Action Comics #441: "Weather War Over Metropolis!"

Action Comics #441
"Weather War Over Metropolis!"
November, 1974

Story: Cary Bates
Art: Curt Swan & Bob Oksner
Editing: Julius Schwartz

Oscar Asherman, the weatherman for WGBS-TV, has been making forecasts
with astonishing accuracy -- but what happens when these predictions
cause a... "Weather War Over Metropolis!"  On the splash page, the
WGBS-TV weatherman announces to viewers that a blue tornado will strike
the city of Metropolis, but no sooner does he make this announcement,
that the impossible occurs.

As Clark Kent wraps up the day's news, Oscar Asherman makes an urgent
bulletin for those citizens who live on 3rd Avenue.  At 6:41 this
evening, a blue tornado will appear at 52nd Street and 3rd Avenue...
With only seventeen minutes left, those who live in the area are advised
to evacuate.  Among those watching the newscast is Galaxy Broadcasting
President Morgan Edge...  From the penthouse suite of WGBS-TV, Edge
orders the operator to transfer his call to Studio B, and put the
weatherman on the phone.  As the mild-mannered television reporter wishes
the viewers at home a pleasant evening, he knows that the tornado will be
nothing compared to what'll happen when Oscar takes the call.

Clark won't be needing his super-hearing to figure out what the smiling
cobra has got to say, but as it happens, the weatherman has much to say
on the subject.  Although a twister has never struck the city of
Metropolis, he understands that if one does not appear this evening --
he'll be out of a job tomorrow.  The mild-mannered reporter has known
Oscar Asherman for years, and knows that the weatherman is serious about
his career.  Even so, the Man of Steel has got a feeling that it's time
to take a tornado-watch.

Just above the intersection of 3rd Avenue and 52nd Street, Superman has a
minute to spare before the tornado's arrival.  At the end of the
countdown, the blue tornado arrives, and the WGBS-TV weatherman's
prediction is proven to be absolutely correct.  No matter what color it
is, no tornado will damage Metropolis if the Action Ace has got anything
to say about it.  After flying into the center of the funnel at wind
speeds of 500-miles-per-hour, the Man of Steel exhales --

--And then inhales.  As the startled citizens watch in amazement, the
tornado is swallowed up by Superman.  Now with the pressurized air
trapped within his super-lungs, the Action Ace soars upwards through the
stratosphere...  WHOOOOSSHHH  A gust of super-breath and the blue tornado
is now out of action.  The following morning finds Asherman and Kent in
Morgan Edge's office, with the President wanting an explanation from his
station's weatherman.

When asked about how he is able to make such accurate predictions, Oscar
Asherman is at a loss to explain this newfound ability.  As the secretary
advises Mr. Edge on his reservations for tomorrow's dedication ceremony
in Masonville, the WGBS-TV weatherman has another flash of intuition.  He
advises his employer not to travel to Masonville -- because the town will
be doomed.  According to Asherman, there will be hailstones as large as
basketballs in Masonville tomorrow -- destroying the entire town.  Seated
next to him, the mild-mannered reporter has got a feeling that this will
be another job for Superman.  Chewing on his cigar, Morgan Edge figures
that his employee made a lucky guess -- but that's all.  He is not about
to disappoint the good people of Masonville -- the people who have named
their new public library after him.

As the President of WGBS Broadcasting addresses the crowd about his
snow-filled treks to town for a book from the library... Dale Smith tells
Clark Kent that anytime Edge did travel to town, it must have been while
riding a sleigh drawn by horses.  Even so, the mild-mannered reporter
knows that his rival TV-newscaster is covering the event all the same.
As Smith is getting Morgan Edge on film, Kent's camera is pointed up
towards the sky.  It turns out that the latest prediction of Oscar
Asherman is about to come true.  His telescopic-vision has spotted a
cloud above the town of Masonville, and basketball-sized hailstones have
begun to fall.  Dale sees Clark pointing up in the sky -- saying that the
Man of Steel has arrived to save the town from the deadly weather.  When
asked how he could possibly know about such a thing, the mild-mannered
television reporter promises to share the scoop, and heads for a phone
booth to call in the story.

As Morgan Edge continues to deliver his speech, he sees the officials
running for cover, and wonders if his delivery was that bad.  Giant
hailstones are come down towards the town by the hundreds.  The rival
newscaster has located Superman in his camera's viewfinder and believes
that this may be a job that not even the Action Ace can resolve.

The townspeople watch as the Man of Steel concentrates on hitting certain
hailstones, starting off a chain reaction... and causing them to slam
into one another.  The super-game of billiards will leave tiny fragments
which will harm no one.  Dale Smith is delighted by the sensational
exclusive he'll have, but the WGBS-TV reporter reminds him that this will
be a joint-exclusive between their two stations.  When asked if he phoned
in the story to Metropolis, Clark admits that he was panicking when the
hailstones were coming down, and ran for cover.  He never made it to a
phone booth.  Smith cannot believe the luck of Clark Kent, and wonders
how the mild-mannered television reporter has made it so far in the
business.

Clark and Oscar are having lunch in the Galaxy Building commissary, with
the weatherman still unable to figure out how he is making those accurate
predictions, and Morgan Edge not in the mood for excuses.  When asked by
his coworker if there's anything he hasn't mentioned, Asherman tells the
reporter that whenever he's about to make one of his predictions, he sees
a name appearing before his eyes --  Mark Mardon.  As the mild-mannered
television reporter excuses himself from the commissary, we shift our
attention to Central City... where a trio of masked bank robbers are
running for their getaway car.  The Flash is waiting for them, but the
armed criminals open fire.  BANG!  ZING  ZING  BLAM!  The Scarlet
Speedster spins around at super-speed-- causing the bullets to be
deflected from his fast-moving form.

Now, the Fastest Man on Earth approaches them -- with the force of a
human tornado -- driving them back.  One of the crooks tries to escape
around the corner, but collides with an unseen obstacle.  KAPOW!  The
Flash is eager to see what the hood ran into, and is surprised to see his
fellow Justice Leaguer paying a visit to his city.

When the Action Ace mentions to the Scarlet Speedster the name of Mark
Mardon, the Flash recalls the other name he is known by -- the Weather
Wizard... one of the deadliest foes of his Rogues' Gallery.  Even though
he is behind bars, Mardon vowed to have his revenge before his sentence
was up.  He is completing his prison term at an upstate prison farm.
Despite the risk, the two heroes will pay him a visit, but the Man of
Steel has a suggestion to make before they leave Central City.  Now, at
the Central State Prison Farm, the library has been cleared out by the
warden, so that Mark Mardon can receive his visitors.  The Weather Wizard
is charged with causing deadly weather conditions in Metropolis, a charge
which he gladly admits to.  Thanks to his time in the prison infirmary,
Mardon was able to concoct his meteorological pellets...  One is for a
blue tornado, while the other is for a giant hailstorm.  By using these
two pellets, the Action Ace is sure to check up on him.  The pellets were
sent to Metropolis -- thanks to Mardon's weather expertise, and the air
currents.

By bouncing electronic brain-waves off the ionosphere, Oscar Asherman was
hypnotized into making those weather forecasts.  With his name implanted
into the weatherman's mind -- his plan to lure Superman and the Flash was
bound to succeed.  It all came together when Mardon read a certain book
by Lois Lane-- The Fabulous World of Krypton.  Everything about the Man
of Steel's homeworld, including its weather conditions made for fine
reading.  The meteorological phenomenon known as Black Lightning was of
particular interest to the Weather Wizard.  Unlike the lightning on Earth
which leaves its victims dead-- Krypton's Black Lightning turned its
victims into killers.  Mark Mardon then draws forth a miniature weather
wand and unleashes the killer bolt upon Superman.  Although Earthlings
cannot be affected by the Black Lightning, it will cause a Kryptonian to
be seized by a murderous rage, and will only fade after the victim has
killed off the person closest to him when it struck -- in this case, the
Flash.

Even the Scarlet Speedster would be unable to outrun the Man of Steel.
When the Weather Wizard commands Superman to kill his arch-foe, the
Action Ace complies -- but by knocking Mardon unconscious with a karate
chop.  The Weather Wizard will be spending the rest of his extended
prison term wondering how his murder scheme has failed.  The two heroes
changed costumes in case Mardon had some foul weather planned.  If he had
succeeded in striking the Action Ace with the Black Lightning, the Flash
would have become a murder victim.  Thanks to a Superman head-mask and
some super-ventriloquism, Mardon was unable to detect their ruse, and is
now feeling a bit under the weather.  Now back in their proper
identities, they carry the unconscious prisoner back to the waiting
warden.

On the cover of Action Comics #441 by Nick Cardy, the Flash is pleased as
punch to see Superman visiting him in Central City, but not for long as
the Man of Steel delivers the punchline.

Cary Bates provides the readers with both a guest-villain and a
guest-hero to share the story with the Man of Steel.

The art team of Curt Swan and Bob Oksner blend in perfectly, and succeed
in presenting another amazing adventure of Superman.

The character of Oscar Asherman was named after Allan Asherman, who was
an editorial assistant at the time.

The WGBS-TV weatherman has long dark hair, a mustache, and wears a purple
wardrobe.

If Lex Luthor were to don a disguise to spy on the happenings at the
Galaxy Broadcasting Building, Oscar Asherman would have been a natural.

Morgan Edge found news of a blue tornado about to hit Metropolis hard to
swallow, but thankfully this was not the case for Superman.

Dale Smith was modeled after Walter Cronkite.

The citizens of Masonville hail the Action Ace for his triumphant
super-billiard game in the sky.

When it comes to trying to outrun the Flash, a crook might as well try to
run into Superman.

For a prisoner at an upstate prison farm, Mark Mardon has got an awful
amount of time on his hands, and comes up with meteorological pellets to
help pass the time.

A little learning is a dangerous thing, and thanks to a book by Lois
Lane, the Weather Wizard makes certain that the Man of Steel is in the
lightning round against the Scarlet Speedster.

I don't know if it was sleight of hand or whether Mardon has quite a hunk
of hair on his head, but that miniature weather wand must have come out
of nowhere.

In addition to being the name of the horse belonging to the Western hero
known as Johnny Thunder, Black Lightning was the character created by
Tony Isabella and Trevor Von Eden.

In recent days, another writer turned Black Lightning into a killer, but
this could only be believed if one chose to read those recent stories.

As with a cloud, each character has got their own silver lining, and
written therein are the names of Messrs. Isabella, Eden, Barr, and Aparo.
'Nuff said?

When the Flash removes the life-like Superman mask, he is still wearing
his distinctive winged cowl beneath it.  I'd like to think that Barry
re-donned his mask at such speed that even the readers couldn't see such
a swift motion.

