WARNING: Contains Potential Spoilers for ABSOLUTE FLASH #3!Robinhas long been one of the most beloved and iconic superhero partners in pop culture, if not the most, but theFlashhas just introduced a new companion who could be ready to take the Boy Wonder’s crown as the best sidekick in the DC Universe. Believe us, no matter how loyal you are to Robin, this new hero is bound to steal your heart and leave you wanting more of their story.
Grodd and Wally have already proven they are ride-or-die partners…
Those who have been following Jeff Lemire and Nick Robles’Absolute Flashseries will recall that it has so far thrust Wally into a chaotic world, with his accidentally acquired superspeed powers leaving him feeling alone and afraid. He is also beinghunted by Captain Coldand several other characters typically part of the speedster’s rogue gallery.
Issue #2 ended with Captain Cold deciding to unleash their secret weapon after Wally managed to evade their attempts to capture him. This secret weapon is the Absolute Universe’s version of Gorilla Grodd, who, instead of being a hulking gorilla, is a small, extraterrestrial-looking monkey. However, issue #3 reveals thatGrodd won’t be taking on the role of foe, but rather friend.
“Wally. Grodd. Same.”:Absolute Wally West & Grodd Are DC’s New Dynamic Duo
Comic Panel Comes from Jeff Lemire’sAbsolute Flash#2 (2024) - Art by Nick Robles
InAbsolute Flash#3,Captain Cold sends Groddto neutralize the frightened and powerful Wally. Wally recognizes the monkey as one from Fort Fox, having seen him in one of the labs. Grodd then reaches forward, extending his pointer finger, and Wally mirrors the gesture.Their fingertips touch, echoing a similar scene from the 1982 movieE.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.Upon contact, Grodd establishes a mental link with Wally, and they begin sharing memories of pivotal moments in their lives. This exchange creates a moving and emotional connection between them.
The sharing of memories builds empathy and understanding, revealing that they have more in common than they initially thought. Both have lost their mothers and have been victims of science experiments. The mental link also allows them to communicate telepathically, with Wally admitting to Grodd that he’s scared.The psychic monkey soothes him by wiping away his tears and repeating,“Wally. Grodd. Same. Wally no scared.”This deeply touching scene has undoubtedly sealed the fate of many fans, who have become foreverenamored with Absolute Grodd.
Absolute Grodd Might Just Rival Robin as DC’s Most Beloved Sidekick
Main Cover by Nick Robles forAbsolute Flash#5 (2025)
Robin is without a doubt one of DC’s most beloved characters, especially the original Boy Wonder, Dick Grayson. It’s hard not to love an orphaned eight-year-old who decides to dress up as a streetlight and crack jokes while fighting crime alongside his dark counterpart and guardian. However, DC might have just pulled off the impossible by creating an even more lovable character and sidekick in Grodd. Grodd and Wally have already proven they are ride-or-die partners when attacked by Captain Cold, with Grodd going rogue for Wally andFlashWally West making it clear that wherever he goes, his monkey pal is coming along.
