Everyone loves the Flash’s colorful collection of criminals, but are they prepared for the overhaul they’re about to get? Absolute Flash is just weeks away and DC fans everywhere are about to see what this new world has in store for Wally West and the enemies that have captivated readers for years.
Absolute Flash creative team Jeff Lemire and Nick Robles spoke with AIPT to discuss their upcoming series. The duo eventually broached the subject of Flash’s iconic team of villains, the Rogues. Lemire revealed that the team plays a big part in the series and that they’re not just villains, but fully-fleshed characters with arcs.
Robles highlighted how he designed these foes with a new direction in mind, which in turn helped Lemire as he was coming up with ideas for where these villains would go. Lemire also highlighted that he’s particularly fond of their takes on Captain Cold and Trickster.
Flash’s Rogues are Going in a New Direction
What Can Fans Expect from the Scarlet Speedster’s Enemies?
When Darkseid’s death ushered in the Absolute Universe, it created a DC Universe that was quite similar to the Prime version, yet so radically different. In this new world, turmoil and strife reigned supreme and hope was the underdog. Heroes like Wonder Woman and Batman existed, but the thumb was on the scale for evil everywhere in this world. As such, many of its villains are either more powerful or have far more influence in this world. It hasn’t been impossible for the heroes of this world to thrive, but it’s far more difficult as this world simply favors villains.
There are few villain/hero dynamics as interesting as Flash and the Rogues. Unlike most rogue galleries in the Prime Universe, the Rogues are less supervillains and more like a blue-collar crew. They’ve got a code and, more importantly, they’re not above working with the Flash when it comes to the greater good. But the question is, what is this world’s Rogues like? They seem to be more militarized and determined to capture Wally based on the small previews fans have seen. But are they just as morally gray as their Prime counterparts or have they gone all-in on villainy?
Flash’s Rogues are Evolving into Something New Yet Familiar
The Absolute Universe Isn’t That Different and The Rogues Won’t Be Either
The most interesting thing about the Absolute Universe is that even when characters go into new areas, they’re almost always the same people at their core. Maybe in this world the Rogues are less a squad of criminals and more of a privatized group of enforcers. It’s an interesting, natural change that doesn’t deviate too far from what they’re like in the Prime Universe. What’s important is that they still have a code and work well together. But will they be able to work with Absolute Flash as well?
It’s not impossible. The Absolute Universe is so new and there’s so much uncertainty right now. But while the new take on the Rogues will almost certainly vex DC’s newest Scarlet Speedster, it’s not outside the realm of possibility that this squad is just as morally flexible as the standard Rogues. It’s an exciting idea to switch up the Rogues and, as Absolute Flash starts his journey, it’ll be fun seeing how his relationships with his coolest enemies will evolve.
Absolute Flash #1 is available on March 19th from DC Comics.
Source: AIPT
The Flash
- Created By
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Gardner Fox, Harry Lampert, Carmine Infantino
- First Appearance
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Flash Comics
- Alias
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Jay Garrick, Barry Allen, Wally West, Bart Allen, Avery Ho
- Alliance
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Justice Society of America, Justice League, Teen Titans
- Race
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Human