One of the major changes DC is introducing to the Flash in the Absolute Universe is that this version of Wally West will not be connected to the Speed Force. Since the Speed Force is the source of the speedster’s powers in the main DC Universe, this naturally raises questions about where Wally’s powers come from if not the Speed Force—and it seems we finally have some answers.
...The Flash of the Absolute Universe is now the avatar of chaos.
With the announcement of Jeff Lemire and Nick Robles' #1, set for release on March 19, 2025, a teaser gave fans a glimpse of what to expect from this version of the character. Like all of DC’s Absolute variants, this iteration of Wally West will be stripped of every advantage his Earth-Prime counterpart enjoys, including a family, mentor, and most notably, the Speed Force.
This change is monumental, as the Speed Force has long been synonymous with Wally’s powers. Recently, DC Nation’s Spotlight on Absolute Flash revealed that Wally's powers will now stem from a “mysterious entropic energy source.”
Say Goodbye to the Speed Force: The Flash Is Ready to Reinvent His Powers
DC’s announcement that the Speed Force will no longer be in play makes it clear the Flash and his abilities are about to be reinvented in a major way.
DC Teases the Source of Wally West’s Flash Powers
DC Nation’s Spotlight on Jeff Lemire & Nick Robles Absolute Flash
DC Nation's Spotlight on Absolute Flash clarifies that “Wally’s powers will not be connected to the Speed Force in any way,” as the “Absolute Universe has no Speed Force.” This revelation essentially rewrites the cosmology of the DC Universe, and while this aspect of Absolute Flash has been known for some time, this release provides further details on what fans can expect from Wally’s powers. It confirms that his abilities will come from a “mysterious entropic energy source,” which, while still somewhat vague, is far more revealing than it may first appear.
This means that Wally’s powers are now tied to a force connected to the concept of entropy—the gradual decline into disorder or chaos. As a result, Wally’s abilities are linked to a chaotic, unpredictable energy that contrasts sharply with the more stable and structured nature of the Speed Force. DC Nation's Spotlight further clarifies this, stating that each time Wally uses his powers, “he leaves chaos in his wake, the laws of physics breaking down around him.” It seems, then, that The Flash of the Absolute Universe is now the avatar of chaos.
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DC is making a major shift in their Flash narratives by wiping the slate clean, with Wally debuting as the FIRST speedster in the Absolute Universe.
Absolute Flash Is Bringing “Body Horror” to the DC Universe
Cover B Wangyue Haining Variant for Absolute Flash #3 (2025)
The spotlight also emphasizes how terrifying this new power source is for Wally, as he will be locked in a constant struggle to control his abilities while his life spirals out of control. Even more concerning, DC teases that his powers will “manifest as a sort of sci-fi body horror, twisting and distorting his body in terrifying ways.” While DC has explored sci-fi and horror themes in Si Spurrier’s The Flash run, this new level of body horror for Wally will set this version of The Flash apart from all others.
The Flash's Powers Are Lowkey Terrifying, And DC Is Finally Ready to Explore That Ugly Truth
Forget everything you know about The Flash—DC is wiping the slate clean and taking things back to the very beginning with its newest Flash narrative.
Absolute Flash #1 is available on March 19, 2025, from DC Comics!
