Flash #53

Writer: Joshua Williamson Artist: Christian Duce Publisher: DC Comics Release Date: August 22, 2018 Cover Price: $3.99 Critic Reviews: 20 User Reviews: 22
7.7Critic Rating
7.5User Rating

It's a slippery slope for the Scarlet Speedster when he must team up with the frosty Commander Cold to stop a powered-up Trickster from trashing Central City. The Trickster's first target is the maximum-security prison Iron Heights, which could mean a criminal breakout the city would never survive.

  • 9.0
    You Don't Read Comics - Christopher Landers Aug 22, 2018

    If youre a fan of the Speed Force and like the idea of seeing it explored more, now is the time to come back to The Flash. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Lyles Movie Files - Jeffrey Lyles Aug 22, 2018

    The Flash remains one of DCs most consistent titles and this was another example of why it will remain a top tier book so long as Williamson is at the helm. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Comic Book Corps - Tom Zimm Aug 22, 2018

    This book has kept the Rebirth itch scratched as it seems to be moving toward an explanation of the time lost narrative that was introduced by Rebirth two years ago. Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    Geek Dad - Ray Goldfield Aug 22, 2018

    The series still hasn't quite captured the excitement it had during Flash War, but it remains one of DC's most consistent titles. Read Full Review

  • 8.4
    Comic Watch - Cody White Aug 26, 2018

    There are big things happening in Central City, but with so many mysteries arising, I am somewhat concerned with the future of the series. Where is Bart and when will we see him again? Who is the prisoner of Iron Heights in the 25th century, and are the rest of the Renegades alive? Who is Cold, really? What secrets does Iris still hide not only from Barry but from us as well? The coming months seem like a crucial time in the Flash mythos. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Forces Of Geek - Lenny Schwartz Aug 23, 2018

    The art by Duce isn't my favorite but I like it enough. I loved when Howard Porter was on this title. This feels like the younger brother of his style. It's decent but it makes me want Porter back as it's a little too similar. Still, this is decent stuff and a fine issue overall. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    DC Comics News - Derek McNeil Aug 22, 2018

    Williamson has given us another top-notch story, and Duce's art beautifully captures the highly kinetic adventures of DC's premier speedster. The Flash always goes on the very top of the pile whenever I get a new stack of comics. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    AIPT - David Brooke Aug 22, 2018

    A good action focused issue. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Weird Science - Dan Mayhoff Aug 22, 2018

    The Flash is back on track and this issue DELIVERS! We get solid and meaningful progression in every subplot that has been introduced and we have a main story that is interesting and enticing to read. I am excited to see where this book goes from here. Sure, the story may be a little fantastical but I like seeing that kind of risk taking in books and frankly, it succeeds very well in this issue. Read Full Review

  • 7.8
    On Comics Ground - Aaron Jones Aug 22, 2018

    Barry is not trying to go on a Force Quest but he may be forced on one. Flash and Commander Cold take on Trickster juiced-up on Strength Force. In their efforts to figure out what's going on, things get real complicated, especially for Barry. I was most excited about the backstory of Commander Cold and I was not disappointed. He's a little imbalanced, pick up this issue and learn a little bit about him. But not his real name. Barry still hasn't asked. Read Full Review

  • 7.7
    Word Of The Nerd - Brent Jackson Aug 22, 2018

    The Flash #53 is a fun comic book and was an enjoyable read. Joshua Williamson is doing some interesting things with these new “Forces”. While I am not a fan of the whole “Force” thing at least Williamson is making it interesting. The art fits the story well and makes it a nice visual experience. Probably the biggest downfall is nothing is all that memorable. It is a fun and delightful read but nothing really sticks out either. Read Full Review

  • 7.7
    Comicsverse - Aaron Berkowitz Aug 22, 2018

    THE FLASH #53 is just too bogged down by the Strength Force for me to recommend it. It has some flashes of good with some subplots, but overall, it just couldn't hold my interest. Perhaps the next issue will build upon those great subplots. Read Full Review

  • 7.6
    Monkeys Fighting Robots - Jose "Jody" Cardona Aug 24, 2018

    This chapter in the Strength Force story arc is interesting and looks fantastic! Read Full Review

  • 7.5
    Comic Book Bin - Herv St-Louis Aug 24, 2018

    Christian Duce is another from a long line of artists working on this series as a fill-in artist. His style is reminiscent of Howard Porters but leaner and cleaner. He has a good handling of super hero dramatics and action but he does commit several 180 degrees errors Read Full Review

  • 7.5
    Multiversity Comics - Gregory Ellner Aug 27, 2018

    An interesting story that leaves fans wanting more out of both Commander Cold and the Strength Force. Read Full Review

  • 7.4
    Fortress of Solitude - George Chrysostomou Aug 31, 2018

    Finally giving The Flash some new ground to work with, Issue 53 continues to focus on fun takes of old characters whilst building both a redemptive arc and a coping mechanism for Barry in an ever-changing landscape. Read Full Review

  • 6.7
    Sequential Planet - Matt Herman Aug 24, 2018

    Commander Cold and Barry Allen take on the Trickster in an issue filled with action, adventure, and cold puns. Read Full Review

  • 6.5
    Bleeding Cool - Joshua Davison Aug 24, 2018

    The Flash #53 is another flawed issue of the Scarlet Speedsters comic, but its not bad. There are some good plot beats and interesting moments, and Duce and Guerrero give the book some truly great visuals. This one isnt a must-read for the week, but it is worth a recommendation. Feel free to check it out. Read Full Review

  • 6.5
    GWW - Deron Generally Aug 21, 2018

    Duce offers some great visuals in this issue and the composition of the panels is great. I really enjoyed the angles Duce uses for certain characters and the art conveys a lot of emotion for certain characters with the use of shadows. Good story and art, but lacking in solid focus. Read Full Review

  • 6.0
    ComicBook.com - Matthew Mueller Aug 22, 2018

    This arc is all about the strength force, and while the central mystery holds potential, it still gets a bit boring in spots. Read Full Review

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