Absolute Flash, Vol. 2: Still Point

Absolute Flash (2025)

by Jeff Lemire, Nick Robles (Illustrator)

In a desperate bid to save his father and himself, Wally West must wage the ultimate war of speed, which will define the fate of the universe—and his soul!

After a disastrous military experiment left him disjointed from time and struggling to understand his strange new abilities, teenager Wally West has been on the run, without a home or safe harbor, pursued by the metahuman mercenaries known as The Rogues. But neither Wally nor the Rogues know the true intent behind the world-shattering work that was being done by Barry Allen back at Fort Fox, nor do they know the identity of its mastermind…and when those secrets are revealed, all of their lives will change forever!

Collects Absolute Flash #7-12.

Genres: Comics, Dc Comics, Graphic Novels, Comic Book, Graphic Novels Comics, Superheroes, Science Fiction

160 pages, Paperback

Published June 23, 2026

About the author

Librarian note:
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name

Jeff Lemire is a New York Times bestselling and award winning author, and creator of the acclaimed graphic novels Sweet Tooth, Essex County, The Underwater Welder, Trillium, Plutona, Black Hammer, Descender, Royal City, and Gideon Falls. His upcoming projects include a host of series and original graphic novels, including the fantasy series Ascender with Dustin Nguyen.

Reviews

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great second volume!

I read this as single issues, so I've already reviewed them. If you're interested, I left links to the individual stories. But if you're just looking for the skinny gist of the overall arc, Still Point keeps the action rolling as Wally and Grodd uncover the secrets at Fort Fox.
The final boss battle with Reverse Flash doesn't disappoint, and the Rogues are in top form in this Absolute Universe.

Issue #7


Issue #8


Issue #9


Issue #10


Issue #11


Issue #12


Good stuff!
Recommended for Flash fans.

[James Bowman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wraps up Wally's origin story, alongside some swerves from the Rogues. Not quite as interesting as the first volume, but adequate. (B)

[Person Michaels · Rating 2 out of 5]

This volume (I believe comprising #7-12) was a chore to read month to month. I think being able to binge the majority of the first volume helped me to stomach the glacial pacing; at this point, pretty much all of my goodwill for the series is gone.

There were things I appreciated about Absolute Flash in those early issues. These qualities were mainly tied to Wally West’s origin story. As is typical for Absolute, it’s a bold twist on the concept of Flash and “the Speed Force”, with a heavy dose of Lovecraftian horror elements. Grodd, here the telepathic sidekick of Wally as opposed to part of his mainline rogues gallery, was also a pleasant surprise and lent some necessary heart to a narrative frankly lacking in strong characters or emotional tissue.

An origin story, by design, can only carry a superhero comic for a few issues. The further out we get from that, the less impressive this series becomes. It’s unfortunately settled into the role of my clear least favorite in the Absolute DC line. Wally himself is a dreadfully uninteresting and annoying protagonist. I have a clear bias against teenage characters, especially when they’re brimming with dull angst. Volume 2 could’ve been the time to hunker down and develop him (just as Vol. 2 of Absolute Green Lantern successfully did with Jo). It instead wastes its page time having him dick around with an entire uninteresting interpretation of the Rogues. Making them a Suicide Squad-esque antihero team in this universe is incomprehensibly lame. It also wastes the chance to go truly hard with new versions of some of Flash’s most iconic villains. I mean, Captain Cold’s design here is literally just Omni-Man with a Captain Cold jacket.

Every issue ends on a cliffhanging tease, but it never feels like anything of substance happens in the pages themselves. Things (TRAUMATIC things, even!) happen to Wally, but I’m somehow further from feeling a connection to him than I was in #1. Thawne is uninteresting as an overarching big bad and the Speed Force lore is starting to feel like smoke and mirrors more than anything. It’s all very monotonous.

We’re a few issues into what will make up Vol. 3 and it hasn’t gotten better. When the only exciting recent development is the tease of a character who has nothing to do with Flash, I’d say I have a bit of an investment problem. In any other case, I would’ve dropped this series by now. Absolute DC has been killing it so hard in general, however, that I’m willing to keep up with one crappy part of the line for the sake of completionism. A 4/10 for this volume and probably the series overall.

