Absolute Flash #1

Absolute Flash #1 is another instant hit for DC Comics and another triumph of the Absolute Universe concept. I predict this book will enjoy a nice, long run. Read Full Review

Absolute Flash finds DC's latest storytelling initiative stepping beyond the publisher's legendary Trinity of heroes for the first time. Jeff Lemire's introduction to Absolute Wally West is high stakes, high drama stuff. As all the best first issues should do, Absolute Flash teases rather than reveals all its cards. But as setup goes boy does this book pack it in spades Read Full Review

I absolutely loved everything about this book (pun intended). The non-linear storytelling works extremely well for this particular story, and having Wally as the titular Flash for this universe adds a new layer of fun. I was pleasantly surprised by this take on the Rogues as well, and I'm excited to see how they are intertwined with Wally's destiny in this universe. The stylistic choices of the creative team help to further differentiate this book from its DC Universe counterpart, offering a fresh and visually engaging aesthetic for the Flash's world. I dare you to read this book and not want to see what comes next. Read Full Review

As strong as DC has been lately, it hasn't had a great teen-centric book in a while. This shows that Jeff Lemire, amid all the other genres he's a master of, has an amazing handle on coming-of-age tales, something he really hasn't worked with since his short Superboy run pre-New 52. It's another home run right out of the park for the Absolute Line. Read Full Review

Absolute Flash #1 is an absolute blast from start to finish. Lemire has always done a great job with teenage characters one needs look no further than his Royal City to see this and he gives readers a very different and realistic depiction of teen Wally. There's so much happening under the surface in this book, with Lemire laying out the breadcrumbs on a journey of discovery. Not a single page or panel is wasted; this is a book that packs a lot onto every page, but it never feels like it's overstuffed. The issue is supremely well-paced, its break neck speed zipping readers through the timeline like they were moving at superspeed. The art is fantastic; shoutout to colorist Adriano Lucas, whose use of yellows and reds throughout the issue is outstanding. This doesn't feel like any Flash book that came before it, and it's full of the little hooks that have allowed the Absolute books to snare readers. Absolute Flash #1 is a flawless first issue, giving readers a treat for the eyes that w Read Full Review

Overall, Absolute Flash #1 is a great book to read alongside the other Absolute comic books. Since this is the beginning of young Wallys journey into a new version of the speed force, its best to say that readers should be reading this one as well. Its moving on a path thats unpredictable and worth getting on board with. Be sure to check this comic book out at your local comic book store or online where books are sold. Lets see what kind of Speedster is together. Read Full Review

Matt: 10/10. It feels so good being in the new and refreshing world of The Flash once more as this alternative take on Wally and Barry brings about suspense and leaves us on a hefty cliffhanger. This first issue has us hooked, and we cannot wait for the next! Read Full Review

Releasing in the second wave of the Absolute titles, Lemire and Robles truly hit the ground running in Absolute Flash #1. With excellent character writing and phenomenal visuals, Absolute Flash #1 is an exciting, fast-paced introduction to the Absolute Scarlet Speedster.  Read Full Review

Another standout moment is the scene where Wally interrupts Barry's experiment. The pink and purple hues surrounding Barry in the chamber just before the explosion add a real sense of drama, making the moment feel even more intense. Read Full Review

Absolute Flash #1 is a great first issue that shows how the trials and turbulence that Wally is sure to face are likely coming sooner than he is ready for on his way to becoming this world's speedster. Read Full Review

Absolute Flash #1 provides all the necessary building blocks for the latest addition to DC Comics' Absolute melding a building mystery with a superhero origin story that will nicely fit in with the larger Absolute Universe being cultivated. Read Full Review

Absolute Flash #1 is a tightly written comic that establishes the plight of Wally West quickly and efficiently, it's just not very original. Strong visuals help to keep this issue moving along and gives the reader a taste of what it's like to be Wally. Read Full Review

Absolute Flash #1 feels like the start of something special. It honors the legacy of the Flash while confidently carving its own path forward. The story is fast, fun, and full of hearteverything a Flash book should be. Read Full Review

