Random Happenstance

I found the last new Flash comic I read a bit charmless, so why not try another? Well, if there's one thing DC loves as much as ripping off Alan Moore, it's taking an idea and running it into the ground. From 2018, Flash #54, "Grips of Strength, conclusion" Written by Joshua Williamson, art by Christian Duce.

Although Flash mentions previously having been turned into a puppet and growing a giant head, neither of which I think happened in the New 52 era; today he's facing a new body horror: bulking up! He and the Trickster are both currently Hulk-sized courtesy of the recently discovered...ugh...Strength Force. Yes, now in addition to the Speed Force that just about every goddamn Flash comic for the last twenty years has been about, there were also Strength and Sage Forces, possibly amongst others. Ooh, sounds great! Ah, sorry there, I think I discovered the Sarcasm Force...

Feeling the Strength Force was too dangerous, Warden Wolfe of Iron Heights tries to encourage the new Commander Cold (from the future, or some damn thing) to "put the worthless brat out of his misery!" For his part, the Trickster wants revenge on Wolfe for abusing him, allegedly above and beyond the normal amount of abuse a warden would deliver, the punishment not fitting the crime. Using his head instead of his muscles, Flash realizes he can control local gravity, and that the Strength Force must need an outlet. He manages to break their connection to the force, but that leaves several unconscious Rogues and the rapidly weakening Trickster the only thing from keeping the roof from collapsing on them. Flash saves the Rogues, but the Trickster is seemingly crushed, with only his stone left arm remaining. (No idea what that was about.)

In the aftermath, Commander Cold is pissed at just about everything, particularly that changes in the present were going to alter the 25th century he called home. Iris shows up, also a bit pissed that Barry's not talking about Cold or the Forces or anything; but why should Barry be left out in getting pissy? He's noticed Iris clamming up about something in her life prior to their relationship, something involving a wedding. Meanwhile, the Trickster, Axel, wakes up somewhere, greeted by...James Jesse, the original Trickster! There to "lend you a hand...pun intended." I don't think I have that issue, but I remember the cover introducing the new Trickster, since Jesse was at least partially reformed. But that was pre-New 52, and we're back to two Tricksters again already?

Does anyone remember the Justice League Unlimited episodes with the Flash, where Central City was a nice place, maybe a bit more spread out than Metropolis, but way better than that craphole Gotham? Had a museum people actually went to, and the Flash's life wasn't constantly like running up a slaughterhouse sluice? I feel like that's also because editorially speaking, they want Barry and Iris together, but they don't want them happy in the least little way with each other; because anything resembling a good relationship would lead to dowdy, bland stories like Flash's old comics. That's absolutely not the case; but it might be a tough bias to shake. Anyway, these issues haven't been to my taste, which is probably why I only buy them on the cheap.