Written by (See Below)
Art by (See Below)
Cover Art by Scott Kolins & Digital Chameleon
SUMMARY:
Released for November 2001 by DC Comics, this 48-page special (much like an annual) primarily consists of a feature story and a back-up tale, each with a different creative team.
“Rogues.” Writer: Geoff Johns & art by: Scott Kolins; Jose Marzan Jr.; Tom McCraw; & Kurt Hathaway. In the 22-page feature, dedicated FBI profiler Hunter Zolomon is introduced. Teaming with Wally West and Keystone City cops Chyre & Morillo, Zolomon deduces why Murmur’s latest homicide spree is evidently targeting local radio stations. Wally isn’t ready for a dangerous alliance Murmur has made with other Rogues. Worse yet, the Rogues’ endgame to eliminate the Flash has begun. Meanwhile, Keith Kenyon (ex-Goldface) has resurfaced in Keystone City.
“Moments Too Late.” Writers: Dan Curtis Johnson & J.H. Williams III; & art by Diego Baretto; Tom McCraw; Mick Gray; & Comicraft. In the six-page back-up, DEO agent Chase seeks Wally’s insights re: Gorilla Grodd, as both are unaware of the villainous gorilla’s new bio-warfare experimentation.
REVIEW:
Clearly, the two tales are meant for adult fans, as there’s more implied gore and mayhem that one might normally expect from The Flash series. Still, both stories are relatively good reads, as are the various character profiles. The artwork-by-committee approach works well, as the visuals are consistently solid (i.e. a terrific cover image).
Yet, it seems odd why DC Comics would include a light-hearted science page when the issue’s content, otherwise, isn’t kid-friendly. Overall, for Wally West fans, Flash Secret Files & Origins # 3 is certainly worth catching, though its two grim stories aren’t appropriate for the under-15 crowd.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
From Impulse & Max Mercury, there’s a brief lesson re: odd science facts. The “Flash Facts” writer is Ian Edginton, with art by: Jason Johnson; Aaron Sowd; Tom McCraw; and Steve Dutro. Geoff Johns provides these biographical profiles:
- KCPD Detectives Chyre & Morillo (art: Scott McDaniel & Aaron Sowd);
- Rogues Gallery (art: Pascal Alixe);
- Cicada (art: Sean Phillips);
- Iron Heights (art: Bryan Talbot);
- Gregory Wolfe (art: Bryan Talbot);
- Tar Pit (art: Liam McCormack-Sharp);
- Goldface (art: Paul Rivoche); and
- Captain Cold (art: Scott Kolins).
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars
