which explored moral ambiguity within the superhero genre. He later took on editorial leadership roles at Boom Studios, guiding creative direction while continuing to write extensively. In subsequent years he expanded his involvement in publishing and digital storytelling, helping launch online comics initiatives and advocating for new distribution methods for creators. His work has earned numerous industry awards, including Eisner and Harvey honors, reflecting both critical acclaim and enduring popularity among readers. Throughout his career Waid has remained a passionate student of comic book history, drawing on decades of storytelling tradition while continually encouraging innovation within the medium. His influence extends across generations of readers and creators, and his stories continue to shape the evolving language of superhero comics around the world today through enduring characters imaginative narratives and thoughtful reinventions of familiar myths within popular culture and modern graphic storytelling traditions.

Reviews

[Subham · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so good omg!

I love this one!

Its one of those comics that makes you love the character and his world so much and well not gonna lie I love wally now!

So the comic starts with a team up between him and Nightwing and Starfire vs some bad guys and the leader who has a ponytail and its kinda fun and the focus on Starfire was fun and seeing the friendship between these Titans omg I love it and then showing Wally and Linda and how their relationship is blossoming and its kinda awesome and then the coming of Chillblaine and what threats he brings plus focus on ARGUS and a little hint of who he is and a team up with Wally vs Razer which was kinda awesome!

Then a story where Wally tries to save everyone when he fails to save a woman who he fails to safe and the trial and the fallout of that and a lawyer who might become a future super villain and the man behind it aka Abra Kadabra and I love the trial of the Flash, it has so many awesome moments and just shows the toll of being a hero and maybe you can't save everyone, and its insightful and kinda awesome!

Then the coming of Impulse and Iris and what happens when Kobra tries to attack Linda and how Wally manages that and its kinda insane and I love the expansion of the flash family and overall its so amazing seeing the developments of it all and the coming zero hour!

Its one of those volumes which has everything from a character who is suffering to his family and then expansion of the world and also amazing enemies and then exploring their motives and what not and just showing how he balances it and kinda makes you love him (yes i said it again) but thats that and the art by Wieringo in here is just legendary! <3!

[Chad · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mike Weiringo takes over the art on the book with a few fill in artists interspersed. Ringo's art is cartoonier than most but I've always liked it. It just screams fun. Most of the book is your standard Flash stories. Flash teams up with Nightwing and Starfire to take on the Combine. After a few other stand alone stories, Wally faces something he never had to before in that he couldn't save everyone. He's sued by someone he didn't know was in a building and suffers through a lot of guilt because he decided not to search the building in order to save an elevator full of people. It's a bit melodramatic. Finally, the book gets back on track when Impulse first appears. Barry's grandson needs Wally's help and comes back from the future to learn how to control his powers. It's the start of a great stretch on the book.

[Adam Stone · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm continuing to enjoy Waid's story about Wally West. The plots and subplots intertwine beautifully. I like the way he brings villains in and out of the plot without making it seem like a Joker situation (you know, he causes havoc, he's arrested, he breaks out of the asylum, he causes havoc, he's arrested, same ol' same ol'). The updates on the characters are cool, and I'm excited to see how the return of Iris West (which seems more permanent than the return of "Barry Allen") and the arrival of Bart Allen fit into the storytelling.

I also like that I get to take a break because I've lost the Zero Hour: Crisis in Time trade, which means I'll have to order a new one before I can journey on to The Flash by Mark Waid: Book Four.

My only new critique on reading the series is that I question the cover choices for these collections. Each one is just a pedestrian red cover showing The Flash or several Flashes running. Nothing dynamic. No interesting poses. No implicit danger. It's like if every Superman book just had Superman flying, or every Hulk book just had Hulk being bigger than everything around him.

[Joni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entretenimiento puro. Mark Waid vuelca su fanatismo y conocimientos de la silver age para crear historias simples que se disfrutan.
En este tomo se menciona la Speed force por primera vez, un concepto explotado a futuro y hablando del mañana también hace su presentación Impulse.... otra vuelta de rosca a los viajes temporales.
Lo que menos me gustó es la parte gráfica, tenía mejor recuerdo de Wieringo, una estética noventosa que a mi entender envejeció mal, mucha falta de fondos y dibujos hechos a la ligera.
Waid ya tiene acomodadas las fichas con las que siguió armando los años siguientes en Flash.

