‘Absolute Flash’ #1 Review: Wally West on the Run

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Absolute Flash #1 kicks off a new chapter in the Absolute Universe, placing Wally West at the center of a reimagined origin story that is equally thrilling, disorienting, and deeply personal. With no mentor, Speed Force, or support system, this isn’t the Wally we’ve known before—this is a hero running on pure instinct.

“Of Two Worlds” is an excellent series premiere that instantly establishes the tone of this new Flash saga. Right from the start, we’re thrown into chaos: Wally West, a military brat with no real connections, is on the run in the desert, pursued by a squad of terrifyingly competent government operatives. He’s scared, confused, and, oh yeah, potentially unstuck in time. Through quick, punchy storytelling, we flash back to just a few days earlier, when Wally’s mundane life took a sharp turn thanks to an encounter with Barry Allen, a scientist working on something suspiciously secretive called Project Olympus. What follows is an origin story steeped in high-stakes sci-fi intrigue, tragedy, and government conspiracies—one that ensures this Wally is forging his path without the traditional Flash safety net.

Credit: DC Comics

For longtime fans of Wally, this issue feels like a major shake-up. Unlike the confident, quippy hero from previous iterations, this Wally is a loner, struggling with anxiety, loss, and the crushing weight of a world that doesn’t seem to care about him. And honestly? It works. Jeff Lemire’s script zeroes in on Wally’s emotional turmoil, making his fear and uncertainty as palpable as his super-speed. This isn’t just a hero’s journey; it’s an identity crisis wrapped in lightning and time paradoxes.

Then, there’s the action. Nick Robles’s art is electric, literally. The way he illustrates Wally’s speed isn’t just about blurs and motion lines—it’s about distortion, fragmented moments, and sheer kinetic energy that makes every panel feel like it’s vibrating off the page. Colors by Adriano Lucas pushes this even further, bathing the issue in vibrant reds, yellows, and blues that feel nostalgic and fresh.

The supporting cast? Sparse but effective. Barry Allen’s role is brief but impactful, acting as a catalyst rather than a mentor. Meanwhile, the rogues hunting Wally—led by a menacing Captain Boomerang—are more than just colorful villains; they’re government-sanctioned nightmares, making it clear that Wally isn’t just running fast—he’s running for his life.

Credit: DC Comics

This comic book grabs you with how real and engaging Wally’s character feels. The story moves quickly and keeps you guessing, and the art is just beautiful to look at. The one thing some people might not like is that the story jumps around in time. While this makes sense for how Wally feels, it could be confusing for some readers. But if you like superhero stories that get going immediately and never slow down, you’ll love how fast-paced this issue is.

Absolute Flash #1 is a thrilling, fresh take on Wally West that ditches the familiar for something more unpredictable and intense. It’s bold, it’s fast, and it’s got just enough mystery to keep you hooked for the long haul. If the rest of the Absolute Universe books are about heroes in over their heads, Wally West might just be the one drowning the fastest. And I can’t wait to see how he fights his way out.