Classic Flash Villain Debuts Their Best Redesign of All Time

Warning: contains spoilers for Absolute Flash #18!

One of the Flash’s oldest villains just unveiled their best redesign of all time, bar none. The Flash has one of the best rogues’ galleries in comics. From Mirror Master to Gorilla Grodd to the Reverse Flash, the Scarlet Speedster has his work cut out for him protecting the good people of Central City.

One of the more unique rogues is Abra Kadabra, hailing from the highly advanced 64th century. By this point, science had finally triumphed over magic, and Abra Kadabra was a throwback. Using 64th century technology, Kadabra traveled back to our present day, adopting a stage magician gimmick and menacing the Flash. Abra Kadabra is a classic Silver Age villain, in that he derives his powers and abilities from highly-advanced science, as opposed to actual magic. Various creators have flirted with giving Kadabra actual magical abilities, but inevitably the character loops back to science.

The Flash, and his entire lore, was shaken up when DC launched its Absolute imprint. In this new universe, the icons of the DC Universe, such as the Flash, Superman and Wonder Woman are without their usual advantages. For the Flash, he receives his Speed Force powers, but no mentors to train him. Wally West is the Absolute Flash, and there is no Barry Allen to show him the way. This is unfortunate, as the Absolute version of Abra Kadabra makes their debut.

DC Unveils the Absolute Version of Abra Kadabra, and He is Terrifying

The New Abra Kadabra is Far More Demonic in Appearance

Absolute Flash #18 was written by Jeff Lemire and drawn by Nick Robles, and marks the debut of the Absolute incarnation of Abra Kadabra. The villain debuts at the end of the issue, announcing his presence by seemingly decapitating Grodd. As Linda Park looks on in horror, Abra Kadabra asks if she wants “to see a trick.”

Lemire and Robles have created an Abra Kadabra that not only sends shivers down the spine, but also fits nicely within the Absolute Universe’s ethos. While still employing elements of the “stage magician” gimmick, this new Kadabra is far more demonic and sinister in appearance, with glowing red eyes and a horrifying grin on his face. Abra Kadabra holds Grodd’s head in his hands, ready to put it in his top hat, for reasons unknown.

The New Abra Kadabra Is Shrouded in Mystery

Does Abra Kadabra Still Use Highly-Advanced Tech? Or Something Else?

The debut of Absolute Abra Kadabra raises questions about his origin in this new universe. The Earth-0 Kadabra employed Clarke’s Law: that the technology of a highly-advanced race would look like magic to the uninitiated. Abra Kadabra used 64th century technology to commit crimes that looked magical in nature. Since the Silver Age had a heavier emphasis on science and technology, Kadabra’s powers originated there, rather than the magical realm.

Yet the end of Absolute Flash #18 teases that the new Abra Kadabra could be an actual magic user. Readers only see him for one page, but his ghoulish look could be an indicator that this new version has fully made the switch to magic. Kadabra’s red eyes are another sign he might have made a deal with a demon. If the new Kadabra is indeed magical-based, then it leads to more questions. Does the new Kadabra still hail from the 64th century? If not, then where is he from?

Abra Kadabra's New Look is His Best Yet

Regardless of where the new Abra Kadabra hails from, or the source of his powers, he looks like a truly terrifying villain, one that will be difficult to banish. Kadabra has been a member of the Flash’s rogue’s gallery for over 60 years, and this new incarnation might be the scariest version yet. It leans heavily into the character’s “magic” gimmick, seemingly taking it to a horrifying extreme.

Absolute Flash #18 is on sale now from DC Comics!