Weird Science DC Comics: Absolute Flash #5 Review

First Impressions

My initial reaction to Absolute Flash #5 was confusion mixed with a dash of “what just happened?” The abrupt dive into an action sequence that resolves with a convoluted series of panes will leave you feeling like you missed a crucial setup.

Recap

In Absolute Flash #4, Wally continued to run away from his problems with the miniscule Grodd along for the ride in Wally’s backpack. Eager for a meal in the Iron Heights section of the city, Wally encounters Ralph Dibny, who runs a shelter for runaway teenagers. There, Wally makes fast friends with another runaway, Linda Park. When Grodd funs away during the night, Wally follows him into the nearby sewers where they encounter a lava monster hiding in the depths of the city.

Plot Analysis

The comic opens with Wally West amidst a fiery, monster-filled battle, struggling to move and feeling as if he’s about to die. He has a strong sense of knowing the monster, which turns out to have a shared connection through their powers, and struggles with the idea that he might be the “monster”. As the chaos intensifies, a character named Mr. Dibny urges Linda to take others to safety while he attempts to help.

The scene then shifts to a lounge where James Jesse, Lisa, and the rest of the Rogues complain about feeling restless waiting for their assignment. Professor Thawne arrives and reminds the Rogues that the gifts they’ve been given can be taken back. The conversation reveals that Grodd and “the West Boy” are located in Central City. It is also revealed that Grodd has led “the boy” to Mick Rory, a former comrade. Thawne is questioned about lying regarding Rory’s survival of tests, admitting she told them what they needed to hear. Thawne then reveals that Project Olympus’s true goals will be revealed to the four characters.

The action resumes with the lava monster emerging from the sewers and attacking the Dibny Mission building, reminiscent of events in Gateway City. Wally attempts to fight the monster, but his powers seem to be failing him, causing him to heat up. He is repeatedly urged by Grodd to stop fighting and start helping, eventually culminating in him being overwhelmed by the heat. The comic ends with Wally transported to a cosmic, starry void, where he briefly interacts with another figure before being pulled back, appearing disoriented and asking “Where—I was—”. When he returns to his reality, the lava monster has reverted to human form, and Wally runs off to avoid uncomfortable questions.

Story

The story in Absolute Flash #5 feels like it’s trying to hit a lot of intense beats, but it stumbles in its execution. The immediate dive into a chaotic battle is disorienting, and without a clear understanding of the stakes or context, it’s hard to invest in the action. The dialogue often hints at deeper mysteries, like Thawne’s secrets about Project Olympus or Wally’s connection to the “monster,” but these revelations feel more like teases than satisfying plot points. The constant back-and-forth between Wally’s desperate struggle and cryptic conversations among other characters creates a disjointed narrative flow that struggles to build consistent momentum.

Art

The art in Absolute Flash #5 is a mixed bag. The use of vibrant, fiery colors effectively conveys the chaos and heat of Wally’s struggle, creating visually striking action sequences. However, the inconsistent detail in some panels detract significantly from the overall quality, making it difficult to fully appreciate the detail and dynamism the artists clearly intended. While the character designs are distinctive, the inconsistent rendering sometimes makes it hard to track expressions and subtle movements, particularly during the more intense moments. The cosmic visuals at the end, while interesting, are also affected by this esoteric and unrefined detail, lessening their impact.

Characters

Wally West is clearly the focus, and his internal struggle with fear and the possibility of being a “monster” is a compelling idea, but the rapid-fire action doesn’t give these emotional beats enough room to breathe. The supporting cast, particularly Jesse and Lisa, feel largely like ciphers, existing primarily to deliver exposition or bicker. Thawne’s brief appearance hints at a more complex, manipulative role, but he’s still shrouded in mystery. Without a strong connection to their motivations or clearer stakes for each character, it’s hard to care deeply about their plights beyond the immediate danger.

Positives

The comic genuinely excels in its depiction of raw, high-stakes action, particularly in the initial pages where Wally is overwhelmed by fire and the monstrous entity. The visual portrayal of the heat and the speed with which Wally moves creates a sense of frantic urgency, making these sequences feel genuinely dangerous. The dialogue, though sometimes vague, does effectively hint at a much larger, more intricate conspiracy involving Project Olympus and the mysterious Thawne, piquing curiosity about the overarching plot. The internal monologue from Wally, especially his fear of dying young and his perceived connection to the monster, provides a fleeting but impactful glimpse into his psychological state, adding a layer of depth to his character.

Negatives

The primary drawback of this issue is its severe lack of contextual information, plunging readers into a complex scenario without adequate setup, leading to significant confusion rather than engagement. The pervasive “weirdness” of Wally’s power experiences throughout the comic is a major artistic flaw, consistently distracting from the action and often obscuring details that are crucial for following the narrative. The rapid shifts in perspective and setting, while attempting to broaden the scope, instead fragment the story, making it difficult to maintain a coherent understanding of events or to form a strong connection with any single character’s plight. Furthermore, the characters beyond Wally West are largely underdeveloped, serving more as plot devices than as individuals, which diminishes their impact on the story.

About The Reviewer: Gabriel Hernandez is the Publisher & EIC of ComicalOpinions.com, a comics review site dedicated to indie, small, and mid-sized publishers.

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Final Thoughts

Absolute Flash #5 is a visually ambitious comic that unfortunately trips over its own ambition. While it offers some intense action and hints at a grander narrative, the lack of clarity and significant art issues make it a frustrating read. It feels like a chapter that expects you to already know the entire book, leaving new readers, or even those catching up, in the dust.

4.5/10