This Review Is Dedicated To Bob Buethe And Tony Isabella

Steve Chung
"Weather Review Over Metropolis!"

The Flash #328: "Reverse-Flashback!"

The Flash #328
"Reverse-Flashback"
December, 1983

A Silver Age Reprint Classic, By
John Broome: Writer
Carmine Infantino: Penciller
Joe Giella: Inker
Milt Snappin & Gaspar Saladino: Letterers
Carl Gafford: Colorist
Julius Schwartz: Editor

Aboard the Justice League satellite, in orbit above the Earth... the Scarlet Speedster knows that the vote is three for and three against his remaining in the JLA -- and it is up to the Man of Steel to cast the deciding vote! The Flash will soon be facing a trial for manslaughter on the world below. Up here, half of his fellow teammates believe him to be a disgrace to the group! None of this would be happening if it weren't for Eobard Thawne! It was the Reverse-Flash who caused his second bride to suffer a nervous breakdown on their wedding day! It was his fault that Iris is dead! Barry Allen should have expected what would happen when Thawne entered his life! Barry can still remember how he almost destroyed Barry and Iris' wedding day... in a "Reverse Flashback!"

Night in Central City finds three thugs digging their way into a bank. The next moment finds a super-swift wind knocking the hoods off their feet. Seeing the fastest man on Earth coming towards them, one of the crooks fires his gun... BAM! The Flash is able to vibrate his molecules at super-speed, and the bullet passes harmlessly through him. The gunman falls to the ground from a quick right-handed punch. The second thug is taken for a spin... while the Scarlet Speedster wonders if he should reveal his secret to his fiancee.

WHAM! So wrapped up in his thoughts, the Flash doesn't see the punch from the dazed crook. VOOMP!! The Scarlet Speedster's full concentration is on the crooks once more. BAM! BAM! Now it is the Fastest Man Alive who begins to spin at super-speed and knocks out the would-be bank robbers. With the criminals in custody, the Speedster remembers how he and Iris arranged their wedding day, which is tomorrow. There have been no problems, with one exception.

He hasn't yet decided to tell Iris that he is the Flash. If she learns of his dual identity, his fiancee may decide against marrying him. This is something that Barry wouldn't want to happen at all. If he doesn't tell her, Iris could learn about it later -- and then blame him for keeping secrets from her. This, too, is something he could do without. VOOSH! As the scarlet costume returns to its compartment on Barry's ring, the police scientist remembers his new assignment. He is to do more on-site forensic investigations, instead of remaining at the police lab. This will Barry a reason to be out of the house, and an explanation to give his wife when he becomes the Scarlet Speedster.

The matter is something that he has to think over. This is the last night of bachelorhood. By tomorrow, it will be Mr. and Mrs. Barry Allen. Barry knows that he will have a happy life with Iris. Now for some sleep, for tomorrow will be the big event.

Morning in Central City finds the church waiting room filled with the guests for Barry and Iris' wedding ceremony. Barry's parents are proud of their son. Dexter Myles, the former Shakespearean actor, and current curator of the Flash Museum quotes the bard. Mr. and Mrs. Al Desmond (the former Mr. Element) tell Daphne Dean (film actress and boyhood friend of Barry) that the Flash said that he wouldn't be able to attend. The absentminded Professor West has made it to his daughter's wedding. Wally West and his parents are also present,
with the teenager wondering if his mentor has told Aunt Iris his secret.

Iris is escorted down the aisle by her father, and is glad to see that for once, her fiancee wasn't late. Before Barry and Iris are joined together in holy matrimony, the priest asks if anyone knows a reason why they should not be joined. If so, they should speak now or forever hold their peace. There is a cry from the back to put a halt to the ceremony. The Scarlet Speedster has arrived and tells those present that Iris West is getting married to the wrong man!!

How is it possible Barry and Iris's wedding is interrupted by the Flash? In the distant future, Eobard Thawne, aka The Reverse-Flash is the prisoner of a specially-irradiated jail cell. The radiation feeds Thawne, so that no jailer will have to enter. Unbeknownst to the authorities, the sinister speedster has used the same radiation to increase his mental abilities.

The futuristic criminal has decided to invade the life of the 20th century hero. Since Barry Allen is a respected member of society in both identities, the Reverse-Flash decides this is the life for him. He will exchange places with the Flash. Thawne will become the scarlet speedster -- and leave Barry Allen in his prison. He now has the mental energies required for the deed. As Thawne begins to concentrate, the time-switch begins. At the police scientist's apartment, Barry is getting ready to go to bed.

ZZZZZ! Hero and villain exchange places in time, with the Reverse-Flash acquiring some of Barry's most recent memories from a telepathic exchange. Thawne now finds himself in Barry's apartment, where he's ready to begin a new life. ZZZ An electric shaver is altered into a matter-distributor to change Eobard Thawne's facial features into a mirror image of Barry Allen. He grins and knows that tomorrow, Iris West will marry "Barry Allen." The futuristic felon inspects the device that tunes into police emergency calls.

He listens to the emergency call concerning a robbery at the Industrial Diamond Company. Since he has taken over both of Barry's identities, Thawne must act swiftly as the Scarlet Speedster. Find a spare Flash ring, the disguised speedster makes his way along Harlan Drive, guided by his foe's memories of Central City. Outside the Industrial Diamond Company, the two thieves see that the Fastest Man Alive is coming for them. BAM! BAM! As they begin to fire at the swiftly-moving figure, the Reverse-Flash finds it strange to be acting against his brethren.

Unseen by the two hoods, "the Flash" uses his matter-distributor, causing the gun barrels to elongate, and trapping the thieves. Hearing the police sirens, the disguised speedster heads for the safe to return the bag of diamonds. As he's about to place the bag inside, Thawne discovers that he can't do it. He has been the Reverse-Flash for far too long.

The problem with his criminal tendencies will have to wait. As the unsuspecting citizens of Central City greet their hero, Eobard Thawne revels in their worship, then realizes that today is Barry and Iris' wedding day. At the apartment, "Barry" gets dressed, and considers marriage to be just another part of the impersonation game. In the car with "his" parents, the Allens' find nothing strange about their son's silence.

In the far future, Barry Allen had acquired some knowledge from his mental contact with the Reverse-Flash. Finding himself in Thawne's cell, the police scientist begins to examine the impenetrable energy. Changing to the Flash, he begins to vibrate his body's molecules, and attempts to pass through the energy wall.

Even at this speed, the Scarlet Speedster bounces off the wall. Another way for him to escape back to his own time would be to travel faster than the speed of light. Inside the cell, he hasn't got enough space. Knowing that his ring uses a chemical to shrink his costume, the same chemical might be able to shrink the irradiated wall. Placing the ring against the wall, he sees it begin to change color. Now weakened by the ring's suction, the Flash vibrates his body's molecules once more.

He passes slowly through the wall, then begins to vibrate at an even faster rate. After fighting his way through the Flash is in the clear. CLANG! CLANG! An alarm sounds, and three armed guards run into the corridor. At super-speed, the guards mistake the Scarlet Speedster for his foe. As the first guard prepares to use his gun, the Fastest Man on Earth uses his palm to cut the weapon in two.

Moving at super-speed, the Flash reaches the speed of light, and then closes in at 180,000 miles a second. The Fastest Man Alive soon finds himself back in his own time. Outside the church, the startled speedster hears the priest asking if any present are opposed to the union between Barry and Iris.

Inside the church, the Flash heads to the altar, and takes the bridegroom, before dashing out with him.

At a deserted area of Central City Park, the false Barry Allen admits to being the Reverse-Flash. The futuristic-felon plans to get rid of his foe, and continue with the wedding ceremony, becoming Iris' husband. If Thawne wins, he'll marry Iris. If Flash wins, he'll marry her and she'll never know about the false bridegroom. Before the fight, Thawne asks to wear his Reverse-Flash uniform so that their fight will be an even one. He activates a second ring and dons his distinctive costume. As they begin to circle one another, the Scarlet Speedster sees something in Zoom's hand.

The matter-distributor causes several trees to close in on the Flash. The Reverse-Flash boasts that with his super-speed and superior science, his foe doesn't stand a chance. Whirling his arms at super-speed, the Scarlet Speedster is able to slice through the trees. Zoom uses the matter-distributor to trap the Flash in a ball and chain, but the hero vibrates himself free.

As the fastest man alive uses every ounce of speed, he delivers a right hook to Zoom's jaw. The Reverse-Flash makes an abrupt exit, with the scarlet speedster in pursuit. Their super-fast chase continues across Central City, with Zoom trying in vain to lose his pursuer. As they race up the side of a building, the Scarlet Speedster closes in on his foe.

The Flash's maneuvers have forced the Reverse-Flash towards the park lake. Professor Zoom hasn't yet mastered running across water at super-speed. Pulling the soggy speedster from the water, The Flash ends the chase with another right cross to Zoom's jaw. He knows that no twentieth century jail will hold the likes of the Reverse-Flash for long.

Thawne's jailers had followed Flash from the future. Initially mistaking him for the Reverse-Flash, they now understand the situation. The escapee will return with them to the future -- and this time, he'll stay put. With all that's happened, the Scarlet Speedster had almost forgotten about his own wedding ceremony. Before his return, he changed into Barry's wedding suit. He explains to all present that the Flash made a mistake, and that they should carry on with the ceremony.

Barry Allen and Iris West are declared man and wife... with the parents of both taking in the moment. Dexter Myles steps forward and asks to kiss the bride. At the banquet, the newlyweds take in the celebration, and drive off for their honeymoon.

Barry Allen was naive enough to believe he and Iris would live happily ever after, but their years of marriage were far too brief. Eventually, Eobard Thawne's sick obsession with Iris caused him to return, and when she rejected him...the Reverse-Flash killed her! The Scarlet Speedster couldn't let history repeat itself. He couldn't let Thawne take Fiona's life! The Reverse-Flash had to be stopped, even if it meant a choice between Thawne's life -- or Fiona's! Barry wishes he could be certain he did not mean for Eobard Thawne to die, but he cannot honestly say so - The Man of Steel is ready to cast his vote and the Fastest Man on Earth prepares to listen to Superman's decision!
On the cover of The Flash #328 by Carmine Infantino and Murphy Anderson, Iris realizes the man she has just kissed is not her husband, and the Reverse-Flash wants her to marry him -- or die!
Carmine Infantino and Joe Giella are reunited in the framing sequence for this issue which reprints a classic Flash story from The Flash #165 (November, 1966.)
At the time of this story, Iris West was unaware that her husband-to-be was the Flash until that night when he spoke in his sleep.

Steve Chung
"Reverse Flashback Review!"

The Flash #166: "Tempting Target For The Temperature Twins!"

