The Flash #792 Review

Writer: Jeremy Adams

Art: Roger Cruz, Matt Banning, Wellington Dias, Luis Guerrero, Rob Leigh, and Taurin Clarke

Publisher: DC Comics

Price: $4.99

Release Date: February 7th, 2023

The Flash Family is in dire straits as the Fraction begin their takeover in The Flash #792 by Jeremy Adams. Looking for a way to push them back, Impulse has an idea…the kind of idea that usually gets people in trouble. It’s up to Kid Flash to keep him company on a daring mission that could help turn the tide against this extraterrestrial threat!

If you’re interested in this comic, series, related trades, or any of the others mentioned, then simply click on the title/link to snag a copy through Amazon as you read the Flash #792 Review.

OH SNARGLEBARGLE

Readers, The Flash #792 opens with what is supposed to be an emotional scene between Barry, the Flash Family, and Iris. However, I just can’t shake the art in this book. It throws me out of these big moments. For example, the dining room scene has characters with larger-than-normal heads and awkward eye positions and placements. Furthermore, the only distinguishing characteristic between Wally and Barry is their hair color. Otherwise, they’re drawn almost identically outside of their custom. Additionally, in larger panel layouts when you’d think Cruz would have more room to elaborate and provide more detail with the space, he actually does the opposite.

On the opening pages, as the Flash Family figures out a plan, Jay Garrick is drawn without hair as well as every other character without eyes. Now, on a more positive note, the colors pop. They’re incredibly bright and vibrant which makes The Flash #792 super inviting and easy on the eyes. Nevertheless, the lack of detail and poorly developed character renderings really keep holding me back from thoroughly enjoying the Adams story. Again, I really do feel awful because I want to love this story but the prime example of what I’m talking about is a simple comparison between this issue and The Flash: One-Minute War Special. Just compare the art from the previews of both involving the same characters and you’ll see exactly what I mean.

THE DISPATCH

Can we just call him Ace for good now? I’ve always hated the Wally-Wallace conundrum. Once Adams signaled that transition, I feel like it’s been a back-and-forth between names. Therefore, I shall decree on behalf of “The Better Names Bureau” Kid Flash shall be called Ace. But anyway, spinning out of the Ace debate, I absolutely loved the story between Ace and Bart. They mesh perfectly together. Impulse is written so well, especially with Ace as his goody-goody “partner” and the humor between these two echoes off the page. Moreover, once the story transitions to kid heroes in customs, the art just felt a bit better. The lack of seriousness and almost weightlessness made the end of The Flash #792 much more enjoyable.

Ace and Bart have this almost kid, buddy cop feel to them which gave this issue the spark it needed to be fun once again. Additionally, I absolutely loved the battery angle and can see so much potential towards future stories in this book. Heck, how about an Ace and Bart ongoing where we explore “the battery” idea out across the multiversal? Think about who they could find and the variants they run into. Furthermore, Adams ends The Flash #792 with a reasonably funny cliffhanger as well. He always manages to provide the perfect amount of lighthearted plot threads to make an issue fun for all ages.

FINAL THOUGHTS

The Flash #792 is the perfect example of the right style of art for the right story. Cruz’s style fits well with the last half of the issue. Adams’ story was lighthearted, funny, humorous, and entertaining. Ultimately, it was more like an upper-level kids’ comic. And Cruz’s style fits that type of story perfectly. Plus, if DC or Jeremy Adams wants to steal my idea and create a comic about Ace and Bart called “Impulse Control” or “Impulse Response” that sends those two saving people around the multiverse, Cruz would be perfect to draw that all ages story.

Nevertheless, a serious, emotional, heartfelt, action-packed, suspenseful moment or story just doesn’t jive with his style. And that’s why it’s been so hit or miss with this story so far. Again, I loved the heck out of The Flash: One-Minute War Special #1 due to the background which is given and the illustrations that complemented the design of the narrative. Now, I’m sure Cruz is already all in on the rest of the One-Minute War. So, at this point, it would be too difficult to change. So, my only hope is that Adams and Cruz have found a way to better blend their more serious aspects of The Flash together to drive this story home. Overall, The Flash #792 felt more like Adams and was by far the best issue of this arc to date drawn by Cruz. If you have any questions on the review or are ever interested in tackling a comic review of your own, feel free to email me directly at dispatchdcu@gmail.com. Let me know what you think, have a great week, and God Bless!