[Gus Casals · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is where this gets good. Wieringo was Waid's best art partner and the introduction of impulse was one of the great 90s moments.

[Alex E · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would sum up the penultimate volume of Mark Waid's run on the flash as fun. There's a collection of stories in this volume that range from a Christmas story, to a Teen titans semi teamup, to a trial of Wally West to the origin of Impulse. There really is something for everyone.

I feel like Waid really comes into his own in this volume. His writing feels much more relaxed and confident. And in turn, every story feels fun and full of energy, which is perfect for the Flash.

Another good thing is that Weiringo takes over on the art which gives it a more cartoony look to the book, but it works with the whole "fun" vibe. It really gels together very well.

Really like how little things are paying off in the book such as the whole reason for the trial, the reunion of Iris West as well as other things that are touched on.

Good solid comic bookin right here. Looking forward to the next volume.

[Tom Ewing · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found Mark Waid's Flash run tedious at the time: predecessors Mike Baron and Bill Messner-Loebs brought their indie comics experience to the title and created something which felt genuinely fresh. Messner-Loebs' run in particular was a gem, a character study of a young man gradually maturing and learning how not to be an idiot, with one of the most diverse and strange supporting casts 80s' comics could boast. So Waid's paring back of that cast and recommitment to more standard superhero tropes seemed stodgy and conservative to me.

Re-reading it I was too harsh. No, it's not nearly as good as what had come before, and yes, it's fundamentally an unadventurous comic - but within the boundaries Waid sets himself it's strong. Wally West is flawed but good-hearted, his relationship with Linda Park one of the more believable and equal in 90s comics, and the stories flow from one to another in a way that makes this whole collection a quick and wholesome read. These are simple virtues, but scarce enough at the time that Waid's Flash picked up a strong following of older-school fans alienated by 90s excess.

If the vibe is right the quality of the stories isn't so important, and that's just as well, since this collection has plenty of stuff that isn't designed to withstand deep reflection. Waid's at his best when finding speed-related solutions to tricky situations, and not great at building said cool moments into a structure which makes sense. But even the most nonsensical story here - a frivolous court case designed to break Wally's will - flows well on the page. The art is mostly Mike Wieringo, whose bouncy, fluid style is a great fit for this kind of fast-paced, fun storytelling. (Though he's let down a little by his colourists, who have a shocker when it comes to the Asian-American Linda). By the end we're getting the first intimations of the Speed Force, one of those DC continuity inserts which explains a lot of the magic away, but it's not dominating the series yet. Can a comic feel flimsy and solid at the same time? Apparently so.

[Shaun Stanley · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Flash by Mark Waid Book Three collects issues 80-94 of the DC Comics series The Flash written by Mark Waid with art by Mike Wieringo, Rob Haynes, Barry Kitson, Kris Renkewitz, and Carlos Pacheco.

The third volume in the Mark Waid collection starts with Flash teaming up with former Titans members Nightwing and Starfire in which one of Flash’s ex-girlfriends is struggling with her superpowers. The largest arc in the book sees Wally West having to cope with something he has never had to deal with before: not having enough time and having to choose who to save. Because of Wally’s decision, a woman is seriously injured and sues the Flash. The book ends with Iris Allen returning from the future with her grandson, Bart Allen. Bart is in desperate need of Wally’s teaching on how to manage his speed super powers.

Most of the issues here were pretty standard superhero stories. The arc dealing with Flash’s trial was interesting to see Wally dealing with his guilt of not being able to help everyone. It’s refreshing when superheroes have to come to term that they are also “human” and cannot do everything. The last few issues really pick up steam with the return of Iris Allen and the debut of Bart Allen. The first Flash solo comic series I ever read was Bart Allen’s time as The Flash so I’m excited to read his early issues.

This volume also sees the debut of a new series regular artist Mike Wieringo. Wieringo’s art is much cartoonier than LaRoque art so it did take some getting used to. But after reading a few issues, I think Wieringo’s art better captures the spirit of the Flash.

[Nate]

Wally faces some big challenges in this volume. First, his childhood fried, old flame, and former Titans member Frances Kane wreaks havoc and kisses Wally on live television. This causes him to reconfigure his relationship with Linda, all the while uncovering a criminal ring with Starfire and Nightwing (married at this time). Next, a handicapped woman sues Wally for neglecting to save her during a destructive fight with a wild villain. Wally’s reputation sinks as he reflects on how possible it is to save everyone. Finally, his aunt Iris shows up, claiming she’s from the future and here to save her grandson, Bart Allen. Yes, Impulse debuts here. I’ve had little exposure to this character but I can already see why he’s become a mainstay.

