Absolute Flash #14 – Jeff Lemire, Writer; Haining, Artist; Adriano Lucas, Colorist
Ray – 10/10
Ray: This series has probably been the most character-driven of the Absolute line until now, but as it enters its second year, Lemire and new artist Haining have escalated the threat level and doubled down on the lore, resulting in one of the most stunning issues in the entire line so far. Wally and Linda, in trying to find answers about the true extent of Wally’s powers, have found themselves in the Mirrorverse, a twisty visual place that feels something like a carnival funhouse straight out of Hell. They’re pursued by hundreds of homicidal mirror clones of the Mirror Master, all single-mindedly stalking them. To illustrate just how bizarre this place is, Haining plays with the format, requiring readers to flip the book and even briefly read it manga-style to understand the dialogue and putting us in the shoes of our confused heroes as the world shifts around them. (This also has the unfortunate side effect of not making this issue very digital-friendly).
As they run for their lives and continue to explore this strange world, it becomes clear it’s not just a maze – it’s a gateway. Wally and Linda get clues from the outside world, including a look at the bizarre creatures that inhabit the Speed Force. The mirrors almost seem to be taunting them, showing them glimpses of the life they could have had – Linda’s long-missing older brother is glimpsed in a bad situation, and Wally gets a clue as to the location of his father, who sacrificed himself to the Speed Force in the conclusion of the last arc. Meanwhile, the duo gets an unexpected ally in the form of the original Mirror Master, Sam Scudder, who not only didn’t intend for things to get this far – but has surprising ties to the man who began it all. This issue is one of the best of the entire run, reminding me a little of the brilliant Court of Owls labyrinth issue that helped to put Scott Snyder on the map in 2011.
To find reviews of all the DC issues, visit DC This Week.
GeekDad received this comic for review purposes
