Beginnings and Endings

Today I take a look at some new beginnings. The Flash presents a new take on the hero in the DC Rebirth era, and we actually see the birth of a new speedster. In The Eye of the World chapter 1, we see the start of what will be a long journey and meet some of the players. Finally, in World of Warcraft, I start over. I’ve boycotted Blizzard because of their policies about freedom of speech, but when we’re in the middle of a pandemic, I figured I could end my protest. In any case, I ramble about some beginnings and endings.

Begin with Lightning

Barry is feeling overwhelmed. As we kick off the new era of DC Comics, Allen is always late, absentminded, and never seems to have time for himself. But it looks like things may be changing in his life.

First off, Wally West is back. Kid Flash showed back up in the DC Rebirth issue and continued in Flash Rebirth. His return brings with it plenty of questions and implications but it might just let Barry have a few seconds of downtime.

Then, in this first issue, Flash #1, we see the Speed Force being unpredictable. As Barry tries to be in two places at once – saving children from a burning building and interrupting a hijacking – lightning strikes. It seems the same lightning that gave Barry his speed has hit someone else.

Will new speedster, August Heart, give Barry even more free time, or will he require even more from a Flash already running at top speed?

It’s a new beginning for Flash that has lots of potential, and I’m looking forward to seeing where things go.

A Journey into Town

While Barry Allen’s lightning struck twice in Central City, it only took one glance from a mysterious cloaked rider in the Westwood to give Rand a shiver down his back. And with the appearance of that rider, the wheel of time began turning for Rand and his friends in the Two Rivers.

While we only meet Rand al’Thor and Mat Cauthon, there are plenty of main characters introduction in absentia in the first chapter of The Eye of the World, but it’s Rand’s encounter with the dark rider that gets this whole story started.

Sure, we learn about the never-ending winter, wolves coming down from the mountains, and speculation that the new young Wisdom of Emond’s Field seems to be inept, but the fact that this little out-of-the-way town is hosting so many strangers during this time certainly makes me wonder if something out of the ordinary is going on. And this creepy horseman certainly fits the bill.

So the beginning is set – if there are beginnings in the turning of the wheel. Rand and Mat, Egwene, and Nynaeve. Four young Two Rivers folk who really have no idea what’s ahead of them, or what’s coming for them as we start The Eye of the World.

Beginning with an Ending

With beginnings in The Flash #1 and The Eye of the World chapter 1, I figured I’d find another starting point to round out my ramble for the day. So I decided to give up my boycott of World of Warcraft.

I suppose I would have kept my boycott in place had it not been for the pandemic, but I figure starting up a new character during this time would be ok. I mean, I can’t even watch a baseball game right now, so the world is quite a bit different than when I put my boycott in place.

In any case, I started up a new Tauren Druid, and I have to say, the early leveling is ineffective at teaching anything in the game. In my first game session, I quickly gained six levels with absolutely no fear of damage. I suppose I took a few HP of damage while fighting Chief Sharptusk Thornmantle, but there really is never a fear of anything in Camp Narache.

It’s a Wrap

As I look at the beginnings and endings in today’s ramble, I feel pretty good about where things are in my reading and gaming. Both comics and books, gaming, and TV shows all start somewhere, and while I may rewatch something or reread something, it’s always good to go back to the start every once in a while to get your bearings.

Ramble 2020.02.09 | Beginnings and Endings