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

Flash is ing their ranks with the reveal of his own secret hideout—even if it technically isn't 'new.' In fact, Barry Allen's so-called "fortress" has been a part of his lore for three decades but is now getting a new interpretation thanks to DC's evil Flash.

Since the Flash is always in constant motion, it makes sense that his base of operations would be a force defined by speed and movement.

Alex Paknadel and Pete Woods’ Absolute Power: Task Force VII #5 sees Amanda Waller’s Flash-themed Amazo, Velocity, return as he hunts down Barry Allen, the only speedster whose powers Velocity has yet to drain.

Absolute Power Task Force VII #5 speed force

Despite Velocity having the speed and abilities of the rest of the Flash family and being significantly faster, Barry manages to evade capture by using his wit and experience to outsmart the Amazo. At one point, Barry even slips into the Speed Force to put some distance between himself and Velocity. During this chase, the Amazo makes a comment suggesting that the Speed Force is actually Barry’s secret base.

DC Reveals Flash’s Secret Base Is the SPEED FORCE (& It Actually Makes Perfect Sense)

"You Believe This To Be Your Place of Power, Yes? Your Fortress?" - Velocity in Absolute Power: Task Force VII #5

Absolute Power Task Force VII #5 speed force 2

As all Flash fans know, the Speed Force is one of the Seven Forces of the Universe, a plane of pure energy that metahumans, like speedsters, can draw from. When Barry steps into the Speed Force, Velocity’s internal monologue reveals his interest, as he wants to experience it for himself. What’s particularly intriguing is how Velocity describes the Speed Force: "You believe this to be your place of power, yes? Your fortress?" In this moment, Velocity is referring to Barry, implying that the Speed Force is Barry’s personal domain, much like the Fortress of Solitude is for Superman.

The words "place" and "fortress" redefine the Speed Force, suggesting it's more than just one of the Seven Forces of the Universe; they frame it as Barry’s personal sanctuary. This interpretation of the Speed Force as Flash’s ‘secret base’ is perfect for the character because it truly mirrors its ‘master.’ Since the Flash is always in constant motion, it makes sense that his base of operations would be a force defined by speed and movement, reflecting his core essence. Similarly, Superman’s Fortress of Solitude represents immense strength and resilience, just like the Man of Steel himself.

Barry Allen Proves the Speed Force Is Truly His Domain of Power By Temporarily Trapping Velocity

Amanda Waller’s Flash-Inspired Amazo its Barry Outsmarted Him Through “Experience and Trickery”

Absolute Power Task Force VII #5 speed force 3

The idea that the Speed Force is Barry’s “place of power,” or a domain where he reigns, is further ed in this issue by his exceptional skill in navigating it. Not only does Barry easily enter and exit the Speed Force, but he also manages to trap Velocity within it temporarily. At one point, Velocity even its that Barry outwitted him with his “trickery and experience.” Barry's familiarity and deep knowledge of the Speed Force allow him to gain the upper hand, highlighting that the Speed Force truly is a realm where the Flash is in control.

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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.