Comics / Comic Reviews / DC Comics

The Brave and the Bold # 28

By Koppy McFad
November 3, 2009 - 21:36

The Flash travels back in time to World War II where he joins forces with the fabled Blackhawks.

This is a solid, self-contained one-issue story. It may not be earth-shaking or game-changing but it is entertaining and even a little uplifting.

The writer cleverly neutralises many of the Flash's abilities through the simple plot device of a broken leg. Now the scarlet speedster finds himself stuck in the past, trying to survive on a battlefield. While the Flash (Barry Allen) does manage to use his speed in creative manners, he is still clearly unsuited for this type of conflict, one where soldiers must kill or be killed.

The contrast between superheroes in costume and soldiers in uniform is showcased well, particularly in the sharp, tight dialogue between the Flash and the Blackhawks. The big twist later in the story, while not completely realistic, reinforces the Flash's integrity. It certainly makes him look better than those superheroes who constantly stress how different they are from ordinary people. The ending really rams this home as the Flash pays homage to heroes without powers.

It is a bit disappointing to see the Blackhawks basically acting as ordinary infantrymen. Most of their fans remember them mainly as aviators but there is little of this in the story.

The art carries the story well although it is a little too 'clean' for a war story. Maybe it was a good point not to show severed arms or split brains on a battlefield but the battle scenes could have used a little more grit. The Flash is also depicted as a little too buff. He is a slim runner, not a muscle-man.

Rating: 8 /10

Last Updated: August 31, 2023 - 08:12