Absolute Flash Makes Huge Change to Justice League Character

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Unlike most members of the Justice League, The Flash’s powers have always been rooted in science. Both Barry Allen and Wally West rely on their understanding of scientific principles – often called ‘Flash Facts’ – alongside their incredible speed to solve crimes. Starting in the 1980s, writers made a conscious effort to portray how superspeed might actually work from a scientific standpoint. This focus on realism is taken in a surprising new direction in Absolute Flash #7.

I’ve been following the Absolute Flash series, and issue #7 is really something. It focuses on Wally West in this universe, and he’s going through a tough time. His powers are making him incredibly hungry – the faster he runs, the more he needs to eat! It makes sense, really; speed takes energy. Before they had the Speed Force to explain everything, this constant need for fuel was actually a real weakness for him. It’s a cool detail Jeff Lemire and Travis Moore are exploring.

This Wally West, unlike the Flash we know from the main Earth, isn’t wealthy or well-supported. He doesn’t have the resources for proper food, and unlike the Flash in the Arrowverse, no one is making him special, high-calorie snacks. He’s been forced to steal food just to survive. His hunger is so severe that even a quick use of his super speed leaves him collapsing, making him an easy target for the people from Project Olympus who have been hunting him throughout the story.

How does Absolute Flash power himself?

Returning to base, the Project Olympus security team found another person who had escaped the project – a test subject nicknamed ‘Wizard’ with the power to control the weather. He’s essentially their version of the villain Weather Wizard. Even though he’s not very strong, Absolute Flash attempts to stop Wizard, whose chaotic weather powers are endangering the nearby town. During the fight, Absolute Flash is struck by lightning.

Wally was surprised to find that, despite the pain, the lightning didn’t actually hurt him. Instead, it eliminated his hunger and made him feel incredibly energized. This sudden burst of strength allowed him to easily defeat the Wizard and finally stop the dangerous storm.

For a long time, it’s been known that The Flash can create and take in electrical energy. But recently, he’s started using actual lightning to power himself and his abilities – something new. This could explain how the incredibly powerful Absolute Flash gets his energy, potentially without relying on the usual mystical Speed Force.

Absolute Flash #7 is now available at comic shops everywhere.

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2025-09-18 18:27