1. The silver age started with Flash 2. The multiverse started on Flash 123 3. The Crisis on Infinite Earths was saved by Flash 4. The New 52 started because of the Flashpoint Flash has a bigger impact on DC lore than Superman or Batman combined.
1. I've always liked The Flash too Michael. And by that [unnamed presenter's] assessment, you could say that Batman is an unimpressive character because he doesn't even have superpowers, he's just a wealthy man who indulges his love of crime-solving. But of course it comes down to the brilliance of the writers, the potential they see in a character and the situations they devise to create the dramatic tension that tests that character; along with the artists who visualise the character's world. 2. Gardner Fox had a long career as an SF pulp writer before comics and continued writing after his comics career with the sword and sorcery character Kothar. 3. "Crisis On Infinite Earths" was the last DC mega-crossover that I cared about and that DC took seriously - the company really tried to be faithful to their post-Crisis Universe for a long time. That maxiseries is definitely a high point in the careers of Wolfman and Perez too for me. Now both Marvel and DC destroy and recreate their Universes regularly and none of it appeals to me.
i can practically taste, and hear, the flash moving from Carmines pen.and those wonderful spaceious panels. i also loved adam strange by him. im marvel 100%, but as a kid flash was my one dc hero that i never tired of.
The concept of the Flash, or Quicksilver, always seemed like it would be extremely OP when dealing with antagonists, whom he can just incapacitate him before any fight can happen, I always wondered how the writers keep the stories interesting - though I can see how being so fast you break time/dimensions has potential.
Superman was my clear favorite as a tot in the early '60s. None of the kids in the schoolyard ever mentioned the Flash. You were either in the Superman or Batman camp, and that was it. Except for that one kid who was into Casper. I never got into the Flash, but your obvious zeal for this character vibrates with so much super energy in this video that I feel now that I was missing out! I may need to dart back in time and correct that error.
And you did not even mention one of the greatest comic book issues ever published - Flash 123, “Flash of Two Worlds”. I followed The Flash since the November 1964 issue - “The Day The Flash Went into Orbit”.
Crisis of Infinite Earths was meant to simplify and consolidate continuity but over the decades since there have several other crises and event stories that rebooted continuity. The animated series, Batman Brave and the Bold had a great episode about Barry Allan that referenced his death in Crisis of Infinite Earths.
Silver Age Flash was quite satisfying & wholesome. It had a great variety in story styles. Like another guilty pleasure: The Legion of Superheroes. I liked this "overview"
Aqua Man was still there between Gold and Silver ages. So was Green Arrow. The only two heroes in DC created in the 50s pre Silver age were Captain Comet and Martian Manhunter.
I totally agree on the Flash being consistently being good over the years. You just don’t get that from many books. I have a full set of the Showcase Presents reprints which also included the Trial of Barry Allen which was great. And Wally was a great Flash too. I’ve been meaning to get to the Geoff Johns omnibus editions but have been putting it off. Maybe I need to get to those sooner than later…
I'm sure you already know about & subscribe to DC Unlimited, or whatever they're calling it this month. They kept adding more and more old comics (good) as they kept removing other features (bad) and raising the price (absurd) . I dropped it a while ago - do they have Golden Age Flash there yet? I've heard Steve D Kisses Dogs
@@michaelk.vaughan8617 It was pretty amazing when it first came out & as the year progressed, they started adding Bronze age issues it got cooler. Neal Adams id in HD is *mesmerizing* ! Heck, even Metamorpho issues looked pretty cool! Then they added MORE comics like they promised and it WAY better! Then they moved all video content to HBO Max and didn't lower the price. Then they removed MORE goodies and raised the price and I didn't want to support a business model where I'm actively exploited. I was wondering what it's like now? Sadly, you cannot say. And I'll never get my Grey Ghost action figure. 😥
Wally West is my Flash because of the post Crisis on Infinite Earth with the reboot of titles to #1's. The artwork wasn't as 'flash'y as Byrne on Superman or Perez on Wonder Woman but he was the best written of the bunch because they took kind of a Spider-man approach with all his problems. DC treats there characters like gods, a bit much, but in Flash he had so many relatable problems (though I am still waiting to experience winning the lottery and dealing with all that) along with adjusting to the mantle of his mentor.
The Flash is indeed DC’s greatest hero. I don’t if everyone realizes how much he can do because of that super-speed. I actually like the first couple seasons of the CW show. It definitely did go way downhill. I think a lot of that had to do with Kreisberg getting cancelled. One of these days, you’ll have to tell us how you really feel about DC’s reprint program 😜
I read Showcase Presents: The Flash Vol. 1 and it is pure Silver Age. There isn't for example very sophisticated characterization, but I don't care. It had great concepts and good plots. I think Batman has the best Rogues Gallery, but the Flash ties with Spiderman as a close second. I wish DC would stop doing those reboots.
Those wacky races between the flash and superman are always a hoot. I enjoyed the trial of the flash. I think the movie might actually be…good…. Even though he is a total dick..Ezra does have something.. those omnibuses though…drool..
Barry Allen was my Flash, and I still tend to think of Wally West as Kid Flash. They did do some great stuff with him, though, when he became the main Flash in DC. I appreciate your including Jay Garrick in the discussion as well, showing the several iterations of the character. DC may (and really does) suck at reprints, but at least enough stuff is around to read golden and silver age stories.
