Slowly but surely, the Absolute Universe is growing. More and more classic DC Comics characters are being introduced into the new setting. In the case of The Flash, Absolute Flash #8 introduces two key figures. One is the original Flash, Jay Garrick. The other is a villain whose presence on the new Earth has been teased, but had yet to be confirmed.
Written by Jeff Lemire, with art by Travis Moore, Absolute Flash #8 is a flashback story centered around Barry Allen. As the story opens, Allen is a disgraced scientist whose theories on quantum simulation and molecular electron transfer were too radical for Princeton. However, Dr. Elenore Thawne thinks he is the ideal candidate to help her continue work on Blue Trinity.
Blue Trinity was a US Defense Department project concurrently conducted with the atomic tests of Oppenheimer. This project was intended to establish contact with another dimension, Specifically, a theoretical dimension of “exotic living energy.” However, the project was ordered closed after the lead scientist began talking of supernatural rather than scientific means of making this connection. He also claimed he heard a voice from this other world beyond the Absolute Universe calling to him.
Jay Garrick and Eobard Thawne in the Absolute Universe explained
The lead scientist is revealed to be Dr. Elenore Thawne’s grandfather, Eobard Thawne, aka Reverse-Flash. With his life’s work threatened, he set out to prove his theories correct and opened a portal between realities. A military police officer named Jay Garrick tried to stop Thawne. However, both men were apparently drawn into the other world.
The fate of Jay Garrick and Eobard Thawne is uncertain following the flashback. However, it seems unlikely their characters would be introduced only to be killed off so unceremoniously. The most likely prospect is that Jay Garrick will emerge to once again be first man called The Flash in the Absolute Universe. Likewise, the clearly deranged Eobard Thawne will become the Reverse-Flash, as in the main universe.
Absolute Flash #8 is now available at comic shops everywhere.
