By Justin McCarty

This issue wraps up the negative speed force storyline and sets up a new series. Issues 30 and 31 were a short arc to segue into the next arc starting in issue 32. Bloodwork was a two-issue arc that stood pretty well on its own. Even if the villain was pretty two-dimensional.

The Flash is still dealing with the disgusting Bloodwork as he expands his veins through, and around, Central City. Bloodwork never wants to bleed again, and yet all he does is bleed. The Flash is trying to help but is only making things worse for a while. The battle carries momentum until it is ended in a somewhat contrived fashion. After that point, the Bloodwork villain is gotten out of the way quickly. That’s ok. The point of the story is Barry coming to terms with his choices and trying to make amends. He’s finally owning up to the fact that he’s just not the kind of person he wants or needs to be.

We get two artists for the price of one on this story. To me, splitting up a book between two artists can be tricky. If it has to be done, as is sometimes required, letting the veteran artist of the book do the first half, and the new artist does the second half, is a great way to handle it. I barely noticed the change in art styles. Both styles lend themselves well to the tone of the book.

I haven’t been completely sold on the rebirth Flash, and I only just jumped on with these two books, but in just two books I want to know more about how Barry is going to have to train himself. I need to get a few back issues, too. Of course, I have to get caught up. Hopefully, I’ll find that there is a better balance between villains and character drama as my Flash reading continues.

Score: 4/5

The Flash #31
DC Comics