The Flash #166

 "Tempting Target For The Temperature Twins!"
 December, 1966

 Story: Gardner Fox
 Art: Carmine Infantino & Joe Giella

 Captain Cold and Heat Wave have returned to Central City, finding their mutual foe the Flash suffering from an injury -- making the Scarlet Speedster a... "Tempting Target For The Temperature Twins!"

 As Barry Allen drives a police labmobile through traffic in Central City, he muses on the first month anniversary of his marriage to Iris! He has not yet decided to tell his spouse that he is the Flash! Seeing the Real Cool Refrigeration Company Factory on fire, the police scientist parks the labmobile, and activates his ring to release the compressed costume within! The Fastest Man on Earth speeds into the factor and hears cries for help! Seeing the man and the woman, he tells them they will all be out in no time!

 He must carry them out together! As he carries the woman, the man will wrap his arms around the Flash from behind -- and he will be flying out! Although now burderned by an additional three hundred pounds, the Monarch of Motion moves between the flames... The added weight proves to be no problem... until the factory floor, having been weakened by the flames, gives way... KRAAK The Flash drums his feet to reduce the impact of their fall -- but the Scarlet Speedster is thrown off-balance from carrying the man and the woman! One of his feet buckles beneath him! THUMMPP

 Since it hurts to put his left foot down -- the Flash hops faster than anyone else can run! The Scarlet Speedster and his burden make it outside, where the Central City Fire Department have just arrived! As newspaper reporters gather around the injured hero, an ambulance doctor takes a look at his ankle! There is swelling of the joint, discoloration, and the inability to use the joint without pain! The Flash will have to stay off that leg for a few days! After the Fastest Man alive refuses offers of a ride home, he is given a pair of crutches, and his photo is taken by a reporter! This will solve his secret identity problem with Iris! When she sees the newspapers -- and sees her husband with the same injury -- there will no keeping his secret from her -- or from anyone else for that matter...

 A few blocks away, Captain Cold and Heat Wave are standing outside of the House Of Gems... The two Rogues have just teamed up as the Temperature Twins and the cold gun bombards the House Of Gems wall with sub-zero cold... and the hot rod scorches it with heat -- causing it to contract and to expand! The brick wall is alternately frozen and seared... RRRUMBLE The building wall collapse, enabling the two Rogues to enter unopposed!

 A blast from the cold gun causes people to find themselves penned in by gigantic icicles... and the models remain frozen with fear as Heat Wave approaches them for the jewels they are wearing... As Captain Cold and Heat Wave approach the last model, they find it is none other than Miss Fashion Gem of Central City, and they are prepared to fight each other for the privilege of dating her! Remembering their partnership, they decide to settle this like gentlemen by holding a contest between them! Whomever wins the contest -- gets to date Miss Fashion Gem!

 As Captain Cold and Heat Wave walk out into the street, startled citizens notice them, and are about to call the police! They soon find themselves encircled by heat -- keeping the hapless pedestrians rooted to the spot! The Temperature Twins soon come across the answer to their problem -- the Flash! Whomever puts the Scarlet Speedster out of action wins the contest! The Flash is unaccustomed to moving at his usual super-speed on crutches and is caught by a barrage of iceballs! Heat Wave fires at the cold beam -- causing it to heat up!

 The steam causes the Fastest Man Alive to slam hard into a wall... WHOOOSHH! Only his aura protects him from a severe blistering! The alternate blasts of heat and cold -- are having an effect on his sprained ankle by easing the pain -- and a little more of this unusual treatment, and his ankle will be back in shape!

 As he pretends to be injured by walking on his hands, Heat Wave demands to know if it is from the heat or from the Captain's cold! The Scarlet Speedster is rotating his hands to create a breeze and forming a buffer between him and the temperature -- with the exception of his ankle, which needs the treatment! As the Temperature Twins fire off their final blasts, the Flash's ankle is now completely healed, and he speed off into action! He outraces the deadly beams -- bringing them along behind him by the sheer force of his super-speed... moving faster than the two Rogues can see him! Captain Cold is caught unprepared for the sudden heat-beam!

 The Fastest Man On Earth leads the cold blast -- into the path of Heat Wave... In a way, the Flash is glad this happened, because it has prevented his dual identity from being revealed! Later, Barry Allen drops off the two unconscious Rogues at police headquarters, and his fellow officers compliment the Scarlet Speedster for capturing them -- by using only one leg! Back at home, Iris tells Barry how the Flash is now on crutches --and the police scientist wonders if that's how his wife greets her husband on their one month anniversary! His secret is safe for the moment, but for how long?

 On the cover of The Flash #166, the Scarlet Speedster has run afoul of Captain Cold and Heat Wave, the Coolest/Hottest Team Of Villains In Comics.

 This cover image of Captain Cold was re-used in Secret Origins Of Super-Villains when Leonard Snart's first meeting with the Flash was reprinted.

 Writer Gardner Fox used alliteration in his story titles.

 The Flash (John Wesley Shipp) saved two kids from a burning building in the episode, "Watching The Detectives".

 Captain Cold appeared on the 1990 CBS TV series and was portrayed by Michael Champion.

 Although his fellow Rogue did not make an appearance on the show, he was referenced in the finale of the Captain Cold episode when Lt. Garfield exclaimed, "Lousy heat wave!"

 Jack Angel voiced the Flash and Dick Ryal voiced Captain Cold on Challenge Of The Super Friends in 1978.

 Wentworth Miller and Dominic Purcell will team up as Captain Cold and Heat Wave in the "Rogues Revenge" episode of the new Flash TV series on January 20th.

 Captain Cold and Heat Wave first teamed up in The Flash #140: "The Heat Is On For Captain Cold!"

 In the Flash-Grams letters page, Marvin Wolfman of Flushing, NY writes:

 Dear Editor,

 Flash #163 was simply beautiful, with only the cover from being a perfect issue. I'm not sure what was wrong with it, but it might have been the gigantic STOP!

 But the inside, now that was great. "The Flash Stakes His Life On - YOU!" was one of Flash's best, considering that the last few issue's stories have been above average, that's saying something!

 The style of writing was quite different than Broome usually does, and, in fact, if the Broome name hadn't been on the splash, I would have assumed it was Robert Kanigher's handiwork. Nevertheless, from beginning to end, it was excellent. However, there was one big error. All Flash had to do to become solid again was become Barry Allen, a person some people know. As Barry, he could have defeated Haddon, using vibrations to hide his face as he actually did in the second story. Of course, if he did that, the story would have been five pages shorter and many of the novel ideas would have been missing, though Flash might have tried it and failed for some reason, so as to get the idea out of the way.

 The second story, "The Day Magic Exposed Flash's Secret Identity," was better art-wise, but still as good story-wise. I've always liked Abra Kadabra and have been waiting for Flash to find out that AK is not endowed with magic but just super-science. AK's personality has remained the same; he is egocentrical and a ham at heart. But if you remember, the only reason he began robbing was to get attention, so perhaps he really isn't the vile cad he's made out to be. I enjoyed the Flash-Barry Allen scenes and the changing of costumes as it gave a novel twist to your stories. If I'm correct, this is the first time you had Flash dressed in something other than his costume to catch a crook since the years-ago reappearance of Winky, Blinky, and Nod.

 The only thing that really spoiled the issue for me was the Statement of Ownership. A magazine of Flash's quality deserves more than 298,151 readers.

 The editor replies:

 When we agree with a reader we unhesitatingly come out and say so! We agree - doubly so - with your last sentence!

 From Stephen Leialoha of Pacifica, California,

 Dear Editor,

 The new Flash (163) is one of the best comics I have read in a long time. The thing that drew me to this issue was the cover (naturally). I think it's great! The best Flash cover (or the most striking) in my opinion was the one for "Who Doomed The Flash?" and I feel that this new cover wins second place.

 "The Flash Stakes His Life -- On You!" reminded me of the Alley-winning "Doorway To The Unknown," also written by John Broome.

 Keep up the terrific job on succeeding issues and Flash will become one of America's fastest (pun) sellers.

 Steve Chung
 "Tempting Target For The Temperature Review!"

The Flash #127: "The Reign Of The Super-Gorilla!"

The Flash #127

 "The Reign Of The Super-Gorilla!"
March, 1962

Story: John Broome
Art: Carmine Infantino
Inks: Joe Giella

 Grodd has discovered a radiation that makes him irresistible to everyone who looks at him -- humans and gorillas alike! In the end only the Scarlet Speedster stood in the way of... "The Reign Of The Super-Gorilla!"

 William Dawson has served his full prison term and has been supplied with a new suit. He declines the ten dollar bill and tells the warden he's got a far way to go! As Dawson leaves, the warden notices the former inmate has become much more hairy since his arrival! William Dawson knows the warden couldn't possibly suspect the real reason for his sudden hair growth! The former inmate is actually Gorilla Grodd -- temporarily in possession of William Dawson's body! He cannot afford to waste any more time and must leave the country as quickly as possible!

 Weeks later, the former inmate is standing before Gorilla City, the secret civilization visible only to gorillas, and to Dawson because the Super-Gorilla's mind is in control! With Solovar in charge, Dawson must sneak into Gorilla City... and return to his old lab... before challenging him! It is at that very moment that Grodd's gorilla mind bring about a physical transformation to Dawson's body, and he becomes a gorilla once more!

 After recovering from the sudden experience, Grodd is anxious to show Solovar and the others that he has returned! Since he looks like any other inhabitant of Gorilla City, Grodd is able to enter with ease! As he heads in the direction of his old laboratory, Grodd notices a female gorilla, and is struck by an emotional state older than humans and gorillas... Boka is the most beautiful creature he has ever seen! Grodd is able to telepathically eavesdrop on Boka's conversation with her mother about her upcoming wedding to Solovar! Grodd is now determined to reach his laboratory at once!

 Inside his lab, Grodd uses a special machine to give his body neo-magnetic radiation which will make others who look at him admire him -- instantly! There is no limit to what his super-brain can conceive -- and then putting his plans into effect! He can hardly wait to see what will happen when Boka sees him now! Now in the heart of Gorilla City, the wedding procession begins! Grodd wonders what will happen when Boka sees him and if his scheme will really work. She leaves the side of Solovar and comes towards him! His neo-magnetism has placed her completely under his control! If Solovar tries to fight for her, Grodd must be ready to defend himself! To the Super-Gorilla's astonishment, the others welcome him as if he were a long-lost friend and not an enemy!

 Thanks to the neo-magnetic radiation, Grodd is now king of Gorilla City, and Boka is his queen. He now has a better idea of trying out his super-scientific stunt on human beings! Compared to what he has just attained in Gorilla City, there are bigger bananas to fry in human civilization! After his faithful followers construct a personal jetplane for him, Grodd arrives at Central City Airport... Grodd soon draws an enthusiastic throng of admirers! He wonders where the Scarlet Speedster is and knows that the Flash will try to capture him sooner or later!

