Flashpoint is a graphic novel written by Geoff Johns and pencilled by Andy Kubert. Flashpoint details an altered DC Universe in which only Barry Allen, Kid Flash and Booster Gold seem to be aware of significant differences between the regular timeline and the altered one, including Cyborg's place as the world's quintessential hero, Superman's detention by the government and a Thomas Wayne version of Batman who spends "his days running Wayne Casinos."
We all know that DC Comics has many alternate timelines and universes. About alternate timelines, I remember in the Justice League cartoon series where the superheroes end up in a different timeline where the Nazis had won World War II because of Vandal Savage. And about alternate universes, in comics and animated series, the Justice League could be having different actions. Ok, so right now, It's time to start.
Plot. Barry Allen wakes up in a world where everything and everyone around him has changed. In this world, Captain Cold is known as Citizen Cold and is Central City's hero, his mother Nora is still alive and his father died of a heart attack three years ago instead of prison; and that the Flash, Justice League and Superman do not even exist. In this world, Batman is a ruthless vigilante, Aquaman and Wonder Woman are at war with one another causing Europe's destruction, Hal Jordan never became the Green Lantern and Cyborg tries to unite a team of heroes in order prevent further destruction. When Barry Allen meets with Batman (revealed to be none other than Thomas Wayne), he asks for help in recuperating his powers and become the Flash again. But soon, you shall know the truth about the nightmare that is this new world he woke up in.
Panelings. Andy Kubert did an amazing job in pencilling and designing of the superheroes of this twisted and darkened DC Universe where some heroes are hated by the populace and some villains are actually good guys. Andy Kubert is known for his notable works in Batman and Son, Marvel 1602, Origin and so on. The re-designing of the DC superheroes which are seen in New 52 are pretty awesome. Of course, New 52 is a reboot and they cannot have the same suits all the time.
Concept. Flashpoint doesn't only have a story about Barry Allen, but also there are other stories about the other superheroes in other graphic novels of the same world that leads to The New 52. Many female superheroes have joined the side of Wonder Woman, while others have joined with Aquaman. Captain Marvel has a different name in this one, and he is called Captain Thunder. All I gotta say that for a comic that ends the classic DC Universe, this was really dark, epic and awesome.
Writings. Geoff Johns is the writer of the story of Flashpoint. The way he wrote this story was really genius and it was awesome to see such a dark storyline. Johns is not just a writer of comics, he also worked on Justice League Unlimited, Smallville, Robot Chicken, Arrow and recently The Flash. His stories never cease to amaze me, like the one he did with Simon Baz of the Green Lantern Corps.
Impressions. When I first read this and saw the movie, I never thought it would be THIS violent. Well, you have to expect a lot of violence in dark stories like Flashpoint. I liked the comic better than the movie because, the movie left out so many of the superheroes that were in this story.
Overall. This story is one of the best DC Comics storylines that I have read since Death of Superman Trilogy, Knightfall, Green Arrow: Year One, Dark Knight Returns and Batman: Year One. Awesome drawings, dialogue and what a great storyline. My final score for Flashpoint is an A+
God Bless and Enjoy The Show!