Egmont bet on a really interesting position. Before various movies or games based on comic universes, there are often prequels in the form of picture stories. Often, these are also collective volumes of fictional comics, which are an inspiration for a new text of culture. In the US, which is their home publishing market, there is never a shortage of these types of products, but here they are. I remember that I really wanted to read, for example, the introduction to Wonder Woman 84, but unfortunately it was not available in Poland. This time, however, the situation was reversed. And it's 180 degrees.
Inept beginnings
Flash is, next to Ant-Man, one of my favorite heroes. Both characters are responsible for the changes in the temporal lines, except that Barry Allen’s actions are related to running and pure physics and hypothetically could happen in the real world. In the ant-man comics, we are unlikely to see even an attempt at scientific explanation. In the official intro to the film, the scarlet speedster is just learning what it’s like to be a superhero, and under the watchful eye of Bruce Wayne, like Peter Parker with Tony Stark, he tries to discover the gift he received from fate. Each of the three episodes presented in the comic refers to a different ability Flash tries to master, until he finally saves Central City and becomes everyone’s favorite. In addition, there are some very touching moments between Allen Sr. and his son Barry, which, as in the story of the fastest man in the world, last only a moment. A real story rollercoaster.
I think this comic really captures what happened after Justice League really well . In addition, we will find many references to what was shown in the trailer – such as the legendary outfit hidden in the ring. I suspect that the creators of the film will skip its genesis, in favor of the story shown in the comic book.
Transmedia product
However, I have a problem with the visual layer. Each of the three stories was drawn by a different team of artists. However, their drawings look like pictures from cheap catechetical comics or illustrations from textbooks, where, unfortunately, the visuals are not taken care of (although Sergio Cariello’s Bible is a real work of art). The lines are too simple, light, and the outlined action is often graphically incoherent, which introduces chaos to the frames. No balance whatsoever. And Jason Howard has outdone himself, showing very angular faces as if from the early 1990s. Fortunately, Barry Allen remains similar to Ezra Miller in his comic version.
However, the creators should be commended for sticking more to the film world than the comic book world. We slowly introduce new characters like Patty Spivot, and yet the world itself remains little known (only thirteen movies have been released in 10 years so far). In the comic book review, Barry has to face three members of the so-called. new villains. My attention was mainly drawn to the second one – Tarpit, which looks similar to Venom, although it was never originally presented. I hope such a dark incarnation will appear on the big screen. An interesting translation procedure was also carried out with the third villain, who rarely appeared in Polish editions. I encourage you to read to familiarize yourself with this procedure.
Let’s move in time with the Ducks
A proper release that really lets you feel the atmosphere of the DC movie universe, just before the reboot. However, it’s hard to judge this comic without seeing the movie and vice versa . Warner Bros. Discovery and DC Comics have treated fans to an interesting transmedia story that will probably get a really big hit in the film and will prove to be the one that will define the current era of the superhero boom. After all, Marvel is exploring the multiverse, but let’s remember that this idea with actors came to the small screen in a series with a sprinter.
Finally, let me just add that I will definitely reach for the July volume showing the events before the story told in Gotham Knights. Once again, huge words of thanks to Egmont for finally betting on publishing comic books related to other cultural texts. While in the case of Marvel they may not be so important, in the case of DC they allow us to understand some complexities that we later learn on the screen.
