Absolute Flash has proven to be one of the most twisted series in DC Comics‘ new Absolute Universe. Beyond offering a dark new origin for Wally West, it has also presents new versions of the classic Rogues. However, no background was immediately offered for these mysterious new enemies. This changes with the preview of Absolute Flash #6, which details the origins of a Flash villain better known for his service to the Suicide Squad.
The early issues of Absolute Flash pit young Wally West against Captain Boomerang, Golden Glider, Trickster and Captain Cold, a team of villains known as the Rogues. However, this team was curiously made up of military personnel rather than costumed career criminals. The opening scene of Absolute Flash #6 centers around Captain George “Digger” Harkness, revealing something of his background before joining the Rogues.
What is Captain Boomerang’s new origin?
An Australian, Harkness is kicked out of an Oklahoma bar after hitting on the wrong woman. He is then confronted by Colonel Rudy West, Wally’s father, and offered a chance at clearing his less-than-sterling record. The details are left vague, but Harkness apparently went AWOL after an incident in Syria. Lacking any better options and promised a chance to “blow some $#@% up,” Harkness agrees to sign-on. This leads to him becoming the Captain Boomerang of the Absolute Universe.
The first three pages of Absolute Flash #6 may be viewed below.
The idea of Captain Boomerang as a military man, even a disgraced one, is ironic given his classic origins. Digger Harkness was originally the illegitimate son of an American soldier and an Australian woman. Raised in poverty, Harkness had no real skills apart from making and throwing boomerangs.
Years later, Harkness was later given a job by his estranged father who had come to own a toy company. He created the Captain Boomerang persona as a mascot character. Unfortunately, the effort to popularize boomerangs as a toy failed. The kids Captain Boomerang was meant to attract made fun of him. This pushed Harkness to turn to crime, fighting The Flash before being recruited for the Suicide Squad.
Despite his new military background, Captain Boomerang doesn’t seem to have changed that much in the Absolute Universe. He appears to be as big a sleaze as ever based on his treatment of women. He also suffers the same bad luck as his Earth-Prime counterpart, but has a knack for bouncing back.
Absolute Flash #6 arrives in comic shops everywhere on August 20, 2025.
