Absolute Flash #7

So, the last time we saw an Absolute Flash issue release, it was a pretty rough time. Though DC should be praised for taking a risk by using such an early issue of this comic to release an interlude focused on the story’s side characters, but for me, the whole issue simply did not work for me. With the story getting back on track with Absolute Flash #7, I was optimistic about this release, but unfortunately, this issue was only a marginal improvement over the series’ last outing.

Today, I’m talking all things Absolute Flash #7, and spoilers lie ahead! Consider yourself warned! Without further ado, let’s get into the review!

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Absolute Flash #7 Review

Image by DC Comics

Things started out pretty well for the seventh issue of Absolute Flash, but not to be too scathing, it was nearly impossible for this issue to falter in the aftermath of the last issue’s fairly unwelcome interlude. In Absolute Flash #7, we were right back on track, the spotlight returning to Wally and Grodd as they flee Fort Fox. I find the entire premise of Absolute Flash to be very endearing, so I’m happy to spend a lot of time with these two on the road – however, this issue felt like it took this optimism a little for granted.

From a pacing perspective, Absolute Flash #7 is kind of a mess. While we spent a lot of, to be blunt, unnecessary time on the survival aspects of Wally and Grodd’s adventure, the more established plot points of Absolute Flash as a whole seem to leap ahead in the background, with very little warning or explanation. One of the issues I’ve had with Absolute Flash thus far is how inhuman some of the characters feel, and considering the leaps in logic that we see in this issue, it feels like that problem is only getting worse.

Let’s talk about the positives first – the brief look we get at Rudy West in Fort Fox is intriguing, and sets up the true threat lurking in the background of Absolute Flash. Though Elenore Thawne is starting to read as a little too maniacally evil, I’m interested to see where this whole ‘God’ storyline goes. However, the Absolute comics don’t have the best reputation for living up to the hype when it comes to their antagonists – outside of Absolute Batman, it feels like almost all of the Absolute comics have fumbled their villains somewhat. Here’s hoping Absolute Flash doesn’t make that same mistake, but only time will tell.

Image by DC Comics

On the topic of other comics in the Absolute universe, that brings us to my first major criticism of Absolute Flash #7. I do enjoy the runaway storyline that Wally has going on, but we’re now seven issues into this series, and it’s feeling like very little has happened, especially when you think of where the other Absolute comics are, or even were at, by this point. Absolute Flash is starting to feel incredibly small compared to the other comics in this universe. Green Lantern is dealing with intergalactic threats, Wonder Woman has been to hell and back multiple times, and Batman is currently going through the most intense arc in the entire Absolute universe with Bane. In comparison, Flash feels very mundane, which is a shame because I do love this portrayal of Wally.

At this point, it feels like every other Absolute comic is, ironically enough, sprinting ahead of Absolute Flash. Even one of my favourite aspects of Absolute Flash, Wally’s relationship with Grodd, is straining under the pressure of a growingly monotonous storyline. In this issue, Grodd actually borders on annoying, which is never something I thought I would think. However, there’s little else for Grodd to do at this point in the story, as until he powers up in some way, we’ve covered about all the ground we can with him.

I’m no opponent of slow-burn storytelling. Sometimes, taking things slower can really work, allowing time for characters to grow and develop. However, Absolute Flash turns to slow-burn storytelling, but doesn’t do anything with the time it creates to work on building up its characters. So much of Absolute Flash #7 is focused on Wally and Grodd being hungry, which makes sense to cover to at least some extent, but not this much. The issue concludes with what feels like a fairly random fight, the only upside of the battle being that we get to see Wally in action again. Even then, this benefit is short-lived considering how quickly this fight is over and done with. I’m going to be honest, I have no idea who this man is, so perhaps this was a big moment for Flash fans. For me though, this did not conjure any sort of excitement in me beyond visual spectacle.

Image by DC Comics

This slow-burn storytelling also highlights how Absolute Flash moves at a snail’s pace when it comes to unnecessary plot points, but then leaps ahead on the story points that we are actually more invested in. Having spent the entire series so far running away from Fort Fox’s forces, Wally is caught by them after being imprisoned for shoplifting. Then, at the end of the issue, Captain Snart inexplicably decides to revolt against Fort Fox, and team up with Wally. This is a complete leap in logic, and instead of developing Snart as a character and building up this betrayal, we spend our time focusing on Wally’s desire to eat. When it comes to the ‘Storm Man’ that Wally defeats in Absolute Flash #7, he himself also proclaims his hatred for Fort Fox – however, we don’t explore that hatred at all, it’s just thrown out there for us to know, and never learn more about. Tons of missed opportunities here.

The real saving grace of Absolute Flash #7 is its artwork, which is, as always, stunning. Though from a storytelling perspective, this series doesn’t seem to want to use its assets to its advantage, Travis Moore certainly gives it all he’s got, and it pays off. Though Absolute Flash may be lagging behind the other Absolute comics from a plot perspective, the artwork is certainly up to standard for this new initiative.

Unfortunately, Absolute Flash #7 was not the jump in quality from its sixth issue that I was hoping for. As always, I am remaining optimistic, and will continue to look forward to what this series will give us down the line, but this particular outing was far from the series’ strongest. What do you think of Absolute Flash #7? Be sure to let us know in the comments, and thanks for reading!

See also: Absolute Superman #11 Review

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