More than any other Justice League member, The Flash has generally adhered to a semi-scientific basis. Barry Allen and Wally West both use their knowledge of science (a.k.a. ‘Flash Facts’) in conjunction with their superspeed to fight crime. From the 1980s onward, there was also an effort to depict their powers accurately in regards to how superspeed would work scientifically. That core concept establishes a new twist on the Fastest Man Alive in Absolute Flash #7.
Written by Jeff Lemire with art by Travis Moore, Absolute Flash #7 finds the Absolute Universe version of Wally West in a starved state. The teen runaway has found his appetite enhanced along with his speed. This has been a consequence of his powers in the modern age. Logically, motion requires energy and accelerated motion requires more energy. This heightened metabolism gave Wally an additional weakness in the days before the Speed Force was used to explain away The Flash’s more impossible powers.
Unfortunately, unlike his Earth-Prime counterpart, the Absolute Flash is not a lottery winner who can afford a big grocery bill. Nor does he have friends at STAR Labs who can make him high-calorie protein bars like in the Arrowverse. This Wally West is reduced to shoplifting. Unfortunately, so advanced is his starvation that he passes out after one brief burst of superspeed. This makes him easy prey for the Project Olympus personnel who have been chasing him since the start of the series.
How does Absolute Flash power himself?
On their way back to base, the Project Olympus security team encounter another escapee from Project Olympus. Known as ‘Wizard,’ this test subject developed the ability to control the weather. This clearly marks them as the Absolute Universe version of Weather Wizard. Despite his weakness, Absolute Flash tries to take down the Wizard, whose storm-based tantrums are threatening the nearby town. In the middle of this effort, he is stuck by lightning.
To Wally’s surprise, the lightning, while causing him pain, doesn’t seem to do any damage. Indeed, the electrical charge erases his hunger and leaves him invigorated. With this sudden second wind, he is easily able to take down the Wizard and end the deadly storm.
It has long been established that The Flash can use his powers to generate and absorb electrical energy. However, his channeling actual lightning to fuel his biological processes and powers is a new trick. This may be how the Absolute Flash powers himself rather than depending on a mystic Speed Force.
Absolute Flash #7 is now available at comic shops everywhere.