 In the scientific laboratory at Central City Police Headquarters, Barry Allen has been thinking about Gorilla Grodd and is aware that William Dawson was recently released from prison. Solovar had seen Grodd dead and notified him about it, but... A special news bulletin catches the police scientist's attention and he listens to the news of Gorilla Grodd's return to Central City! Thousands of people have gathered in the streets at his approach and all cry "HURRAH FOR GRODD!!" With folks cheering in praise of Grodd, it's time for the Flash to go into action, and stop him! Barry activates his ring's secret compartment, where a tiny red uniform shoots out, and expands upon contact with the air...

 If the Super-Gorilla has come back from the dead and has fooled the citizens of Central City, he will not fool the Fastest Man On Earth! The police have cordoned off the area surrounding Central Square in order to maintain order... The Sultan of Speed ducks under a rope and streaks towards his old foe... Grodd is finished and there's only one place for someone like him -- and that's in prison -- UHH... the Flash now finds the Super-Gorilla to be wonderful! With his mortal foe succumbing to the neo-magnetic radiation, Grodd retires to his hotel suite... The Fastest Man Alive heads away at super-speed in shock... he knows that Grodd is a villain, but just a moment ago, he regarded him as some kind of hero! The Flash must clear his head and think...

 The Scarlet Speedster covers hundreds of miles in mere moments! His hatred of Gorilla Grodd has returned! As the Fastest Man On Earth turns around, he is relieved that his sanity has returned! He will capture that big ape and won't be stopped by any... by any... now he feels that Grodd is someone to be admired -- The Flash whirls around again... and realizes that his foe must be giving off some sort of radiation that affects anyone who sees him... and remains in effect in the surrounding area! Fortunately the area is limited and the Scarlet Speedster has already covered one hundred miles... This strange force only works in a hundred-mile radius and it won't take him long with his super-speed to find out if he's right!

 The Crimson Comet circles Central City and confirms whenever he tries to enter the forbidden area, he can feel the change coming over him! How can he defeat Grodd if he can't come within one-hundred feet from him? The most he can manage is halfway before the strange spell overcomes him! When he vibrates his body's molecules and travels underground -- he finds that the mysterious radiation is present, too! He tries phoning friends in Central City -- to tell them the truth about Grodd, but no one believes him, and they are all under the Super-Gorilla's power!

 Inside Central City, there are talks of running a gorilla for governor! Grodd is making a televised appearance and apparently the neo-magnetic radiation works on television viewers, as well! After his television broadcast, Grodd finds himself endorsed by the statewide party to run for governor! First the governor's chair -- and then onto the presidency -- he will be the boss with his neo-magnetic radiation! At this moment, the Flash has been sitting in a hunting lodge for days, trying to figure out a way to defeat the Super-Gorilla and he's finally gotten an idea!

 He has noticed that the special radiation was weaker on one particular day due to solar flares! The radiation given off by these solar flares acted against Grodd's radiation and weakened it! If that's the case, the Scarlet Speedster now has a way of getting at the Super-Gorilla! As he leaves the hunting lodge at super-speed, the Monarch of Motion vibrates the atoms of his body to the proper frequency to give off radiation similar to those caused on Earth by the solar flares! Will it work? On the way to Central City, the Sultan of Speed finds himself fully protected against Grodd's radiation! Meanwhile in Central City... Grodd is allowing himself to be seen by as many voters as possible! The result should prove to be a landslide in his favor --

 At that moment, the Super-Gorilla sees the Flash coming right at him--! The solar flare radiation has made him immune to the radiation given off by Grodd,and the Super-Gorilla is about to find himself not in the governor's chair... but in a prison cell! When the Scarlet Speedster lays his hands on his anthropod foe... he finds that Grodd has prepared an electrical shock for him! By increasing the voltage of his neo-magnetic radiation, the Super-Gorilla can give off a powerful electrical current! This means the Flash must capture Grodd without actually touching him! The Fastest Man On Earth circles his anthropod foe and sets up a small circle of whirling wind...taking Grodd for a spin!

 The Super-Gorilla is spun so hard, his outstretched arms are propelling him through the air! All that comes up must come down... and Grodd comes down faster than he went up! The Super-Gorilla's crash causes all of the neo-magnetic radiation to be knocked out of him! As the people of Central City see the Super-Gorilla for what he really is, the Flash uses his super-speed to get him behind bars before he comes to!

 That night, the Scarlet Speedster appears on television in Central City... He points out that we must be on guard against villainy whenever it masquerades as good, and expose it! The Grodd For Governor campaign is now a thing of the past and a father comforts his son by telling him as long as their hometown hero continues his protection of Central City, the Super-Gorilla will remain helpless! How long can a Gorilla City prison hold Grodd? That's what a certain Super-Gorilla would like to know.

 This story was reprinted in DC Special #16: "Super-Heroes Battle Super-Gorillas!" (Spring, 1975).

 Grodd was voiced by Stanley Ralph Ross on "Challenge Of The Super Friends" (1978) and Powers Boothe on Justice League Unlimited.

 Grodd apparently died in a Gorilla City prison, but actually transferred his mind into William Dawson's body in Flash #115 (September, 1960).

 All gorillas communicate telepathically in Gorilla City.

 It makes sense that the Super-Gorilla wanted to become "top banana" of human civilization.

 The Forbidden Zone was shielded by illusions cast by mutants in "Beneath The Planet Of The Apes".

 Cosmic Ray radiation gave the Fantastic Four their powers and Gamma Radiation transformed Doctor Robert Bruce Banner into The Incredible Hulk.

 Steve Chung
 "The Review Of The Super-Gorilla!"

Showcase #4: "The Man Who Broke The Time Barrier!"

 "The Man Who Broke The Time Barrier!"
 September-October, 1956

 Story: John Broome
 Art: Carmine Infantino & Joe Kubert

 An exiled futuristic criminal has arrived in our era, setting the stage for a showdown between super-science and super-speed! Each combatant vies for victory -- until both realize that triumph can only be reached by... "The Man Who Broke The Time Barrier!"

 One day, as Henry Brown turns on his electric shaver... he thinks about getting to work on time, when his shaver suddenly flies out of his hand! Elsewhere, as a television repairman replaces a worn-out picture tube... the tube is suddenly torn from his bare hand... The sudden theft of a generator is being reported at the local police station... and in the police laboratory, police scientist Barry Allen is performing an experiment... As Barry ponders the mysterious thefts -- and the unusual method of operation... the beaker into which he was pouring his solution -- has vanished!

 Seeing someone leaving the scene, the police scientist touches the ring on his finger, the cover snaps open -- and a crimson costume is ejected -- expanding instantly upon contact with the air... the Flash appears... A split-second later, the Scarlet Speedster locates the thief on a nearby side street... As the Fastest Man on Earth hurtles at his target, the thief fires off intense heat rings! The red rings are the least hot -- the yellow rings are hotter -- and the blue-white rings are the hottest of all! The Crimson Comet spins at super-speed and creates a wind to cool off the rings -- then sends them skyward... While he avoided the sudden barrage, the thief has made good his escape!

 On the outskirts of Central City, the thief realizes he must be more careful, and admitting to meeting such a fast opponent! As he renews his determination to return to his own time -- Mazdan recalls his last moments in his own era! He was standing on the capsule platform... and the judge was reading his sentence... The court had found him guilty and he was to be exiled in the future via a time capsule! His prison was to be the Earth of the 50th Century -- a barren world! Mazdan vowed that no prison would hold him and that he would be back for revenge! The time capsule closed and was activated! The vibration went off with him inside of it! The capsule did not go into the future -- but into the past... to the Twentieth Century...

 With the aid of his magnetic rod, Mazdan has stolen the objects necessary to send the time capsule back in the future! He still needs to strengthen the capsule's shielding -- with gold! Mazdan recalls how people once kept their gold in banks -- like the one before him! It is currently closed, but that won't stop him... As Mazdan works on entering the bank, a frantic police officer calls for back-up! At police headquarters, Barry Allen overhears about the Clover Street Bank being subjected to rings of heat! Seconds later, the Scarlet Speedster is making his way across Central City... The description fits the thief who had escaped him earlier today! He will reach the bank before the thief can make his getaway! This time, the heat-rings will not stop him from capturing him!

 As the heat-rings are unleashed at the Flash, the Monarch of Motion leaps through the center of the flame, and turns up the heat on the thief! At police headquarters, Mazdan is placed in a jail cell, and stripped of all of his possessions -- but the authorities are unaware of the special contact eye-lens, which he uses to magnify the electric light's heat to melt the metal lock on the cell door!

 The weird weapon, the gold, and the thief are soon gone from police headquarters! The police scientist hears the news and activates his ring once more -- to become the Flash! Since his foe has mastery over heat -- the Scarlet Speedster will use that knowledge to track him down! The Flash can detect slight changes in temperature at super-speed and wherever the thief went, there are traces of raised temperature in the objects he passed! The Fastest Man on Earth follows the heat trail... past an intersection... past a bridge railing -- and the trail is getting hotter!

 On the outskirts of Central City, the Flash finds the thief inside a strange gold-coated projectile! He must reach him before the thief closes the door! Now caught, Mazdan tells his story... promising not to return to the Twentieth Century upon arrival in his own era! The Flash knows the time capsule works by tremendous heat! When the capsule takes off, the resultant blast will be great enough to blast a crater -- at least ten miles in diameter! The Scarlet Speedster asks Mazdan if he has given any thought to the people who reside in the area. They would be killed -- but the thief is unconcerned about the lives of only a few thousand people -- The Flash considers them important -- and to ensure their safety, he will take Mazdan back to his own future era!

 By traveling close to the speed of light, the Flash sets up vibrations that will protect their bodies into the future! An unused racetrack is the ideal location for the Monarch of Motion to get up to speed! As the Fastest Man Alive becomes a blur and fades from sight, his rate of speed reaches a certain level... with both he and Mazdan passing through the mists of time! A roadblock appears on the future time-track... Mazdan had not noticed the time barrier coming to the Twentieth Century because he was traveling in the other direction!

 The Scarlet Speedster battles the time barrier with every erg of his super-speed and finds the experience like unto running on a treadmill -- with hardly any forward motion whatsoever! Faster and faster they go -- until finally... CRACK Mazdan is returned to his own era and placed into another time capsule set for the future! After another spurt of super-speed... the Flash slows down on the racetrack, and realizes that although it may seem he has been gone for hours -- it must have been only a moment that he was gone! Back at the police laboratory, there are no further strange robberies, and police scientist Barry Allen is confident that the thief was caught -- and is serving time -- somewhere!

 This story was reprinted in The Flash #215 (May, 1972).

