| |
|
 |
|
The
Flash
Dead or Alive
194 /MARCH/2003
Publisher: DC Comics
Writer: Geoff Johns
Pencils: Scott Kolins
Inks: Doug Hazlewood
Colors: James Sinclair
Letters: Bill Oakley
Price: $2.25 US/R9.95 SA
|
We return to the Flash with easily the best issue in the ‘Grodd’
arc by far. A bit of history, a slice of action and one great comic
as the ‘Gorilla Grodd’ arc comes to
a brilliant conclusion.
The first two issues in this storyline had not really impressed
me as much as I thought they should have. This third issue has been
more than satisfying and has great artwork along with an in-depth
and engaging story to make for a great read.
After being caught in Iron Heights prison and witnessing the escape
of Gorilla Grodd along with many other criminals, the Flash finds
himself tracking down Grodd to his home in Africa. After seriously
injuring his friend Hunter, the Flash decides to
personally track down and single-handedly bring Grodd back to Iron
Heights.
The location and setting for this part of the story is what make
this issue so great for me. As the Flash finds the hidden Gorrilla
City deep in the African Jungle, we are shown an
amazing society at work, which is as fascinating to look at through
Kolins’ stunning artwork as it is too learn about through
Geoff Johns’ [Avengers,Hawkman]marvellous
writing.
The story is really well written and steeped with history and facts
that help us to understand what is really going on with Grodd and
his relationship within his society. Personally I love a comic with
a bit of dialogue and explanation which thickens up the story and
this has both. Johns manages to delve into the thought processes
of the gorillas and really makes this an interesting read. The dilemma
over the Flash wanting to take Grodd back to a ‘human’
prison and the fact that the apes feel that Grodd should be handled
by their society’s rules and pay for his crimes at their hands,
makes for a great story and adds interesting depth which I had found
lacking in previous Flash stories.
It’s not only Johns who seems to have saved his best for last
in this arc, but Scott Kolins just as much as he
brings the treetop world of the sentient gorillas to life. Kolins’
art is at its best in this issue. He manages to capture a fantasy
setting but yet depict enough reality within it too make it realistic
and believable. A stunning double-page spread of the Gorilla City
made my jaw drop, he just totally nails the element of fantasy crossing
over into reality so well.
Another point which stands out in praise of Kolins’ artwork
is his ability to handle perspective and angles. In this issue there
are numerous examples of how he captures action in a film-like manner.
His ability to capture perspective in his fight scenes aids him
well especially in the final conflict between Flash & Grodd
as they duke it out over the multi-levelled and highly detailed
Gorilla city.
Overall the art is really stunning and is a tribute to a great story
written by Johns. This issue is a showcase for a great team
of both artist and writer on the move. Grab it, you’ll
enjoy it.
Score 9/10
Reviewed By:Iain Duncan
|
|
|
|
Comic Reviews
