WARNING: Contains Potential Spoilers for ABSOLUTE POWER: TASK FORCE VII #5!
Batman’sBatcave andSuperman’sFortress of Solitude are two of the most iconic bases in the DCU, and now theFlashis joining 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 seesAmanda Waller’s Flash-themed Amazo, Velocity, return as he hunts down Barry Allen, the only speedster whose powers Velocity has yet to drain.
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 inAbsolute Power: Task Force VII#5
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 theFortress 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 Admits Barry Outsmarted Him Through“Experience and Trickery”
The idea that the Speed Force is Barry’s “place of power,”or a domain where he reigns, is further supported 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 admits 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 theFlashis in control.
Flash’s Horrifying New Power Feat Proves Flashpoint Was Just the Beginning
The Flash just tapped into a new power that threatens the multiverse, and it isn’t the first time the Fastest Man Alive has put the world at risk.
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.
