Wally West is really getting put through the wringer in Absolute Flash #5. This issue throws our young speedster into a blazing battle with a monstrous Heat Wave, and it’s clear he’s going to need more than just super speed to survive. Can he evade the fiery grasp, or will he be burned to a crisp?
The comic picks up right where the last one left off, with Wally and Grodd coming face-to-face with a truly terrifying, monstrous version of Heat Wave. This isn’t the Heat Wave you might know; this one is pure, unadulterated danger. The action sequence is phenomenal: dynamic and incredibly fast-paced. One minute, Flash is on the floor; the next, he’s on the ceiling, desperately trying to avoid a wave of liquid fire. Artist A.L. Kaplan masterfully conveys the sense of urgency and peril; you can practically feel the heat emanating from the pages. This isn’t just a physical fight, though. As the battle rages, something inside Wally starts to unravel, hinting at deeper personal struggles he’s facing.
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Mid-battle, we get a peek behind the curtain with the Absolute Rogues. We learn that this monstrous Heat Wave, much like his prime universe counterpart, was once a compatriot of the Rogues before he went, well, rogue (pun very much intended). This reveal begins to flesh out the Rogues considerably, providing a better understanding of their motivations and the overarching “Project Olympus” they’ve been involved in.
Back with Wally, he’s understandably having a panic attack. Being a superhero is still new to him, and Heat Wave isn’t an enemy you can punch your way out of. Fortunately, Grodd swoops in with some much-needed encouragement, and with his suit back on, Wally races off to rescue Ralph, Linda, and the others.
The fight culminates in an incredible cosmic experience for Wally, a swirling display of color and motion. This moment truly allows Kaplan to shine, with Sotomayor’s colors adding a grand, almost ethereal quality. The blend of swirling blacks, purples, and the familiar blazing reds and yellows of Wally’s speed creates a visually stunning spectacle. Tom Napolitano’s lettering also deserves a special mention, especially when Wally and Heat Wave connect; the fiery letters truly convey the pain of that interaction, almost making you say “huurrt” out loud.
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A.L. Kaplan’s art is a standout throughout the issue. It perfectly captures the kinetic, speedy energy essential for a Flash comic, but with a charming, almost cartoonish flair. Heat Wave’s design, for instance, resembles something out of Scooby-Doo, yet still manages to be genuinely menacing. Sotomayor’s bright colors saturate the panels, making Heat Wave truly feel fiery and alive.
The series’ plot is really starting to gain momentum in this issue. We even get a fun Easter egg with a citizen mentioning Absolute Wonder Woman’s activities in Gateway City. Perhaps the most intriguing element is the subtle hint of the “Hands” that created the DC Multiverse, or possibly even Dr. Manhattan? Unsure, leaving us to ponder their significance for Flash and the series moving forward.
One minor head-scratcher was Wally’s slightly over-the-top reaction to Ralph helping him after the battle. While we know Ralph is a good guy, and Wally might not fully trust him yet, his response felt a bit intense, but then again, he’s been through a lot over these past five issues.
Overall, Absolute Flash #5 is an engaging read that delivers on action, character development, and tantalizing plot reveals. It’s clear Wally’s journey is just beginning, and we can’t wait to see how he handles the increasing pressure.
‘Absolute Flash’ #5 Review: Wally Faces the Fire!
Overall, Absolute Flash #5 is an engaging read that delivers on action, character development, and tantalizing plot reveals. It’s clear Wally’s journey is just beginning, and we can’t wait to see how he handles the increasing pressure.