 Mazdan is bald, wears a purple suit, green shirt and gloves.

 He resembles the 1970s incarnation of Lex Luthor in appearance.

 Carmine Infantino and Joe Kubert illustrated the first story of the Flash in this selfsame issue.

 The Scarlet Speedster was able to run rings around Mazdan's heat rings.

 The judge of the future wears the same kind of lenses as future Flash foe Captain Cold's.

 Gold was plentiful on planet Krypton.

 Despite being searched by Officer Murphy (Biff Maynard), Captain Cold (Michael Champion) managed to make good his escape via a concealed escape device.

 An editor's note informs the reader that the Flash discarded this method of time travel in favor of using his own cosmic treadmill.

 Steve Chung
 "The Man Who Reviewed The Time Barrier!"

Secret Origins #41: "A Rogue By Any Other Name" (Chapter Three)

Secret Origins #41

 "A Rogue By Any Other Name" (Chapter Three)
 June, 1989


 Writers: Dan Mishkin & Gary Cohn
 Artists: Howard Simpson & Anthony Van Bruggen
 Letterer: Janice Chiang
 Colorist: Helen Vesik
 Boy Editor: Mark Waid


 Gambi asks the little bald-headed man in the polyester suit if he recognizes the feel of this next costume. It was made from the finest hand-woven materials and money was no object. There is such a thing as quality on the cheap but not for the Pied Piper, who was a man who knew how to spend a stolen buck! Hartley Rathaway began with a net worth larger than some small countries! He was also deaf -- and it took years of expensive operations to enable him to hear. Hartley's hearing became his entire world... the sound of music was all he lived for!


 Mr. and Mrs. Rathaway thought their son's interest in music might lead him to a career as a concert musician -- but Hartley was only interested in being a good listener... Being idle, the Rathaways bought their son's grades to make him the top of his class. They were unaware their son was interested in the science of sonics! Hartley worked with various instruments until he was able to produce certain sounds that enabled him to issue hypnotic commands... Hartley Rathaway no longer needed to take tests and the ladies could not get enough of him whenever he was playing his music! Hartley had an easy life -- but it was also lacking something. He was determined to introduce the element of risk and the chance for failure by adopting a life of crime as the Pied Piper!


 The Trickster hopes his old Villains, Thieves, And Scoundrels Union mailing list is still current! Of all the Rogues, the Piper's gimmick must be the most annoying! When James Jesse knocks on the door, he is blatted in... and follows the sound of music coming from the door ahead --


 The Pied Piper wants him to close the door, but before the Trickster can comply, he is knocked to the ground by eight musical notes!


 As the Piper continues to play his bagpipes, the Trickster uses a broom and a dustpan to gather up the fallen notes! Unfortunately for the two Rogues, they will need something bigger for the giant note in the center of the room! This note has survived the vacuum cage, the cone of silence -- and bombardment with plenty of smaller notes...! It also seems to have an unnatural affection for the Pied Piper and follows him everywhere.


 The Trickster informs him they have a bigger problem to deal with! He has returned to Central City! Each time, he has humiliated the Rogues, but this time will be different! This time, the Rogues will get him first!


 The Pied Piper was a reformed super-villain during writer William Messner-Loebs' run on The Flash.


 I've enjoyed Howard Simpson's art on Secret Origins.


 Hawkeye the Marksman was deafened during his first mini-series.


 Klaw is the villainous master of sound.


 The Black Canary has her sonic scream.


 Banshee is a mutant with the power to scream.


 Perhaps if Hartley Rathaway had lost his parents like Bruce Wayne did, his life would have been different.


 Thanks to his musical talents, the Pied Piper is quite a notable villain.


 Andy Mientus portrayed the Pied Piper on the new Flash TV series.


 Steve Chung
 "A Review By Any Other Name" (Chapter Three)

Secret Origins #41: "A Rogue By Any Other Name" (Chapter Two)

Secret Origins #41

 "A Rogue By Any Other Name" (Chapter 2)
 June, 1989


  Writers: Dan Mishkin and Gary Cohn
 Artists: Grant Miehm & Ian Akin & Brian Garvey
 Letterer: Janice Chiang
 Colorist: Helen Vesik
 Boy Editor: Mark Waid

 Gambi shows the little bald-headed man in the polyester suit a costume he made for a customer who was a forty-two long! James Jesse is the Trickster, the youngest of the Flying Jesses -- and the worst thing about the various towns they've passed through -- is that his father was in every one of them! When he sees his son reading another one of those stooped outlaw books about Jesse James, he reminds him that his real name is Giovanni Giuseppe, and they are from Napoli!


 His father wanted him to work harder on their circus act and not worry about the heights! Unfortunately for Giovanni -- his father was easily distracted by the female circus performers below, and only regained his concentration when he heard his son scream! It wasn't the heights Giuseppe was afraid of -- it was his own father dropping him!


 In Giovanni's case, his father provided the necessity of invention. His added safety measure came in the form of his airwalker shoes! Giovanni Giuseppe was now able to soar above the crowd, to savor their reactions, and make his father proud of him. Now that he mastered this trick, the Amazing James Jesse wanted more thrills and challenges than his circus act could provide him! He became the Trickster!


 He flew through the air with the greatest unease till he thought it all over and came up with these... his airwalker shoes were undreamed by sages, and he sang in one song what took Gambi two pages! Booster Gold wants the Trickster to stop! As the Rogue asks how he can see through those ray-bans of his, the Justice Leaguer is determined to take him in! When the Trickster insists he has gone straight, Booster Gold asks him if the loot he's carrying has also gone straight! When the Rogue insists this was only to get his attention, the Justice Leaguer insists he hand it over!


 Since Booster Gold is so sure he wants it, the Trickster is going to make sure he gets it! The Justice Leaguer is the new owner of an Acme ten ton anvil and he finds it to be a real drag on gravity! The Rogue loves mixing it up with these super-heroes who are so predictable! Before he congratulates himself further, the Trickster has got the sudden urge to take care of some important business!


 Writers Dan Mishkin and Gary Cohn featured the Trickster in the pages of Blue Devil.


 I've enjoyed the art of Grant Miehm in Legend of the Shield, Secret Origins, and Avengers.


 I've enjoyed the ink work of Ian Akin and Brian Garvey on Iron Man.


 I think this was the first time we learned the Trickster's real name was Giovanni Giuseppe and that he was from Napoli.


 The New 52 version of the Weather Wizard has been rechristened "Marcos Mardon" instead of Mark Mardon.


 Other circus aerialists in the DC Universe include Dick Grayson and Boston Brand.


 Writer Peter David had the Trickster refer to his invention as "Luke Skywalker" shoes.


 Mark Hamill portrayed James Jesse/The Trickster on the 1990 CBS Flash TV series and on an episode of Justice League Unlimited.


 Hamill will be reprising his role on the new Flash TV series.


 The Trickster had gone straight by the time he appeared in Blue Devil.


 It looks like James Jesse's airwalker shoes are more powerful than Booster Gold's Legion flight ring.


 Did the Legionnaires get their flying belts and flight rings from Acme?


 Steve Chung
 "A Review By Any Other Name" (Chapter 2)

Secret Origins #41: "A Rogue By Any Other Name!" (Chapter One)

Secret Origins #41

 "A Rogue By Any Other Name!" (Chapter One)
 June, 1989

 Writers: Dan Mishkin & Gary Cohn
 Artists: Paris Cullins & Tim Dzon (Chapter One)
 Letterer: Janice Chiang
 Colorist: Helen Vesik
 Boy Editor: Mark Waid


 Every city has their back streets and alleyways where strange things occur. Today in Central City, a bolt from the blue, and a little bald man clad in polyester appears...


 He was now free to have his vengeance and to make the world tremble with fear! Never again would his power be restrained! Everyone would tremble! They would quake at the very mention of his name! All would bow before... before... He could not remember his own name... When the beat cop spots him, the uniformed minion of the law is unprepared for the little man's sudden assault!

  The little bald-headed man in the polyester suit is not able to punch his way out of a wet box of Kleenex and is surprised when the beat cop is following him! Only a truly super being could withstand his crushing blows and only a real beat cop could complain inwardly about his own bunions during a chase! He must make his escape... regain his senses before facing this uniformed minion once more! Thanks to a fire escape, the little bald-headed man in the polyester suit is able to elude his pursuer, and praises his own cunning for the sudden save.


 He must remember his own identity and realize his own destiny! If only he could remember what it is! Peering into P. Gambi's tailor shop display, he realizes he recognizes these colorful costumes! Fate has driven him down these streets -- and brought him before these mannequins so that he might regain his memory!

 The tailor doesn't know what to make of this latest nut attracted to his display! At second glance, the little bald-headed man in the polyester suit has that look about him! With his wild eyes and flair for melodramatic gestures, Gambi could probably make him a dandy costume. This wild-eyed nut continues to beat on the glass -- until it shatters! The tailor points out his shop is open for business and welcomes all customers.

 The little bald-headed man in the polyester suit wants to know who the costumes belong to. With his memory gone, he feels quite the fool and is determined to make those responsible rue the day they dared to mess with... him. Gambi doesn't recognize him -- but then his own clientele has a way of returning as completely different people. When his paying clients wear one of his costumes, there's no mistaking them! Why would the little bald-headed man in the polyester suit wear such gaudy attire? The tailor reminds him that such is the calling card of many a super-villain!


 He must be a super-villain who lost his memory and not just any super-villain... but one of the Rogues because the costumes look familiar to him! Why else would he come here? He has found the one person in Central City who could help him... and Gambi knows just how to do it! He is going to tell him their origins! If he is one of the Rogues, he will recognize the story as his own!

 Dan Mishkin and Gary Cohn created Blue Devil.


 I loved Paris Cullins' art on the Blue Beetle and What If.


 There is obviously more to a little bald-headed man in a polyester suit suddenly appearing out of nowhere in Central City than meets the eye.


 The mystery man's stance and insistent chest-thumping are subtle clues to his true identity.


 The costumes in Gambi's window display include: Pied Piper, Heatwave, Trickster, Captain Cold, Captain Boomerang, and Weather Wizard.


 The amnesiac's insistence that he would never wear such outlandish attire is another clue to his true identity.


 Steve Chung
 "A Review By Any Other Name!" (Chapter One)

The Flash #139: "Menace Of The Reverse-Flash!"

The Flash #139
 "Menace Of The Reverse-Flash!"
 September, 1963

 Story: John Broome
 Art: Carmine Infantino & Joe Giella

 The Scarlet Speedster is on an urgent mission to deactivate a threat to the 25th Century and finds himself face-to-face with a new foe who use super-speed as a threat to law and order! How can the 20th Century Flash find an advantage to put an end to the "Menace Of The Reverse-Flash!"

