Review: Flashpoint: Citizen Cold #1

The crowd sends up a resounding cheer of, “Cold Snap, Cold Snap!” as Central City’s preeminent hero slides his way onto the scene. It seems Mr. Freeze has tread too far from Gotham this time, and will be taken down, once and for all, by one of the nation’s most beloved heroes – Citizen Cold!

So far, out of all the Flashpoint tie-ins I’ve read, this is the best – hands down! Scott Kolins creates a story laced with excitement and intrigue that leaves you clamoring for more. This isn’t just the run of the mill, “I’m good, you’re bad,” slugfest books, there is a blurring of lines between hero and villain; one that keeps you very much aware that all isn’t what it seems with our “hero.” His outer monolog, which runs through the books entirety, suggests there is a formulaic plan that has been kept in order to keep his secret safe. What that secret may be – you’ll just have to find out for yourselves!

Kolins has impressed me by handling not just writing chores for this book, but the artistic ones, as well. It was stunning to see such caliber in both aspects, especially when most books fall short on at least one end or the other- each and every month! As much as I enjoyed each panel of retro style and vibrant art, it was the depth of story Kolins put forth that was most impressive. The mystery of our “no holds barred” hero, is slowly revealed throughout the story. It painstakingly churns in your head while both past and new sins unfold before you. And just when you think you have figured out Kolins overall scheme,  new questions arise to send you reeling again. It was a pleasure to be taken into Kolins’ world and I can’t wait to do it again!

Flash fans NEED this book! It is a great look at what might have been if there were no Scarlet Speedster to protect the innocent from the villainy of the Rogues. Not that the protector of innocents is quite as cut and dry as his public image would presume! I have to say, between the second issue of Flashpoint and the conclusion of this book – it sucks to be named Barry Allen or Wally West! But it’s great to be Citizen Cold – “COLD SNAP!”