Absolute Flash #1 is a thrilling, fresh take on Wally West that ditches the familiar for something more unpredictable and intense. It's bold, it's fast, and it's got just enough mystery to keep you hooked for the long haul. If the rest of the Absolute Universe books are about heroes in over their heads, Wally West might just be the one drowning the fastest. And I can't wait to see how he fights his way out. Read Full Review

Overall, Absolute Flash #1 is a promising start to a new chapter in Barry Allen's life. It's a character-driven story that explores the depths of human resilience and the true meaning of heroism. Fans of Jeff Lemire's introspective writing and those who enjoy seeing classic characters challenged in new ways will appreciate this issue. Read Full Review

Absolute Flash #1 is a solid debut introducing another interesting addition to the Absolute Universe. While that world still feels disconnected and not a cohesive universe, the parts are still interesting. Absolute Flash is packed full of familiar characters and concepts with slight twists and a narrative style that creates a mystery that should hook readers. Read Full Review

Absolute Flash #1 gives you everything you could want from the start of Wally West superhero journey. Jeff Lemire and Nick Robles craft a story that is dense with content of several comic book issues. That does lead to certain elements of Wally's origin being rushed. But there is no denying that all the many positives by far outweigh any nitpicks that may be had. With the impactful final three pages Lemire and Robles end this first issue with, this is certainly another big win for the Absolute Universe. Read Full Review

Absolute Flash Issue 1 shows the starting sparks of a Flash. What makes this opening issue is the fact that the foundations are now in place. Read Full Review

Loved parts of this first issue, didn't love other parts, but it looks gorgeous and does a phenomenal job of introducing it's characters. So I'd say we're off to a good start. Read Full Review

Absolute Flash #1is a perfectly serviceable reimagining of Wally West's origin story when a bored teenager with potential finds himself in the wrong place at the wrong time. Jeff Lemire's script utilizes a classic structure of Fate stepping in to change a person's life, but the execution lacks thought and believability. On the plus side, Nick Robles's art is excellent. Read Full Review

motorik

Mar 18, 2025

The best Lemire book in years. This is the most I've ever cared about Wally West. I need to know what went down with him and a certain character! The Absolute line is the best thing going in modern comics. Unless you're Gabe Hernandez, of course.

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• Hex
• Superman Fan
• George
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Superman Fan - Mar 19, 2025

Read waid and johns runs You will like

mego-joe - Mar 19, 2025

The Absolute line is above average, but it’s not that great. I don’t get all the inflated reviews.

motorik - Mar 19, 2025

Thank you Superman Fan. Geoff John's and Mark Waid are two of my favourite writers. I will check these out. Which one do you recommend starting with?

motorik - Mar 19, 2025 (edited)

Mego-joe - "it’s hard to find a reason for the existence of any of these Absolute characters out side of being different just for the sake of being different" I see this kind of commentary a lot. It's utterly arbitrary. Why should anything exist? It's obviously so they can tell fresh stories without adhering to the main continuity.

mego-joe - Mar 19, 2025

If that’s all you’ve got there’s got to be something within the story itself. That’s just not enough of a compelling reason. It didn’t work in the New 52. Why will it work now.

mego-joe - Mar 19, 2025

You see that comment a lot because it’s valid.

Superman Fan - Mar 19, 2025 (edited)

Start with waid Flash 74 - 79 will make you love wally more

motorik - Mar 19, 2025

I'm sorry, I completely disagree with you and we aren't going to see eye to eye. I'll have fun reading the comics and you can ponder whether they should exist or not. 7 is a high score for something that you think should not exist.

mego-joe - Mar 19, 2025

A single issue can be done well even if it isn’t compelling enough to bring you back. Differing opinions are fine. I want to understand what others like in what they like. The why’s of it. I just don’t see why a new version of the character is necessary. Do you like the character or idea of the character? What’s the reason to like it besides that it’s a new continuity? Why go back with a character instead of forward?

