DC Comics

The Flash #11 (2016)

Comic Books Library
by Comic Books Library August 06, 2025
The Flash #11 (2016)


The Flash #11 (2016) – Comic Book Review

🧬 Genre

Superhero • Action • Psychological Thriller • Mystery

🩾‍♂️ Main Characters

  • Barry Allen / The Flash – Central hero with the power of super-speed, confronting internal doubts and external darkness.

  • Wallace West / Kid Flash – Young speedster in training, learning what it truly means to be a hero.

  • Shade (Richard Swift) – A morally ambiguous villain wielding shadow-based powers and deep emotional trauma.

✍️ Writer

Joshua Williamson – Known for his long run on The Flash, Williamson explores emotional depth, legacy, and the psychological cost of being a speedster. His writing in this issue blends suspense with growth, particularly focusing on the mentor-mentee bond.

🎹 Artist

Davide Gianfelice – Brings a haunting, ethereal style to the Shadowlands. His depiction of darkness and swirling shadows contrasts sharply with the vibrant energy of the speedsters. The panel layouts enhance pacing and tension.

🖌️ Editor Details

  • Editor: Brian Cunningham

  • Assistant Editor: Amedeo Turturro
    They ensured the arc maintained narrative continuity and emotional consistency within the Rebirth universe.

🏱 Publisher and Brand

  • Publisher: DC Comics

  • Brand: DC Universe Rebirth

📅 Release Year

2016

📖 Brief Plot Summary

“The Speed of Darkness” Part Two continues the eerie descent into the Shadowlands. Trapped in this twisted, shadowy dimension, The Flash and Kid Flash must navigate psychological illusions and spectral threats. Their journey tests their trust in one another while unraveling the tragic backstory of Shade, whose pain and manipulation of darkness threaten to consume them all. As the lines blur between heroism and fear, the duo must confront what it means to truly shine in the darkest of places.

đŸ§© Notable Arcs or Storylines

  • The Speed of Darkness – A short but powerful arc exploring emotional trauma and heroism in the face of internalized fear.

  • Builds upon the ongoing development of Wallace West’s identity as Kid Flash.

  • Continues the DC Rebirth theme of legacy and mentorship in a world redefining its heroes.

🔼 Fan Theories or Interpretations

  • Shade’s Shadowlands are interpreted by fans as a metaphor for depression or unresolved grief, where characters must confront not physical enemies, but their own emotional scars.

  • Some theories suggest the Shadowlands may foreshadow future multiversal threats tied to darker speed force energies.

  • Fans also see this issue as a symbolic “passing of the torch,” with Barry letting Wallace step into his own light.

📝 Review Summary

The Flash #11 strikes a thoughtful balance between action and emotional storytelling. Joshua Williamson's writing resonates through the mentor-mentee dynamic, giving Wallace West a chance to step out of Barry's shadow—literally and figuratively. Davide Gianfelice’s art transforms the Shadowlands into a visually compelling psychological maze 🌌. Character development shines, especially for Shade, who becomes more than a one-note villain. A moody, gripping issue that dives deeper than the typical speedster sprint.

⭐ Verdict: 8.5/10 – A visually rich and emotionally introspective chapter in the Rebirth era. ⚡đŸ–€


Comic Resource / Read Online (External Source)

The Flash #11 (2016)
Language : English