The Flash: Rebirth

Barry Allen, the second Flash, died saving the universe from the infamous Anti-Monitor. Now he's seemingly back from the dead, to the jubilation of his friends and family. But what brought Barry back, and why does he not seem to want to slow down?

Plot Summary:

Many years after he seemingly died thwarting the Anti-Monitor, Barry Allen has returned to life. Though his family and friends are thrilled, Barry feels that something is missing from life. He embarks on a crusade to catch up on everything he's missed out on, whilst wondering why he was able to escape the Speed Force - the energy that gives the various Flashes their powers - when other deceased speedsters could not. Unbeknownst to Barry, however, he is not the only one to have escaped death. The Reverse-Flash too has cheated the reaper, and has launched a plan to destroy Barry's mind and reputation as a hero once and for all.

Dramatis Personnae:

The Flashes

Barry Allen

Bart Allen

Wally West

Jay Garrick

Others

Linda West

Iris and Jai West

The Justice League

Reverse-Flash

Jesse Quick

Max Mercury

Verdict:
Like Green Lantern: Rebirth before it, I found this mini-series to be an excellent, well-written resurrection of a very popular hero from the silver age of comics. The art in the series is just phemomenal. Every scene is lovingly brought to life by the talents of Ethan Van Sciver and the result is fantastic to read; coupled with the excellent writing of Geoff Johns, who clearly is very familiar with the second Flash, I found myself unable to put it down once I had begun. This is only a good thing, especially considering that Barry Allen has not been used as a main character for 20 years, since he was written out in 1985, and such a long absence deserves a momentous return. This was achieved, and achieved well.
The main villain of the mini-series is, of course, the Reverse-Flash, Eobard Thawne, and as villains go, he is diabolical. Though I can't say too much here without ruining the plot, it is revealed that he is far more twisted and sadistic than we as the readers ever realised; he truly is "the motiveless malcontent" and boy, is it awesome to see him work.
Overall, then, I would say that as an introduction to the Flash, or even for old fans, this is not a collection to be missed.  It's about £18.99, though I can't quite remember.

Rating: 9.3/10