Written by Mark Waid & Brian Augustyn.
Art by Oscar Jimenez; Anthony Castrillo; Jim Cheung; Sergio Cariello; José Marzan, Jr.; Anibel Rodriguez; John Nyberg; Brian Garvey; Tom McCraw; Gaspar Saladino; & Kevin Cunningham.
Original Cover Art by Oscar Jimenez; Steve Lightle; Mike Wieringo; & José Marzan, Jr.
Compilation Cover Art by Mike Wieringo; José Marzan, Jr.; & Patrick Martin.
SUMMARY:
Released by DC Comics in 2005, this 166-page paperback reprints The Flash # 112-118 (from 1996). Enduring another of Wally West’s enigmatic absences, Linda Park trusts that Wally will return to her … like he always does. She is, however, unaware that the Speed Force (aka ‘the Speed Field’) has left Wally trapped in the 64th Century where he finds himself worshipped as a deity.
With his absence extending longer than ever before, Linda increasingly suspects that Wally’s latest MIA stint may well be permanent. In his place is John Fox – the time-traveling Flash of the 27th Century; the ulterior reason for his presence is eventually revealed.
After attending Johnny Quick’s funeral, Fox teams with Linda & Piper to pursue the icy Chillblaine, who proves surprisingly elusive. As a disoriented Wally leaps to the 30th Century and later encounters John in the 27th Century, the alliance between Chillblaine and two of Wally’s most dangerous foes comes into play.
Among this trio’s crimes is the chilling homicide of a long-time Rogue dating back to Barry Allen’s era. Worse yet is that these three villains are forcing Barry’s captive widow, Iris, to reveal her knowledge of the future for their own nefarious gain.
Drawing emotionally closer, sudden friction between Linda & Fox precedes a likely irreversible tragedy. With further catastrophes looming, it’s up to Wally to finally find a way of racing home to make things right. Ultimately, the Fastest Man Alive needs his 27th Century successor to help save their beloved Linda from a frozen doom.
Guest appearances and cameos by the extended Flash Family include: Jay Garrick; Max Mercury; Bart Allen; Jesse Chambers and her mother; The Tornado Twins; & even Bart’s 30th Century cousin, Jenni “XS” Ognats.
REVIEW:
For Wally & Linda fans, the writing and the art squad’s visuals consistently hold up as expected. Though its time-traveling plot components are sometimes eye-rolling, the plotting isn’t better or worse than other Flash storylines of that era. Case in point: instead of diminishing him, nicely-played homages to Barry Allen’s legacy only add to Wally’s stature as DC’s premier Flash.
Race Against Time!, in that sense, continues Wally’s reliability for solid and literally fast-paced entertainment meant for all ages. Hence, this particular collection isn’t a must-have, but it gladly offers a good read.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
In a full-page gallery format, all seven covers are included.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6 Stars
