The Flash (2023) #20-25, Bad Moon Rising Special - Bad Moon Rising
What’s that up in the sky? Why, it appears to be a rather misbehaving moon.
“Bad Moon Rising” is upon us, with Wally pushed to new, rather insane limits! Can an army of Flashes defeat the newly reborn Eclipso? Let’s find out as Simon Spurrier’s run comes to a close!
I had long been anticipating reading this storyline. Always been a fan of time travel nonsense, and the concept of Wally being able to duplicate himself through… speed force magic is great!
Overall, there are a lot of interesting concepts to unpack with “Bad Moon Rising”. Wally duplicating himself into a literal army and losing touch with his humanity due to the horrors and necessity of war. Somewhat poignant. But I can see why folks who just want a fun, Wally West Flash adventure were put off by this. Because fundamentally by the end of this story, the man who started it all is no longer the same Wally West.
Although of course with the power of comics and shenanigans, he is. Which I personally felt was a tad forced, perhaps editorially to ensure Spurrier leaves Wally in the same “place” he found him for the next creative team.
The supporting family (and the Shade!) again feature throughout, sharing the spotlight. With Wally’s troubles, it really is his family who are the ones who bring him back from the brink, with Irey and Jai completing their own personal character arcs to becoming their own heroes. It’s lovely stuff and serves nicely to offer some hope amongst the never-ending despair.
My final thoughts on Spurrier’s run? There are some great ideas explored throughout his work on The Flash. Some ideas which are very out there, and I’m surprised were used in a mainstream superhero book.
Experimental, different, and not to everyone’s tastes. I can see why this wasn’t for everyone at the time, but I’m confident that later on down the line people will remember this stint more fondly. I had great fun reading it, and that’s ultimately the point, right?
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