The Flash Vol. 17: Eclipsed

First of all its absolutely amazing to see Wally being called The Flash again. Volume 16 was spectacular and action packed, diving into the bodies of other speedsters. This volume is more toned down, with family as the focus. While an enjoyable read, it’s a filler volume that I probably won’t re-read after finishing. Doesn’t help that DC refuse to put their best artists to the Flash ongoing. Next volume (vol 19) is another action filled big arc. This volume is pretty self contained. So unless you are a hardcore fan or loves to see casual daily life of Wally, this is a skippable volume

Com argumento espetacular de Jeremy Adams e os já conhecido Pasarin com os seus fabulosos desenhos, só podia resultar um Excelente graphic novel! É acompanhar o trabalho de Jeremy Adams!

Following an adventure spanning the history and legacy of the Flash, past, present, and future (and in another dimension), Wally West has returned home to his wife and children intent on getting back to as much of a normal life as a superhero can have. While trying to ground himself back in Central City trouble still finds him, trouble which will envelope the whole city and lead to a major conflict with a classic (presumably) DC villain. After a fast-paced, action-packed first arc Jeremy Adams takes things down to Earth... for a couple of issues. While I really enjoyed the previous volume, and while this volume is not really bad, it is a small downgrade in quality. Adams' writing continues to be nothing revolutionary, but it is still entertaining. I like how some of these issues, while feeling connected to the rest of the run, could almost be read as stand-alone. That is, until the major arc starts. It's not a wholly unique approach but one that is becoming increasingly uncommon these days, as many mainstream superhero books go from one big storyline to the next with little breathing room. When everything comes together at the crux of the volume it's actually quite impressive. While this volume brings the rest of Wally's family into focus alongside him, it also plays him as something of a fool. I suspect (although I haven't read a lot of the Wally West Flash stuff outside this series) that he's always been a bit of a goofball but he acts at times almost like an idiot in this book. He is given moments to shine and show his intellect to be sure, but it's well out of balance. Wally's kids actually steal the show at one point as they get into some trouble with a new friend from school, who ends being a fairly notable DC character who I won't name for risk of spoiling the surprise. One of the things I really enjoyed are the creative ways in which Adams has the Flash use his powers and how the artists portray these actions. Will Conrad returns, having shown significant improvement on whatever the heck was going on with his art in the previous volume. There are others too, but I don't have really anything to say about their work other than that it's fine. I really do enjoy this series, especially as someone who reads far more Marvel Comics than DC. I will be back to review the next volume once it comes out.4/5