Comic Review: DC Universe Rebirth Chapter Four
Issue: DC Universe Rebirth Chapter Four
Name: Life
Published: 2016 by DC Comics
Blurb: 
Creators:
Writer: Geoff Johns
Artist: Phil Jimenez and Gary Frank
Inker: Matt Santorelli and Gary Frank
Colorist: Gabe Eltaeb and Brad Anderson
Letterer: Nick J. Napolitano
First Look
Characters:
The Good: Wally West, Flash (Barry Allen), Gotham, Gotham Girl, Swamp Thing, Constantine, Dick Grayson, Swamp Thing, Constantine, Cyborg
The Bad:
The Undecided:
My Reading:
With Linda having forgotten Wally in chapter 3, he’s in serious trouble and he’s actually on the verge of giving up trying to get back to reality. As he spins out of control through the Speed Force we see various scenes of people and places that are important to the reality Wally wants to return to…the bat signal above Gotham, Constantine talking to Swamp Thing, Cyborg, Dick Grayson, and others. And as his body starts deconstructing into the Speed Force, he sees the ‘other Wally West’.
This other Wally was struck by lightening and gained access to the Speed Force just like our narrator Wally, and in similar fashion, he’s a hero who’s gonna be Kid Flash. Our Wally realizes he may have no place in this reality but he’s ok with that since it seems things are in good hands with the new generation. With no identity, no Linda, no one to remember him, Wally starts allowing himself to fade into the Speed Force…Until he sees Barry Allen saving people as Flash.
He’s gotta do one last thing before he fades forever. He’s gotta talk to Barry one last time. He’s gotta say hello and good-bye.
He know’s Barry won’t know who he is, but he asks him to talk with Batman about the letter from his father. He wants him to investigate what’s wrong with reality – why and how time was stolen from them. And he wants them to figure out what things they’ve forgotten.
As he fades into the Speed Force, he thanks Barry or the universe for an amazing life. He thanks him for inspiration and everything Flash did for him. Barry of course is confused but as Wally disperses into the Speed Force he reiterates that every second was a gift…
…and then Barry reaches out…and he remembers.
And Wally is saved!
The 2 Flashes hug in joy. They have a quick reminition about Wally’s history and the time they spent together and then Wally gives him the ominous news. He’s not the only thing that was forgotten. History was changed and it wasn’t the Flashpoint, it was someone else. Who’s still out there, and who changed things for a reason. Someone they’ve never met.
The scene shifts to the batcave where Bruce is thinking about what Wally told him…about what the Chair told him about Joker…about the letter from his father. And as he examines it closely, he notices something new nearby and he chisels it out of the cave wall…
A smiley face button with a drop of blood on it…
What did I learn:
- The big deal in this chapter is that somehow The Watchmen are related to the Rebirth storyline.
- Wally is back in reality in Rebirth.
- Swamp Thing wants Constantine to help him find Abby Arcane.
- There are more heroes in Gotham than just Batman.
- Batman, Barry, and Wally are gonna be critical in the upcoming Rebirth events.
My Thoughts:
WOW! The Watchmen!!! While I haven’t read many DC comics, I have read Watchmen and I didn’t even realize it was a published by DC Comics until now. This reveal really makes the intense feel of the 4 chapters truly monumental. Bringing that wonderfully crafted Watchmen universe into the DC Universe is a pretty important touchstone for DC.
In reality, I love this whole chapter. The fact that Wally is ready to give up. We’ve seen him do everything possible to regain his place in reality…Batman, Johnny Thunder…Cyborg…Dick…Linda…none of them remember him. He’s seen that this world has good heroes and will be in good hands and he’s ready to let the Speed Force take him.
The art and the dialog are so impactful. Even the broken and off kilter panel outlines contribute to the feel of this chapter. And I think this is why this comic is a must read…it conveys a feeling that you can experience. Even reading multiple times, I get a feeling from this book each time and maybe the fact that it’s tied into the Watchmen is a good thing. I remember having feelings and emotions evoked while reading that book as well. This chapter takes us from the depths of despair to the elation of rediscovery and it’s not just telling, it’s not just showing, it’s actually making us feel what these characters went through and that’s an immense achievement in my view.
I have to say that I think this book is an instant classic and I’m glad to have read it. Sure, there’s still an epilogue to cover but this chapter is what solidifies this comic in my mind as a must read.