On balance, this volume is slightly weaker than the first; the stories with Frances, Nightwing, and Starfire are pretty forgettable, and I don’t care at all for the Argus storyline. Some of the art is shaky, too. But there’s still good character drama for Wally as his hero's journey continues in earnest. My favorite issue here is a quiet but powerful one. After the trial debacle, Wally obtains Johnny Quick’s speed formula and while he uses it, Max Mercury shows up and dispenses advice. It’s a effective little interlude as Wally dwells on heroism and what it means to be a speedster, with intriguing hints about the Speed Force.

[Brent · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mark Waid, now a long-experienced comics writer, cut his scripting teeth on these stories in The Flash. Here we get some great stuff along with some misses (Nightwing wimping along, which may have been the then-current continuity I have forgotten). Among the great stuff is art collaboration, the debut of the late artist Mike Wierengo, and the character creation and debut of Bart Allen, Impulse.
Recommended. Thanks to Fulton County Public Library for the loan.

[Sky Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Omg Starfire and Nightwing!

[Shannon Appelcline · Rating 3 out of 5]

The previous two volumes of Mark Waid's Flash had their share of mediocre stories, but they were anchored by Born to Run and The Return of Barry Allen, respectively, and those great stories managed to raise the collections up to the next level. This third volume, unfortunately, has a lot more in it that's mediocre; worse, it even bows down to some '90s tropes. It gets better at the end with "Reckless Youth", another of Waid's definitive storylines, but it's too late to save the collection, which really isn't up to the standards you expect from Waid's Flash.

Back on Track (80-83). It's hard to follow-up "The Return of Barry Allen". Waid decides to do so with a Teen Titans reunion, where Wally reunites with Dick and Kory to fight some dudes. And, it's OK. As usual, the human side of the story is more interesting. That's one part another reunion, with Frankie, and one part Wally figuring out his relationship with Linda. So, a good core, but a lot of fluff too [6/10].

Razer (84-85) Villain named Razer has a simplistic, violent name, pointlessly misspelled, and likes to darkly kill people with sharp weapons. Costume includes huge shoulder pads and pointless pouches. Yep, it's the '90s. About the only redeeming thing about this story is the character work with Linda and the attempt to give the stupid '90s villain a somewhat interesting motive [4/10].

Argus (86). Argus was one of the few successes from the Bloodlines event. He's no Hitman, but he had an interesting backstory as an undercover cop. Still, he's another example of dark-and-gritty '90s tropes, since he's the tall and silent grim hero. Him and Flash fighting someone over something in this issue isn't particularly interesting [5/10].

Christmas Rush (87). This is mainly intended as a setup for the next arc, but Wally having a bad Christmas just isn't that interesting [4/10].

Maximum Overdrive (88-90). And the next arc unfortunately depends on a problematic plot: everyone turns against our hero as part of a manipulation from some hidden foe. How do you make it even more problematic? You include a totally ridiculous court case. Here, Wally would have been totally shielded by Good Samaritan laws if he'd actually hurt someone while superheroing. This situation, where he neglected to help someone, is even more ridiculous. It would have been thrown out of court in a hot minute. So we end up with a storyline with some great ideas (like Wally's inability to save someone and the master manipulator behind it all) but with really poor execution [5/10].

Out of Time (91). Though it builds on the previous issues, this one-off is quite successful. That's in part because it plays with speed physics by mixing the Speed Force with 3x2(9YZ)4A, in part because it revisits Max Mercury, and in part because it's a deep look at Wally's psyche. Pretty much, that's all the things that made Waid's run generally successful [7+/10].

Reckless Youth (92-94). Waid only seems to figure out where he's going in this last arc, which is a terrific one that introduces Impulse and returns Iris to the fold. And both of those characters are real joys, with Impulse being one of the best things introduced by Waid during his run. And one can't go wrong with a fun fight against Kobra either [7/10].

[Troy Guin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Waid takes Wally on a difficult journey to acceptance here, as he goes down a spiral of self doubt after he fails to save a person from being seriously burned. The question of whether the fastest man alive can truly save everyone is raised here, and no one is thinking about it more than Wally, who proceeds to go on a perfectionistic rampage across Keystone City. It's an interesting look at a very powerful individual who is struggling to live up to his own expectations and it is quite clear that while he has fully replaced Barry, there is still a lingering subconscious need for his guidance.

