The Flash #24: Race to Family

The Flash is at its best when it blends the wackiness of its science-fiction premise with the pathos of Wally’s love for his family. The Flash #24 captures lightning in a bottle with both of those elements, delivering what may be the strongest chapter of the “Bad Moon Rising” arc so far. The issue splits focus between the two versions of Wally the series has been following: the “main” version, twisted into a dark general waging an endless war, and a “copy” version that more closely resembles the Wally fans know and love. As the “main” version declares in this issue, all the versions of Wally are still part of him, even if some aspects are darker than others. This duality creates an excellent dynamic that sets the stage for a conclusion that promises to be both thrilling and satisfying.

While this series has been polarizing for fans due to its esoteric and wacky tendencies, there’s no denying that writer Si Spurrier deeply cares about these characters and is invested in building Wally’s journey. This arc has been intensely personal, pushing Wally further from his usual self as he’s forced into a cosmic battle he’s not equipped for. Meanwhile, his family has been outspoken about his growing distance, starting back in the first chapter of the All-In publishing initiative, where he split his consciousness to balance time with his family and his duties as a Justice Leaguer. That decision has now compounded to the point where Wally is literally a shadow of his former self, donning a dark suit and adopting a militaristic persona. All of this serves the character arc, and this issue really drives home how the narrative is rooted in family.

This all ties into Wally’s war with Eclipso, revealed last issue to stem from Eclipso lashing out at Darkseid, whom he viewed as a quasi-father figure. The parallel reflects Wally’s current predicament: he has distanced himself so much that his family now sees him as uncaring. This connection adds a layer of emotional depth to the narrative that wasn’t as clear in earlier issues but now brings everything full circle.

The art by Vasco Georgiev continues to elevate the book. The bleak lunar hellscape the characters traverse feels genuinely harrowing, while the action remains top-notch, always serving the characters as much as the story. Georgiev particularly shines in his depiction of Eclipso as a looming godlike figure in the sky, evoking the image of Mufasa in the clouds from The Lion King, a striking and emotional callback. All of this combines seamlessly with the writing, making for an excellent, well-rounded issue.