Absolute Flash #9

Grodd, the little psychic monkey, continues to be a huge scene-stealer and fan favorite in what's been a pretty dark line so far. But overall, it's the slow-burn scale building and the excellent character work that really makes this book excel. Read Full Review

Absolute Flash #9 has brought the intensity up to an 11 in this story. Dr. Thawne is proving to be a maniac of a villain, while the Rogues and Wally are forming a sense of bond I did not see coming. The colors, details, and story work from the team have really matched the intensity and engrossed me in this world! Read Full Review

Absolute Flash Issue 9 is an example of why rebelling in this world is impossible. The odds are stacked in the favor of those in power. Read Full Review

Absolute Flash #9 is a beautifully drawn and well-written character-focused interlude that doesnt push the narrative much further but instead brings all of the principal characters up to speed with each other while also deepening the mythos and the powers of Wally West that are beginning to prove more plague than privilege. My recommendation: if youve been collecting Absolute Flash so far, then I recommend picking up this comic. On the other hand, if you havent yet picked up any of Lemires Absolute run yet, then Absolute Flash #9 might be a good place to dip your toe in the water to see if Robless art or Lemires version of the characters is your cup of tea, although you might be missing some important context provided by the past eight issues. Read Full Review

If you like heist stories, complicated heroes, and art that pops off the page, this issue is a must-read. The Rogues have never looked this cool, and the Flash has rarely been this terrified. Read Full Review

There is something that happens in Absolute Flash #9 that could make this one of the more important single issues from DC Comics going into 2026. Read Full Review

This series continues to feel like one that's just a bit undercooked still and has taken time to get to where it feels like it's meaningful. And even then, only barely because of the promise of a cosmic treadmill of some sort in the next installment. It feels like a lot of standard quasi-inversion stuff thanks to the Rogues and Wally working with them, but that's something that has happened often in the mainline books. Mostly, the fun has been seeing how Wally gained his powers here and his time with Grodd, who provides something new. Beyond that, it has a lot of been there and done that kind of feeling about it. I know I shouldn't expect more from Lemire, as his DC work tends to underwhelm me, but I had hoped that unfettered from continuity that he could have done something more interesting, having enjoyed his other works outside of DC. Read Full Review

Absolute Flash #9 is a strong issue that re-engages the audience by pivoting its direction back towards Wally while building off of the slower burn the series had taken recently. Read Full Review

Absolute Flash #9 pulls off high-concept drama with a zippy mix of science and speedster strife, juggling humor and cosmic risk with both hands, though sometimes dropping a ball or two. If razor-sharp art and ambitious storytelling are what you're after, this issue mostly delivers, though the tangled structure and breathless pacing mean only the most attentive reader will reap every reward. For those seeking clarity and depth alongside spectacle, consider whether the ride is worth the sprint. Read Full Review

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daspidaboy

Nov 19, 2025

this is another banger Wally West series. I know this will sound crazy's but I would like to see Jeff Lemire tackle main Flash series. Maybe even try to write a Barry Allen series.

K-23

Dec 17, 2025

Finally some progression and interesting answers! I love Lemire but he should've tightened up the previous issues to get to this sooner and the series would be in a much better place. However this issue was great from everything with the rogues, Wally, and the reveal that Thawne played Barry which is why he seemed sketchy before. Really hoping Lemire keeps up this pacing as there's a lot of interesting things at play here.

George

Nov 20, 2025

I wish i loved this series the way i love absolute Superman. 5 bucks a month is a lot for this glacial pace storytelling. But I like the art and story ideas. Execution could be better.

Kenjamin

Dec 17, 2025

Art: 3.5/5 Story: 3.5/5 Total: 7/10