Wally struggles, but eventually comes to accept that even if he is the fastest man alive, he cannot possibly save everyone. Wally has gone through a fascinating character arc over the course of the run so far; going from being the sidekick of Barry to dealing with the high level of responsibility that comes with replacing him. Mark Waid writes this painful chapter of Wally's story in his signature style devoid of any coldness. I've really grown to appreciate his expressive, emotionally open approach to storytelling.

This book is really at its peak in the art department. Mike Wieringo (RIP) is one of the best to ever draw cape comics, and his work here will perhaps never be topped by another flash artist. His executed vision of Wally and his friends and Keystone city itself has become the definitive look in my mind. He captures the raw, electric energy of the speed force in action at a level that no other artist I've seen has reached.

The characterization of Wally and the world building of the DCU was truly impressive here, and I'm very excited to see more of Wally and where is character goes from here.

[Peter Derk · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is when the series picks up...speed for me.

My favorite Flash thing from this is when Wally needs a 4-digit code to open a door, and because he's the Flash he can try like a million combinations in a couple seconds. I love that shit. Of course, it never works when you think about it too hard. The buttons still need time to register, to come back up, before you can press the next button. If Flash pushed the buttons at full speed, it'd basically be like mashing the entire keypad at once, right?

But that's no fun. Let's assume the keypad is space age. Because all the shit inside was space age. And maybe the evil guy is grumpy, like, "Damn it, this keypad can't keep up with me. You, science goon! Fix this keypad!"

[MrColdStreamComics · Rating 4 out of 5]

✅85% 👍22 👎4
_________________________

STORY: 11

This volume of Flash presents a narrative that stays engaging. The smaller stories in between the bigger arcs are handled with the same care for the action, dialogue, and characters as the rest, thus maintaining a good level of excitement.

This feels like a bigger return to more new and old character relations. Wally's old girlfriend Frankie is back to stir things up and Mark Waid gives us a good dosage of drama to make the characters come alive.

Waid shows a basic understanding of relationships. I love how he writes Wally and Linda: the way they talk to each other and mess around feels so realistic that it makes my heart go soft.

Then there's the exploration of the downsides of a public superhero identity and the limits of a superhero's powers - as seen in the Identity Crisis storyline. Here, Waid ties the trial nicely to Flash's actions in previous issues. Issue 89 in particular is a tense courtroom drama with some very interesting turns.

Waid returns to intricate plotting, high stakes and engaging character relations in the final few issues, which harkens back to the Return of Barry Allen arc with the return of Iris and the introduction of Bart Allen.

CHARACTERS: 5

The Flash/Dick tag team is great! They make for a hilariously great duo, so I can forgive the horrendous costume Dick is wearing.

The volume introduces some new villains! Razer in particular feels something of a Bane/Juggernaut crossover and proves to be quite a match for Flash!

Iris West is back in the final issues, and we get a look into a new generation of speedsters in the young and inexperienced Bart Allen. Bart feels like a younger, more terrified Wally in need of counselling and support to come to grips with the world and his place in it.

ATMOSPHERE: 4

The levels of tension and excitement remain high. Waid knows how to keep the readers on their toes; just look at how he makes everyone stressed out with that countdown in the concluding issue of the Back on Track story!

It's amazing how well these issues move from being tense page-turners into being more relaxed and personal - the pacing is mostly flawless, with a good mix of action, dialogue and exposition.

ART: 2

New artist Wieringo matches Greg LaRocque's style pretty well while taking the series in his direction. The details aren't quite as sharp but he captures Flash's speed better.

👍👎👍👎👍👎👍👎👍👎👍👎👍👎👍👎

STORY: -2

The Argus issue is the first regular issue of this run that I couldn't finish. It feels disjointed and messy compared to the rest of Waid's writing.

The Christmas issue is also pretty forgettable, with only the ending worth noting, as it leads to the next arc. Every comic book run contains these filler issues that are more or less skippable, but I wish they didn't take up space in a collected volume from other amazing issues.

ART: -2

The art in the later issues feels somehow messier, even though they are by Wieringo as well. He returns to a more strained style for a final couple of issues, but the ones in the middle look off to me.

