ABSOLUTE FLASH #5: Here Comes a Heatwave!

Absolute Flash #5: Can Wally handle the heat wave that is headed his way as his problems continue to mount?

Creative Team:

Jeff Lemire: WRITER

A.L. Kaplan: ART

Chris Sotomayor: COLORS

Tom Napolitano: LETTERS

Nick Robles: COVER

*SPOILERS AHEAD*

The Story:

Jeff continues to deliver in this slow building story that is building anticipation but, my desire to have Wally and Grodd team up forever and always. Grodd is surprisingly well written for a tiny sized creature who can barely speak and yet there is a level of understanding that Jeff is able to deliver as their bond grows. I’m continuing to enjoy the variations of characters and in this issue the growing suspicion of Thawne mounts as she takes over the control from Wally’s dad leading us to further wonder just what her plan is. Ultimately Heat Wave’s introduction is another well written aspect. Wally finally dons a suit and we get some heroics from him that is building off previous issues and paving a blazing trail forward.

The Art:

The design that Kaplan gives to Heatwave is not unlike the Pokémon Grimer in my head, but it works so well and is creative for the direction this iteration is headed towards. Wally’s suit is a familiar yet fresh take on his character, and I have to say the design is awesome. In terms of coloring, the brightness and variations of heat radiating from Heatwave we colored beautifully as though he had layers within him, much like flames would in real life. I love how many different colors get used in this issue and how well the suit is given life through Chris’s coloring.

Final Thoughts:

Absolute Flash #5 is paving the way for the hero that Wally is meant to become by putting him through trials. The relationship between him and Grodd continues to deepen but his relationship with Linda is suddenly of interest as well.

Overall Grade: 10/10

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