The Flash #59: Flash International

There are a number of interesting elements at work in this current arc of Williamson’s extended run on The Flash. While certainly the quest to understand the newly revealed Forces is the most central to the narrative and serves as the catalyst, it is also the most laborious of the active threads in this arc. By this, I mean that the slow burn to the answer of the nature of the Forces plays a second fiddle, in my opinion, to the development of the relationship between Barry and Iris.

As Iris continues to unravel her re-acquired memories, she is rapidly being elevate from her station as love interest to an active role in the heroing portion of the narrative. As she is quick to point out, her slower, more methodical modality is the perfect counter-balance to Barry’s speed. She observes, listens, and when needed, acts in service to the mission first. Lacking a true “sidekick” for the first time in years, Barry’s character has seemingly been digressing into a self-deprecating, guilt-ridden second tier superhero, but Iris’ energy seems to function like a tide, raising all ships, as it were. The change in scenery, as well, plays a large role in re-establishing Barry as a global hero, not simply a local one, and with that sort of widespread exposure, he is certainly on his way to being one DC’s heavy hitters once more.