[Fizzgig76 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reprints The Flash (2) #80-94 (September 1993-September 1994). Things never slow down in Central City, and the Flash is just speeding up. When disaster strikes during a battle with Razer, Flash finds himself on the other side of the law and facing a criminal case claiming he isn’t fast enough. With the challenge of becoming the hero Central City needs, Wally is out to tap into new speed and new powers he’s never imagined…and a visitor from the future could mean big changes for the Flash.

Written by Mark Waid, The Flash by Mark Waid—Book 3 is a DC Comics superhero comic book collection. Following The Flash by Mark Waid—Book 2, the series features art by Mike Wieringo, Rob Hayes, Barry Kitson, Kris Renkewitz, and Carlos Pacheco. Issues in the collection were also collected as part of Impulse: Reckless Youth, Flash/Impulse: Runs in the Family, and Zero Hour: Crisis in Time 25th Anniversary Omnibus.

Mark Waid breathed new life into the Flash and this volume has some of his biggest introductions. The series about “a guy who runs fast” isn’t necessarily compelling depending on how it is written but Waid manages to keep pushing Wally’s abilities to the limit, and this volume cranks it up a notch.

In the volume, Wally has reached his natural peak and finds that it isn’t good enough. He tries to push it further by using Johnny Quick’s speed formula and gets some first hints at the Speed Force. The Speed Force becomes the driving thrust of the Flash in the next volume and has been the source of Flash stories for years since its introduction. Much like the Green Lantern’s color spectrum, it really reinvented the Flash and Waid tips his toe into the story in this volume.

This volume also serves as the creation of one of Waid’s more important characters. In The Flash #92 (with a tiny cameo in #91), Impulse is introduced to the Flash mythos. Over the years, Bart Allen has played the goofy character, gotten older, and even stepped into the boots of the Flash a few times. Here, his “impulsive” nature is introduced and he is less of the goofball as he becomes in his own title or in Young Justice, but it is always interesting to see how a new character evolves…and Impulse continues to grow in the DC world.

The Flash by Mark Waid—Book 3 has a number of good storylines. The series falls in that weird in-between period in comic book writing where it was becoming less about the extreme imagery (that was sparked by many of the creators of Image Comics), but it also isn’t quite the formulated six issue storylines and arcs that have dominated comic books since the early 2000s. The Flash manages to capture the fun of comics and still feel slightly smarter than many of the books being released at the time. Looking back on The Flash “in the big picture”, Waid isn’t doing anything groundbreaking but he is creating a solid bedrock for the character that has been used to anchor him for years…and it is worth joining the run. The Flash by Mark Waid—Book 3 is followed by The Flash by Mark Waid—Book 4.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm really enjoying this chapter in the Flash's long history. As much as I like Barry Allen, I think I honestly like Wally more. There's just something about him that is undeniably likable and relatable. Plus, his inherent humor doesn't hurt either--but that is not to say, of course, that these Flash stories are not grounded. That is especially true in this particular volume, in which Wally is forced to choose, for the first time, who to save--the fallout of which results in not only a court case and an injunction against the Flash, but a complete rattling of the Scarlet Speedster to his core. It takes multiple issues for him to finally come to terms with the fact that not even the fastest man alive can save everyone--a lesson which resonates in the real world as simply: "You can't be everywhere at once," or even "Nobody can do everything." Each person has to find peace with what they are able to accomplish where they are in each, present moment. Watching the Flash learn that on the life-and-death scale he faces everyday was actually a pretty thought-provoking read. The story "Out of Time" was one I'd come across in a previous Flash anthology, but getting to read it again within the context of the larger story really made it pack a bigger punch. That entire arc and its fallout was really the best part of this graphic novel. The first story, featuring a super-powered flame from Wally's past--and Nightwing and Starfire as guest stars--was a perfectly fine read, but it was pretty much a basic comic book action story: Not without emotion, of course, but it definitely wasn't nearly as introspective as the arc that followed it. But the final arc (which will be continued in the next volume), was a lot of fun--mostly because I've just always liked Impulse. The whole "Iris Allen is from the future" thing is more than a little confusing, but... eh, I'll take it. I just love the Flash family, and seeing it grow (especially after having read some later stories and knowing how their little speedster clan is going to come together) is just plain enjoyable. If I had any complaints with this graphic novel, they would be that the art style is a bit cartoon-ish for my personal taste, and that the stupid Argus character keeps showing up. He's not a BAD character, per se... I just don't care for him. Still, if you're a Flash fan--and especially if you're a Wally fan--this is a book I can't recommend enough.

