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revisins's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars really. Executed well. Again, I just feel like the editorial is holding Williamson back from having proper storytelling. Double shipping doesn't help either.
geekwayne's review against another edition
4.0
'The Flash Vol. 5: Negative' by Joshua Williamson finds The Flash in some pretty tenuous territory after his encounter with Eobard Thawne both physically and emotionally.
The Flash has been affected by the negative speed force, and it causes destruction and harm whenever he uses his powers, so he has decided to stop being The Flash until he can figure things out. Things at work aren't any better for Barry Allen. Someone is stealing evidence from past cases. This along with Barry's perpetual tardiness is going to have consequences beyond this volume. Along with all the darkness, we get a light Christmas fill-in that feels kind of out of place here.
I like the writing and surprises along the way. I loved the subplot with Wally, and really like what is done with his character. The art isn't my favorite, but it's an interesting choice.
I received a review copy of this graphic novel from DC Entertainment and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
The Flash has been affected by the negative speed force, and it causes destruction and harm whenever he uses his powers, so he has decided to stop being The Flash until he can figure things out. Things at work aren't any better for Barry Allen. Someone is stealing evidence from past cases. This along with Barry's perpetual tardiness is going to have consequences beyond this volume. Along with all the darkness, we get a light Christmas fill-in that feels kind of out of place here.
I like the writing and surprises along the way. I loved the subplot with Wally, and really like what is done with his character. The art isn't my favorite, but it's an interesting choice.
I received a review copy of this graphic novel from DC Entertainment and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
georgezakka's review against another edition
4.0
I actually liked this book more than most people did, I enjoyed the negative story and especially the bloodwork story, I thought he was pretty cool but hey that's my opinion but I do wish this book was drawn by Carmine Di Giandomenico because, in my opinion, he is the best flash artist (rebirth).
overall cool book.
overall cool book.
rashthedoctor's review
3.0
Well this was fun (sort of ) . If I had to describe the story arc , I'd call it, the DC comics version of The Venom debut story arc. The difference being while Peter Parker enjoyed the Venom powers initially , Barry knows from the start that his powers are problematic and uncontrollable (for now) . Also the power , so far , hasn't shown signs of being a sentient being .
My problem with this was that I genuinely don't like the Negative speed force , and the finale felt a bit rushed (the one between Barry and Wally) , but overall I really did enjoy it , even enjoyed the bit where Barry lashed out at every one .
Also the art was weird for me . The coloring were just superb , but the sketches weren't . They looked off on many expressions , but again the colors were awesome
My problem with this was that I genuinely don't like the Negative speed force , and the finale felt a bit rushed (the one between Barry and Wally) , but overall I really did enjoy it , even enjoyed the bit where Barry lashed out at every one .
Also the art was weird for me . The coloring were just superb , but the sketches weren't . They looked off on many expressions , but again the colors were awesome
themtj's review against another edition
4.0
If his premise has been done before, it is news to me. I think the hardest part about writing The Flash has to be that his power can get pretty boring. There are only so many ways to challenge speed and only so many challenges that speed can conquer. Williamson does well to tie in all of Barry's attributes as a character and challenges the man underneath the costume.
sodope's review against another edition
4.0
Negative: After previous events, Flash is trying to fight against the negative speed force, which is affecting in his life.
Blood work: Flash continues with his problems with the negative force as a new villain called Blood Work will try to destroy him.
Welcome to Iron Heights: Wally West is going to train Flash so he can control his new abilities, also we can see that Barry has been translated to Iron Heights.
Blood work: Flash continues with his problems with the negative force as a new villain called Blood Work will try to destroy him.
Welcome to Iron Heights: Wally West is going to train Flash so he can control his new abilities, also we can see that Barry has been translated to Iron Heights.
jhstack's review against another edition
3.0
I don't remember too much about this trade, but I was mixed on the new villain Bloodwork, as well as the artwork related to him (among others). (e-galley from NetGalley)
quirkycatsfatstacks's review against another edition
4.0
3 1/2 Stars
The Flash Vol. 5 is back with a new artist, but they managed to keep the same author. Volume five is more like a collection of three separate plots than one cohesive one, but considering how fast paced the Flash usually is, I’m not really complaining about this. If you haven’t been following the story up until now then you’d probably be pretty confused if you tried to jump in right at this point (which is perhaps fairly obvious).
There are three main plots that take up most of the time in this volume. The first plot continues the one started in volume four; with Barry reacting to the events that occurred and learning to deal with the changes made to him. The second plot introduces and deals with a new antagonist (and no, I’m not going to ruin his introduction for you). And the third plot appears to be setting up Barry for future events (and problems).
Being that the Flash is the fastest man alive (well, one of three now, I guess), it makes sense than when things change for him, they change quickly. In volume four, the powers that Barry uses on a daily (hourly really) basis changes dramatically. Here we see the poor guy still trying to figure out his new powers. Going from using the Speed Force to using the Negative Speed Force would be tricky, so I personally don’t blame him one bit for having some technical difficulties.
