Flash #2: Savage Showdown (July ’87), written by Mike Baron, pencils by Jackson Guice, inker Larry Mahlstedt, letterer Steve Haynie, Carl Gafford on colors, and Mike Gold editing. Let’s take a look.

I’m a die-hard Marvel fan, but I was wondering about the Flash and gave this a read. I have a few more of these issues to read, but I don’t think this was the best place to start my DC journey.

The Good

Is Savage some sort of vampire? Or just immortal? For a first-time reader, I thought he was pretty cool, like a cross between Kraven the Hunter and Dracula, but I was baffled about his abilities. Flash’s girl, Francine, can push metal around like Magneto. I’m down for that.

The best part was the 80’s fashion in the flavor of Dead or Alive.

Side note: “You Spin Me Round” was a hit in 1985, and this comic was published in ’87. I was six. These are not my nostalgic memories.

The Bad

The Flash wins the Lotto. I guess he’s going to lose it all (gone in a flash?), or realize that money isn’t everything (it was just a flashy fortune).

The Ugly

The comic didn’t age well (oh look, a girl with powers who still needs saving, and what does “chez” even mean?). It can also get confusing, and I don’t just mean “you missed issue #1, you dolt!” kind of confusing. Did Flash run down the wall? I’m no physics major, but running down the wall is just going to get you killed faster, because gravity.

But okay, it’s a comic, and all’s fair in love and comics. If you love the Flash, this might be for you. Otherwise, give it a skip.