The most recent issue of Absolute flash reimagines the origins of Jay Garrick and Eobard Thawne in the new DC Universe
Flash in the Absolute universe
The story, set as a Flashback to Barry Allen’s lifebegins with a darker and more scientific tone than usual. Lemire proposes a scenario in which Allen, far from being the optimistic hero we all know, is a disgraced scientist. His reputation went down the drain after he championed overly radical theories on the subject molecular transfer and the quantum simulationwhich earned him expulsion from Princeton.
At that point he enters the scene Dr. Elenore Thawnewho sees Barry as the key to reactivating a mysterious Department of Defense project: Blue Trinity. This experiment, developed in parallel with Oppenheimer’s atomic tests, sought get in touch with a dimension of “exotic living energy”. It seems like pure science fiction, but in the context of the Absolute Universe the boundary between science and mysticism is increasingly blurred.
According to government documents, Blue Trinity was closed when their lead scientist started talking about “supernatural methods” to open the connection. The most disturbing thing is that he claimed to have heard a voice coming from the other side…a voice calling him from beyond the Absolute Universe.
The return of Jay Garrick and Reverse-Flash
Here’s the big twist in the issue: that scientist was none other Eobard Thawnegrandfather and future of Elenore Anti-Flash. Desperate to validate his research, Thawne opens a portal between realities…just when a military agent, Jay Garricktry to stop it. Both are swept away by the dimensional energy, disappearing without a trace.
The comic leaves his fate up in the air, but everything points to it Jay Garrick will reappear as the first Flash of the Absolute Universeregaining its role as a pioneer of speed. For his part, Eobard Thawne looks set to once again become the Antithesis of Barry Allenwith a backdrop more tragic and scientific than ever.
Lemire lets this version of the classic confrontation between Flash and his mortal enemy breathe a new mythologymuch closer to cosmic terror than traditional heroism. The idea of a portal between dimensions and voices whispering from parallel realities is reminiscent of the tone of Swamp thing or The Sandmanwhich fits perfectly into the experimental atmosphere of the Absolute Universe.
A reinvention with references to the past
The artist Travis Moore accompanies the narrative with detailed art loaded with symbolism. Cold tones and light contrasts convey the tension between science and madnesswhile the electrical flashes of the Speed Force (or its absolute equivalent) suggest a power not yet fully understood.
Furthermore, the number is riddled references to the golden age of DCwith small visual homages to the original comics of Flash comics n. 1 and nods to the eternal rivalry between science and destiny. This balance between classic and new is what is making Absolute Universe gain traction as one of the most interesting reinventions on the scene today.
The end of Absolute flash n.8 leaves the feeling that Barry Allen won’t be the only lightning bringerand that future installments may explore the connection between the different holders of the Speed Force. If Lemire continues to weave plots with this level of depth and ambiguity, we may be looking at the beginning of the founding myth of the Absolute Universe.
For now what is clear is this DC has found a vein in this modern reinterpretation of its legendsproposing fresh stories but full of respect for tradition.
Absolute flash n.8 It is now available in comic shops.
