Wally West is on the run, being chased by the Rogues – but it’s a very different Wally and Rogues than we’ve ever seen before the ABSOLUTE universe was born. Wally is close to being captured, but he will find a most unlikely ally, and I can’t wait to say more about that (but that’s spoilers, and those are saved for below the jump). This is quite possibly the best issue yet in the series – wanna know more? Follow us after the jump!
SPOILERS AHEAD!
What am I enjoying this series SO much? If you’ve been reading my reviews of the main FLASH series, you’ll find that I’m taking a very different approach to the two books. What I find difficult to enjoy in the main FLASH series is exactly what I love so much about ABSOLUTE FLASH – so let’s separate the two for just a moment:
- ABSOLUTE FLASH turns everything you ever knew about the Flash on its ear. Nothing is quite the same as before. It’s all upside-down and inside-out – but that’s the intent of the ABSOLUTE universe. I came into this series expecting to see something totally different. Still, the series stays true to the basic premise of what a Flash may be, even amid all the changes. It’s something I can appreciate for what it is – and I’m loving every bit of it.
- As for the main FLASH series – I still appreciate it, but to this one reviewer, it’s not a FLASH comic. The present run has veered so far from the idea of who and what a Flash may be that it’s hard to review in those terms. I still like the series – it’s just that THE FLASH has become this great indie comic that happens to share a name and a few characters with the heroes I’ve come to know over the years.
Now, let’s get back to ABSOLUTE FLASH…with few spoilers
- Wally remains on the run, with the Rogues seeming to be on the side of the law (notice I didn’t say on the side of the good guys).
- They’ve had trouble tracking Wally down, so they release Grodd!
- But…if you expected to see the gigantic ape you’ve known for years, remember that this IS the ABSOLUTE universe. Grodd is a small, green monkey who looks about as adorable as a small green monkey can be.
- As they communicate mentally, Grodd realizes that he and Wally have a lot in common. Their life stories aren’t that far apart. Grodd decides to switch sides and work with Wally!
- And, when Wally has the chance to get away, he refuses to leave Grodd behind. They are now a team!
NOTES:
- This story gives us the best of comics – a great script and unbelievably great artwork. The art direction in this issue just blows my mind. If you can read this issue and not be affected emotionally, I don’t know what to say for you.
- The “moments of connection” are a great concept – loved this part of the storytelling.
- At the end of this issue, we see Wally wearing the ABSOLUTE version of the Flash uni, taken from (what used to be) Barry Allen. I love the design!
SUMMARY:
This could be the best issue so far in the series – I’m giving it a 10/10. Of course, that’s just my opinion. What do YOU think? Leave your comments below!