The Flash Annual #2 Review

Nowadays, it's tempting to think that comics are getting increasingly darker. Even evergreen optimistic heroes like Superman are being put through a filter of grittiness to give them an edge (paging Zack Snyder). The Flash Annual #2, written by Brian Buccellato with art by Sami Basri, reminds us why we fell in love with superhero comics to begin with. It's fun, funny, and determined to give you an unabashedly good time from start to finish.

This second annual issue stars one of our favorite comic book odd couples: The Flash and Green Lantern. Buccellato shows a keen understanding of what makes these characters tick as individuals and how their friendship works despite -- or perhaps because of -- their differences. After swinging by the Flash's neck of the woods to say goodbye before he heads off to Oa, Hal Jordan's notoriously impulsive behavior comes back to bite them both in the derrière when they find themselves whisked away to the Arena World to engage in a gladiator-style fight to the death.

Sami Basri's art is every bit as energetic as it needs to be to bring Buccellato's script to life. Basri has a keen eye for expression that adds a visual authenticity to Barry and Hal's interactions, and he delivers just as well on the book's more explosive action scenes. Stellar Lab's colors are both bright and lively, lending an optimistic air to the issue.

The book is slowed down early on by an extended flashback sequence to explain the characters' current predicament, but it proves to be so joyously fun that it's hard to complain about the structural choice. Overall, The Flash Annual #2 is a solid standalone story that bucks the growing trend toward gritty realism by keeping it light and bringing the laughs.

Melissa Grey is a lover of all things cats, comics, and outer space. She can be found on MyIGN at MelissaGrey or lurking on Twitter @meligrey.

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