Comics Review: FLASHPOINT #3

Like the best of DC’s Elseworlds tales, Geoff Johns/Andy Kubert's book highlights familiar heroes in strange new ways and, by doing so, provides a unique insight into what makes these characters the iconic heroes they are.

By Dean Threadgold / July 6, 2011

rating: 4

Written by Geoff Johns, Pencils by Andy KubertPublished by DC ComicsIn Comic Stores From Today! When the hype for Flashpoint first began I found myself incredibly apathetic towards the whole event. Im a big fan of Andy Kuberts art, and Geoff Johns is just about the most consistent writer out there, but with the book being advertised as Flash-centric (Im hardly the worlds biggest Flash fan), as well as being set in an alternate time line far removed from the regular DCU, it really felt like this was an event that would have no lasting consequence on the future adventures of my favourite characters. Then came the huge news of DCs relaunch (all of DCs books are relaunching with new #1 issues, with many of their biggest characters receiving a fresh origin, updated for the 21st century, and some being rebooted altogether) and that Flashpoint would lead directly into this monumental event. Being the fan boy that I am, I couldnt resist getting involved and reluctantly picked up the first issue. Three issues in and Im hooked. Regardless of its connection to the upcoming relaunch, this series is more than good enough to stand on its own. Like the best of DCs Elseworlds tales, this book highlights familiar heroes in strange new ways and, by doing so, provides a unique insight into what makes these characters the iconic heroes they are. Throughout the series Geoff Johns has flipped many established concepts on their head and, by doing so, allows us to examine them in a way weve never even considered before. Sure, Bruce Wayne doesnt even feature, but by having someone else don the cape and cowl Johns is able to expose basic, fundamental truths inherent to the Batman mythology. In this latest issue we finally learn whats happened to the Superman of the Flashpoint universe and, while I wont spoil it, lets just say its more than worth the wait. Kuberts pencils continue to impress, with every scene impeccably staged. Unlike some of his previous work, he knocks it out the park on both the big blockbuster moments as well as the quieter, more character-driven scenes. While some will argue his work is too generic, or even too heavily inspired by Jim Lee, there is never a moment when the reader is confused due to excellent line work and stunning detail. Each panel is exactly what you need to see in order to tell the story or convey the emotion. Once again, the last page leaves us on a huge cliff-hanger and, unlike certain other event books (cough, Fear Itself, cough!) I genuinely have no idea where this series is going, though Im more than willing to be along for the ride.