Flashpoint by Geoff Johns, Andy Kubert and Sandra Hope (graphic novel review).
I had noted ‘Flashpoint’ as something I ought to have a read of, and only when collecting its cover discovered that other associated graphic novels were exploring the lives of other significant characters in this time-line. Doesn’t make any difference as this is the core 5-part mini-series. Even 9 years after its original release, I’m sure so much of this book is a spoiler. In fact, most of it should be regarded as spoiler so I’m going to tread carefully here. No running.
Barry Allen thinks everything is normal until there is a crisis where he thinks he can go to the rescue as the Flash only to discover that he is just a normal person. Yet he has the memories of our normal reality and it doesn’t tally with what he is encountering. Some things are common. There is still a Batman in Gotham City and as he knows where the Batcave is, decides this is the place to meet up with his Justice League colleague, except he isn’t who he thinks he is. However, after some persuading, Barry Allen decides to recreate artificially the means that gave him his super-speed which doesn’t quite go to plan and takes two attempts to succeed. As the Flash, Barry Allen thinks this alternative reality was created by his arch-enemy Professor Zoom and needs to work out the nexus element that needs to be changed to put everything back to normal.
In the meantime, there is one almighty civil war going on. Aquaman and his Atlanteans are fighting Wonder Woman and the Amazons to the death and killing anyone else that gets in their way. Cyborg is leading a collection of other meta-humans in a bid to stop them which the Flash and Batman also get involved in. For everything else, you’ll have to buy this graphic novel for yourself.
This really is a vicious graphic novel, sparing no quarter, especially as to who is expendable and who is doing what to who. Reality has reality deviated here. I did wonder about some notable absentees. No Thangarians could be explained by Hawkman and Hawkgirl never coming to Earth. However, you would wonder why there is no Zantana, Doctor Fate, Phantom Stranger, or Spectre and none of these are pushovers.
Even so, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat and you really need to devote at least 90 minutes of your time and read it in at least one sitting to keep the tension up and how everything fits together.
As this is all prior to the ‘New 52’, nothing is likely to be permanent although undoubtedly, there will be a DC Universe reality where all the events will still apply and should not be on your cosmic treadmill as a place to go for a happy holiday.
GF Willmetts
July 2020
(pub: DC Comics, 2011. 176 page graphic novel softcover. Price: I pulled my copy for £ 7.50 (UK). ISBN: 978-1-40123-338-9)
check out website: www.dccomics.com
