Of all the heroes to embark on a new direction in DC's bold Infinite Frontier era, one of the most cosmically uncertain of them all was the legacy of The Flash. As Barry Allen prepared to take on a superhero responsibility that spanned the entire reborn Multiverse, the longtime Scarlet Speedster decided to pass on the mantle of the main DC Universe's Flash back to his friend and protege Wally West. And with Jeremy Adams at the helm of the ongoing series as it races into Infinite Frontier, joined by a rotating cast of superstar artists, the new creative team hits the ground running in an oversized debut issue.
Still haunted by the events of Heroes in Crisis, especially in the wake of Green Arrow becoming the latest leader of the Justice League, Wally decides to call it quits on his superhero career even as Barry needs him running as The Flash more than ever. And as the two speedsters face ghosts from the past and Wally's inner demons, The Flash is about to stumble into a mind-bending adventure that spans time and space as Wally's move for an early retirement quickly impacts the entire Flash Family.
Adams who wrote several backup features spotlighting the more far-futuristic and cosmic side of the DCU during Future State, in addition to a prolific career writing many of DC's acclaimed animated films, takes the reins on The Flash and immediately gets down to business. Adams had previously expressed enjoyment in the ability for The Flash to travel through time and space and that appreciation certainly stands at the forefront of his run as it begins. Adams also has a penchant for crafting ensemble pieces and while Wally stands as the story's clear protagonist, Adams weaves in the larger tapestry of the DCU, with more than a handful of superheroes appearing to play prominent roles and Adams balances his extensive cast of characters well.
With this issue split into three clearly demarcated sections, each has its own art team at the helm. Brandon Peterson, working with colorist Mike Atiyeh, handles the bulk of the issue and really soars when given the license to cut loose in some of the more kinetically charged sequences in the story. Some of Peterson's work can come off as a bit stiff or awkward but when these actors are in motion, it all clicks into place. Marco Santucci, working with colorist Arif Prianto, delves into the stranger side of Wally's adventure and its some of the most thrilling and ambitious artwork in the issue. And David Lafuente works with colorist Luis Guerrero to establish the true stakes of the story, with some of the most bombastic, vibrant artwork in the issue, teasing where the story is going next.
The Flash #768 is an issue that invites readers into Adams and the artists' story before putting the pedal to the metal. Some of the transitions are a bit disorienting and jarring but, given what's happening to Wally over the course of the issue, this likely intentional. After years of questionable directions for Wally to explore, it's good to see him back in the saddle as The Flash, even as he intends to leave his superhero lifestyle behind him for good. And with Adams and the title's rotating art teams at the helm, the cosmic possibilities of the character are on full display.
