“Absolute Flash #1 Shocks Fans with a Dark New Twist on Wally West!”
The Absolute Universe has been a game-changer for DC Comics, offering fresh takes on iconic heroes in a reality twisted by Darkseid. Now, it’s the Fastest Man Alive’s turn to shine—or rather, to run for his life—in Absolute Flash #1.
A Troubled Teen with a Need for Speed
Fifteen-year-old Wally West is no ordinary teen. A military brat with no friends and a mind weighed down by anxiety, his life takes an even crazier turn when he suddenly acquires super-speed. But instead of becoming a hero overnight, Wally finds himself on the run, hunted by an elite military unit.
The issue kicks off with Wally already deep in trouble, before flashing back to two days earlier. We learn that his mother passed away years ago, and his emotionally distant father—Colonel West—isn’t exactly a beacon of parental warmth. The only person in Wally’s corner is Dr. Barry Allen, a scientist at the military base. Barry offers Wally a work-study job, but Colonel West forbids it. Naturally, Wally doesn’t listen. His disobedience leads to an accidental transformation—and suddenly, the Absolute Flash is born.
A Flash Story with a Twist of Horror
At first glance, Absolute Flash #1 feels more like The Incredible Hulk than a traditional Flash comic. Jeff Lemire’s storytelling paints Wally as a tormented wanderer, more fugitive than hero, with the military breathing down his neck. There’s a distinct body horror element as well, with Wally struggling to control the raw energy surging through him. The issue is less about high-speed heroics and more about Wally’s internal turmoil, making for an emotionally charged and gripping read.
A Darker Take on Wally’s Origins
Longtime Flash fans will recognize echoes of Wally’s troubled past from the Post-Crisis era. In that timeline, his father was an abusive conman, and his mother stole from him. While later versions softened this backstory, Absolute Flash #1 doubles down on Wally’s harsh upbringing, making his journey all the more compelling. This version of Wally longs for connection but doesn’t quite know how to find it.
Visuals That Keep Up with the Speedster
Nick Robles’ art style perfectly complements the story’s dark and gritty tone, while Adriano Lucas’ colors add an extra layer of depth. One of the standout artistic choices is how the environment shifts when Wally’s powers activate—the background colors simplify, the world distorts, but Wally himself remains unchanged. This subtle touch makes the reader feel as disoriented as Wally, emphasizing his struggle to stay grounded in reality.
Verdict: A Must-Read for Flash Fans
Absolute Flash #1 is a bold, emotionally rich reinvention of Wally West, proving once again that the Absolute Universe is one of DC’s best creative experiments. It blends superhero action with a touch of psychological horror, offering a fresh and compelling take on the Scarlet Speedster.
With a strong debut issue, this series is poised for a long and thrilling run—pun intended.
