Flash #71 (Review): The Once and Future Flash
FLASH #71
Writer: Joshua Williamson
Art: Howard Porter
Colors: Hi-Fi
Publisher: DC Comics
9/10
This issue continues right where we left off, with Barry meeting his future self after accidently raveling to the future. Only two issues in to "Year One" and already this has become one of Williamson's best arcs. This is such a fun story and a welcome break from current DC events. This is so much more than your run of the mill retelling of an origin story, it expands on it by littering the story with great character moments and easter eggs galore. Not to mention the electric art of the awesome Howard Porter.
When we last left Barry he was confused as to where he was and why this old dude is saying that he's him from the future. The reaction was hilarious and seeing this older version of Barry was an unexpected
treat. In the future The Turtle has used the Still Force and to take over Central City. With Old Man Barry being the last line of defense. Old Barry knew that his younger self was going to be there and knew he had to help him return home so that the time stream wouldn't collapse or create a paradox. It was awesome seeing old Barry mentor his younger self who still hasn't fully developed his powers or confidence yet. Past Barry looks at his older self in disbelief, he can't imagine himself being a superhero. It's moments like this that make Barry more relatable and likeable.
The design of the Turtle in the future is badass. I haven't always been a fan of this villain, but I love how he's being utilized as this perfect opposite to Flash. After they escape from some of the Turtle's goons, and Older Barry gives his younger self some advice for his personal life, they rebuild the Time Treadmill to get younger Barry back home. When he arrives he follows up on some of that advice by saying yes to a date with Iris. As he goes to meet her, the Turtle is attacking Central City. Barry sees this as his chance to prevent that terrible future and rushes to defeat him.
This was such a stellar issue by Williamson and Porter. While Williamson's script is off the charts with awesomeness, Porter continues to show why his contribution to this arc is invaluable. his depiction of these fight scenes and speed powers, is out of this world. You can feel the electricity jump off the page as you're reading it. Not to mention the insane colors of Hi-Fi. The book is gorgeous.
This continues to be one of the best Flash runs in years. I can't wait to see what the rest of this arc entails as we head into "The Death of the Speed Force" when this concludes. Here's hoping Williamson stays on this book for years to come.