Amanda Waller’s plan to stop all of the world’s metahumans hinges on her adaptable team of Amazo androids. However, as each of them absorb the powers of the Justice League, they begin to develop fatal flaws. Namely, Task Force VII #5 covers the somewhat sad state of the Flash powered “Velocity.” Let’s get up to speed!
Flash FAQ
Barry Allen and Wally West are the only speedsters remaining and Velocity is on the hunt. As a result, the android takes advantage of the powers and memories of the Flash Family to catch him. Of course, Barry Allen proves to be a bothersome catch. Despite stealing the powers, Velocity can’t fully access the Speed Force due to lack of understanding. Primarily, this is because most of the information the Flash Family knows about how to use it are extremely esoteric aphorisms. Consequently, the Flash retains a significant advantage over the inorganic agent. That is, until the robot forces itself to study Barry Allen’s memories for any kind of tangible hints.
In the midst of things, Velocity concludes that emotional context is key to making the Flash’s abilities work without needing humanity. Traditionally, each speedster finds an anchor to pull themselves out of the Speed Force or other peril. Arrogantly, Velocity diminishes the familiar concept of an “emotional anchor” to simply needing a reason. Which to be fair, is the most rational explanation of how writers typically depict the The Speed Force. The robot hilariously chooses Barry as his anchor, if only to pursue him with all his might as his nemesis. The trouble is, this also puts Iris West in danger. Whom, in spite of the fake metahuman news cycle, is more focused on dealing with an attack on the Flash Museum reminicent of September 11th.
Live For The Chase
Meanwhile, Steve Trevor continues his somewhat boring Gamorra Island subplot. Last issue, Colonel Trevor discovers Waller’s supervillains have been building a device reminicent of Stargate-SG1. In this issue, Steve partially uncovers what and who it is for. Curiously, the machine seemingly calls up Waller’s Earth-3 Crime Syndicate. Once assembled at the end of War For Earth-3. This team included members of Waller’s Suicide Squad like the Superboy clone Match and Nocturna. Moreover, it appears that the team has developed their own ambitions since Waller left the universe. Although, the exact details of the deal both parties share or what has transpired in the interim are unclear. Still, it is nice to see the group grow and evolve after Infinite Frontier.
Nonetheless, the book looks fairly sharp. Pete Wood crisply underscores each expressive gesture and background with thick outlines. Despite the line weight, each drawing avoids a look of stiffness and instead feels expressive. In particular, Wood’s use of color, time-lapse, and creative point of view angles helps the book feel well oriented and quite action packed. Negatively, Wood gets away with poor background renders by flooding the page with overwhelming Speed Force lightning effects. In terms of design, some readers might delight to see a reimagining of Flash Year One’s gunshot sequence and early costume. Some of the flashback images of young Wally seem a bit rubbery and weird, but it isn’t such a big deal. Yet, I will say that Velocity looks better with Wood’s touch than many of its android contemporaries.
Recommended If…
- Collecting issues of Absolute Power.
- You like Barry Allen as The Flash.
- You’re fine reading another Amazo story.
Overall
It may not be the best, but in the grand scheme of this event overall, this issue seems fairly solid. Outside of the incessant monologuing every Amazo is doing, Velocity is the most likable so far. In so much that it hasn’t developed an ego or personality as ridiculously weird as the others. Reading a story about a Robot being incapable of mastering a power based on love and opaque ideals is surprisingly engaging. Also, it is hard to deride Pete Wood’s creative take on the Flash and his newest rogue. In many ways, Paknadel authors an authentic Flash story. That includes all of the flawed logic that didn’t begin with this creative team and I can’t blame them for utilizing.
Score: 7/10
English (US) · 