Hex - Mar 19, 2025

Because the main lines aren't selling. That's the real reason. So they switch up the talent and put a spin on things. There is an in universe reason as to why we have these and I honestly think that is compelling enough as it is. In a world without hope, one created by Darkseid that still fields the same heroes, what about them would change? It's a fomula that has worked for years. What If?, Elseworlds. This is THE Elseworld.

Hex - Mar 19, 2025

Then add on top of that strong writers and burgeoning artists and you have the EXACT reason this should exist. People aren't reading The Flash, or Batman, or Superman. Not in the numbers that they are the Absolute line. You might not like it but that just means you are not a part of the majority. Which is fine but to dismiss it because you aren't a part of the percentage that is reading these over mainline is just unnecessary.

Hex - Mar 19, 2025 (edited)

People have many reasons to switch up. Most of the time I see people jumping off runs because of writers they don't like and coming back because of one they do. The Flash is a pretty good example actually. The same can be said for artists though they are less consistent in long runs than they used to be. A single writer can have many different artists during a run so that's just not as much of a thing anymore. Tonal shift, status quo. There are so many reasons to leave and come back a character.

Hex - Mar 19, 2025

Also, like Superman Fan said. Waid's run is amazing. Probably the single greatest run on the Flash ever. It's what got me into the Flash and being a die hard Wally fan. He established the Speed Force, the Flash Family. Everything that has been transformed over the years that a lot of people clamor for it's full return. And while we get pieces of it back it has never been the same. But start on 62, not 75. 62 is the start of Waid's run and redoes his origin. Easy jumping on point.

motorik - Mar 19, 2025

Just bought Waid's Flash omnibus! Cheers guys.

mego-joe - Mar 19, 2025

I don’t find the in story reason compelling. If you do that’s fine. Imagine if they just had good talent on the mainline books….

daspidaboy - Mar 19, 2025

@Hex hot-take: I personally like Geoff Johns a bit more than Mark WAid. Yes, Mark WAid introduced a lot of Flash co ntent and is the template for Flash runs. But Geoff Johns writing just works for me more, while Mark Waid has short anthology stories. I still enjoy Mark Waid and give it an 8.5 (I finished both Mark Waid's runs). But personally I enjoyed Geoff Johns a bit more on subjective manner

daspidaboy - Mar 19, 2025

@motorik I would recommend checking out Grant Morrison/Mark Millar's Flash run. It's just 12 issues but that run brought in crazy time dimensional concepts that transformed Flash into an OP character done right.

Smithd33 - Mar 19, 2025

I’m with Joe on this. Give me lemire on the regular book not spurrier. But I still had fun with this book

motorik - Mar 19, 2025

@daspidaboy, two of my favourites. I love Millars Jupiter Legacy. Such a shame the tv adaption missed the mark. I will check them out!

George - Mar 20, 2025

You aren’t going to get this talent in the main books because of the lack of creative freedom and the weight of continuity.

motorik - Mar 20, 2025

@George - exactly mate. You understand it. I understand it. It's not complicated. Can't wait for Absolute Martian Manhuter next week. By the wonderful Deniz Camp no less.

George - Mar 20, 2025

@motorik - manhunter looks crazy cool. If you like Camp and you haven’t read it yet you should check out Assorted Crisis Events.

TJMB3891 - Mar 20, 2025

Sus Gabe they call him lol.

TJMB3891 - Mar 20, 2025

@mego-joe they could have the best talent in the world on the mainline books and it would still be hit or miss. Some writers have easy go of it writing within the constraints of editorial mandates and being pinned down by continuity, some don't. But when you can start something like this and you don't have to hold to any previous stories, the take can be fresh, the writer can take the story and the character wherever they want. It's basically and Image book with DC characters.

