The Flash #28 review: Flash vs Green Lantern

DC KO’s All Fight Month brings us Green Lantern Guy Gardner vs Golden Age Flash Jay Garrick, seasoned hero vs the ultimate veteran. Mind, this being an issue of The Flash rather than a standalone tie-in, it’s not actually fighty fight throughout.

Nope, we begin with the consequences of the past two issues.

Surmising that Darkseid’s Legion will try to stop Barry Allen from being hit by the lightning bolt that sparked the Flash Family’s connection to the Speed Force, Wally takes Bart to Central City, moments before the event.

Attention shifts to the ever-changing arena where heroes and villains are fighting to become the DC Universe’s representative in the final battle against Darkseid, the King Omega. The rules of the cosmic tournament say the victor is the person who take two bouts out of three by killing their opponent twice. A certain reluctance to fight colleagues, even friends, might be expected, but not when it’s Guy, the GL whose ego is even stronger than his ring.

Jay’s plan? A game of draughts, or as it’s called the US, checkers. Guy reluctantly agrees, but as with many games at Christmastime, an argument breaks out.

It’s on! And one hero slices the other in two. The rules say that after the first round, the revived participants can choose their own form and weapons.

When Round 3 arrives, Jay goes back to basics as a very World War Two Flash, while Guy returns to his Nineties Vuldarian form, allowing him to turn his body parts into weapons.

Writers Mark Waid and Christopher Cantwell’s cracking story keeps the action coming but never skimps on characterisation. Guy calls the JSA the ‘Jurassic Society’, Jay looks on Guy’s horrible behaviour with the kindliest of eyes, and away from the bout, Wally shows his experience in tackling his own problems.

The art from Vasco Georgiev keeps up with the script, with panel after panel of hi-octane violence; I particularly like Jay’s speed spear, he should bring it out on special occasions. Guy’s Warrior look is as hideous as I remember, but Jay looks fabulous in more martial mode. The storytelling is clear, whether we’re in the fight realm with Guy and Jay or in the past of Barry’s origin story

The colours of Matt Herms bring extra sizzle, while the letters of Buddy Beaudoin add their own colour.

Dan Mora’s nicely composed cover is striking, no pun intended, though the big white lightning bolt down the middle is one element too many.

Skilled creators ensure this is more than a fun fight, showing two heroes who haven’t had much interaction down the decades up close and personal. Is this book an early Christmas gift? Yes indeedy, give it a go.