Flash #226

The cover of The Flash #226 (November 2005) delivers an immediate jolt of energy — the Scarlet Speedster charges straight toward the viewer, fists clenched and expression fierce, surrounded by crackling lightning bolts that splinter across a stormy blue-grey sky. José Ladrönn's cover art gives the figure real muscular weight and urgency, the splash of water at Flash's feet suggesting he's already deep in whatever trouble the tagline "Rough Weather Ahead" promises. Inside, writers Stuart Immonen and Kathryn Kuder team with artist Steve Lightle on a story called "Down Time" — which, given that charged cover image, sounds anything but restful.