[Siona Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting continuation from the first volume. Really like the set up with Grodd, and the Still Point was really cool. Gotta love Flish lol also really enjoyed this interpretation of the Rogues

[Randy Lander · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been a Flash fan and I’ve read some great Flash, and this doesn’t reach the heights of what Mark Waid, William Messner-Loebs, or Geoff Johns accomplished, but this sci-fi/military take on Wally West, and especially the Rogues, not to mention baby Grodd, is a fresh and interesting and darker take on the Flash mythos. It sits right in the middle of the Absolute pack for me, just below Green Arrow, Superman, and Wonder Woman but above the rest.

[Mocassin · Rating 2 out of 5]

C'est divertissant mais c'est tellement pas à la hauteur de la gamme Absolute. Les réinventions de personnages sont intéressantes, mention particulière pour Eobard Thawne qui passe de l'un des meilleurs antagonistes du DCU au pire. Toute la réinvention de la force véloce ne convainc pas non plus, ça manque clairement d'inspiration.

[Khurram · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book more than the first volume, but I still just found it okay. I think partly because keep comparing the Absoulte Flash to the main DC universe's Flash. It is not fair but I can't help it.

The back stories of Project Olympus are told. How did Barry Allan get involved and what is the Thawne family legecy? Loyalties will be tested, however the results could disastrous the world.

For a story of the fastest man alive tjus story has been a pretty slow build. It is not done badly but I did expect a bit more. The book finishes with a variant cover gallery.

[Xander Haan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolute Flash Vol. 2: Still Point - 4 / 5 Stars

This was a great follow up to the first volume! I’m definitely enjoying this series. Absolute Batman still takes the cake on the absolute series though. I’m interested to see where this goes. The last text of this book had me intrigued to the possibility of a time jump or something next volume.

I love the characters! The designs are great. Thawne is really scary looking. But I love Wally’s costume and also Tricksters is pretty neat… I’m always like “wow that’s so weird” but I’m always drawn to it.

Onto the next book!

[Maddi :) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a solid 4 for me all the way through. But the epilogue filled me with excitement! Im just obsessed

[Aidan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely love that the Rogues went rogue! The Still Point is super interesting and very keen to see more!

[Sarospice · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the rogues and Grodd and all the other characters. Couldn't be bothered with the main Wally West Flash character. Is that enough to bother with another volume? Lemire's writing always peters out for me when it's angsty young men. Just repeating himself.

[scarlet♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

picked up the pace finally and im actually in love with this storyline

[Bertazzo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lemire doesn't write the Flash as a hero, but rather as a simple teenager who gets caught up in situations whose only thing he can do is running. It also fits well as a Flash Year One.

[Neil Pearson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This volume still feels bogged down in what is too long an opening arc. I honestly feel a knife could be taken to this and it be a much stronger 4 issues. But maybe some character beats would have been lost? I don't know, it's not like Spidey's origin would have been stronger if it had taken 12 issues for him to avenge Uncle Ben's death.

I also felt that this version of reverse flash/zoom was a let down in that it was more like a Doomsday quoting "highlander". I prefer more manipulative/human speed antagonists, but I concede this is at least different to regular Flash.

We get four consecutive issues of Robles' art here and it really helps with the flow and identity of the book (not that Travis Moore's work is inferior in any way). There are some really interesting scenes especially at the end where the art and writing come together very nicely in describing how there are some things the Flash can't outrun. Once again the colouring is really strong in establishing the speed energy but also with regards to making the rogues all stand out. Speaking of Rogues, the Trickster is the breakout character for me in this series. They are quite complicated and it's questionable how much the tech is influencing them, plus they have a killer design.

This volume isn't bad, it just feels like it shouldn't have required two volumes to cover what is essentially an origin story. Luckily, it's at least out of the way and I know the pacing improves from here on out.

I probably won't review future volumes as I've been reading the regular series from this point on, so don't take the lack of a volume 3 as me dropping the series. If anything it highlights how good it is when I switched to reading it monthly.

[Atheist Bale · Rating 3 out of 5]

Things are picking up here. It’s still the weakest of the Absolute DC line, but I’m getting more interested in the larger story now, thank the Lord. It appears that the flash might be getting his powers from Darkseid’s Omega force in this version, not the Speed Force, so we’ll see how that lines up with the anxiety analogy the have going with Wally seeing different futures. I’m heavily invested in what they are going to do with Grodd. Unfortunately, they kind of made a big ugly monster out of one of my favorite villains in comics, Reverse Flash, and I think it’s a disservice to such a complex and intelligent character; his granddaughter is going to need to do some serious heavy, lifting if she is going to live up to the legacy of Eobard being the Flash’s nemesis. I do wonder what they’re going to do with Reverse Flash, because they flipped him being a time traveler from the future visiting the past to a ghost from the past visiting the future. Interesting concept, especially if they tie it into Fascism like the other Absolute comics are doing. I mean, it’s nearly begging for it, a scientist from World War II appearing in the future? Do something with it! I’m a but happier with this comic now but that did take a while to get going. Rooting for you, Wally.

