Impulse #86

Impulse #86, published by DC Comics in July 2002, serves as part of the late-run narrative for Bart Allen’s tenure as the lead character in the Impulse series. Written by Todd Dezago with cover art by Ethan Van Sciver, the issue arrives during a transitional period for the title as it navigated the character's growth and the shifting landscape of the DC Universe leading into the Teen Titans relaunch. The series was characterized by its lighthearted, frenetic energy, which contrasted with the more serious tone of many contemporary superhero comics of the era.

The creative team behind this period of the series aimed to balance Bart's inherent immaturity with his evolving understanding of legacy and responsibility. Van Sciver’s pencils contributed to the visually distinct, kinetic aesthetic that defined the Impulse brand. While the series eventually concluded shortly thereafter to pave the way for Bart to adopt the Kid Flash mantle, issue #86 remains a representative piece of the character's solo run, remembered for its focus on character-driven subplots and the unique visual identity established under Dezago’s stewardship.