TJMB3891 - Mar 20, 2025

P.S. Lemire is the king of hit or miss on mainline books. He doesn't work well with editorial mandates. Just check out his X-Men for a good example of that.

mego-joe - Mar 20, 2025

One of my comments was that it works better as a brand new character for this and WW. Current JSA demonstrates Lemire’s struggle inside continuity. I’d say a great comic writer wouldn’t have a problem inside mainline continuity if they understand the character and are writing the character and not the idea of the character.

mego-joe - Mar 20, 2025

Any decent writer can come up with something without constraints, it takes a really great writer to do it inside continuity. Venditti’s Hawkman is a great example of this. He did something very creative and interesting not only in continuity but in a complex and often contradictory continuity and made it work.

mego-joe - Mar 21, 2025

Despite disagreement I really appreciate the conversation! Thanks all!

motorik - Mar 21, 2025

@mego-joe When Lemire is on point, he's fantastic. His more recent works have not hit high. Gideon Falls and Ascender/Descender were absolutely amazing. I do agree, his JLA is patchy but I'm enjoying it. We may disagree here but it seems we are all passionate and avid readers. We're keeping it alive.

mego-joe - Mar 21, 2025

His New 52 Animal Man was great, I loved his Frankenstein Agent of SHADE and The Terrifics. In enjoyed the first volume of Black Hammer, but that’s almost satire. It’s in a weird space.

Criminology. - Sep 13, 2025

I also like minor arcana. I can remember not remembering anything about his x-men.

daspidaboy

Mar 19, 2025

This issue is not action-packed, but I like the mystery and slow-building intrigue. The art works, and I like Jeff Lemire's voice for Wally West. This was solid. Not as action-packed or hyped as Absolute Batman/Superman or well-written character like Absolute Wonder Woman. But who cares? As judging on its own merits it is a very solid book. I am very interested to see how Jeff Lemire takes Wally West.

BatSledge

Mar 19, 2025

This is yet another stellar Absolute launch, and my personal favorite of all the Absolute first issues. It’s an adrenaline-soaked thrill ride with lots of mysteries thrown in for good measure. If this book is anything like Lemire’s Animal Man from the New 52, we are in for an absolute treat!

Hex

Mar 27, 2025

Very interesting start. Even managed to have some emotional weight in there even if we don't see Barry all that much. The new interpretation of that old iconic imagery really hits home for the reader as well as Wally. Really excited to see where this goes.

George

Mar 20, 2025

And here it is. The comic I’ve been looking forward to the most since they launched absolute. I like it. Do I like it as much as flash 1 by Mike Baron from 1987? No. Because that book was a 10 and still is one of the greatest comics ever. This was never going to live up to my expectations. I will stick with this as I prefer pre dad energy Wally West. Broadly speaking, the main dcu wally west hero’s journey feels like it’s over. So it begins again with a different vision of what that journey looks like without his mentor. Frankly it may be time for the current DCU to go the way of earth 2 re: Adventure Comics from the late 1970s. And let absolute take over as main continuity.

gusresm

Mar 22, 2025

I loved the issued and the cliffhanger was excellent. That being said, it’s my least favorite absolute so far…

Screaming Enigma

Mar 30, 2025

A super intriguing start here. A lot of unanswered question that I'm looking forward to learning more about. While the format of the flashbacks and flash-forwards messed with things just a tad, at least in my opinion, I did think Lemire put this together very well overall. Robles delivers on some super clean interiors, as well.

BillyBat

Mar 20, 2025

Maybe I’ve been too spoiled by the other comics in the “Absolute” collection, but this one is a bit of a disappointment. The story feels a bit messy and doesn’t take enough time to establish the main character, unlike Absolute Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman. Strangely, it tries to do too much while at the same time not enough. However, the main character seems likable, the reinvention of Flash’s enemies is interesting, and there is potential. We’ll see how it develops.