[Jay Duchesne · Rating 5 out of 5]

ok so its not the speed force but there is some alternate dimension where Wally sources his power from so I'll take it. I'm anxious to learn more about it and how it works and it's different than the speed force.

also Thawne and that weird hole? (dont take that out of context) need to learn more about that and what this God he's talking about it.

I dont really know why Rudy West had to push Thawne back through the portal and also don't really know how just some guy could do that but it seemed a little unnecessary and cliche. I guess its just to push Wally to try and get back to the still point to further the story and whatnot but still that was kinda meh.

its really cool to see that Wally is kinda becoming omnipotent in terms of time where he can see everything that has and will happen. he tends to break down when that happens but that definitely makes sense because that is an infinite amount of information to process all at once, so down the line I'm guessing he'll learn to get the hang of it and focus and block out excessive "noise"

[Renato · Rating 4 out of 5]

To Recap a few things about the Absolute Flash universe (thus far):
⚡It takes place on Fort Fox, a military based that is working on something called Project Olympus
⚡This is mainly a Wally West story, whos father is a General overseeing Olympus
⚡Barry Allen is a scientist on this base, working under Eleanor Thawne (granddaugther of you-know-who)
⚡All of the Flash Rogues are agents on this base who have been provided technology (or augmentation) to provide them with their powers.
⚡There are plenty of other traditional Flash elements here, but those are meant to be surprises.

This new volume finds its footing and picks up the pace. We are no longer subject to the random flash backs, flash forwards, bad dreams that that repeatidly wasted panels in Volume 1.

The new stuff outside of the traditional lore is pretty darn interesting - cannot wait see where they go with this 'Still Point' thing.

[Michael Emond · Rating 3 out of 5]

Still not my favourite Absolute line but it has strong competition so I would still say, overall, this is a fun read. I like especially how it finishes up its first arc in this volume as opposed to a never ending soap opera with no conclusion.

The art is solid with some great effects. Unlike the first volume I feel the character building is weaker We still have the rogue's gallery tracking down Wally, we still have Wally and his friend monkey Grodd. But their character development stalls out. The dad's relationship stalls. We get some interesting fights and the big part of this volume is revealing more of what work is being done at this government base.

I guess my main complaint is I didn't get excited about this volume as much as the first one. It was still fun but there weren't as many twists and (as I said) the character development seemed to stall out. Wally didn't grow and the side characters didn't grow either.

[Benjamin Gipe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would keep this at a 4/5, maybe even a 4.5/5. This was a lot better than volume one. Again, I love everything Lemire writes. His style of storytelling is just so emotional and gripping. I just love his work so much.

The pacing of this volume was much better. It was all gas no brakes. I think it sets up a really good story and I’m really stoked for the next volume to come out. The Art is very pretty and the stylistic design is pretty awesome to see. It flows so well and it represents the flash perfectly.

The only thing I would critique is that the “year one” for the flash is over in 12 issues. It seems a lil disjointed to me since volume one was really slow and this was super fast. I guess in the grand scheme of things, it could’ve been a true year one for Wally. However, I think they could’ve expanded on that much more. I’m sure the team is setting up much more to come in the future. We’ll see ⚡️⚡️

[Eric · Rating 3 out of 5]

I stand by my thought that this book feels most like a title from the original Ultimate Marvel universe. I think that's down to pacing. It reads like the early 00's with it's slower reveals and over-stretched storylines... which might be why I kind of dig it. The series benefits from Nick Robles art giving everything a sense of energy and Adriano Lucas's colors making it a gorgeous to look at... though that means A.L. Kaplan's art seems like a weird shift when it shows up at the end. And, while I just praised the regular art team, the Thawne redesign is too generic for my tastes. I know Absolute Batman is getting away with the Big Monster versions of villains, but you need more than teeth and spikes here. Otherwise you just have lame Ultimate Green Goblin knockoff.

This is Absolute series I'm the most excited to see evolve because I think the ingredients are all there. Drop the big mystery box plot-thread and give Wally a bit more agency and let it run!

[Chris Lemmerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Things come full circle as Wally heads back to Project Olympus with the Rogues in tow, only for a creature from Doctor Thawne's past to return and cause havoc instead.

