Flash is hugging his dead mother on the cover, which means one of two things: Either we’re getting an answer on who really killed her, or we’re recounting the loss and giving Flash all the more reason to kill Professor Zoom. But Flash can’t do that—he’s a hero! Is it good?
The Flash #47 (DC Comics)
Last month Flash took out Professor Zoom’s henchmen and actually convinced them to turn on him since he had no desire to keep them safe and alive anyway. Problem is, Zoom captured Flash’s dad and he’s ready to kill him next!
Why does this book matter?
Professor Zoom is one of those rare Flash villains who can slow down and even negate Flash’s power. He’s also got a compelling backstory, which we learn about in this very issue!
This dude is straight up evil!
Fine, you have my attention. What’s good about it?
Writers Robert Venditti and Van Jensen do a great job fleshing out Professor Zoom in this issue. We finally get to see why he wants Flash dead and buried, but we also get a look at the future which gives the character reason behind his actions and to exist at all. His goal is actually a valiant one, even though he’s a complete madman. We also see how he fits into the death of Flash’s mother—so basically put, there are a lot of answers in this issue.
Flash gets a rather heroic moment as he discovers a weakness Professor Zoom has. This allows Flash to finally get the upper hand and he does so in a very cool way. Artist Norm Rapmund along with colorist Pat Brosseau pump up Flash for his moment of clarity and it’s like a power up in a video game. He looks cool, but it also pumps up the climactic moments of the issue too.
Once again Rapmund makes each page fun and kinetically charged with angular panels and a black electric webbing. This webbing is a thematic choice to show Zoom’s power in times past and now. It’s a fun way to make him almost take over the page.
It can’t be perfect can it?
Zoom’s backstory is sad, but his madness isn’t explained very well. Instead of making him “the hero until he becomes the villain” he’s sort of always crazy. This limits the reader’s ability to relate to or root for him, even though his intentions are sound.
Gotta love that black stuff.
Is It Good?
This is a great climactic issue that explores Professor Zoom’s backstory as well as his part in Flash’s own past, and it’s all delivered in a fun, action packed way.
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