This week's comic expectations

Just like last week, there could not be more going on... unlike last week, the headliner goes to DC, for all this Buzz surrounding the Flash and possibly Barry Allen or Wally West...

We're finally going to get the answer to Bart Allen's final fate in Flash: The Fastest Man Alive #13, and according to Mark Waid, we're also going to get part of the answer in Justice League of America #10 (though if you've no interest in the League, I'm sure the whole answer can be found in the Flash). The question is a two parter: 1) Will Bart Allen survive and still be Flash? 2) If not, who will be?

The Clues? 1) DC's released image a couple of weeks ago showing the rogues killing a Flash. 2) The cover to this issue features a dead and decomposed Flash (presumably Barry Allen) holding a lifeless Flash (presumably Bart) in its arms. 3) Mark Waid is taking back over the title, and there will be a six-month hiatus between this issue and the relaunching of the title, resuming the numbering where Waid left off (during the Wallly West era). 4) Waid said he would be writing a different scarlet speedster this time around, and the answer to the question of who can also be found in the conclusion of the JLA/JSA "Lightning Saga" crossover (JLA #10), in which seven members of the Legion of Superheroes have come back in time to resurrect an unidentified Hero. 5) Countdown #43's cover is of the Teen Titans attending a funeral, and Speedy, of all people, is near the center, not an older Titan

We are, of course, being led to think Barry is coming back and Bart is dying. I'm starting to think differently, after reading the three-page preview on ComicsContinuum.com ... I really just doubt DC is going to give in to fan pressure and kill off Bart...

Anyway, there is much more going on this week than just the Flash! Lightning Round --- GO!

1) Incredible Hulk #107 is the first World War Hulk tie-in for Green Scar's main book

2) Brave and the Bold #4 features the most unlikely of teamups -- Supergirl and Lobo

3) Countdown #45 features Karate Kid's final fate with the Justice League, which may tie-in to the whole Flash story...

4) Captain America #27 includes Winter Soldier's first steps at killing Tony Stark... I think the Hulk is a bit ahead of you there, Bucky...

5) Mythos: Spider-Man continues in Marvel's series of some real beautiful painted recreations of heros' first stories. A must for any hardcore Peter Parker fan

6) X-Men Endangered Species One-Shot kicks off the 16-part back-up story saga of Beast trying to unravel the extent of Wanda's "no more mutants" edict. Personally I think the story seems weak, but Marvel claims this leads into the much cooler sounding X-Men: Messiah Complex

7) Iron Man #19 is another World War Hulk tie-in ... this issue would be higher on my Lightning Round list, if I didn't have the sinking feeling this issue is going to be entirely based on the last few pages of World War Hulk #1 and completely ruin how cool and concise Tony's speech at the end was...