Still moving at top speed, Absolute Flash Volume 2 bombards us with some answers about the Speed For- I mean, Still Point, the truth about the Thawnes, and a look forward at the future, all in six issues. I love the take on where the power comes from; it's not quite as imaginative as Absolute Green Lantern's take on the emotional spectrum, but I can see the potential to dig even deeper with the little crumbs we've been given here.

And the artwork's flawless, thanks to continued contributions from Travis Moore, Nick Robles, and AL Kaplan. Beautiful, beautiful book, even when it's full of chaotic energy blasts and monsters from another universe.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book delivers another strong chapter in Jeff Lemire’s bold new take on Wally West. The “war of speed” concept stays exciting, mixing high-stakes action with some genuine emotional weight as Wally fights to save his father while unraveling the conspiracy behind his powers.

The art team (especially Nick Robles and Travis Moore) continues to crush it — the panels are dynamic, the lightning effects pop, and the character work feels alive.

It’s a fast, fun, and surprisingly heartfelt read, though the story still occasionally feels like it’s holding back a few bigger revelations for later volumes. Solid superhero storytelling that respects Wally’s legacy while pushing it forward. Highly recommended for Flash fans.

[Ross · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was the back half to Wally's backstory and origin of whatever dimension he's tapped into...

More Rogues in this volume, as we get a Weather Wizard cameo. The Thawne's get a backstory and more name-drop connections to the classic universe are given out. There's a version of the Reverse Flash(?) that makes an appearance only to get sent away.

---
Now that we've established the main character and his 'rogues', maybe we can get an explanation about this dimension they've tapped into. It clearly isn't the Speed Force.

===
Bonus: If this 'red energy' is part of the life force of the universe, is it an Absolute version of "The Red" seen in 'Animal Man' and 'Poison Ivy' books?

[Sapphire Detective · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know that on the whole Absolute Flash is ranked as one of the lesser Absolute titles, but I don't care, this rules so hard. I just picked it up today and I read through the entire thing in one sitting, I couldn't wait, and I'm excited to see where the hell it's going to go next in Year 2. I haven't been paying attention to what each of the monthly issues have been about going forward, but from the name of Volume 3 I can surmise we're going to get the Absolute version of Mirror Master, and I couldn't be more excited. Well worth the read.

My rating: 5/5
Would I own/re-read?: Absolutely.
TW: Violence, Body Horror, Death
Does the animal die?: Though no animals directly die, Grodd being an experimented on monkey remains the same from the first volume.

[D M · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another volume, comics re-read, flashed through this one too. Same issues as the first, but Flash finds some footing finally. Without spoilers since this isn’t out yet, the writing gets better but the pacing and story doesn’t really advance besides the outside lore. It’s not bad, it’s average when you look at Abs MM, WW and Batman (Superman, I’m coming back to you). Read it and if it’s not your cup of tea, drop.

[Mia Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE Absolute Wally West! Possibly more than I love Tom Taylor’s Dick Grayson. He is just a kid trying to outrun his anxieties, his mistakes, his misfortunes; yet they always catch up to him. The concept of still point is so cool and I loved seeing Barry Allen working with the other scientists. I hope Wally is able to tap back into the red matter (which I assume is the speed force) and gets his Dad back, estranged familial relationship are my kryptonite.

[Sesana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved the first volume, but I started to lose interest partway through this one. I think that's mostly because I really dislike what Lemire has done with the Reverse Flash here. It's a huge step down in virtually every sense for Eobard, and I really don't get the point of it. But I still think interesting things are being down with Wally's power set, and I'm quite invested in this version of Grodd.

[Jeff Wait · Rating 4 out of 5]

Much better than the first one. Adding hints of cosmic elements (in the loosest Lovecraft way) is a great step in the right direction. It still feels like they're trying to find their footing so this story can really take off, though I have more faith that it'll head somewhere cool in the next one. Worth checking out; just still one of the weaker Absolute series.

[Parker Berg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I say this is better than volume 1 but I still find the series to be one of the weakest in the Absolute Universe. It felt like the series is starting to go at a faster paste. It even feels like the first 2 volumes are a good set up for Grodd and the still point. Based on how this one ended it’ll probably continue with a little time jump.

[Freddie🏳️‍⚧️🐀 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really love this comic but the pace is kinda tedious for waiting a month between issues. I'd enjoy it more if I read it in volume form. However the wait maybe makes the reward better, I think it's finally picking up and I'm excited for more. I'm definetly hooked.