DC’s Absolute Universe Officially Drops Its First Terrible Redesign With Reverse-Flash

DC’s Absolute Universe redesign streak may have been broken by the Flash. Although DC characters’ appearances are largely consistent across the infinite realities of the multiverse, some universes are so drastically different that they look like an entirely different franchise. Case in point, the Absolute Universe’s unapologetically edgy style makes it home to a growing number of terrifying villains and heroes.

Villains are often more visually striking than heroes, and yet their iconic designs also leave room for upgrades. DC’s Absolute Universe updates many antagonists’ classic looks to match or surpass the imposing presence of their respective heroes. From the now villainous, goth-inspired Absolute Zatanna to the nightmarish Absolute Joker, every new villain reveal raises the bar.

Not all Absolute redesigns are so shocking, however, as the Flash’s archnemesis struggles to make the same impact as those of Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman.

Reverse-Flash Is DC’s Least Interesting Absolute Villain Redesign So Far

Absolute Flash #12; Written by Jeff Lemire; Art by Nick Robles & A.L. Kaplan

DC’s Absolute Flash #11 and #12 reveal what happened to Elenore Thawne’s grandfather, who transformed into a hulking monster between his disappearance in the Still Point and his return to Earth. What exactly turned Eobard into a musclebound creature is unknown, but he certainly doesn’t look like a regular speedster empowered by the Speed Force. DC’s Absolute Reverse Flash is a gray, bulky, eight-feet-tall humanoid with lightning-shaped horns, and nothing more.

The Absolute Universe’s villain redesigns tend to heighten the characters’ most memorable attributes, like Bane’s absurd muscles, Killer Croc’s animalistic traits, Doctor Poison’s containment suit, and Brainiac’s eerie mix between organic and technological tissue. However, each redesign is coupled with a creative twist. Bane’s muscles are so big that his head looks miniaturized, Killer Croc’s head and mouth are ridiculously long, Doctor Poison is made of gas, and Brainiac looks like a science experiment gone horrifically wrong.

Absolute Reverse Flash lacks the unique twist on his monstrous transformation. Yes, he’s simultaneously fast and strong, but he doesn’t stand apart from most regular iterations of similar antagonists like Doomsday or Darkseid. As a corrupted speedster sporting a monochrome palette, Absolute Reverse resembles Black Flash more than he does the traditional yellow-clad Eobard Thawne; more specifically, the more ghoulish, less zombie-like Black Flash from Andy Muschietti’s The Flash movie.

The Real Absolute Reverse-Flash Might Be Yet To Come

Eobard Thawne’s Golem Transformation May Not Be Absolute Wally West’s Final Menace

Wally West has only faced Reverse Flash a couple of times since Eobard Thawne escaped the Still Point. Since Absolute Reverse Flash first appeared as a being made of hot liquid before solidifying, perhaps his current form isn’t his definitive one. As he adapts to the regular space-time continuum, Eobard Thawne may regain some of his human traits or develop secondary traits that make him even scarier. Yellow or golden spikes over his grey skin, plus black and red accents, could help him look a little bit closer to his typical self.

Eobard Thawne isn’t the only Absolute Flash villain Wally West needs to keep an eye on. Elenore Thawne has witnessed the effects of the Still Point on her grandfather, which made all her worldview crumble before her eyes. Now, there’s a significant chance that Elenore will try to gain enhancements similar to Wally’s super-speed, while avoiding Eobard’s horrific transformation. If successful, this upgrade could turn Elenore Thawne into a more familiar version of Reverse-Flash.

Barry Allen and Reverse-Flash’s feud is one of the most popular in superhero media, but it doesn’t stand alone. Wally West and Professor Zoom have a very similar rivalry, very similar powers, and very similar costumes. Like Hunter Zolomon, Elenore Thawne uses a cane, which might be a tease at her eventual transformation into a more familiar evil yellow-clad speedster, this time boasting a fresh spin on Reverse-Flash and Professor Zoom’s traditional appearance.

What do you think about the Absolute Universe’s Reverse-Flash?

Absolute Flash #12 is now available from DC Comics.