The Absolute Universe is already a runaway success for DC Comics, turning bold new takes on Batman, Superman, and more into critical and commercial hits. But as fans speculate and theorize which of their beloved Justice League heroes could be next for an Absolute redesign, it appears we know one hero whose power may have already gotten them killed. And it's bad news for fans of Firestorm the Nuclear Man.

The revelation comes in the latest issue of Absolute Flash, a book which has already earned its place among the top of DC's most surprising and edgy 'Absolute' reimaginings. With a surprising new design for Wally West kicking things off, the new version of Flash's Rogues has turned heads. But one of the most shocking, controversial, and massively disappointing character cameos is delivered in a single, throaway line of dialogue: Ronnie Raymond, the hero known as Firestorm, has already been captured and "opened up."

The Absolute Version of Firestorm Has Already Been Killed?

Absolute Flash #2 by Jeff Lemire, Nick Robles, Adriano Lucas

This reference to Ronnie Raymond might not be so terrible, if not for the already ominous reputation being built around Fort Fox, the experimental test site employing both Wally West's father and Barry Allen (prior to Barry's apparent death). Add in the Rogues being sent to hunt down the runaway West (on orders to bring him in "Alive. For now.") and readers have reason to assume the worst of the operation.

When Wally West is finally captured by the Rogues and held captive, he requests to be set free so he can continue to understand his new speed abilities without putting anyone else in harm's way. It is a newly redesigned Trickster who assures West that once the team brings him into Fort Fox for study, he'll be freed from his bubble. "Then they're going to open you right up. Just like they did with Mick Rory and that Raymond kid." Confirming the Firestorm disaster already happened, made Ronnie a target, and saw him... 'studied.'

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What This Means For An 'Absolute Firestorm' in DC's Future

Ronnie Raymond May Be Caught, But Could A Return Be Possible?

There is still a possibility that the "Raymond kid" in question isn't Ronnie, or that him being caught and "opened right up" actually refers to a safe, non-invasive study of the Firestorm Matrix. The casual mention of the events paints a grim picture for a character as volatile, dangerous, and second-tier (but still beloved) as Firestorm, but DC has made one thing abundantly clear: nothing about the Absolute Universe can be predicted. If fans are now imagining what an 'Absolute Firestorm' could be, that is exactly what DC intended.

Only time will tell if Ronnie Raymond, Martin Stein, or any other connected characters are alive or dead, and if 'captured test subjects brought to Fort Fox' is Absolute Flash's new way of introducing more characters into DC's new universe. Until then, Firestorm fans will continue to do exactly as they always do: hope.

Absolute Flash #2 is available now from DC Comics.