[Christian Oliverio · Rating 4 out of 5]

Note: This review is for both The Flash by Mark Waid, Books 3 and 4.

Hey, you know the Speed Force that has become an integral part of the Flash that you can't do a Flash story without it? Well, it didn't exist before this! Let's see him discover it along with some time travel shenanigans.

But first, the filler (kinda) framing this story! Our first story involves Wally's crazy ex wrecking havoc, meanwhile he has to team up with Nightwing and Starfire to fight some high-tech gangsters. It was nice seeing Dick, albeit with his ridiculous 90s costume, and hilarious seeing Wally giving an equally muscly man a pig-back ride at superspeed with both keeping very straight and serious faces. If I knew how, I would attach a screenshot, but believe me, the view was worth it. Aside from the fun goofiness, Frankie (the crazy ex) actually had a really compelling arc and I loved how Linda (Wally's current girlfriend) was able to keep her grounded. Surprisingly deep subplot.

Secondly, we get a pretty significant story/prelude to Terminal Velocity where, amid a fight with a pretty interesting (and very 90s) villain, Wally fails to save a woman, who is then disabled. She proceeds to sue Wally for negligence. Now, obviously there is far more going on here. I loved seeing Wally's inner conflict and Linda helping him as the awesome gal she is. The action was fun and I particularly enjoyed seeing Wally struggle with being unable to save everyone. Max Mercury, who is quickly becoming a favorite, had a great scene showing Wally how it is impossible to save everyone, but you do what you can. Hits in the feels!

Lastly, after our main story, we get full-on filler. Flash beats the crap out of Mongul with the Speed Force, rescues Linda from a cult in a very 90s story (take that as either a positive or negative, depending on how you viewed the 90s), then we get Mirror Master's return as he recruits Flash into helping him find his ex-girlfriend. This last story was pretty good, being both a fun adventure and a very emotionally heavy story that explores (spoilers).

Now, for the Main Event: Terminal Velocity: We have three things happening all at the same time: The first (and main story), is a snake cult known as Kobra is trying to take over the world. Linda uncovers them and needs Wally's help to defeat them. Secondly, Iris Allen is back from the dead/future (weird time travel stuff) with her grandson Bart Allen, the new sidekick. Lastly, the Speed Force is discovered via the Zero Hour event. Dang! A lot going on, broken up between two volumes! Mark Waid actually did a great job balancing all of these stories into a cohesive narrative, which is very impressive considering the travesty that was Zero Hour interrupts his story halfway through. Despite that, we get to see less impressive and boring Speed Feats, which I partial wonder if the Speed Force is to blame for this, and some pretty cheesy character conflict. Namely between Wally and Linda and between Wally and Bart. Bart was kinda annoying, but since that seems to be the point of his character, I'll let it slide. Regardless, I enjoyed this story and seeing Wally grow quite a lot through a bunch of crazy stuff all happening at once. Good job balancing three subplots and seamlessly weaving a Crisis event into your ongoing story, Waid! Props to you!

In short, the filler was fun and we get a very convoluted, but somehow still balanced (dang time-travel) story that permanently changes the Flash mythos, for better or worse.

[James DeSantis · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Flash maintains its quality in the third volume as Wally begins to grow even more.

The first 3 part storyline is Wally teaming up with Nightwing and Starfire after they've gotten hitched. Nightwing is blaming himself for what happened to the Titans on top of just not being his usual self. The Flash works with him and Starfire to stop some criminals, but the best part about this arc is Linda and Wally confronting their feeling towards each other and Wally letting go of the past.

From there we get some good 1-3 part stories of Wally dealing with different villains and saving lives. The best story though is Wally on trial for not saving a woman from a terrible fate. Wally self blaming and saying he could have done more even when he did everything he can was great to say and really sad. The big villain reveal was okay but the rest was great.

Then we have Impulse enter the scene. this story was fun if not a little weird, but I'm glad Impulse is now here!

A 4 out of 5!

[Zachary Shaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another perfect volume in this unapologetically "Saturday Morning Cartoon" flavored run on Wally West's Flash!!!

Mark Waid's run on the flash is becoming THE superhero comic I think of when I think of fun campy and charming comics but behind that nineties camp is so much depth. Wally West is easily one of my favorite DC characters of all time and the definitive Flash in my opinion!! Wally's relationship with Linda Park is exceptional and honestly giving Clark and Louis and Peter and M.J. a run for their money for the best superhero/civilian relationship of all time!!

