This series is just getting better by the issue. ABSOLUTE FLASH takes familiar names and places, and turns the entire old narrative on its ear. Long-time FLASH fans can enjoy all the Easter Eggs as they appear, and new fans have a fantastic story to follow. Wally has found his way to Iron Heights, but don’t worry. It’s not the Iron Heights you remember. And before this issue is over, you’ll find some more familiar names showing up in new and unusual ways. Wanna know more? Follow us after the jump!
SPOILERS AHEAD!
In the ABSOLUTE world, Iron Heights is not a prison. It’s a great place to escape to, if you are so inclined. And, Wally is definitely so inclined as he and Grodd find sanctuary for a time here. Wally is offered a place to stay at the Dibny Mission (and yes, THAT Dibny couple operates it). That’s where Wally meets Linda, but unfortunately, that meeting does not get the chance to develop into something more.
The reason? Grodd has escaped from Wally’s backpack and is on the run! Hold on to that thought for a moment, because we need to switch scenes for a moment.
Back at the remnants of Barry Allen’s lab, Wally’s dad and Elenore Thawne talk about what may have happened. There are some weapons development projects that Thawne doesn’t want to talk about, but there were also projects Barry was working on that even Thawne does not understand. And, as they discuss the wreckage left behind, we find that there were more test subjects in the lab. Well, not IN the lab, not anymore. They’ve escaped!
The signs tell us about most of them. Project Firestorm, Project Wizard, Project Heatwave, you’ll recognize those names. But there is a “Project XXXXX” that remains unknown, at least for now. Thawne reveals that they have been tracking Grodd, and through Grodd they have an idea where Wally may be. More than that…Grodd may be leading Wally to those other “test subjects”.
That’s where we come back to Wally and find him meeting the ABSOLUTE universe version of one of those “test subjects”. And THIS version looks nothing like the regular DCU version. What happens next? We’ll have to wait for next issue for that.
NOTES:
- Jeff Lemire must be having one of the best times of his career – at least that’s what it seems by reading these issues. Lemire is getting to build an entirely new world around a familiar name and title. In the wrong hands, that could end badly – but in Lemire’s hands, this is a fantastic story and a great ride for all of us fans!
- The artwork continues to excel – all the way through that last splash page with [redacted] appearing. A.L Kaplan, Chris Sotomayorand Tom Napolitano deserve all the praise that we can give for another great issue.
SUMMARY:
ABSOLUTE FLASH continues to amaze, with a terrific story combined with fantastic artwork. I’ll give this issue a 10/10. Of course, that’s just my opinion. What do YOU think? Leave your comments below!