The Flash, Volume 3: Rogues Reloaded by Joshua Williamson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This book collects seven issues of the Flash, Issues 14-20.

It begins with the 4-part titular story, "Rogues Reloaded," which finds that the Rogues seem to have disappeared from Central City. Barry's starting to miss them because of the lesser and often more ruthless villains who take to the street in their place. However, the Rogues have one more trick up their sleeve and a plan for one more big score.

This is a solid Rogues story with plenty of action and Barry has his moments against each of the Rogues as this plays out. Williamson does shift our moral view of the Rogues. Many writers and fans of the Flash have tended to treat the Rogues as Flash's frenemies, cuddly crooks who really aren't so bad and will generally help out when the chips are down. Williamson tells that the rogues are first and foremost criminals, and that they've hurt people, which the Flash and the audience are reminded of. Being criminals also tests the nature of their code. They don't all full psychopath, but Williamson really establishes them as bad guys and real opponents of the Flash. It's a refreshing shift and the story works quite well.

Next up is the two part Sins of the Father story in which Kid Flash goes to Iron Heights Penitentiary to visit his dad (Reverse Flash Daniel West) only to find him missing and the key to the mystery is the Flash's old enemy Captain Boomerang who is tangling with some gun-runners. The story mixes a very fun comic book tale with a solid and powerful emotional story arc for Kid Flash. It's easy to connect with Young Wally's feelings as he's going through so much.

Finally, Issue 20 gives us a one-shot where Iris investigates the disappearance of the bodies of Godspeed's victims (the Flash's first big Rebirth storyline,) with Iris setting out to find out what's going on. This is a nice issue for giving Iris a bigger role and also giving her a reason to suspect Barry's true identity.

Overall, the stories are solid, if not perfect. This is an enjoyable read with three complete story arcs, however each story also features Easter eggs and hints of coming attractions (which I won't spoil), so not only do I think this is a good book as written but it's also going somewhere with Josh Williamson having some big ideas that I can't wait to see realized.

Disclosure: I received a free digital of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.



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