Jay Garrick: The Flash #3: Kids, For Better Or Worse

Jay Garrick: The Flash #3 picks up with the rift growing between Judy and Jay Garrick as old villains begin to resurface. Despite the title indicating that this book is about Jay primarily, this series has been more of a father/daughter series than anything. This has brought the original Scarlet Speedster into a whole new light, exploring a part of his history that has been recently retconned following the events of Flashpoint Beyond. The series continues to explore two different timelines as Jay’s past and future change faster than he and his daughter can run.

Jeremy Adams continues to do an excellent job in capturing the family aesthetic that has made this series feel so unique when compared to what has come before. This also has made this series feel like an excellent follow up to Adams’ recent Flash ongoing which ended earlier in the year. The writing here is very emblematic of that series as well, enfusing humor and action into the heartfelt drama between father and daughter. Adams’ seems to use his own experiences as a father to inform the tumultuous relationship that can arise as uneasy tensions come about. This all mixed with the fast pace action of a Flash issue creates a very well rounded story.

Diego Olortegui’s art is the shining piece of Jay Garrick: The Flash #3. The flashback scenes in particular are very emblematic of what makes the Golden Age so fond to look back on. Olortegui captures that aesthetic while also enfusing modern and more intense graphics. These panels feature some of the best action you’ll see in comics, showcasing the powers of all the members of the Justice Society of America in addition to Jay and Judy. After Geoff Johns’ and Mikel Janin’s run on the Justice Society of America ends, it would be great to see Adams and Olortegui take on the series with a take much like what is showcased in this series. 

Building upon the fantastic art is Luis Guerrero’s colors, which excellently capture Olortegui’s style. Guerrero also does a great job making this series have a cartoony aesthetic. This makes the more emotional moments pair well with the action and the DC world surrounding the events of the series. These aspects also pair well with Steve Wand’s letters, which equally build upon Olortegui’s pencils, which make the pages read as well as they look. The onomatopoeia makes for exciting action and nuance on each page, creating a well rounded issue.