It probably doesn’t help that Barry’s life (the mild mannered alter ego one that is) is somewhat in shambles at the moment. He’s lost contact with the other two Flashs (one through anger, the other one likely is just too busy with his own mess), not to mention the whole mess with Iris. Plus his habit of being constantly late to everything (an irony I don’t think I’ll ever get over) isn’t exactly helping his career, work relationships, or friendships. So yeah, juggling both messes at once doesn’t sound like my idea of fun, but then again I’m not a superhero, so what do I know?
I think I probably liked the second plot the best out of this volume. Not so much for the antagonist, but for the workplace politics and investigation that occurs. I’ve always felt that Barry needs to work on grounding himself better, and this plot really does a great job of proving why that’s the case.
The antagonist introduced in this plot isn’t bad – he’s not the best designed villain I’ve seen, but he did force Barry to deal with him in a unique manner, which I appreciate. I do feel like his appearance was a bit too sudden – I think I would have liked a bit more buildup, considering the circumstances of his creation – but that’s more a personal preference than anything.
The last plot is a little more ambiguous. I could have lumped it in with the second plot, but it felt just a little too distinct for that. Basically is continues off of what was started in that plot (the workplace issues, not the villain), but it also is setting up for more. I suspect this will be a major part of the next volume, though obviously I can’t say that for sure.
I’ll admit that I didn’t love the artwork for this volume. Sometimes Barry looked fantastic – but more often than not he and the world around him just ended up looking slightly off. Granted, I’m not the biggest fan of artist changes to begin with, so you may not be able to trust my opinion here.
I’m actually pretty anxious to see what happens next in Flash. Based on the issues I’ve been seeing released I think there’s going to be a Dark Metal tie in happening in the next volume, but I don’t know how heavily it’ll impact Flash or his plot. I can’t wait to see how it goes.
For more reviews, check out Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks
The Flash Vol. 5 is back with a new artist, but they managed to keep the same author. Volume five is more like a collection of three separate plots than one cohesive one, but considering how fast paced the Flash usually is, I’m not really complaining about this. If you haven’t been following the story up until now then you’d probably be pretty confused if you tried to jump in right at this point (which is perhaps fairly obvious).
There are three main plots that take up most of the time in this volume. The first plot continues the one started in volume four; with Barry reacting to the events that occurred and learning to deal with the changes made to him. The second plot introduces and deals with a new antagonist (and no, I’m not going to ruin his introduction for you). And the third plot appears to be setting up Barry for future events (and problems).
Being that the Flash is the fastest man alive (well, one of three now, I guess), it makes sense than when things change for him, they change quickly. In volume four, the powers that Barry uses on a daily (hourly really) basis changes dramatically. Here we see the poor guy still trying to figure out his new powers. Going from using the Speed Force to using the Negative Speed Force would be tricky, so I personally don’t blame him one bit for having some technical difficulties.
It probably doesn’t help that Barry’s life (the mild mannered alter ego one that is) is somewhat in shambles at the moment. He’s lost contact with the other two Flashs (one through anger, the other one likely is just too busy with his own mess), not to mention the whole mess with Iris. Plus his habit of being constantly late to everything (an irony I don’t think I’ll ever get over) isn’t exactly helping his career, work relationships, or friendships. So yeah, juggling both messes at once doesn’t sound like my idea of fun, but then again I’m not a superhero, so what do I know?
I think I probably liked the second plot the best out of this volume. Not so much for the antagonist, but for the workplace politics and investigation that occurs. I’ve always felt that Barry needs to work on grounding himself better, and this plot really does a great job of proving why that’s the case.
The antagonist introduced in this plot isn’t bad – he’s not the best designed villain I’ve seen, but he did force Barry to deal with him in a unique manner, which I appreciate. I do feel like his appearance was a bit too sudden – I think I would have liked a bit more buildup, considering the circumstances of his creation – but that’s more a personal preference than anything.
The last plot is a little more ambiguous. I could have lumped it in with the second plot, but it felt just a little too distinct for that. Basically is continues off of what was started in that plot (the workplace issues, not the villain), but it also is setting up for more. I suspect this will be a major part of the next volume, though obviously I can’t say that for sure.
I’ll admit that I didn’t love the artwork for this volume. Sometimes Barry looked fantastic – but more often than not he and the world around him just ended up looking slightly off. Granted, I’m not the biggest fan of artist changes to begin with, so you may not be able to trust my opinion here.
I’m actually pretty anxious to see what happens next in Flash. Based on the issues I’ve been seeing released I think there’s going to be a Dark Metal tie in happening in the next volume, but I don’t know how heavily it’ll impact Flash or his plot. I can’t wait to see how it goes.
For more reviews, check out Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks
charitytinnin's review against another edition
3.0
Iris isn’t speaking to him. He can’t control his powers and is destroying a fair among of property. He’s really bad at his CSI job. He doesn’t seem concerned enough about the mood swings. And he doesn’t know who either of the dueling crime bosses are. Wow, Williamson, could you make Barry any more incompetent and unlikeable?
Not much heroic here.
Not much heroic here.