The Speed Force is dying, the Black Flash is back, and all hell is breaking loose, in The Flash #77, written by Joshua Williamson, with pencils by Rafa Sandoval, inks by Jordi Tarragona, and colors by Tomeu Morey. Previously, Barry Allen returned from a trip to the past, renewed and reinvigorated, hoping to make amends with the members of the Flash Family he had recently let down. Things didn’t go as planned, though, as it became apparent that the Speed Force was being depleted. To make matters worse, the Black Flash showed up and attacked Allen’s new ally, the Still Force user named Steadfast. Now, Flash must save the new Force users from the Black Flash, as it attempts to wipe out the competition, and save the Speed Force from certain death.

Williamson has been tearing down Barry Allen as of late, but now it seems like he’s finally in the process of building him back up. The sad sack Flash who can’t stop making mistakes. Angering people wherever he goes, is gone, replaced by the classic, happy Barry that is always going to be there for his family, and save the day. And, you know what? Good on Williamson for reminding everybody why Allen is a character to be loved, and not just the boring Flash, by taking him away for a while. Now that he’s back, it feels like the book has been revitalized along with its main character.

Also back, is a sense of forward momentum that’s been missing from the title the last few months. As the “Force Quest” arc fizzled out, not quite delivering on its promise, and “Year One” took the readers backward, instead of forward, it feels great to have “Death and the Speed Force” dive back into the story of the new Forces (Strength, Sage, and Still), and start expanding the Flash lore again. With that expansion comes a new excitement that Williamson is tapping into, and it is more than welcome at this point.

Sandoval’s pencils fit this story perfectly, as they’re sleek, fun, and full of energy. Adding to his crackling, kinetic art style is the spot-on inks and colors of Tarragona and Morey. This team is an amazing combo that blends together just right to elevate the excitement of the “Death” storyline, and practically has the art threatening to pop off the page. Hopefully, they’ll be sticking around the entire arc, and beyond.

This story, and particularly this issue, has been what this book has been needing for quite a while. Williamson had the makings of a classic Flash story with the introduction of the new Forces, and then he put it on the backburner to tell other stories. Now that he’s back on track, this book has become a can’t-miss read again. If you’re looking for a good time to start reading the Flash, or the perfect time to jump back on, this is the story you have been waiting for.

Grade: A+