WARNING: Contains Potential Spoilers for ABSOLUTE POWER: TASK FORCE VII #5!

Amanda Waller’s Flash-inspired, power-stealing Amazo has returned to the Absolute Power storyline, now zeroing in on Barry Allen—the last remaining Flash in the DCU with his speedster powers intact. As Velocity relentlessly chases Barry, the Amazo reveals his formidable ultimate form, powered by an underrated Speed Force ability.

Barry Allen deserves the title of DC’s best Flash for his ability to hold his own against a villain that no other speedster could.

In Absolute Power: Task Force VII #5 by Alex Paknadel and Pete Woods, Velocity relentlessly pursues Barry Allen across the globe, aiming to drain his speedster powers and imprison him in Waller’s secret prison for heroes and villains. Despite Velocity having drained the rest of the Flash family’s powers and being significantly faster, Barry manages to stay ahead.

Jai West in Absolute Power Task Force VII #5

To evade capture, Barry hides in a storage unit beneath the Flash Museum, which contains various magical artifacts. However, Velocity is quick to overcome this barrier by tapping into Jai West’s super strength, continuing the relentless pursuit.

VELOCITY: Amanda Waller’s Flash-Inspired Amazo Master’s Jai West’s Super Strength

Jai’s Super Strength Gives Velocity His Ultimate Form

Task Force VII Absolute Power #5 velocity

Wally’s son Jai is one of the most unique speedsters in the DC Universe, with his Speed Force powers manifesting in distinctive ways compared to his twin sister and other speedsters. Among these unique abilities is Jai’s super strength, which he accesses through the kinetic hyper-stimulation of his muscle molecules. Having drained Jai of his powers, Velocity now harnesses this speedster-specific strength to smash through the barrier separating him from Barry and continue his pursuit of one of DC’s most iconic Flashes.

What’s particularly striking about Velocity tapping into this power is that it also alters his outer appearance, revealing what could be considered his ultimate form. In essence, Velocity undergoes a transformation akin to "Hulking out," with his form expanding significantly and taking on the appearance of massive, bulging muscles, as if he were made of flesh and bone rather than metal and screws. This physical adjustment to reflect the use of power seems to be a common trait among the Amazos, as both Depth Charge and Jadestone have been shown transforming into more powerful forms when accessing specific abilities.

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Barry Allen May Not Be the Fastest Flash In the DCU, But His Encounter With Velocity Proves He’s Still the Best

Barry Allen Is the Last Flash Standing in Absolute Power

Barry Allen Flash Crouching Next to Velocity Surrounded by Electricity DC Featured

Barry’s encounter with Velocity is notable not only because the Amazo Hulks out but also because it highlights Barry’s exceptional skill. Despite Velocity having drained the rest of the Flash family’s powers and being considerably faster with access to abilities Barry doesn’t possess, Barry still manages to evade him. At one point, Barry even temporarily traps Velocity in the Speed Force. This display of talent, skill, and ingenuity demonstrates that, although Barry Allen might not be the fastest speedster, he still deserves the title of DC’s best Flash for his ability to hold his own against a villain that no other speedster could.

Absolute Power: Task Force VII #5 is available now from DC Comics!

ABSOLUTE POWER: TASK FORCE VII #5 (2024)

Absolute Power Task Force VII 5 Cover Flash Running from Velocity DC
  • Writer: Alex Paknadel
  • Artist: Pete Woods
  • Letterer: Dave Sharpe
  • Cover Artist: Pete Woods
Barry Allen as The Flash Running in Comic Art
Alias
Jay Garrick, Barry Allen, Wally West, Bart Allen, Avery Ho
Created By
Gardner Fox, Harry Lampert, Carmine Infantino
Franchise
D.C.
Race
Human
First Appearance
Flash Comics
Alliance
Justice Society of America, Justice League, Teen Titans

The Flash is the superhero name given to the DC Comics character who utilizes unparalleled speed tied to a dimensional power known as the "speed force" to overwhelm their opposition. Premiering in 1939, the original Flash arrived as Jay Garrick. Still, it would be superseded by Barry Allen in popularity and featured status, but the Flash is one character that has met many of their alternate selves. The character is typically seen as a part of the Justice League in nearly all incarnations.