ABSOLUTE FLASH #3: Moments of Connection

Absolute Flash #3: Wally West can never return to the life he once knew. Paired with an unlikely ally, Wally has only one way to go and that is forward. Can he learn to slow down and adjust to his new life or will he always be running while looking behind him?

Creative Team:

Jeff Lemire (WRITER) Nick Robles (ART and COVER) Adriano Lucas (COLORS) Tom Napolitano (LETTERS)

*SPOILERS AHEAD*

The Story:

Jeff Lemire may have done the impossible which is getting me fully behind Wally West. It comes at the cost of my favorite Flash, Barry Allen and yet despite his death there is so much beauty and connection in this issue. If you had told me that Wally West and Grodd would be a team up that I can no longer live without as well I would have called you insane and just like with Wally, I have found myself fully immersed in this run.

Jeff captures that fear and loneliness that a child can face. The fear of messing up and not knowing how to fix it and he takes that and it makes this issue a particularly emotional one. There is more emotional beats as Grodd and Wally become intertwined showing how their upbringings were similar and how they have now bonded. The first two isses were breakneck but, this issue slows the story down and allows it to breathe.

The Art and Letters:

From the opening page, Adriano is bringing out deep and dark colors. This sets the tone for the vibe in issue 3 as it is an emotional and somber one. The team of Nick and Adriano managed to pull the air from me as they showed Barry Allen in a suit portrayed as a skeleton being drug behind. This imagery is haunting and hammering home the gravity of the situation and what Wally is going through. As this is being showcased, Tom’s lettering wraps around the panels filling the air with the fear and regret that Wally is facing and struggling to come to terms with.

When we get the beautiful moment with Grodd and Wally becoming connected the team is showcasing how they are similar and become bonded in such beautiful art. The imagery in this issue is sure to make you feel something if not the hint of tears.

Overall Grade: 10/10

Absolute Flash #3 allows this intense and fast-paced story to breathe and gives the reader a chance to catch their breath. Despite this though it is an emotionally charged issue bringing about a team-up that I never knew I needed and finally making me come around to Wally West as the Flash.

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