It is quite the time to be a Flash fan – recent rumors suggest that his solo film will be out as soon as in 2018, the show is going strong, and the comic (reportedly) will be getting a new creative direction. I’ve been a Flash fan for nearly 30 years now, and while things are very exciting right now, there is still room to grow across all the various platforms. Here’s how:
1. For the television show: Don’t slow down
We currently have Barry, Zoom, Jay Garrick, Reverse Flash, and Wally West involved in the show in some capacity – don’t quit introducing fun new characters into the show, specifically speedsters. Time travel is already a thing on this show – why not bring in Bart? Max Mercury can pop over from an alternate Earth.
Look, can the show go too far? Yes, of course it can. But that isn’t a reason to not go for it right now. The film is never going to be able to do what a show can do over dozens of hours. Let the show build as rich of a universe as possible – please.
2. For the film: Don’t be the show
The benefit of a two hour movie is that you can do a great self contained story, and not have to worry about what happens next. In addition, supposedly, the Flash will speed into Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice ahead of his own film. That means there’s no need for an origin story – just dive in and give us a great Flash story. People will be far less precious about the differences between the TV show and the film if we don’t get an Iris, a dead mother, and lightning and chemicals. Make it a non-stop action film and people won’t care.
3. For the comic: Get back to the fun
Due to the planning for Flash Appreciation Day, I’ve been thinking about and reading a ton of Flash stories, and all the best ones have a sense of fun and joy to them. The current run? Well, it has none of that. I know that happy characters don’t make for good comics – or so so many modern publishers will tell us – but the Flash is a character for whom angst isn’t a good look. Let him be smiling and fun! I really want to ask for more Silver Age madness, but that’s not going to happen, so at least make him less of a sourpuss.
4. For the film and the comic: Keep the costume simple
The Silver Age Flash and Kid Flash Costumes are among the best designed in all of comics, and the show has done a nice job adapting that look. I have a feeling the film is going to go more Quicksilver in Days of Future past rather than Age of Ultron, and unless they’re trying to ape the open-haired Kid Flash costume, that’s a mistake. The costume is elegant, simple, and looks great in any medium.
So, for the comics – get rid of some of those unnecessary lines. For the film: keep it simple..
5. For all: OK, I said I wasn’t going to do this, but…
Let’s get some silly Silver Age Flash-stuff, please?
