Lemire & Robles on Redefining…

A New Dawn for the Fastest Man Alive

Wally West has always been defined by his connections—mentors, the Flash family, and the Speed Force. But in Absolute Flash, creators Jeff Lemire and Nick Robles reimagine Wally, stripping him of familiar touchstones. This story promises a journey of self-discovery and isolation, debuting in comic shops on March 19th. Retailers have until February 24th to preorder this bold reinvention of a classic DC hero.

A Flash Without a Safety Net

This tale casts Wally in an unfamiliar, lonely world devoid of mentors, family, or even a Speed Force. Jeff Lemire’s vision for Wally embraces the uncertainty of teenage life. "I wanted him as a teenager, using his powers as a metaphor for figuring out who we are," Lemire explains. Without guidance, Wally’s powers unfold in real-time for both him and readers. "He doesn’t know what’s happening, and it’s terrifying," Lemire adds. Even Barry Allen had Jay Garrick as a reference point, but Wally has none. The Absolute Universe intensifies this sense of isolation for all its heroes, isolating them as underdogs and building toward something monumental.

The Emotional Core of Absolute Flash

Lemire, known for introspective stories like Essex County, infuses Absolute Flash with emotional depth. Here, action and character drama are intertwined. "All the superhero elements arise from Wally’s emotional state," he shares. Partnering with artist Nick Robles, Lemire aims for a 70/30 blend of character-driven storytelling and superhero action. Straightforward action holds less appeal for Lemire, who loves balancing it with deep character work.

A Complex Father-Son Relationship

A pivotal element is Wally’s relationship with his father, Rudy West. Initially portrayed as a stern military figure, Rudy’s character will evolve. "There’s a lot of angst between Wally and Rudy early on," Lemire teases, hinting at complexities that will unfold. This father-son dynamic anchors Wally amidst a tumultuous transformation, serving as his tether to humanity.

Nick Robles’ Unique Visual Approach

Creating a fresh visual language for super-speed, Robles rises to the challenge by exploring new aesthetics. "I love the chance to come at it from an original angle," Robles says, focusing on strong shapes and bold forms. He incorporates classic elements like lightning bolts, but with his unique style. Wally’s volatile powers are mirrored in Robles’ experimental approach, as both character and artist navigate new terrains.

Flash’s Rogues: Familiar Faces, New Twists

The Rogues, a staple of the Flash’s world, see reimagined versions through Lemire and Robles. These fresh takes on classic villains promise depth beyond archetypes. "The Rogues play a big part in the series," Lemire reveals, with Trickster and Captain Cold as standout redesigns. Robles’ new interpretations influence their character arcs as the creative team develops an original vision grounded in familiar territory.

Freedom in the Absolute Universe

The Absolute line grants creators the liberty to explore bold, self-contained superhero narratives. This freedom thrilled Lemire and Robles. "This isn’t replacing the regular DC Universe," Lemire clarifies. Fans can still connect with the Wally West they know, while new interpretations blossom. Robles celebrates this freedom, allowing both creators to push their creative limits.

The Legacy of Absolute Flash

Though not aiming to redefine Wally’s legacy, Lemire hopes to resonate with readers by celebrating what makes comics unique. "I want to channel the Silver Age energy with modern sensibility," he asserts. For Robles, storytelling is about walking with Wally through his journey. Together, Lemire and Robles are crafting a Flash story that redefines what it means to be the Fastest Man Alive, pushing Wally to new limits.