REVIEW: ‘Absolute Flash’ Issue 6

Absolute Flash Issue 6 is published by DC Comics and written by Jeff Lemire, with art by Nick Robles, colors by Adriano Lucas, and letters by Tom Napolitano.

The recruitment of the Rogues is revealed as Colonel West realizes his mistake.

Absolute Flash Issue 6 takes place at different points in time. It explores the gathering of a group, as the Rogues, whom we have seen throughout all series hunting down the Flash, are given their backstories. Absolute Flash Issue 1has a lot of variety and intrigue, with a history that takes many to new territories. And as this progresses, the scenes cut to Colonel West trying desperately to contact Wally. Not trying to find him as a threat, but reaching him as a father.

The pacing of the book is slow, and it does zap the momentum of a comic series that has already struggled to take off at a run. However, the added information is essential, as it answers questions and completely alters the tone of the comic. It’s much safer, with reasoning and evidence that didn’t exist before.

Absolute Flash Issue 6 alters perceptions of many of the side characters. In particular, General West suddenly has much more depth. Time has passed, and the absence of his son is starting to hurt. Those quiet moments when he’s trying to call Wally are superb, and the book reveals a shift in his mood. He’s much more gentle and considerate than the first issues led us to believe. Not just that, but it becomes clearer that he was deceived, and is starting to question those he has been working with.

A man who was so hated becomes more likable, while others who were friendly become more sinister. There are people in Absolute Flash Issue 6 that share names with the greatest heroes ever, but look much more insidious in their actions and how they treat people. Not all of the Rogues are made to be relatable or friendly. They’ve had their origins rearranged, but core factors remain.

Captain Cold (Leonard Snart) and his care for his sister transcends universes, and Digger Harkness (Captain Boomerang) will always be a dirtbag. What has changed is that they’ve all had positions in the military, with a variety of ranks. More history is revealed, showcasing the legacy aspect prevalent in Flash comics. And in each of these points in time, there’s a Thawne, corrupting and controlling the experiments.

The art is brilliant as Robles returns. This isn’t an issue that’s brimming with energy and action, but it’s still very entertaining. The scenes change regularly as Colonel West travels the country to find the recruits. There are stunning landscapes and terrific depictions of this universe. It reveals so much about the personalities of the characters.

Between those segments, West is in a different motel room. It’s cheap, quiet, and lonely, and the superb attention to detail helps change up his surroundings. The sci-fi elements also look phenomenal, especially when the explosion of energy that causes the exposure to speed is revealed. The one in Absolute Flash Issue 6 tracked place in the past, but Robles’ design of the Speed Force remains consistent.

The colors are fantastic. For much of the comic, there is a natural look to every page. Whether it’s night or day, the lighting looks realistic and practical. Even in the motels, the lamps look genuine and realistic to what you would find in those locations. But then the characters venture into the laboratories, and the colors look more synthetic and alien. Especially when the Speed Force explodes, then the vibrancy steps up a notch. The lettering is evident and easy to read.

Absolute Flash Issue 6 adds context that changes everything. With a few scenes, the perception of who to love and who to hate evolves entirely. West has become more of a father and less of a Colonel, and that makes him more appealing as a character. And those who were trying to help Wally and be friendly become unpleasant. It’s fascinating that the Flash isn’t in this book at all, with only a brief dialogue cameo, and yet this world is feeling full and lively enough that he didn’t need to be in it all the time.

Absolute Flash Issue 6 is available where comics are sold.