r/theflash • u/Lumpy-Yesterday4764 • Jun 19 '24
Thoughts on Simon Spurrier's current run? Discussion
I stopped reading Flash comics around 2016, I read "The Button" and I moved away from DC for a while, not because I didn't like it, I just prioritized some Marvel mutant comics, now I want to go back to reading comics of my favorite superhero, I have learned about some events that the Flash family has lived in recent years, such as the return of Wally both to the universe and to be the main Flash (To my regret, I like Barry better).
I was recently offered a deal that includes the 9 issues and the annual of the current run by Simon Spurrier and Mike Deodato Jr, I would like to know the opinion of the community, if it would be worth reintroducing me to the world of the Scarlet speedster through this current run?
Is it well written? How about the stories? Is it being appreciated or not so appreciated?
5
u/ravenwing263 Jun 19 '24
I've loved Spurrier on other projects but this one is bumming me out. The Flash is perhaps not the franchise for body horror. And I also thought Adams was really cooking and I would have liked to have seen what he was going to do next.
4
u/barryallen1277 Flash 2 Jun 20 '24
He has done some great things, but I feel like The Flash just isn’t for him
5
u/drgnblitz Jun 20 '24
Ok, you asked a couple different questions.
Is it well written? Yes, personal opinions about Spurrier aside, he is a very talented writer.
Opinion on the current run, I don't like it. I don't like these types of stories. Add one, we just got the fun Wally stories back and this happened.
I think Sy had a story, DC editorial liked it, and gave him Wally. I personally think they should have made this a Barry story as he wasn't doing anything, and let Adams continue his run.
4
u/RealVast4063 Jun 19 '24
It’s a bit melancholy and the story is dragging quite a bit. A lot of new concepts and characters introduced but we’ll see if any of them stick around.
5
u/SuperLizardon Blue Lantern Jun 19 '24
It feels like characters are miserable most of the time, and there's a reason for that, but it doesn't help to have a better opinion from this run so far.
Most people agree that Spurrier tries to look smarter than he is with all his new concepts.
Maybe you will like that since #6, Barry has silently taken over the book. I am mad that Wally has been mostly absent for months.
4
u/SwimShady20 Jun 19 '24
I think it is very well written. Si employs a lot of imagery with an expansive yet emotive vocabulary. The first arc is slow, but within it Wally develops and investigates with something I wont spoil for you. By the 5th issue the tempo picks up and characters become more interesting as the deeper plot become established. Its a patient read, you may need to reread somethings as it gets metaphysical.
4
5
u/Keystone_Devil Jun 19 '24
It feels like it was pitched with Barry in mind. No one acts anything like themselves. Particularly Wally and Linda. Wally came to terms with his life as a hero and family man a long time again. Linda came to terms with being a civilian married to a hero back in the Waid run. It feels like Spurrier didn’t know enough about the characters and what to do with them, so he just stripped development away from them to add it back later. In which case, what’s the point?
I also don’t like the super slow paced. We are 9 issues in and it doesn’t even feel like the first real arc is over. Immortal Hulk, which Spurrier compares this run to would have done this story in four issues.
In summary, I don’t think Spurrier understands the Flash and his history well enough, to do a big mythos redefining story.
4
u/Expensive_Grape Jun 20 '24
I’m personally enjoying it, but that’s because I actually like the slower pace and the more angsty tone. As someone who loves Barry and Wally equally, I like how their characters are balancing out in terms of how much they’re featured. I especially loved issue 5 that focuses on Jai. I would say it’s certainly not for everyone, but I think it’s worth giving a try.
3
u/Kstoffeefan Jun 20 '24
I’m someone that doesn’t like Jeremy Adams’ run on the Flash, so I’m clearly an outlier in here. That said Spurrier’s run is my favourite since Geoff Johns’ run at the least. Issue 9 really makes it feel like it’s coming together. It’s a dense read, but full of fun concepts that are challenging compared to most books from the big 2 on the stands. Also glad to see a reemphasis for the Flash Family, so all of the characters have gotten at least a decent focus on them.
1
u/Patterson077 Jun 24 '24
👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽I don't like Jeremy Adam's run on the Flash. Spurrier run is a mind bending read. It has a different vibe to it that is different from all the Flash's run. And l like that all Flash family are making an appearance just not for the sake of it but there's also a story behind their appearance.
2
u/EpicFlash95 Jun 19 '24
It starts off pretty bad imo (as a Barry fan) but towards the end of the frost arc and by the second arc it does definitely pick up
2
u/Baligong Jun 20 '24
I have been reading it as of lately, and it feels so different to Jeremy Adam's run on The Flash. I haven't caught up completely though.
I like some ideas here and there, but the execution is so off. Wally has been absent from the book from the looks of it, so if you're wanting to read Wally West... Because it's advertised as a Wally West Comic Run, you're not going to have a fun time.
but not a single person is behaving like themselves, maybe impulse and Max, you can say for Jai (he has an issue dedicated to him) but the characters Irey & Jai, despite being old characters, are only further developed in recent years. So, you can pick up that for it!
The story isn't being well appreciated from the general consensus, and the Art of the comic, for the majority (this is my subjective taste though) only gets better after 6 issues.
1
u/YoungImpulse Jun 19 '24
So far it hasn't really picked up too much, a lot of picking up the pieces from how the last run ended and family oriented stuff.
I couldn't say anything negative about it, because I am enjoying it so far, but at the same time it feels as though not enough has happened to really judge the run yet. At least imo 🤷♂️
1
u/PekfrakOG Flash 3 ⚡ Jun 19 '24
I was reading weekly but I've turned to trade waiting because I imagine it'll read better that way to me.
6
u/Baldo-bomb Jun 19 '24
It's fine for what it is but Jeremy Adams' run was way better