REVIEW: ‘Absolute Flash’ Issue 8

Absolute Flash Issue 8 is published by DC Comics and written by Jeff Lemire, with art by Travis Moore, colors by Adriano Lucas, and letters by Tom Napolitano.

The history of Barry Allen’s connection to the project that gave Wally his powers is revealed.

Absolute Flash Issue 8 takes a step away from the action, opting to tell a story in the past instead. There’s an intriguing structure as the moments in time merge. For the majority of the plot, the narrative is linear. Barry Allen’s involvement in accessing the speed force and working with Elenore Thawne is explored from the beginning to just before the start of the series. There is some exceptional world-building on two fronts, as multiple partnerships are investigated.

As Thawne and Barry work, Elenore talks about her grandfather working with Jay Garrick. The history of the speedsters is expanded, tapping into generations that are key within the Flash universe. In each iteration, there is manipulation, lies, and secrecy. Barry is brought in with good intentions, but then the military starts getting involved, and there’s talk of soldiers and weapons. It’s a sinister story that has a terrific construction.

Focusing on Barry Allen clarifies much about his involvement in both the evil agenda and the series in general. In the present-day story, Barry was friendly and warm to Wally before tragically getting caught up in the accident that killed him and gave Wally his powers. But in other issues, especially flashbacks, Barry was linked with the villains. He was threatening and disturbing. This was shocking and very different from any form of Barry seen before. So exploring more about what he’s like and having those questions answered is rewarding.

This Barry is good. He’s focused on helping people, and the idea of collaborating with the military is repugnant to him. He’s something of a glory hunter, but he’s not as evil as once thought. That sense of doing what’s right continues in the past, as Garrick is just as noble and responsible. But the Thawnes will also be willing to do whatever they can to accomplish their goals.

The art is fantastic, evolving as the issue progresses. Some brilliant and precise details reveal so much about the characters. When Barry is first seen, he’s teaching college students. His tie is very loosely done up, suggesting how uncomfortable he is in that role. From his good looks and build, he could easily have become the hero of this story. He even had his own suit crafted.

For much of Absolute Flash Issue 8, the comic looks normal despite the technology. The exception to that normality is the Speed Force. It’s a swirling vortex of violent and volatile lightning. The energy crackles, and if touched, it explodes into shapes and light. What this version of the office brings is a real sense of danger and ferocity. But on the other side, if you manage to survive, there is a world. It’s a haunting, mysterious location, brilliantly teased by Moore. That’s when things get really bizarre.

The colors also encapsulate that everyday world that’s been invaded by the Speed Force. The tones are beautiful and vibrant in the opening pages, with a warmth in the first meeting between Barry and Thawne that rapidly gets colder. But the intensity of the Speed Force is at an incredible level. The reef and the yellow are baffling, dazzling, and bewildering. The letters are clear and comfortable even in the most chaotic of panels.

Absolute Flash Issue 8 shines a light on other would-be speedsters. The world of the Flash had always been more than Wally West, Barry Allen, and Jay Garrick. It’s all of them, in any universe. Lemire has terrifically included all three, and the writing of each of the trio is superb. And it’s nice to know that in any universe, Barry’s heart is in the right place.

Absolute Flash Issue 8 is available where comics are sold.