The Flash: Rebirth #1

Written by: Geoff Johns

Art by: Ethan Van Sciver

If there was one thing you learned or understood from Final Crisis, it’s the fact that Barry Allen was brought back into the DCU. Knowing that fact, it takes away some of the mystery of this new series: The Flash: Rebirth. And that is the main problem with this book: there is just about no mystery or shock in seeing Barry back in the red suit. Obviously, Geoff Johns will have some trouble in making this book seem relevant, and on some note, he does.

Most of the book is spent on Barry’s friends’ and enemies’ reactions. A good amount of the book is spent on these. It all made sense to show reactions of everyone, but after about the third group of people expressing shock and disbelief, it became redundant. I get it, he’s back, but having it spoon fed to me over the course of 32 pages is too much. Much like the last great Geoff Johns and Ethan Van Sciver team-up, Green Lantern: Sinestro Corps War, Johns placed a lot of continuity into his story, but NOT like the afformentioned big event, he has not given a concise, yet absurdly detailed recounting of those needed bits of continuity. First time readers of the Flash will more than likely be bewildered by the idea of the “Speed Force” and some of the other little Barry Allen history.

Remember in Live Free or Die Hard, John McClane was an old school cop with technophobia? Well, Rebirth #1 utilizes that same concept. We already know that Barry has been gone a long time, but that fact is just constantly told to us. He doesn’t understand current day technology. Cell phones, internet, and texting and the likes of other “high speed” tech is over the head of a “high speed” superhero. The world is moving faster than the fastest man alive.

The book focused on the lives of everyone around Barry. With just a little hint of what’s to come hitting near the last few pages of the book, it almost comes in as an afterthought. It is interesting, but you have to wait around so long to see what the book is more than likely going to be about.

Van Sciver is a fantastic artist. Sinestro Corps War #1 was a beautiful piece of work. Large splash pages and interesting page layouts seemed to spring from the pages. The cover to the Flash: Rebirth #1 is classic Van Sciver, but the inside leaves something to be desired. It is still fantastic, I was just expecting something more. It’s kinda hard to complain about Van Sciver because his work is always great, it just was lacking some of that “spring” to it.

I still recommend this book, but if you aren’t a Flash fan, I would have to direct you to the nearest comic shop and tell you to pick up some Barry Allen trades before picking up Flash: Rebirth. The book is in capable hands, it is just a lot of continuity. I will say that it doesn’t hold a candle to Final Crisis’ head asploding concepts, but it might help to familiarize yourself with Central City’s crimson speedster. (more…)

Astute reader, Brian, sent us a link to one of our favorite things: free shmups! This one is a Flash game entitled Frantic, which sits squarely in the “bullet hell” category. It’s elegant in design and plays very well but also manages to throw a few new things into the mix that give it some high replay value. First off, the graphics are a cell shaded, simply designed affair that works well in this Flash game. I always think a more simple and stylish approach to Flash games work better than anything else and this proves true in Frantic’s case. Enemy designs are clean and easy to read and it must be pointed out that the boss designs are particularly good.

Shooting is automatic, so your only job is to dodge the bullet patterns that come your way. It starts out simple, but by level 4 you’ll be feeling it a bit, so get those tap-dodging skills ready for some use. As you kill enemies, your “adrenaline” meter fills up which gives you a special attack. In addition, you gain score multipliers and collect yellow orbs which function as currency and can be spent after every level. The money can be spent on cards, which can add all kinds of upgrades to your ship. These upgrades include such things as stronger shields, stronger weapons or drone/helper planes of various types. You can add up to five cards at a time and when you want to add something new, you can sell off old cards in order to buy new ones. This card mechanic really works well and gives it that addicting RPG-esque quality.

The game starts off pretty easy but ramps up in difficulty as you move forward. Nothing that a player of DoDonPachi or the like can’t handle but a fun challenge for those looking for some simple fun.

Overall, I highly recommend Frantic for any shooter fan in the mood for a free and quality experience. You can find Frantic here. Over at it’s home sight, Polymer Rabbit.com, you can also find a list of other awesome Flash based shmups to help your steady decline of productivity continue well into 2009.

Thanks to Brian for the link and we hope you all enjoy!