DC; $3.99

Flash #70 goes back to the beginning of the race with the “Year One” arc. Meet preteen Barry Allen and his sweet, supportive mother. Meet CSI Barry Allen, a curious reporter named Iris West, and a police officer named August. And, see how an intelligent young man adjusts to a mystifying new set of abilities.

The first issue of “Year One” by Joshua Williamson and Howard Porter was quite enjoyable. It’s familiar territory for Flash fans but is refreshingly simple after the complicated Force quest adventures he’s had lately. Seeing Barry test and analyze his condition brings the comic back to how smart Barry is, not just that most things are possible because of the Speed Force.

Being that it’s “Year One,” it’s also a good jumping on point for readers who are new to the Flash.

-Amanda Sheriff