As with its other sibling titles Absolute Flash has been revamping what the lead character’s origin is. There has already been dramatic changes with Absolute Barry Allen dying in the accident that gave Wally West his speed powers. The Speed Force also appears to be completely different with Wally getting used to his new powers. Though that hasn’t been an easy thing to do as Wally’s father has sent Task Force X to hunt his son. How will Wally West deal with such a chaotic situation? Let’s find out with Absolute Flash #3.
CREATIVE TEAM
Writer: Jeff Lemire
Artist: Nick Robles
Colorist: Adriano Lucas
Letterer: Tom Napolitano
ABSOLUTE FLASH #3 SOLICITATION
“THE ROGUES PRESS THE ATTACK! Wally’s back is up against the wall as the Rogues bear down on him. Can he evade capture and harness some of his newfound speed, or is he already at the finish line?” – DC Comics
REVIEW
Absolute Flash #3 completes the ride that was the opening story arc for this series. We started off with Wally West life going from bad to worse as the world seemed to be against him. Somehow we went from a spot where Wally was about to completely break to end the first story arc in a more hopeful place for the Absolute Universe’ first Speedster.
The way Jeff Lemire and Nick Robles find a way to turn things around for Wally West gave a much greater meaning for what Absolute Flash represents. The way we started and ended there is this sense of power as Wally finally reclaimed his life. Not only did Wally gain his superhero identity but it finally gave him a direction to go.
This satisfaction of what Absolute Flash exemplifies how it has felt like we were on a journey with Wally. The opening to this third issue really summarizes the terrible spot Wally was in. He already didn’t have the best life before the accident. The accident and gaining powers just amplified how alone Wally has felt his entire life. You can really feel how alone Wally was.
That makes the attitude Wally’s father shows hit even harder. There is an uncaring tone to the way Lemire writes Wally’s father. Even though he wants his son back his word choice of feels like he is talking about property rather than family. Which ads to how The Rogues are presented as a strike force who are just about business. Their attitude fits with what we’ve seen in other parts of the Absolute Universe with organizations like Lazarus Corp.
Having this get the job done mind set made the introduction of Absolute Grodd a surprising choice that completely works for the story being told. It is good that Absolute Grodd isn’t presented exactly like his main DC Universe counterpart. Instead Grodd is another experiment utilized by The Rogues for their missions.
This presentation made the way Wally’s memories ended up impacting Grodd when they connected a cool twist. Wally’s memories imprinted humanity that Grodd never had as he was a living experiment used as a weapon by The Rogues. So this first experience with human emotions is life changing to Grodd. In turn, it helps Wally come to terms with his situation. Which made the ending with Wally in his Absolute Flash costume speeding away with Grodd on his shoulders a strong way to conclude this first story arc.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Absolute Flash #3 does an excellent job providing the payoff to what has been built so far in these first three issues. Jeff Lemire and Nick Robles nail getting the reader to feel the life changing journey Wally West has been on as he comes to accept his powers. The way one of the classic Flash antagonist plays an important role in Wally embracing his superhero identity was a cool twist on the origin. By the end your left excited for what will come next for the Absolute Universe’s Flash.
Story Rating: 9 Night Girls out of 10
Art Rating: 9 Night Girls out of 10
Overall Rating: 9 Night Girls out of 10
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