I'm not sure how to feel about Flash: Rebirth.
I think it's probably a generational thing. After all, when Barry Allen "died" in Crisis I was only three years old. By the time I was reading comics Wally West had already been the Flash for quite a long time. And unlike Hal Jordan, Barry Allen didn't show up much. Even after his death Hal Jordan had a constant presence in the DCU. Barry did as well, but only as much as a dead, sainted figure.
So I'm having difficulty with Flash: Rebirth. This Barry Allen is a stranger to me. He is not someone I've known. But unlike with truly new characters I feel like I'm the only one who doesn't know him. All the characters in the story are ecstatic to see him. The villains are concerned. And I feel like I'm that guy who was brought along to a wedding or birthday party for someone he doesn't know.
Now, I'm not saying I'm not enjoying the book. There's a nice mystery being set up, and some of Barry Allen's background is explored. But I guess I still feel a little on the outside. I'm not one who gets why Barry Allen is seen as so spectacular and special by everyone else. Jay Garrick claiming that Barry was "first" in some way feels forced. To me, a lot of it feels forced.
But Geoff Johns is smart enough, I know. Because there's someone in the story representing me: Bart Allen. Some people might say that Bart is being portrayed out of character. But he needs to be there in that way in the story. Bart is hitting all the right beats and feeling just like I do. He doesn't understand why it's all a big deal. He feels that Wally earned his position as the Flash. He feels that everyone acts (perhaps wrongly) like Barry is some sort of "messiah."
So Geoff Johns knows that there are people like me out there. People who aren't convinced. And he'll try to convince us. I know Bart will eventually be convinced. But will he convince me that Barry Allen is something special?
We shall see.
