If you’ve been following Jeff Lemire and Travis Moore’s Absolute Flash run, you know it’s been a slow burn, but Issue #8 finally gives us the essential backstory we’ve been craving. The big questions (what exactly is Fort Fox and what were Barry Allen’s experiments all about) are answered, and the revelations are juicy enough to keep you hooked.
The issue kicks off in the past, showing us Barry Allen in his natural state: late. He’s a disgraced professor at Keystone University, having lost all his lab privileges after some big incident. But luck, or perhaps fate, walks into his lecture in the form of Elenore Thawne. She has exactly what he needs to get back in the game.
This brings us to Fort Fox, Colorado, and the biggest reveal: Elenore isn’t a gender-swapped Eobard Thawne; she’s his granddaughter! This twist is great. We learn that her grandfather, Eobard, was a scientist who went full-on mad, chasing power with a project called Blue Trinity, and he even dragged Jay Garrick into his crazy schemes. It’s a fascinating way to bring these classic characters in with a whole new dynamic.
We also get the first meeting between Barry and Wally here, and while they hit it off over shared interests, such as being military brats and their love for math and music, Wally isn’t exactly thrilled to be at the base yet.
One thing I really appreciate is that Lemire kept Barry a good guy in this universe. He’s been lured into this questionable business by Eleanor, but his core intent is still to do the right thing, and his natural mentor energy with Wally is a great thing to see. The issue ends with the experimental reveal: Eleanor’s team enters the Blue Trinity Barrier portal and uncovers something big. The cliffhanger promises a whole lot more spectacle to come!
I have to shout out Travis Moore’s art duty because it’s absolutely godly. It’s so clean and crisp, giving the whole book that classic, polished superhero sheen. It’s a wonder to look at. And colorist Adriano Lucas just kills it with the Blue Trinity energy! The colors are explosive (bright reds and striking oranges that practically scream power off the page). The art alone makes this a beautiful book to gaze at.
The only major drawback is the same one that’s been plaguing the series: the pacing. While Issue #8 provides an essential backstory, the plot is still moving at a pace that is too slow compared to Absolute Batman or Absolute Wonder Woman. If the series doesn’t start moving faster soon, it’s going to get stuck at the back of the whole “Absolute” universe pile, and that’s no place for a character like the Flash.
Ultimately, Absolute Flash #8 is a necessary, quick chapter that reshuffles the Flash’s world in a fascinating way. Now let’s just hope we get a massive speed boost in the next issue!
‘Absolute Flash’ #8 Holy Speed Force, What a Family Tree
Absolute Flash #8 is a necessary, quick chapter that reshuffles the Flash’s world in a fascinating way. Now let’s just hope we get a massive speed boost in the next issue!
