Written by Mark Wheatley & Allan Gross
Art by Ed Benes; Greg Rosewell; Edde Wagner; & Rene Micheletti
Cover Art by Ed Benes
SUMMARY:
Published for October 1994 by DC Comics, this 64-page ‘Elseworlds’-themed issue is entitled “The Wally West Story.” In a dire alternate reality, it’s been ten years since Barry Allen’s Flash heroically died in an explosion. Confined to a wheelchair, a now-powerless Wally West is a reality TV star has-been seeking a career comeback. Hired to direct a TV bio-pic celebrating Barry Allen, Wally’s subjective hero worship hampers production. Not only does Wally face relentless pressure from his bosses, a similarly-disabled Len “Captain Cold” Snart’s self-serving, tell-all ‘memoir’ seeks to publicly destroy Barry’s legacy.
With Linda Park’s emotional support, it’s up to a guilt-ridden Wally to move past losing Barry and re-assert himself outside his late mentor’s formidable shadow. Batman & Green Lantern Hal Jordan make cameo appearances.
REVIEW:
As one might expect, Ed Benes’ high-caliber art style alone is worth the price of admission. Yet, it’s the downcast story by co-scripters Mark Wheatley & Allan Gross that, unfortunately, proves a detriment. Benes’ cover image accurately reflects why this ultra-long storyline is a depressing read. The jibes at a pretentious Hollywood are well-placed (especially Snart’s shameless hawking of his memoir), but this version of Wally just doesn’t provide an entertaining read. Aside from a Wally vs. Snart skirmish (over a cell phone, no less), the ‘quasi’-reality of Flash Annual # 7 is a forgettable rehash of Barry Allen’s Flash being the impossible standard an insecure Wally wishes to live up to.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
Among the ads is a full-page plug for DC’s time-warping Zero Hour.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 5½ Stars
