The collection of DC’s Absolute Universe comics titles is currently the most popular in the comic book industry. As revealed by writer Scott Snyder of “Absolute Batman,” each issue has sold more than six figures on Bluesky, following the extraordinary successes of “Absolute Batman,” “Absolute Superman,” and “Absolute Wonder Woman.” The next phase of the Absolute Universe is commencing with “Absolute Flash,” penned by Jeff Lemire and Nick Robles. Ever since details about this comic were announced, fans have eagerly anticipated “Absolute Flash.” Given the high expectations, the debut issue carries a significant burden. Fortunately, this first installment is an engaging and thrilling start that will captivate readers immediately.
The narrative commences now, finding teenager Wally West halted in a barren landscape, tormented by what he’s just done and haunted by the recent events and the unsettling energy radiating from his body, which instills fear and hopelessness within him. However, the tale subsequently jumps back two days, establishing the normal life of young West. Wally resides on a military base with his father, who is engrossed in a secretive project. He breaches curfew and arrives at the base, grappling with the solitude of his existence, only to be intercepted by Dr. Barry Allen at the gate. Allen wants to share something with him and guides him to the lab where he works alongside West’s father, inquiring if Wally would like to contribute part-time to Project: Olympus. Before he can respond, Wally’s father appears, scolding Wally for breaking curfew and Barry for allowing Wally access to the lab.
The narrative jumps to the current timeline, revealing that Wally is now aware he’s being pursued, introducing us to the contemporary iterations of Flash’s rogues – Captain Cold, Captain Boomerang, Golden Glider, and a girl named Jesse who remains a mystery. These characters have been dispatched to capture him, forcing him to dash into a cave, reactivating energies from earlier, leading to another flashback. This one shows Wally having an argument with his father about the previous day’s events. Feeling frustrated, Wally departs and returns to the lab, whereupon he encounters Barry confined within a machine. Barry instructs him to exit, but a blast then shakes the lab, propelling Wally back to the present moment, where the rogues are hotly pursuing him. The issue concludes with a sneak peek into the future, as in twelve months, Absolute Mirror Master starts downloading data from the Project: Olympus lab, which contains images of Wally as the new Flash and working alongside test animals.
In a gripping manner, Absolute Flash #1 seizes readers’ attention immediately and maintains its grip throughout. Lemire skillfully portrays Wally’s panic in the initial panels, which culminates in the captivating opening double-page spread featuring Wally enveloped by energy reminiscent of his memories. The first three pages are powerfully engaging, setting the tone for the rest of the story. Lemire cleverly hints at Wally’s identity within the Absolute Universe in these opening pages, later revealing these clues as the narrative unfolds. Furthermore, Lemire instills a sense of unease from the start, creating an unsettling atmosphere that permeates the issue. The enigmatic energies (not the Speed Force, as confirmed in interviews), the distressed lab monkeys, and Wally’s discontented life collectively convey to readers that something is amiss here, piquing their curiosity about the unfolding mystery.
In this issue, there’s a clever twist on typical Flash storylines. Instead of the expected mentor dynamic between Barry Allen and Wally West, they have a friendly rapport. However, unlike what could have been a buddy comic, the usual setup is subverted. Wally loses Barry, his anchor in life, to gain his powers in the Absolute Universe. This change mirrors the anxiety Wally felt at the start of the issue. The new Rogues are intriguing, working for the military but also planning to deviate from their assigned roles to retrieve Wally. The nature of Wally’s powers remains mysterious, with each flashback depicting bursts of red energy. It’s unclear if his abilities involve time travel or simple speed. This level of uncertainty is classic superhero suspense, masterfully illustrated by Robles. His character illustrations are spot-on, adding depth to the captions, and his art style perfectly suits a Flash comic. The fact that the first issue looks this good promises a visually appealing future for this series.
Total Thrill – Absolute Flash #1″
In this exhilarating debut issue, writer Jeff Lemire delivers an unforgettable ride from start to finish, showcasing his exceptional knack for crafting authentic teenage characters. His portrayal of the main character Wally in this series is notably distinct and genuine. Beneath the surface of the story, Lemire skillfully scatters clues on a captivating journey of self-discovery. Not a moment or scene is wasted; instead, every page brims with rich detail without ever feeling cramped. The pacing is impeccable, propelling readers through the timeline at an electrifying pace.
The artwork is exceptional, with colorist Adriano Lucas deserving special mention for his masterful use of yellows and reds that enrich each panel. This comic stands apart from any previous Flash titles, captivating readers with its intriguing elements that have become signature to the Absolute series. In essence, “Total Thrill – Absolute Flash #1” is a polished first issue, offering visual delights that will undoubtedly leave readers eager for more.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Published by DC Comics
On March 19, 2025
Written by Jeff Lemire
Art by Nick Robles
Colors by Adriano Lucas
Letters by Tom Napolitano
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2025-03-19 15:40