Flash Volume 4 Paperback – 21 November 2017

Thawne is one of my favourite villains and I really liked the story of his past and the reasons in this incarnation for his decisions as well as Barry's reactions.

I couldn't wait to get to this, mostly because I was pumped for Howard Porter's art.Story: Following with the aftermath of The Button, Barry isn't convinced that Thawne was killed, just slowed down, and that he'd eventually come back. The opening issue is an awesome team up when Multiplex interrupts Barry's surprise birthday party, and Flash and Hal Jordan get together to battle the many copies of Danton Black! I don't often get to witness this in comics, so it's so cool to be able to see Barry and Hal fighting side by side! While this is going on, Thawne comes back, in full costume, and taunts Iris and young Wally. Wally tries to battle Eobard, but is clearly outmatched. Even though this story centers heavily on Barry, Eorbard, and Iris, I was glad that Williamson gave some time (and a cool action scene) to Kid Flash! I'm becoming more and more of a fan of Wally West II. He may not be the ORIGINAL Wally West, but he's just as REAL to me. This story also quickly sets up the main theme, that everyone important in Barry's life views him as a liar, Wally for Barry not telling him about his secret identity sooner and not telling Aunt Iris, and Iris once she finds out the truth! Thawne captures Iris and takes her to the 21st century, where Thawne gives Iris a tour of the Flash Museum. Barry quickly pursues, but is outmatched by the faster Thawne, who's determined to destroy Barry, not by killing him, but by making all those in his life see Barry as Eobard sees him: a liar. We then get a flashback to the first time that Barry and Eobard met, and the course of events that made them enemies. I have to admit, I've never seen that before, nor do I think it was ever explained in post Crisis continuity. But, it was good. Thawne's journey into a villain was all about love lost, obsession, greed, and selfishness. Basically, a checklist of necessary villain attributes. After the education, Thawne hurts Barry even more by revealing the truth he's kept to Iris. From here, we go to probably my favorite part of the book. Thawne takes Barry and Iris to a possible future when their kids are grown up. Central City is being destroyed by two giant tornadoes, and everyone's evacuated but Iris and Barry. Barry goes off to confront the threat, revealing that their kids are the culprits. They went rogue when they finally snapped due to Barry always being the absentee father. With this revelation, Barry in a moment of weakness, agrees to allow Zoom to take him to a place where he won't hurt anyone. Thawne tricks Barry into letting him throw him into the Negative Speed Force. Here, Barry has to confront the idea that he maybe loved being the Flash more than he loved the people in his life. How often did he run off to save the world as the Flash? How many times did he have to say, "Sorry I'm late."? Iris manages to grab a hold of one of Black Hole's lightning guns, and threatens to shoot Thawne, but Barry emerges as Negative Flash and him and Thawne fight. There's an explosive end, and Barry is left to wonder if he's lost the woman he loves as well as his protege. It's a pretty straightforward story with LOTS of time travel, as is typical in Flash comics. With this story presenting the idea that Barry's personal life is in turmoil because of his superhero life, I can't help but feel that Williamson is sort of channeling Spider-Man into Flash comics. Well...why not? I mean, both heroes have the most colorful villains of their respective universes. Both dress in red, and are the "fun" characters that everyone loves. I really enjoyed this story. It takes some sweet turns that I didn't see coming, and it does exactly what superhero fiction should do with the heroes, that is, remind us of their weaknesses, and show their triumphs, as well as the struggles that come with always trying to do the right thing. That cover of the book is so appropriate, because this book is all about Thawne getting into the mind and under the skin of his enemy, so much so, that Barry would practically rip himself in half to get away from it all!Art: Carmine de Giandomenico's pencils have improved since volume 1, and even though I like his splash pages and double page spreads, I don't think I'll ever be a fan of his style. It's just too "sketchy" for my tastes. Him being on this book would be the only reason I wouldn't say this is a perfect comics trade. He's not horrible by any means. Believe me, I've seen worse!! But, I don't say to myself, "Hey, you know what? I'd really like it if Carmine de Giandomenico is the artist on that upcoming book!". Howard Porter is an industry legend, and his art here is phenomenal! Definitely the best artist present. I love his style. I think The Button and this book may be the only books I have with him as an artist. I haven't read a lot of the older stuff that he drew many years ago. I want to see so much more of him drawing Flash comics. He draws Flash comics the way they ought to look! Paul Pelletier is also a featured artist on this book. He only does the first half of the last issue. I don't know what happened to him after he finished his art run on Aquaman in the middle of the New 52, but he's gotten noticeably worse as an artist. I think I might call this the "David Finch Effect". I know Pelletier is a better artist than is shown here. I just wish I could have gotten that Aquaman level caliber of art here. The variants in the back of the book by Porter are AMAZING!Overall: Zoom just won't stay dead, will he? But, then again, we can't really kill him off permanently. He's so great at reminding us of Flash's weaknesses, particularly the psychological ones. That's why he's such a great villain. He CAN fight Flash fist to fist, but Thawne really excels at exploiting Barry's mental flaws. Who knew that a guy who simply wears a color reversed Flash costume would become such a great villain?! I loved so much about this book! Flash and Green Lantern teaming up to fight Multiplex. Talk about B-E-A-UTIFUL to look at! Red with yellow lightning, green shining forth, and blue and black opposing them. Near future Flash fighting his kids, the "Tornado Twins". lol Plus, NEGATIVE FLASH as drawn by Porter is one of the most interesting looks any speedster has ever had in comics! Love the color scheme! Get this book already!

I couldn't put it down, so effectively it's a better retelling of reverse flashes origin story and made me fall in love with the reverse flash all over againThe flash is undoubtedly got the best run from rebirth series, It had a slow start but once it got into it IT got into itWon't give much away but what reverse flash does is destroy Barry's mind physiologically harsh truths come out and it was insane... reverse flash is by far the best villain

can't wait

This book was AWESOME 👏! It came in a perfect condition and they shipped it fast. The book explained many awesome parts of reverse flash. I have no regrets what’s so ever!!