 A new type of satellite orbits the Earth, designed to travel not only in space but also through time! As the satellite orbits the world, it rotates on its own axis at a faster rate... then suddenly disappears from sight... News of its disappearance spreads across the globe... News of the amazing event is discussed on radio and television... A young physicist named Walter Drake constructed the time satellite as a time capsule so that it could be sent into the future directly rather than being buried as have previous time capsules!

 An atomic clock, current books and music records, and a spare uniform of the Flash have been placed into the time satellite... which the Monarch of Motion provided at the request of Doctor Drake himself! The people of the future will have samples of our twentieth century civilization and Doctor Drake will be attending a special meeting of the Federation of Science tomorrow in Central City before the national press! At the press conference, Doctor Drake is presented as the man who created the time satellite! As the physicist takes the stage, he suddenly announces that he has nothing to say! The physicist dashes away from the stage, leaving a surprised audience behind...

 Later that day, Iris West comments about Doctor Drake's bizarre behavior to her boyfriend, police scientist Barry Allen. He can't explain to her how he knows Doctor Drake -- as the Flash, and how he knows Drake would never do anything so rude! Barry excuses himself from Iris and tells her he has some police business to do! Once outside and in a hiding place, Barry activates his ring, causing a crimson costume to expand upon contact with the air...

 At the home of Walter Drake, the physicist tells what he knows about the time satellite... and about the atomic clock -- which caused him to lock himself indoors... After checking over certain figures, he made a terrible discovery... A nucleonic change has come over the atomic clock and causing it to become an atomic bomb!

 Doctor Drake has unknowingly created an atomic bomb which will cause terrible destruction once it arrives in the future! Millions of lives will be at stake and there is no way to retrieve the time satellite! The Flash brings his friend to where his cosmic treadmill is stored!

 It takes some time for the necessary cosmic ray voltage to build up in the treadmill's power pack and the Scarlet Speedster does not know if there is enough of a charge to sent him all the way in the future! But he must try! After switching on the cosmic treadmill, the Flash move at incredible velocity... and the treadmill marker is set for five hundred years from now...

 While the Scarlet Speedster seeks to gain the future -- our attention shifts to the year 2463 -- and Professor Zoom! He has always boasted he would become the greatest criminal in all history! Now there is no doubt he will attain his lifelong ambition! Who could possibly stop him -- now that he possesses super-speed? It all began yesterday when an ordinary thief with great imagination was ready for opportunity when it came a-knocking!

 He was walking in Mid-Town when an object suddenly materialized out of thin air! The object fell to the ground and burst open... As hands began to reach for the various items within, the thief grasped the genuine Flash costume... The Scarlet Speedster has always been his favorite historical character because he stood for law and order -- and Eobard Thawne stood for the reverse! What he envied about the ancient hero was his super-speed! He had an idea to travel into the past -- to visit the 20th century!

 Once there, he would use modern 25th century technology to take an impression of the Flash's super-speed wave patterns -- and amplify them -- to give himself super-speed! Unfortunately, he could never reach the past, and the past reached out to him... Eobard dashed home where he set up his equipment... The genuine Flash uniform contained super-speed wave patterns left over from the last time the hero used it! It was very faint, but unmistakable! Eobard Thawne's luck was holding out! After amplifying the wave patterns with a 25th century technique, he dyed the uniform so that it was now the reverse in color of the Scarlet Speedster's! He now wondered if he truly had super-speed and if his theories were correct --!

 As he dashed back and forth across the room... he now had super-speed -- and his heartbeat remained normal! Due to his scientific knowledge, the authorities referred to him as the "Professor," and now with super-speed, he became Professor Zoom! He could now move so fast -- he became invisible to normal sight! There was now nothing to prevent him from achieving his goal of becoming the greatest criminal of all time! There was only one thing on Earth valuable enough to deserve his attention -- the Cribi Sculptures! Explorers from Earth in 2418 found striking metal sculptures and no sign of the civilization who made them centuries ago! It was later discovered that the metal of the sculptures would not tarnish, not be dented, or even analyzed! The sculptures were brought back to Earth where the mystery of their origin grew!

 The value of the Cribi Sculptures have become astronomical and only the richest of people have been able to afford to own one -- until now, that is! Professor Zoom was now about to corner the market on Cribi Sculptures and his impending wealth would be beyond calculation! At the home of Bord Bal Samo, the richest man in the galaxy... atomic robot guards are watching over the Cribi! At that very moment... the Reverse-Flash vibrates himself through a wall --

 CRAACK! ZZZZZZSSST! Professor Zoom is moving so fast that he manages to grab Balsamo's Cribi -- and take it away before the atomic robot-guards before they could release their deadly radiation! Outside, the 25th century police attempt to stop the fast-moving thief, who uses the Cribi as a shield against their rays! Now able to zoom away with the speed of an electron, he is soon back in his hideaway... intent on possessing all the Cribis in existence!

 He makes a map showing each location and eyes the one pertaining to Ducland Phillips, the atom-power king who has his Cribi -- in a special building surrounded by a personal force-field! Now that he can move with super-speed, Professor Zoom will find a way to get past the deadly energy force-field! On a nearby street corner... the air begins to bulge -- and something comes into view --!

 As the Reverse-Flash begins his assault, his heroic counterpart from the 20th century has arrived in the 25th century -- through the use of his own super-speed! He must maintain his internal vibrations all the time he is here or else -- he will return to his own time period! When a bystander comments about the strange objects from the past that came into view yesterday, the Flash learns that the time capsule has been taken to the nearby Science Center--!

 At the Science Center, he sees the time capsule has been placed on display -- and that it crashed and broke apart shortly after landing... All items with the exception of two have been recovered -- his uniform and the atomic clock have been taken by looters -- Although he doesn't understand why someone would want his old uniform, the important thing right now is to retrieve the atomic clock! According to Doctor Drake, there is only one hour left before the clock explodes, and there is no time to broadcast a warning! The best thing to do is to search for the atomic clock himself -- by traveling through the entire city at super-speed!

 As the Monarch of Motion passes a street corner... he sees a picture on a full-color newspaper of a criminal who has gained super-speed! Professor Zoom has broken into the building housing the second Cribi by vibrating up through the concrete floor and avoiding the force-field entirely! The Scarlet Speedster sees this Reverse-Flash is the reverse of himself! Instead of a crime-fighter -- he is a criminal!

 Using the Flash's old uniform, Professor Zoom has given himself super-speed -- making him the most dangerous criminal of the 25th century -- and the authorities are trying to stop him! Since the Scarlet Speedster is responsible for his criminal activities -- he must stop him! For all the Flash knows, the Reverse-Flash has the atomic clock! As the Monarch of Motion pours it on... he barely catches up with Professor Zoom! They are both going so fast... that if the Flash makes the slightest movement towards him... to wrestle with him... he will slow him up... and fall behind in the blink of an eye! There is only one way to deal with this...

 The Flash pulls ahead of the Reverse-Flash and this gives him a split-instant to grab -- empty air! In addition to super-speed, Professor Zoom is wearing electro-rockets to give him added acceleration whenever necessary! Professor Zoom has taken an advance course in the art of trickery! He doesn't realize the Flash can track the faint molecular agitation in the air left behind...

 By moving at super-speed and vibrating externally at the same rate as the agitation -- the Scarlet Speedster can see it and follow it! The agitation trail leads to a certain house! He has enough time to notice how different houses look in the future! Inside the 25th century home, he catches Professor Zoom with his rockets off! The pair of rockets are eliminated, leaving the two combatants to duel each other man-to-man! As the two speedsters move against one another, a tremendous whirlwind is created -- and the house is wrecked in the powerful vacuum effect!

 Professor Zoom flings a barrage of objects at the Flash -- fast enough to cut clean through him if they connect! The Scarlet Speedster makes his way through the deadly volley to reach close quarters with his foe! As the Flash grabs ahold of his foe -- the Reverse-Flash's fist moves at super-speed, and the Scarlet Speedster manages to roll with the blow!

 Their speeds are equal and it appears to be a stalemate! When Professor Zoom comments on his using 25th century super-science to duplicate the Flash's aura by covering his uniform with a chemical coating -- his boast shows the Scarlet Speedster the way to beat his foe! The next moment finds the Flash lifting the Reverse-Flash off the ground and moving at an immeasurable rate... He must go faster than Zoom has ever gone before... faster than he has ever gone... and travel as if he had million-league boots...!

 Professor Zoom is rendered momentarily helpless as his protective chemical coating is broken down! As the Flash's aura continues to protect him, he holds the Reverse-Flash out as far away as possible--! As they both reach hyper-velocity... Professor Zoom begins to burn up and begs the Flash to slow down because he is now truly beaten! Eobard Thawne is now a beaten man -- even though the Scarlet Speedster slowed down before any real harm occurred to him! The Reverse-Flash is defeated and the stolen uniform is removed before he is turned over to the authorities!

 At police headquarters, truth serum is used to reveal that Thawne knows nothing about the location of the atomic clock! There is hardly any time remaining before disaster strikes! The Monarch of Motion begins his desperate rounds... until he finds the object of his search in a house on the outskirts of the futuristic city... He sees an elderly woman admiring the object, perhaps unaware of the authorities' request for its return! The atomic clock vanishes before her very eyes as the Flash moves at such speed to render both himself and the clock invisible! According to the atomic clock, he has only a second to locate a proper spot for the atomic explosion! Once the Sultan of Speed has reconnoitered the Arctic Circle, he lets go of the clock... and beats a hasty retreat to leave the mushroom cloud behind him!

 Relaxing his internal vibrations, the Flash returns to his own time period, and tells Doctor Drake about his futuristic adventure! He attends to the important chore of burning his old uniform -- so that no one else can ever misuse it -- the way Professor Zoom -- tried to do! The following day at the coffee shop, Iris comments to Barry about how Doctor Drake is now a different man at today's press conference! The physicist answered all of their questions and was very cooperative as can be! The newshen finds this to be very mysterious... The police scientist reminds her that a man can have his moods! It seems to Iris that Barry acts as if sometimes he knows something, but she's certain it's just a pose to impress her!

 This story was reprinted in The Flash #205 (April-May, 1971).

 Actor John Wesley Shipp voiced Professor Zoom on an episode of Batman: The Brave And The Bold.

 The Tardis is a device that can travel through time and space.

 Being a reporter at Picture News, Iris West was present at the news conference when Doctor Drake made his mad dash from the stage.

 The Cosmic Treadmill was first used in the "Conquerors Of Time!" story in Flash #125.

 The Reverse-Flash has appeared on the new Flash TV series, most notably in "The Man In The Yellow Suit" episode.

 Eobard Thawne's 25th century wardrobe suggests he thinks bowties are cool and that the Atom's pants and boots make quite a fashion statement.

