***Contains Spoilers***
When The Flash series rebooted in 1987, it introduced Wally West as the main protagonist following Barry Allen’s death during Crisis on Infinite Earths. The early issues set the stage for Wally’s journey as a reluctant but determined hero, balancing his responsibilities as the Flash with his personal life. Alongside some intriguing storylines, we see Wally’s character development, from trying to define himself outside of Kid Flash to taking on some serious villains like Vandal Savage and navigating the dangers of Velocity 9.
One of the highlights of this series for me was the opening arc featuring the Teen Titans. Incorporating his past with the Titans was an important part of Wally’s journey and added depth to his character. These references to his previous life helped solidify Wally’s identity as more than just Kid Flash, providing readers with a sense of continuity and history. Moreover, I appreciated the humorous moments peppered throughout the series. Wally’s comedic personality shines through, even during intense moments, and his ability to handle serious situations with a lighthearted attitude was refreshing. His charm and wit made the character feel grounded, if not sometimes flaky, even though he was dealing with supervillains and bizarre events.
The storylines involving Vandal Savage and Velocity 9 were interesting, with the latter offering a unique narrative that explored the dangers of this speed-enhancing drug. The issues also offer a comedic view of Wally’s life outside of being the Flash, including his attempts to secure health insurance by negotiating to carry a heart transplant. Small moments like these lightened the tone and humanized Wally, making him feel like a relatable character despite his superpowers.
I also enjoyed the way Wally struggled to correct people when they mistook him for the Kid Flash. It was an ongoing theme that provided insight into his growing sense of identity. On top of that, the series had a lot of fun references to food, which gave the series a quirky tone that kept things light even in darker moments.
However, the series does have its issues, particularly with Wally’s fickleness in his romantic relationships. He quickly falls in and out of love with characters like Francine, Tina, and Trudy, making it hard to invest in his personal life. This rapid switching felt more like a plot device than a genuine emotional arc. Wally’s romantic escapades often felt shallow, and it became tiresome to see him so easily lose interest in one woman only to move on to the next.
Another aspect that didn’t sit well with me was the subplot involving Wally winning the lottery only to lose it all shortly after. While it was an interesting idea, the execution seemed too gimmicky and didn’t serve the larger narrative in any meaningful way. Wally’s dynamic with his parents was a bit of a mess. His father, who we discovered was a manhunter, attempted to kill his mother, while his mother was overly controlling and overbearing. While these complicated relationships could have been a compelling aspect of Wally’s character development, they often felt a bit forced and didn’t contribute much to the overall story.
Ultimately, The Flash opening run of the 1987 series is fun and filled with moments that fans of the character will appreciate. However, the inconsistencies in character development and the occasional missteps in the storytelling detract from the overall experience. It’s a promising start, but not a run I feel compelled to revisit. While Wally’s comedic personality and the dynamic with his past make it enjoyable, there are just enough hiccups to keep me from wholeheartedly recommending it. 2 Stars – I am glad I read it it, but won’t read it again.
Feature Image The Flash #5 cover art by Karl Kesel and Jackson Guice
Keep NewToComics.com running with a donation or shopping with through our affiliates—your support helps maintain the site and continue guiding new readers into the world of comics!