REVIEW: ‘Absolute Power: Task Force VII’ Issue #5

Absolute Power: Task Force VII #5 is published by DC Comics. It was written by Alex Paknadel, with art and colors by Peter Woods and letters by Dave Sharpe. This issue is part of the Absolute Power event. Velocity hunts down the last speedster on Earth, but Barry Allen’s ability helps keep him safe from the Amazo.

Absolute Power: Task Force VII #5 finally concentrates on a very unrepresented corner of the DC Universe within this issue. Si Spurrier’s Flash series has not tied into Absolute Power yet, so they have not had much attention when it comes to being hunted or involved in the event. This comic provides a bleak, menacing view of the situation, with Barry being the only speedster left with super speed. But Velocity, the Amazo that has absorbed all his allies’ powers and is tasked with bringing him, is now hot on his heels.

The first part of the comic is a relentless chase through Central City, hitting one of the city’s most integral landmarks. Flash’s reaching there adds to the danger of the situation, with so many familiar faces within Velocity’s reach. But as the issue progresses, the chase becomes a lesson for the emotionless robot.

The lore mysticism of the Speed Force is brought into play, exploring one of the most mysterious aspects of the DC Universe through an analytical lens. Even through the book’s science and mechanics, Paknadel spends the last part of the issue delving into the one thing Velocity cannot replicate: the heart at the epicenter of everything The Flash stands for.

The dialogue is intense. Like the previous tie-in issues, the captions focus on the Amazo, highlighting how they are beginning to develop their personalities. Velocity is calm and calculating from the start of Absolute Power: Task Force VII #5. It revels in claiming the power of the other speedsters and using their abilities against his final target.

Paknadel hammers home the point that it will not stop running, which adds an exhausting quality to the horror within the book. As the issue expands, Velocity develops resentment and a specific hatred toward Barry, making what comes next even more unsettling and scary. Paknadel offsets the darkness with a love story, cementing his very specific connection with Iris.

The art is sensational, capturing the ruthless running of both characters. Early in the chapter, whenever Barry runs, Velocity isn’t very far behind. The Amazo robots’ designs have been fantastic, but Velocity’s is sleek and spectacular. Only having the eyes visible means there is no possibility of discerning emotion from the villain.

Speedsters are often thin and supple to increase their speed and to make them resemble runners, but Velocity is bulky and tall, imposing within the panels. Any time it catches Barry, the results are drastic. The first half of Absolute Power: Task Force VII #5 occurs inside The Flash Museum, so many references and callbacks exist.

What makes them even more interesting is how Woods shows damage to those features, with costumes being melted and broken by the speed. The second half of the issue changes altogether, heading into the Speed Force. It leads to adorable new designs of the characters.

The colors are fascinating, as both characters use the same color scheme. Velocity borrows the visuals of the Flash, covered in red and yellow but with more silver to invoke its inhumanity. The duo is placed in surroundings that are considered calm and natural, making them and their prominent shades stand out.

The only time that concept changes is inside the Speed Force, which appears to Velocity as just a bright yellow void. This is due to the machine’s difficulty in processing something wholly unquantifiable. The lettering is effective and uniform, but the colors of the captions may be challenging to read. It’s thin, red text on a black background, which isn’t always comfortable.

This issue includes the continuation of Steve Trevor’s infiltration inside Waller’s prison. This is one of the most important threads within Absolute Power, as it reveals important secrets and moments that change the entire event. Waller’s next move could be the finishing touch of her plan and easily sends a shiver down the spine.

Absolute Power: Task Force VII #5 is about more than just running away. The book’s first half is a fast-paced, exhilarating run through Central City, using the unstoppable villain to force Barry Allen into running faster and faster. But the next part of the book delves into why he runs and what drives him to run. Absolute Power: Task Force VII #5 is just as intense as the rest of the series, hunting down the heroes ruthlessly. As Paknadel explores the heart of Barry Allen, sweet as it is, it was difficult not to get a pang of dread as it happened.

Absolute Power: Task Force VII #5 is available where comics are sold.