Absolute Flash #6 by Jeff Lemire and Nick Robles closes out the first volume with a bang, but not the kind you might expect. This issue takes a step back from Wally West’s heroic journey to focus entirely on the mysterious group of villains hunting him: The Rogues. Lemire successfully answers the burning questions of who these Rogues are and how they came to be part of the enigmatic Project Olympus, but what does this reveal mean for Wally’s future?
The story jumps back in time six months to show us how Colonel West assembles his team. First up is Captain Boomerang (Digger Harkness), a scoundrel who gets his butt kicked in a bar fight. Colonel West recruits him with the promise of wiping a black mark from his record and new gear to “blow shit up.” The following members are the siblings Captain Cold (Leonard Snart) and Golden Glider (Lisa Snart). We find them in Colorado, with Lisa confined to a wheelchair after a recent tragedy in Syria. You can feel her raw frustration and depression, a powerful emotional beat that makes the characters more than just caricatures. Finally, the tech wiz, Trickster (James Jesse), joins them, having tracked his former comrades.
It’s an old-school trope (putting together a team of misfits), but it works here because we get a glimpse into their troubled past. It’s revealed that this crew is disgraced, court-martialed soldiers who went rogue and took a bribe from a foreign government. Colonel West’s offer to clear their records makes it clear why they would sign up for such a dangerous mission, which feels less like the traditional Rogues and more like an Absolute Suicide Squad.
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The issue’s emotional core lies with Colonel West himself. Up until now, he’s been portrayed as a controlling figure, but Lemire humanizes him by showing his genuine concern for his son, Wally. A quiet moment with a photo of Wally and his late wife adds a layer of depth, reminding us that for all his shadiness, he’s a father first. We also get tantalizing new details about Project Olympus. Far from a heroic-sounding name, it’s a cold and calculating government program focused on creating weapons (see Grodd, Heatwave, Mirror Master). The biggest reveal comes from a brief scene in the Speed Force, where we finally see the identity of the figure inside: none other than the legendary speedster Jay Garrick. This is a huge and welcome moment that solidifies the legacy of the Flash in this new universe.
This issue is a departure from the action-packed Flash stories fans might expect, and it doesn’t feature Wally West at all. Instead, it’s a slow-burn of character and plot development, which some readers might not enjoy. However, Lemire’s non-linear storytelling pays off here, making the Rogues feel dynamic and giving them clear, distinct personalities. This issue is a payoff for longtime readers and will likely read even better as part of a collected trade paperback.
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Nick Robles’ return to the series is a huge win. His artwork is crisp and kinetic, even with the lack of action scenes. Robles particularly shines in the emotional moments. A simple photo of Wally and his deceased mother evokes a powerful sense of lost happiness and tragedy, a mirror reflecting a past that has been shattered. The colors are great too, shifting from bright and vibrant during the day to dark and moody at night, perfectly setting the tone for each scene.
Absolute Flash #6 is a character-focused, engaging issue that rewards long-time readers and sets the stage for a compelling new chapter. It’s a testament to the creative team’s vision and an essential read for anyone following the series.
‘Absolute Flash’ #6 Review: The Rogues Revealed
Absolute Flash #6 is a character-focused, engaging issue that rewards long-time readers and sets the stage for a compelling new chapter. It’s a testament to the creative team’s vision and an essential read for anyone following the series.