 The Invisible Girl can project force-fields.

 Brainiac 5 has his own personal force-field.

 The Flash must maintain his own internal vibrations during time-travel via his Cosmic Treadmill, unlike the objects sent in the time satellite.

 The accident that gave Barry Allen his super-speed also surrounded him with a protective aura at the same time.

 The Scarlet Speedster had to beat the atomic clock before disaster struck in the 25th century.

 "Beat The Clock" was the title of an episode of the 1990 CBS Flash TV series.

 Steve Chung
 "Review Of The Reverse-Flash!"

Showcase #13: "The Master Of The Elements!"

Showcase #13

 "The Master Of The Elements!"
 March-April, 1958

 Story: John Broome
 Art: Carmine Infantino
 Inks: Frank Giacoia

 It was the most incredible fight on the planet! A duel between a criminal armed with natural element as his weapons -- and the Flash, whose super-speed was no match for the elemental weaponry of the "Master Of The Elements!"

 At the Palladium Jewelry Store in Central City, staff and customers alike turn towards Mr. Element, who has chosen this particular place named for one of his favorite elements -- palladium! Argon and Radon keep them covered while Mr. Element moves to gather their loot! A clerk in the back room of the jewelry store picks up the phone to report the robbery! Meanwhile, police scientist Barry Allen is meeting Picture News reporter Iris West for their date. As she notes that he is the slowest man on two feet, Barry knows he can't move faster or else she would suspect he was the Scarlet Speedster!

 The police radio of a passing patrol car alerts the police scientist to the jewelry store robbery, with Iris heading over there to cover the story for Picture News, and Barry lagging behind in order to change into his Flash uniform! The police scientist whirls at super-speed, activating the ring on his finger, and causing the crimson costume to spring forth at his touch, expanding upon contact with the air...

 When she looks back, Iris notices that Barry is no longer behind her. The Flash arrives at the Palladium, where Mr. Element has been expecting him! The Scarlet Speedster is surprised to find himself being held back by gold wires -- stretched along the corridor -- When the Monarch of Motion finally gets past the golden barrier, Mr. Element has disappeared from sight!

 In his underground hideout, Mr. Element prepares to divide the loot evenly, with half going to him -- and the other half to his gang! These six henchmen have been named after the six inert elements because they cannot make a single move without him! He then explains his being aware about his criminal career being possibly obstructed by -- the Flash! As a boy, he had been interested in the chemical elements, such as carbon, gold, silver, and platinum... When he became an adult, the future Mr. Element decided to use the elements against the Scarlet Speedster! After acquiring a hide-out and designing his own uniform, Mr. Element decided his emblem would be a carbon atom! Since his hide-out is among underground rocks, he wears an atmosphere-filter to breathe only pure oxygen!

 He has already planned their next caper and addresses Krypton, Xenon, Argon, and the others --! As the Sultan of Speed makes his way through Central City, he soon sees a light in the Harrow Mining Company! The Flash uses his super-speed to race up the side of the building... aware that the Harrow Mining Company had received a large supply of platinum yesterday! A fraction of a second later, the Scarlet Speedster hears something going on behind a wall, and decides to pass through it at super-speed -- As the Monarch of Motion begins the maneuver, he is startled to learn he is unable to pass through the wall! Unbeknownst to the Scarlet Speedster, Mr. Element had already sprayed the wall with vanadium, the hardest of all metallic elements!

 The Flash realizes intense heat can melt through any metal and rubs his heat-proof glove against the vanadium, and the heat resulting from the friction melts the metal! The melting point of 1710 centigrade is quickly realized and the Flash passes through the opening in the wall... As the Scarlet Speedster begins carrying Mr. Element to police headquarters, the cunning criminal drops a special sodium pellet as they cross Central River Bridge... and the element explodes upon contact with water! POW!

 When the Flash regains his senses, Mr. Element has already left the scene! Now in his underground workshop, the cunning criminal works on new ways to use the elements to his advantage! He creates a special liquid to make iron rust quickly, a special magnesium flare to prevent anyone from seeing what he is doing, and silicon super-glass to be used on his getaway car! One night in a restaurant, Iris asks Barry what's on his mind, and he notices the fireworks overhead forming letters -- just like a neon sign -- which is an element --

 The incredible message appears in the sky above Central City... "Flash, when we meet again tonight, it will be the last time for you! Mr. Element!" As the police scientist tells his date he has got a headache, she offers to give him an iron tonic... and the name of an element is enough to make Barry wince! As the Flash searches Central City for the elusive Mr. Element... he soon finds his quarry... who has stacked every element in his favor!

 As the Fastest Man On Earth moves towards his foe... Mr. Element uses his newest discovery of elemento, a magnetic form of light to propel the startled Speedster faster and faster... Once Mr. Element has aimed his elemento beam skyward, the helpless hero is sent into outer space! He knows if he attains escape velocity, he will never be able to return to Earth! The Flash is now heading in the direction of the moon! If he hits it, it will be his end! If he misses it, he will continue traveling through outer space forever! As Mr. Element and his criminal cronies laugh in triumph...

 Their triumph proves short-lived when the Flash drops from out of space... having been slowed down by Earth's atmosphere, the Sultan of Speed tackles Mr. Element and his gang! As the Master Of The Elements and his men are rendered helpless and unarmed, he asks how the Flash was able to avoid his fate in outer space. As the Scarlet Speedster hurtled off the planet, he realizes three possibilities... one -- he would collide with the moon... two -- he would by-pass the moon and continue to travel through outer space forever... and three -- he might make a curve around the moon -- the same way a comet circles the sun!

 Using his own vibrations, the Flash was caught in the moon's gravitation, and swung completely around the satellite... heading back to Earth! He was traveling at the speed of light which lasts less than a minute -- and held his own breath in airless space, enabling his survival! As the Monarch of Motion is about to haul his captives to jail, Mr. Element announces his final trick of using a special radium bomb... operated via the hands of his wristwatch -- which has already had been removed at super-speed when the Flash noticed the dial's peculiar glow mere moments ago! The following night finds Barry visiting Iris, who shows him her article about the Flash's capture of Mr. Element, and comment about wishing to know how the Scarlet Speedster managed that particular feat... unlike a certain police scientist she knows! Barry smiles and tells her there is a certain element of truth in what she just said!

 This story was reprinted in Flash Annual #1 (1963).

 The Master Of The Elements later returned as Dr. Alchemy.

 Rex Mason is the Element Man known as Metamorpho.

 The Beatles once appeared at the London Palladium.

 Gold was plentiful on planet Krypton.

 Gold, Platinum, Iron, Mercury, and Tin are members of the Metal Men.

 Mr. Element's vanadium trap rubbed the Scarlet Speedster the wrong way, so the Flash returned the favor, and foiled his trap.

 Mr. Element's atmosphere-filter makes me wonder if younger readers seeing the character referred to him as "Mr. Elephant!"

 Escape velocity is seven miles a second -- the necessary speed for an object to break free of the Earth's gravitational pull!

 Mr. Element had to learn to watch the time because the Monarch of Motion foiled his special radium bomb by taking his time, and ensuring he would soon be doing time in prison.

 Steve Chung
 "The Master Of The Reviews!"

Showcase #13: "Around The World In 80 Minutes!"

Showcase #13

"Around The World In 80 Minutes!"
 March-April, 1958

 Script: Robert Kanigher
 Pencils: Carmine Infantino
 Inks: Joe Giella

 The Flash, the Fastest Man On Earth travels to Paris, to the Sahara Desert, to Tibet -- and to the Pacific Ocean! Join him as the Scarlet Speedster travels "Around the World in 80 Minutes!"

 As police scientist Barry Allen and news hen Iris West exit a showing of "Around The World In 80 Days" at the Central City Cinema, she asks him how long it would take to circle the Earth now! Barry tells her it takes about ninety minutes via space-satellite! She then wonders how long it would take the Flash to accomplish such a feat! When the police scientist says that maybe the Scarlet Speedster will show them one day, Iris asks that he try to remember to meet her for their date tomorrow, and not to be late! After promising Iris to be on time, Barry Allen is back at the police laboratory, and is picking up a police signal from the radio-reception watch he has been working on! He is now able to keep in touch with police signals from all over the world! Barry wonders what signals he will soon be picking up!

 The following day at 11:30, the police scientist calculates it is about twenty minutes from police headquarters to the Plaza Fountain for his lunch date with Iris -- but he will leave now -- to give himself plenty of time! TING -- TING! The radio-reception watch is picking up a Paris surete signal regarding an emergency at the Eiffel Tower! Barry Allen activates his ring, revealing the crimson costume which expands upon contact with the air... VROOOSH! The Scarlet Speedster has got eighty minutes to learn what is happening in Paris -- and to return to Central City for his lunch date with Iris West!

 As the Monarch of Motion passes by the Plaza Fountain, he sees Iris snapping photos, and decides to kiss her on the cheek at super-speed! As the news hen notes how windy it suddenly got around her, the Flash is propelled across the Atlantic via his own vibrations... Once in Paris, he notes how bad the traffic is than in Times Square and spots the Eiffel Tower straight ahead!

 Le Chat Noir is heading to the top of the tower in the elevator and is carrying an atomic bomb! The Sultan of Speed pasts unseen beyond the police cordon... he knows the Black Cat has got a live atomic bomb for Paris and is now a threat to the city! The Flash hurtles up the tower's framework and chases after the rising elevator... Nine-hundred and eighty-four feet are reached in the fraction of a second... where the Flash must save a female hostage from Le Chat Noir! If the Scarlet Speedster takes another step, he will be fatally scratched by an atomic claw!

 As Le Chat Noir moves forward, the Flash and the female hostage hurtle over the side, and the Scarlet Speedster creates an updraft by whirling one of his hands... The hostage is safe, but there is still the matter of the Black Cat! With his other hand, the Flash creates a downdraft beneath Le Chat Noir to draw him downward...

 With the fate of the city of Paris depending on him, the Flash uses his sense of balance, and trims Le Chat Noir's claws by seizing the atomic bomb! As the Black Cat is led away and the atomic bomb is disarmed, the Scarlet Speedster receives a kiss on the cheek from the former hostage! BONG! BONG! BONG! Hearing the tolls of Notre Dame, the Flash realizes he must cross the Atlantic once more for his date with Iris!

 His radio watch picks up a Cairo Police signal concerning Princess Tara at the Khufu Pyramid! The message is cut off and the Scarlet Speedster must travel to Egypt! Once he is at the base of a pyramid, the Flash sees the princess at the top! As captor of the princess, El Claw is confident the Sultan of Speed will be spending the rest of his life running in place! The blocks of the pyramid have been coated with oil and the faster the Flash goes -- the faster he slips behind! It is as if he is running in place!

