Absolute Flash #1: Run Like Hell

Absolute Flash #1 is the first of the next wave in the DC Comics Absolute line of comics with Jeff Lemire at the helm alongside artist Nick Robles.

Lemire kicks off the issue with Wally West in the desert, seemingly just having experienced his speed powers for the first time and wondering how he got to this point, Lemire does a good job of introducing Wally as someone who doesn’t know what is going on and way over his head. The plot then steps back two days as Wally’s backstory is fleshed out more and readers meet this Universe’s version of Barry Allen, a scientist on the military base that Wally’s father was recently transferred. Lemire further builds the character of Wally while the artwork teases the secret project that Barry is working for the military, which looks to involve gorillas.

The Absolute versions of the Flash Rogues gallery, specifically Captain Cold, Boomerang, Golden Glider, and the Trickster, whose design is the most intriguing and hopefully be explode sooner rather than later. While not coming out and saying exactly how Wally gets his speed powers, Robles’ artwork provides some clues not only to the lab accident but also to the unintended results besides giving Wally his powers.

The art and colorwork work well together and give the issue a feeling similar to the other Absolute titles on shelves while giving the book it’s own unique feel which work well for the story being told and built.