Love this run, very likely to go down as one of my favorite comics of all time which is so surprising considering The Flash as a character was never a character I felt particularly drawn to!!

Highly recommend for fans of superheroes and comics!! 10/10!!!

[Jake · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uninterrupted Darkest Hour

I never realized how much Waid's Flash could go and how well he could go with the flow here. After the Reverse Flash on Legacy, Wally's biggest challenge would be his limits. But rather than waste time, Abra Kadabra shows why he's the perfect combo of Iron Age grit and Bronze Age theatrics. Enough for Wally to be on the way to Burning himself out. He really starts to question the effect he can have on people. Which is where Impulse's debut comes in. He's not only filling in Barry's shoes but has to challenge himself on his own impulsive decisions now that he's gotten better at it.

[José Ignacio · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wally is still the best Flash

Waid's run on Flash has to be one of the most defining eras in comic book history, and this book continues that momentum.

After the bombast of Book Two's "Return of Barry Allen" storyline, I thoughts it would be hard for Waid to outdo himself, and while I was partially right, it’s still another excellent building block of Wally's character that I am delighted by.

Waid can keep up a suitably quick pace while also slowing down for some great character moments, the only major dud in this collection is, I'd say, Issue #86, which is the definition of a filler issue, but everything else on here is fun and full of heart, just as it should be.

[Harry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Issues 80-87 contain arcs that are pretty mediocre.Specifically "Back on Track" (80-83) took me a week to read because of it's bad quality. "Maximum Overdrive" (88-90) is a controversial story but I found myself enjoying it a lot, it had some plot holes indeed but not many lawsuits have been filed against speedsters so it was interesting enough.

The rest of the volume contains the introduction of Impulse and an amazing story about what would happen to Flash if he used the mathematical formula of Johnny Quick.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Linda was way too forgiving. If I saw my boyfriend kiss his ex on tv I would be piss (And yes I get why he did it). It was nice to see Frances and Linda laughing and getting along cause I’m so over two girls fighting for a man.

It was nice to see Nightwing and Starfire. I was confused on why Wally referred to them as they were married. If they are I so missed that part.

Finally, Impulse was introduced. I only know him from the tv show young justice. I would say his personality seems similar to the show.

[Justin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don't let the fact I took so long to read this deter you - it was a me problem, not the fault of the book. This collects 15 issues of Mark Waid's run, which is what solidified the Flash as my favorite super-hero. The main artist on these issues is the great Mike Wieringo, who was perfect for the book. The end of this collection introduces a new, important member of the Flash family - Impulse! I got the 4th volume for Christmas and hope to get to it soon...

[Brian Rogers · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is one of the weaker sections of Waid's run, at least to my eyes, as Flash it's one of those "break the hero down in public perception as part of the villain's plan" stories and it just doesn't land for me. I know what they're trying for and... meh. Part of it is I don't much care for Wade's characterization of the arc's main villain, and part of it is that Flash is too bright an character for this darkness to land properly. It is the early 90's however, and that darkness was in the air.

[Alexpaps1 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was a notch down in terms of impact from the previous volume, but the same level of entertainment for sure
Waid just makes Wally such a fun and sympathetic character, and provides a few ups and downs in this one to be fully behind wholeheartedly
I personally wasn’t a fan of Wieringo’s art in this one, but maybe it’ll grow on me
Loved the cameos from Argus, Nightwing and Starfire though, all those issues were great
Very curious to see where Volume 4 goes

[Maximiliano Vardé · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gran volumen del Flash de Waid. Destacan las buenas ideas, lo entretenido de las historias, planteos interesantes y hasta la presentación de un nuevo personaje. Los dibujos de Weiringo levantan mucho el nivel en este apartado, dado que no me gustaba tanto el dibujante de los tomos anteriores. Recomendable.

[Rory Toohey · Rating 2 out of 5]

I get that Waid's Flash was a nice "throw back" alternative to the edge-y superhero books of the time, but devoid of that context it's not quite holding up well. Right now, it's over-written, the coloring is pretty bland, and there's definitely way too much Argus. I'm sticking it out because of the creatives involved.

[Shane]

Such a phenomenal team!

Waid, Ringo, Pacheco, and Marzan Jr! Could comics get any better? This is truly a historic run that changed everything for the character and made him what he is today. It pushed Wally to the forefront so much that when they brought back Barry they brought him back with aspects of Wally's personality and abilities!