ABSOLUTE FLASH takes a step back this issue, to bring you an origin story of sorts…for the Rogues in the Absolute Universe. How did they get here? What made them take on the job of tracking Wally? And, how did they get so powerful? This issue clears up a lot of those questions. Wanna know more? Follow us after the jump!
SPOILERS AHEAD!
The Rogues were once part of a unit in the military. That is, until they “went Rogue” (yes, they went there) and took a bribe from a foreign government. Something went sideways there, and nothing has been the same for them since. They have gone their separate ways, hoping never to be found again. They weren’t that lucky.
Col. West tracked them down – as did the Absolute version of the Trickster. West gives them an offer, not unlike Task Force X – take on a mission they may not survive…but if they do, their records are cleared.
They eventually accept the offer and are taken to a strange bunker at Fort Fox. They learn a bit about the futuristic, alien-type tech that the folks are playing with at Fort Fox. That’s when the Rogues learn that this tech is about to be used…on them! There will be some upsides, especially for Lisa Snart, who at this early stage of the story can no longer walk. But there will obviously be a lot of risks. Will they take it on?
There is a flashback (no pun intended) to the 1940s, with this world’s Thawne and the Absolute Jay Garrick. The experiment goes sideways (isn’t that the pattern here?), and Jay is seemingly obliterated as a result. But, back to the present day.
West has been trying to reach his son, Wally. He knows something is really wrong at Fort Fox, and he just wants his son to be safe. He finally reaches Wally…but something happens here that keeps them from talking more. You’ll have to read the issue to learn more about that. That’s where we leave it for now – likely to return to the main storyline next issue.
NOTES:
- This issue fills in a lot of blanks when it comes to the Rogues. And, even though it is a flashback issue, it moves the overall plot forward nicely. Jeff Lemire is giving us the best FLASH stories today, period, and I’m enjoying every issue of this Absolute version of our favorite speedster.
- The artwork continues to impress. It’s wild – and spot on for what this story is about. Kudos to Nick Robles, Adriano Lucas, and Tom Napolitano for another excellent issue.
SUMMARY:
This is another amazing issue – and I’ll give it a 10/10. Of course, that’s just my opinion. What do YOU think? Leave your comments below!