Kenjamin

Apr 17, 2025

Art: 4/5 Story: 3.5/5 Total: 7.5/10

mego-joe

Mar 19, 2025

Jeff Lemire turns in a fairly strong script, but it’s non linear nature doesn’t serve a first issue well. It’s definitely executed better than in his recent JSA #1, and it works for the most part until the “one year later” jump at the end. It’s entirely unnecessary as there’s plenty of mystery and intrigue to go around without it. There’s a lot of characters, and like all the Absolute titles so far, part of the approach relies on the reader already knowing the traditional mythos of the title character. Like Absolute Wonder Woman, the concepts introduced in this issue would work better as an entirely new character as opposed to a variation on a classic DC Comics hero. Also, like the other Absolute titles, it’s hard to find a reason for the existence of any of these Absolute characters out side of being different just for the sake of being different. If the Absolute titles have been for you then this will probably land, but there’s nothing grounding breaking or really compelling about Absolute Flash #1, in fact most of it is something you’ve seen before. This is a solid above average to good, much like Absolute Superman #1 placing these both over the above average Absolute Batman #1 and the mediocre Absolute Wonder Woman #1. more

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Superman Fan - Mar 19, 2025

maybe in trade it will work better for you. for example, I'm absolutely sure AF will be even better, but #1 is about establishing tone and characters.

Hex - Mar 19, 2025

You should try to remember WHY the Absolute characters exist. Even if there are small differences between then and the main continuity characters, the fact that they rely on our previous knowledge is integral to the concept. What changes about Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman and now the Flash on a world created by Darkseid? That is what these stories are exploring.

mego-joe - Mar 19, 2025 (edited)

That’s a yawn- I don’t find that concept interesting. That “why “ is not enough to get me back. It’s got to have something more. The Absolute U is not for me, and I’m fine with that. And that’s the problem with the tone and characters- yuck. The exact opposite of drawing me in. The mystery but maybe , but tone characters and the one year later jump? Nope.

Hex - Mar 19, 2025

Then you're just being a stick in the mud. Things aren't working in the mainline so they tried something new. Sure you can not enjoy it but you acted like it wasn't even there/tried to dismiss their intentions passing it off as being boring. It's at least an idea, just not one you can engage with. Doesn't mean it isn't there.

mego-joe - Mar 20, 2025

Well, that’s my opinion. It’s as valid as any other. It’s an idea…just not a good idea.

Williamflipper

May 10, 2025

Just set-up.

Jonn McLoed

Mar 19, 2025

As a much older fan off The Flash , I was seriously disappointed in this opening chapter. I understand the need at times to reinvent the wheel all over again but this was painful to read. The script was great but all the back and forward was to me so unnecessary and made the reading experience a whole lot disjointed. Hopefully as the story unfolds it will make it more enjoyable but to me there is only one Flash and that is Barry Allen....damn I must sound prehistoric in today's society......Jonn

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Superman Fan - Mar 19, 2025

I respect your opinion. But let me ask you a question. Isn't Jay the Flash? The first one who also inspired Barry? Isn't Wally the Flash? The kid who took on the role of his uncle/idol to preserve and carry on his legacy? The Flash is about legacy. Jay, Barry and Wally are the Flash. They inspire each other.

motorik - Mar 19, 2025

The story is meant to be disjointed as it reflects what is happening to him.

Hex - Mar 19, 2025

Barry was always kind of a nothing character though. Wally was always the one with the personality. Barry is a loner. His own fiance didn't even like him in the beginning of his own book because he was such a white bread sandwich. And he has only been The Flash longer than Wally for a shockingly little amount of time comparatively. Most things people love about the Flash, came from Wally's runs and they just attribute it to Barry because of the TV show and his resurgence after N52.

George - Mar 20, 2025

Barry was my first Flash. Issue 306 to be exact (great issue). I read Barry backwards from there. Before the death of Iris, Barry met the stereotype of the silver age hero that had no hero’s journey. A hero right out of the box. Wally had a hero’s journey, which is why for me he is the better character. We are late stage in that journey in the main continuity (the whole main dcu feels late stage frankly), so I am looking forward to seeing where this goes.

BillyBat - Mar 20, 2025 (edited)

I respect your opinion, but for me, Wally has always been my Flash (and for a lot of people too). I’ve always found Barry pretty boring (in fact, even in the CW show, they just gave Wally’s personality to Barry Allen). Plus, since this is a reinvention, it makes sense to go with the younger, more reactive Flash who still has to find his way. (I agree with you regarding the back and forward.)