ABSOLUTE FLASH #9: Rogues Revenge

It’s time for the Rogues to have their revenge against Thawne, who has Wally’s dad held captive! Wally and Grodd must make a choice: should they go with the Rogues and trust them, or continue on their own? Alas, can the Rogues trust everyone on their team at the same time?

Creative Team: Jeff Lemire (WRITER), Nick Robles (ART and COVER), Adriano Lucas (COLORS), and Tom Napolitano (LETTERS).

*SPOILERS AHEAD*

The Story:

Jeff has slowly been cranking the intensity of this story up to 11, and things have really been amped up now. He lures us into thinking the team is going to go in and save Wally’s dad but hits us with an element of surprise as there is a traitor in their midst. What happens next leads to some cool plot threads being laid out before us. He leaves hints of time travel at Wally’s feet and continues to build the relationship between him and Grodd into this beautiful brotherhood. In fact, if Grodd becomes evil, Jeff has built their connection up so well, I do not know how I will handle it!

Another key aspect Jeff nails in this story is how bonded troops become. From experience, I know that bond and family aspect, and Jeff nails it between Wally’s dad and the Rogues team organically. I have no idea what lies ahead, but I am fully bought into this run.

The Art and Letters:

Adriano and Nick deliver some incredible panel work in this issue. The way they allow Wally to fade in and out on the plane as he experiences the past, present, and future shows great detail and line work, as well as color work, in the shattered panels. The switch in color aspects to reflect a sunset plays into the amazing color ratios that are at work in this issue. Tom does a great job crafting his letters to make us feel multiple Wallys around at the same time and adds levity to the situation that is unfolding.

Final Thoughts:

Absolute Flash #9 has brought the intensity up to an 11 in this story. Dr. Thawne is proving to be a maniac of a villain, while the Rogues and Wally are forming a sense of bond I did not see coming. The colors, details, and story work from the team have really matched the intensity and engrossed me in this world!

Overall Grade: 10/10

This has been a review from Matt from the Hops “Geek” News podcast! Let us know your thoughts on this issue in the comments below!