WARNING: Contains Potential Spoilers for ABSOLUTE POWER: TASK FORCE VII #5!Fans of Barry Allen’sFlashare well aware of the time the speedster lost control of his powers and became trapped in the Speed Force for decades, fromCrisis on Infinite EarthstoFinal Crisis. Recently, however, DC has added a twist to this iconic piece of lore by revealing exactly how Barry escaped the Speed Force. Unfortunately, his newest speedster enemy is also using this knowledge to his advantage.
Barry Allen’s most unique abilities are deeply connected to emotional attachments.
InAbsolute Power: Task Force VII#5, Alex Paknadel and Pete Woods deliver one of the most intense speedster races in years asAmanda Waller’s Flash-inspired Amazo, Velocity, chases Barry around the world, attempting to drain him of his powers and imprison him in Waller’s secret prison.
At one point during the chase, Barry leads Velocity into the Speed Force, temporarily trapping him there. While trapped, the Amazo witnesses some of Flash’s core memories, gaining key insights into Barry’s powers, includingthe crucial role Iris West played in the Scarlet Speedster’s ability to escape the Speed Force.
Iris West Is How Barry Allen’s Flash Escaped the Speed Force
“I Was Always Running to You.”– Barry Allen inAbsolute Power: Task Force VII#5 (2024)
As Velocity shifts through Barry’s memories while trapped in the Speed Force,he discovers that Barry’s most unique abilities are deeply connected to emotional attachments. For instance, the speedster’s remarkable ability to phase through matter by hitting a specific vibration frequency requires an“anchor”—someone he is trying to reach. Through these memories, it is revealed that Iris was Barry’s anchor during hisfirst successful phasing through matter. This revelation leads Velocity to understand that Barry used this emotional anchor to similarly escape the Speed Force.
Barry’s connection to his wife, Iris, as his emotional anchor is confirmed in the following panels, where he briefly reunites with her. In this poignant moment, Barry tells Iris,“God, even before I met you… I was always running to you.”The timing of this scene, preceded by Velocity’s realization of how Barry escapes the Speed Force, makes it clear thatBarry’s love for Iris was the reason he could escape when initially trapped.This exceptionally romantic twist adds depth to a significant part of Flash lore and truly emphasizes the importance of Barry and Iris’s relationship in his narratives.
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Barry Allen Is Velocity’s Key to Escaping the Speedforce
“You Are My Reason, Barry Allen.”– Velocity inAbsolute Power: Task Force VII#5 (2024)
Unfortunately, Velocity uses his knowledge of how Barry escaped the Speed Force to his advantage. Trapped as Barry once was and aware that he needs something to run toward to escape, Velocity declares Barry to be his anchor: “You are my reason, Barry Allen.”Ultimately, this desire to reunite with Barry proves effective, allowing Velocity to escape the Speed Force. This development adds a creepy twist as Velocity’s seemingly growing fascination withFlashmarks the first instance of one of Waller’s Amazos developing an obsession with the hero they are modeled after, introducing a unique dynamic to theAbsolute Powernarrative.
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Absolute Power: Task Force VII #5is available now from DC Comics!
The Flash
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.