 At the top of the pyramid, El Claw demands to learn the location of the hidden jewels from the princess! As Princess Tara says the jewels were to be sold for money to be used for a local children's hospital, the Flash decides to make the pyramid come down to him! Whirling around the pyramid at super-speed, the Monarch of Motion's vibrations causes the large blocks to tumble out of place! RRRUMBLE! He is swifter than the desert hawk in catching Princess Tara! The bandits have been swept off their feet and so has the princess, who kisses her handsome rescuer!

 The Flash's work is not done, as he races around the huge blocks... the pyramid is erected once more in mere seconds! Once El Claw and his men have been taken into custody, the Scarlet Speedster apologizes to the princess, and mentions he only has about forty minutes to cross the Atlantic Ocean... His watch broadcasts another plea for help... The lookout station at Mount Everest is in the path of a giant avalanche!

 The Flash turns his speed eastward towards Tibet... where he spots the lookout station and heads into the heart of the avalanche itself... The friction of his super-speed causes the snow to melt -- but now the lookout station is being threatened by a tidal wave! More friction transforms the water into steam... SSSSSSSS! Now maybe he won't be delayed any further by a girl! When the lookout emerges from the station, she gives the Scarlet Speedster a warm hug! Now he has got only twenty minutes to keep his date in Central City!

 The Fastest Man Alive is running eastward across the Pacific Ocean when he comes across the Viking, a ship carrying gold bullion, under attack by a pirate submarine! He could ignore the signal and be on time for his date with Iris... but he cannot refuse a cry for help! The pirate submarine has fired off another torpedo at the Viking! The Monarch of Motion speeds across the torpedo's path and makes it swerve away from the ship! Now the torpedo is pursuing him -- and it is only a matter of time before it hits him! Now underwater, the Flash spots the pirate submarine -- and the torpedo is closing in fast!

 The Sultan of Speed re-surfaces for air, just as WHAAM! The pirate submarine was unable to get out of the way of its own torpedo! A lifeboat from the Viking comes up alongside the Flash and its Captain gives her thanks in the form of a kiss! When she mentions that today is Tuesday, the Monarch of Motion realizes he left on Monday, and has lost a day on his world tour!

 Now back in Central City, the Scarlet Speedster has changed back to the police scientist, and knows that Iris will never forgive him for missing their date! Barry is surprised when she tells him he is on time for their date and takes his picture for her article! He will be able to see himself in Tuesday's edition of Picture News! The police scientist suddenly realizes he crossed the international date line from west to east -- regaining the day he had lost! The Flash has gone around the world in eighty minutes! As Iris congratulates him on keeping their appointment, Barry is starting to see some new possibilities!

 This story was reprinted in 80 Page Giant #4 (October, 1964).

 "Around The World In 80 Days" starred David Niven, Cantinflas, and Shirley Maclaine.

 Superman's Pal Jimmy Olsen had his very own signal-watch given to him by the Man of Steel himself.

 Linda Turner and Felicia Hardy were both known as the Black Cat.

 The Man of Steel once saved Lois Lane from danger on the Eiffel Tower in Superman II.

 Robert Kanigher wrote the adventures of Mademoiselle Marie.

 Prince Khufu died and was reincarnated as archeologist Carter Hall, the Golden Age Hawkman.

 Iris West would be pretty steamed if she saw the Flash being thanked by the Tibetan lookout.

 Pirate torpedoes are purple and gold with skull and crossbones etched in white on the front.

 The Scarlet Speedster gives new meaning to speed-dating during his world tour conducted in a mere eighty minutes.

 Barry Allen got the picture when Iris informed him he managed to keep their date and he now had plenty of time to mull it over.

 Steve Chung
 "Around The Review In 80 Minutes!"

Showcase #14: "Giants Of The Time-World!"

Showcase #14

 "Giants Of The Time-World!"
 May-June, 1958

 Script: Robert Kanigher
 Pencils: Carmine Infantino
 Inks: Frank Giacoia

 The Scarlet Speedster battles aliens who grow larger every second... "Giants Of The Time World!"

 In Central City, Picture News photographer meets her boyfriend, police scientist Barry Allen... As they sit at their table at Pardy's, Iris wonders why she puts up with his slowness -- especially when the man she admires most is the Flash -- the Fastest Man On Earth! Barry sees a glass of water fall off of a waitress' tray and his hand reaches out at super-speed... VOOSH! He reverses the falling glass... ZIIIP! Barry catches the falling water before it can reach the floor... VROOOOOOOSH!

 As the waitress stoops over to pick up the glass, she is puzzled that not a drop of water has left the glass! After lunch, Iris tells Barry she is scheduled to take a fast ship up to take photographs of Central City at sunset! She will let him know her call letters! The police scientist hopes she doesn't go crashing through any sound barriers and heads back to the police laboratory, where he turns on his wrist-TV set... IB-17 calls Photo Field and informs them everything is normal... As Barry zooms in for a closer shot, an unidentified flying object approaches her aircraft at tremendous speed! A FLYING SAUCER! IB-7 is going to try to get near enough to take a picture of the u.f.o.!

 The police scientist watches as Iris sends her aircraft towards the mysterious alien ship... CRAAAAAACK! Her aircraft has just crashed through the sound barrier and is closing in on the flying saucer! When they hear the click of the shutter -- it will mean Iris West has just gotten the picture of the century! At that very moment, a burst of light envelops the Picture News photographer's plane and... In the police laboratory, Barry Allen has just seen what has happened and the police scientist activates the ring... causing the crimson costume to expand upon contact with the air... There is only one man fast enough to reach her -- the Flash!

 The Monarch of Motion heads to the missile proving grounds in an instant where... he is grateful for Iris telling him about the new rocket being launched! VROOOSH! The Fastest Man Alive rides the rocket as if it were Pegasus... The first stage drops off -- its speed is increasing -- and he should be in sight of the flying saucer! There it is! WHOOOOSH! To the Scarlet Speedster's dismay, as the rocket reaches its maximum speed from the boost of the final stage... the flying saucer is leaving him behind -- as if the rocket were standing still -- and there is no sound of power coming from the alien craft!

 The Sultan of Speed is riding the rocket towards its landing area... The speed of the unidentified flying object must mean it comes from an alien civilization -- from another world -- or even another dimension... The thought of another dimension gives the Flash an idea! He must try anything and everything that might give him the slightest chance of rescuing Iris! The Scarlet Speedster begins his desperate race on the flat sands of an empty beach... He has broken through the sound barrier! CRAAAAAAAAK! But -- that is not -- fast enough!

 The Monarch of Motion moves even faster through space... breaking through the thermal barrier... but even that is not -- fast enough! WHOOOOOOSH! Drawing on his untapped reserves, the Fastest Man Alive unleashes enough speed to break through -- the time barrier! His mighty effort causes him to black out for what seems like mere minutes... The Flash suddenly realizes more time must have passed than he had thought for him to have been staked down by a group of Liliputians! Has he landed elsewhere in the time dimension?

 Ahead of him, the captive Speedster sees a flying saucer landing field filled with saucer launching sites all aimed in one direction! The solar-explosive saucers are all timed to be fired on his world in one hour from now! Their scouting saucers have given them all the information they need to destroy Earth's defenses! It has taken them a century to erect these sites, but in an hour, the world will belong to them! These emerald-skinned aliens are growing -- getting bigger -- with each passing second! These inhabitants of the fourth dimension of time will conquer the Earth! Each hour finds them passing through an entire life cycle - tiny -- then bigger -- then gigantic as the hour ends!

 Before the Sultan of Speed's very eyes... he realizes he is not dreaming... as each second transforms the fourth-dimensional inhabitants into GIANTS!

 A massive emerald hand frees the Flash from his bonds... as he learns their last scouting saucer has just returned with a three-dimensional specimen for their museum of captured worlds! Iris will join him in the giant hour glass -- to be the sole survivors of the conquered Earth! He watches as they bring her out! The Scarlet Speedster vibrates out of the giant hour glass... and the emerald giants of the fourth dimension of time begin to leap up and down!

 The ground beneath the Monarch of Motion quivers and shakes... THUD! THUD! THUD! The Flash hurtles himself upwards and hops into one of the giant alien's boot cuffs! The pounding of giant feet stops at the command of their leader's signal. They head for the saucer -- where the other three-dimensional inhabitant is located! They will find him there! As they stand guard, the Flash sees Iris -- just out of reach! How can he get her out of the giant's grasp! The Scarlet Speedster leaps onto the alien giant's boot... It is only a matter of moments before they spot him!

 The Flash vibrates his hands against the giant shoe until smoke begins to rise! This is the first fourth-dimensional hot-foot in history! During the confusion... he retrieves Iris and must now dispose of the explosive threats aimed towards Earth! As he frees Iris from her captive container, they see the giants reducing in size, and this means an hour has passed -- and the explosive flying saucers are scheduled to be fired at Earth! Tapping undreamt reserves of speed within him -- the Scarlet Speedster races across the launching site... the saucers have been fired, but the Flash isn't stopping yet! WHOOOSH!

 As the Crimson Comet dashes at incredible velocity around the launching pad... WHAAM! WHAAM! WHAAM! WHOOOOOOSH! The flying saucers explode from the vibrations he has set up -- before they can crash through the time barrier -- into Earth! The Flash hurls himself and Iris forward with a tremendous burst of speed... they manage to avoid the blasts by crashing through the time barrier WHAAAM! CRAAACK! the heat barrier! CRAAACK! the sound barrier! BLAAAM! They are now back in Central City, where Iris asks the Flash to meet a friend of hers -- Barry Allen! The police scientist is very sweet -- but slower than a turtle with lumbago! Perhaps he could help him learn how to speed up a little bit? This sounds like an impossible task for the Flash!

 This story was reprinted in 80 Page Giant Magazine #4 (October, 1964).

 One giant step for the fourth-dimensional aliens means the end of the Flash and our world!

 The Scarlet Speedster has got his own signed portrait at Pardy's.

 The police scientist caught a waitress' tray in Showcase #4.

 It's interesting to note that Iris West is a fully-qualified pilot.

 Iris' pilot helmet resembles the villainous headgear of Mr. Element.

 Dick Tracy should have gotten a patent on Barry's wrist-TV set.

 In later stories, the Flash used the Cosmic Treadmill to travel through time and space.

 The Flash and Kid Flash traveled to the "Land Of The Golden Giants!" in The Flash #120 (May, 1961).

 Like sands through the giant hour glass, these are the last moment's of Flash's life.

 Luckily for the Monarch of Motion, the giants are slow on their feet, and are unable to make one leap for one small man.

 The Flash has saved the planet from destruction and the only barrier left to breach is the one to make police scientist be on time for his date with Iris West.

 Steve Chung
 "Review Of The Time-World!"