The Flash #60: Standing Still at the Speed of Light

This issue was fast-paced and action filled in terms of actual on-the-page events, but felt like a very slow developing, middle-of-the-arc issue in terms of propelling the narrative forward. Lengthy time-outs for explaining the scientific functions of how the Strength Force works abound, despite having hashed most of that information out in the “Grips of Strength” arc just a few months ago. Sandoval’s art continues to be a high point as he seems more than capable to provide the slick, clean pencils necessary to capture the sleekness of the Scarlet Speedster.

Of interesting note in this issue is a growing tension between the notions of a more global Flash (as we’ve seen throughout this arc) and the idea of a “homegrown/hometown” hero as we have become accustomed to with Flash. Fuerza suggests that locale and communal need may play a role in how Force Wielders are selected, shifting the manifest away from science towards the mystical, a concept Barry naturally struggles to grasp. With last issue (and again in this issue) raising the notion of Avatars for the Forces, however, the concept of the local seems perfectly apt in the sense of the Avatar having a “higher purpose”, perhaps even suggesting why Barry is so drawn to the defense of Central City. Time will tell.