Flash #224 - Rogue War Written by Geoff Johns; Art and cover by Howard Porter and Livesay
You know, if you are writing about comics today, the name Geoff Johns should be littered across what you write the same way spaces are used within the English language. I don't know how you can talk about comics in 2005 without referencing the impact Johns has had on the medium. This man is, in my opinion, a master at the craft, an outstanding storyteller and a near instant legend (but don't tell him we said so). In this reader's eye, his influence can be felt across the super-hero side of the comic medium and he's honestly raising the bar for what fans expect in terms of character depth, writer creativity and genera reinvention. His recent appointment at DC as Editor of Continuity will only strengthen the company's stories.
That and... well... he also happens to be writing many of the books I'm really into these days so I was primed to like Flash #224.
In issue #224, Johns is working his way toward the conclusion of Rogue War which has been quite the lightning-laden ride. It seems rare these days (though thankfully not as rare as in years past) that a comic arc involving only a single title can achieve that larger than life feeling usually reserved for summer comic events (ala House of M, Infinite Crisis, etc). Rogue War gives you that feeling of being swept away in a huge, pivotal moment for a series while remaining a fun romp where all the best villains get to come out to play. It has that almost desperate feeling of "what's going to happen next" as you turn the pages but, amazingly enough, only involves the single title. What a concept... excitement without endless crossovers... Love it!
Flash is, quite simply, a comic written well enough to stand on it's own two feet and I thank Mr. Johns for pulling it off and pulling it off well. This story is a head turner, the art is outstanding and the title has caught the attention of even traditional non-Flash readers. Issue #223 placed 34th overall based on sales estimates for June from Diamond indexes and publisher title data. That is no small feat considering we're in the heart of the summer comic event season.
Here, in Rogue War, we have the very best comic elements present. You have legacy (a resource DC has quite a bit to play upon), a sense of family (those near and dear to or even directly tapping into the speed force are legion) and a gallery of colorful foes that have only gotten richer since Johns took over the title. I see this strength shine through in issues where the Rogues are the focus and Flash is all but absent. The dept to which we get to understand the villains and their motives is a treat and utterly shines in Rogue War.
In this issue there are plot twists which are almost answered... Who's Bart's real family? Digger was dropped where/when? What happened to Linda while talking to Piper? Time travel instant replay (ouch)? That said, the biggest fast ball knocked out of the park is a jaw dropped finale unveiled on the last page, last panel. I won't spoil it for you dear reader, but I will say that this ending left me wishing the days away to get to issue #225. That, for me, answers anything I need to know about Flash #224.
Long story short, don't wait... don't pass go... don't collect $500... Get your tail into a comic store, find the back issues if you need them and read. It's why we love comics and this story is a classic.
Official word from DC
THE FLASH #224
Written by Geoff Johns; Art and cover by Howard Porter and Livesay
Do not miss the unbelievable penultimate chapter of the 6-part "Rogue War," guest-starring Jay Garrick and Kid Flash! The Flash is torn through time as the War takes an unexpected twist, and Wally relives his life through Zoom's twisted eyes. Plus, the Rogues are approached by a new ally.
You know, if you are writing about comics today, the name Geoff Johns should be littered across what you write the same way spaces are used within the English language. I don't know how you can talk about comics in 2005 without referencing the impact Johns has had on the medium. This man is, in my opinion, a master at the craft, an outstanding storyteller and a near instant legend (but don't tell him we said so). In this reader's eye, his influence can be felt across the super-hero side of the comic medium and he's honestly raising the bar for what fans expect in terms of character depth, writer creativity and genera reinvention. His recent appointment at DC as Editor of Continuity will only strengthen the company's stories. 
Infinite Crisis, etc). Rogue War gives you that feeling of being swept away in a huge, pivotal moment for a series while remaining a fun romp where all the best villains get to come out to play. It has that almost desperate feeling of "what's going to happen next" as you turn the pages but, amazingly enough, only involves the single title. What a concept... excitement without endless crossovers... Love it!
Here, in Rogue War, we have the very best comic elements present. You have legacy (a resource DC has quite a bit to play upon), a sense of family (those near and dear to or even directly tapping into the speed force are legion) and a gallery of colorful foes that have only gotten richer since Johns took over the title. I see this strength shine through in issues where the Rogues are the focus and Flash is all but absent. The dept to which we get to understand the villains and their motives is a treat and utterly shines in Rogue War.