A Warning from the future, egotistical scientists gone missing, and his dad still lost on top of it, Wally West has his work cut out for him if he is to find the answers to the mystery that has been laid at his feet. With the help of Linda, his first clue is S.T.A.R. Labs in Detroit. Is he ready for what he’s about to uncover?
Creative Team: Jeff Lemire, Nick Robles, Adriano Lucas, and Tom Napolitano.
SPOILERS AHEAD!
The Story:
The Absolute Universe just expanded in so many ways in one issue, and my excitement levels could not be higher! Kicking off the issue, I love when Flash introduces time travel, and we get our look at the Black Flash with a stark warning from future Wally about the destruction they will cause if they don’t stop their search for their dad. It almost feels as though Jeff may be inching us towards a sort of flashpoint event in the future with Wally’s obsession with finding his dad, and I am extremely intrigued as to where that all leads. Not only do we get that, but Jeff drops Silas Stone and Ray Palmer into the mix with hints of Cyborg, and it instantly made my day. Barry working with these scientists and their hubris leading to something sinister is weirdly enough exciting.
I cannot forget that it was Jeff who brought the Rogues back into the fold as well. Living on a farm, I wish I had Weather Wizards’ powers to save me money on water. Anyways, I wasn’t prepared for Rick Flagg to find them and pull them out of hiding. A lot happens in this issue setting up so many futures it’s hard to not be ecstatic.
Art and Letters:
Lucas and Robles flash hints at some of our character designs by showing Ray Palmer in his Atom suit through a hologram, and it looks fantastic. Not only that, but when Wally enters S.T.A.R. Labs, it appears we see a tease of Cyborg as well. I’m enjoying the fresh takes on these designs and familiar characters, and they even deliver a familiar but notably older Wally in the opening panels. While this issue is not as flashy in terms of color work like we are used to, I enjoy the change of pace and world-building the team crafts through their artwork.
Final Thoughts:
Absolute Flash #15 expands the Absolute Universe in ways I wasn’t ready for. We are deep in the mystery behind what Barry and Wally’s dad were helping Thawne build, and it’s taking us to some familiar faces as we follow the trail. The hype train is now boarding, and we are ready to depart, as I am beyond excited with where we are headed.
Overall Grade: 9.7/10
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