The Flash: Speed of Darkness Review

Finished reading The Flash: Speed of Darkness, continuing the DC Rebirth series as writer Joshua Williamson brings the character development of Barry, Iris and Wally to the forefront of the book. The book opens with Flash and Kid Flash heading to help propel at the Keystone Bridge as a fire as broken out coursing serious damage. As Barry is fixing the bridge the original appears as he meets Kid Flash for the first time which creates a strange feedback within the Speedforce affecting Barry. The second story in the book begins with Barry and Iris jogging in Central City's park when the villain Papercut attempts to rob some of the locals only for Kid Flash to try and stop him. However when Wally is distracted by the people around Flash intervenes when Papercut uses his powers to control a nearby tree. This leads to Barry stopping Wally's tainting for the time being due to not paying attention and also getting grounded from his aunt as he's skipping school. However when Wally finds out that there's a strange shadowy figure riming Central City and trying to get back on the good side of the Flash and Iris, Wally goes out to find the figure only to need rescuing by The Flash and Iris when he gets trapped inside a different dimension. The last story of the book sees Barry and Iris going on a date, meanwhile Wally is try to stop his aunt from seeing any criminal activity that will not only distract Iris but cause Barry to suit up as the Flash. Overall this was a great book the action a little bit of a backseat which allows writer Joshua Williamson to give more focus on character development and the relationships between Barry, Iris and both Wally's. There's also some great character development for the antagonists of the book as both Shade and Tar Pit are depicted as being incredibly sympathetic, especially Shade who had more of a supporting role with the antagonist being his own powers that has corrupted the live of his life Hope O'Dare. The art throughout the book is great as all of the artists do a great job in showing emotions of each character in the more character driven moments while also doing a great job on delivering the action set pieces and even adding in some nice visual comedy and detail in some scenes. 8.5/10.