The second wave of Absolute Universe comic books are here. This second wave begins with Absolute Flash by writer Jeff Lemire and Nick Robles. Lemire has a long history of proving to deliver high quality comic books from his superhero to indie work. Robles has been doing a lot of work for DC Comics with this being his big ongoing work. With that said, both Lemire and Robles have a high bar that they must hit as every Absolute Universe comic book has been a home run thus far. They need to continue that momentum here. Let’s see if they can do that with Absolute Flash #1.
CREATIVE TEAM
Writer: Jeff Lemire
Artist: Nick Robles
Colorist: Adriano Lucas
Letterer: Tom Napolitano
ABSOLUTE FLASH #1 SOLICITATION
“JEFF LEMIRE AND NICK ROBLES SPEED INTO THE ABSOLUTE UNIVERSE! Without the mentor… without the family… without the Speed Force, what’s left is the Absolute Scarlet Speedster!” – DC Comics
REVIEW
Wally West journey in the Absolute Universe begins with as many similarities and key differences to Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman. Right away Absolute Flash #1 makes it clear Wally’s hero origin does not follow the original path. Even as there are elements of the Flash iconic origin story they are altered to such a degree that you are left wondering where Wally’s journey will ultimately lead him to.
The opening of Absolute Flash #1 set the tone of not to expect the Speed Force origin for this story. The way Nick Robles and Adriano Lucas showcase the way Wally is impacted by what we could call the Absolute Universe’s Speed Force is terrifying. The visuals of vestiges of other people around Wally as his power is being activated makes you feel for Wally. You completely understand why this isn’t a joyous moment of gaining super powers. This is instead a nightmare that’s left Wally feeling he is being attack by something he knows nothing about.
This sets up the flashback to a few days prior well when it comes to establishing who Wally is. Even before gaining his powers Wally was a loner not because he wanted to be but because of circumstances. In his pre-superpower life that was due to constantly moving from one military facility to another because of his father’s scientific work. Even though there were kids in nearby towns because he never spent much time anywhere and was locked inside a base most of the time he couldn’t make friends. Something you get a better idea of with how sheltered Wally’s father forces him to be.
With how we see Wally’s father treat him it becomes more understandable that when Barry Allen, a colleague of Wally’s dad, reaches out Wally is open to this. Wally not fully understand why he ends up following Barry makes the dynamic between the two work so well. Being the kind guy he is Barry sees Wally needs someone to just show him what is possible to break him out of feeling locked in his room all the time. Barry does without forcing things. Which is a great contrast to how Wally’s father authoritarian act with his parenting style.
Now while the relationship angle of the story is handled extremely well I can’t say the same thing with the Flash origin itself. The way Wally ends up getting his powers ends up coming across as something where we needed to get to this point. When really that wasn’t exactly necessary for the first issue. That is because the opening is so strong in telling us Wally is the first Flash that this first issue could’ve been more about the importance of Wally’s relationship with his father, Barry, and town he is in.
Diving into the vibe of Wally’s pre-Flash life would’ve made the superhero origin even more impactful. This leads to what feels like several hook endings that feel rushed because as much was needed to be thrown at the reader to hook them in. When really the opening combined with the character dynamics was more than enough to sell this first issue.
That said, it cannot be denied that what is shown in the present day scenes post-Wally getting his powers wasn’t cool. The Flash’s classic Rogues being turned into a special forces group is fitting to how many changes we’ve seen go on in the Absolute Universe. Like with the Lazarus Corp’s use of Peacemakers, the Rogues drive home how those that we identify as villains are positioned as protectors in the Absolute Universe. And like Batman and Superman, Wally in his journey as Flash is seen as something to take down or capture.
The big hook ending of what appears to be that Barry died in the accident that gave Wally his powers creates so many questions. Especially when remembering how it appeared that vestiges of people where inside whatever was giving Wally his speed powers. Given how the accident happen we could see a scenario that now Barry lives through whatever Speed Force replacement Wally is getting his powers from. Which adds intrigue in what this means for how Wally’s powers will operate once he gains control of them.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Absolute Flash #1 gives you everything you could want from the start of Wally West superhero journey. Jeff Lemire and Nick Robles craft a story that is dense with content of several comic book issues. That does lead to certain elements of Wally’s origin being rushed. But there is no denying that all the many positives by far outweigh any nitpicks that may be had. With the impactful final three pages Lemire and Robles end this first issue with, this is certainly another big win for the Absolute Universe.
Story Rating: 8 Night Girls out of 10
Art Rating: 8 Night Girls out of 10
Overall Rating: 8 Night Girls out of 10
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