1. The silver age started with Flash
2. The multiverse started on Flash 123
3. The Crisis on Infinite Earths was saved by Flash
4. The New 52 started because of the Flashpoint
Flash has a bigger impact on DC lore than Superman or Batman combined.
Gardner Fox is the most underrated comic creator of all-time
Definitely.
Wishing everyone has a good holiday. Remember to relax away from the stress of family and take time to indulge in some quiet reading.
DC = Dissin' Classics!!
1. I've always liked The Flash too Michael. And by that [unnamed presenter's] assessment, you could say that Batman is an unimpressive character because he doesn't even have superpowers, he's just a wealthy man who indulges his love of crime-solving. But of course it comes down to the brilliance of the writers, the potential they see in a character and the situations they devise to create the dramatic tension that tests that character; along with the artists who visualise the character's world. 2. Gardner Fox had a long career as an SF pulp writer before comics and continued writing after his comics career with the sword and sorcery character Kothar. 3. "Crisis On Infinite Earths" was the last DC mega-crossover that I cared about and that DC took seriously - the company really tried to be faithful to their post-Crisis Universe for a long time. That maxiseries is definitely a high point in the careers of Wolfman and Perez too for me. Now both Marvel and DC destroy and recreate their Universes regularly and none of it appeals to me.
Infantino's art was quite good with Adam Strange as well.
i can practically taste, and hear, the flash moving from Carmines pen.and those wonderful spaceious panels. i also loved adam strange by him. im marvel 100%, but as a kid flash was my one dc hero that i never tired of.
The concept of the Flash, or Quicksilver, always seemed like it would be extremely OP when dealing with antagonists, whom he can just incapacitate him before any fight can happen, I always wondered how the writers keep the stories interesting - though I can see how being so fast you break time/dimensions has potential.
The Flash has personality that many heroes don’t.
In what way ?
Awesome discussion of the Flash!
Thanks James!
Aquaman and Green Arrow remained in constant, unbroken publication from the Golden Age to the Silver Age too.
You are right! Shame on me for forgetting them.
@@michaelk.vaughan8617 I forgive you. 😆
Superman was my clear favorite as a tot in the early '60s. None of the kids in the schoolyard ever mentioned the Flash. You were either in the Superman or Batman camp, and that was it. Except for that one kid who was into Casper. I never got into the Flash, but your obvious zeal for this character vibrates with so much super energy in this video that I feel now that I was missing out! I may need to dart back in time and correct that error.
Yes, a great use for your time machine!
I love the flash as a hero. But they struggle making him live action.
Good stuff.
Captain Cold was his best villian.
And you did not even mention one of the greatest comic book issues ever published - Flash 123, “Flash of Two Worlds”.
I followed The Flash since the November 1964 issue - “The Day The Flash Went into Orbit”.
I meant to. That was pretty important.
Flash has always been a favourite
Should be an interesting response video. I didnt know of the influence he had on Silver age comics.
It wasn’t all that interesting 😅
The Flash's Rogues Gallery was second only to Batman's.
Crisis of Infinite Earths was meant to simplify and consolidate continuity but over the decades since there have several other crises and event stories that rebooted continuity.
The animated series, Batman Brave and the Bold had a great episode about Barry Allan that referenced his death in Crisis of Infinite Earths.
Excellent video!
Silver Age Flash was quite satisfying & wholesome. It had a great variety in story styles. Like another guilty pleasure: The Legion of Superheroes.
I liked this "overview"
Thanks!
I was cooking dinner while watching -- did I miss a mention of the troubled big-screen version currently hanging out there somewhere in release limbo?
I didn’t mention that doomed project.
Aqua Man was still there between Gold and Silver ages. So was Green Arrow. The only two heroes in DC created in the 50s pre Silver age were Captain Comet and Martian Manhunter.
You are right. How could I forget Aquaman!?
Aquaman was certainly a punchline for a very long time. For a rather long time, he was a backup in Adventure and had some good writing!
I totally agree on the Flash being consistently being good over the years. You just don’t get that from many books. I have a full set of the Showcase Presents reprints which also included the Trial of Barry Allen which was great. And Wally was a great Flash too. I’ve been meaning to get to the Geoff Johns omnibus editions but have been putting it off. Maybe I need to get to those sooner than later…
I'm sure you already know about & subscribe to DC Unlimited, or whatever they're calling it this month. They kept adding more and more old comics (good) as they kept removing other features (bad) and raising the price (absurd) . I dropped it a while ago - do they have Golden Age Flash there yet?
I've heard Steve D Kisses Dogs
Steve does kiss dogs. I don’t have DC Unlimited. I keep hearing how limited it is.
@@michaelk.vaughan8617 It was pretty amazing when it first came out & as the year progressed, they started adding Bronze age issues it got cooler. Neal Adams id in HD is *mesmerizing* !
Heck, even Metamorpho issues looked pretty cool!
Then they added MORE comics like they promised and it WAY better! Then they moved all video content to HBO Max and didn't lower the price. Then they removed MORE goodies and raised the price and I didn't want to support a business model where I'm actively exploited.
I was wondering what it's like now?
Sadly, you cannot say.
And I'll never get my Grey Ghost action figure.
😥
Please do a video on those years where Wonder Woman was a spy and knew kung fu!
Oh no!
thanks
Wally West is my Flash because of the post Crisis on Infinite Earth with the reboot of titles to #1's. The artwork wasn't as 'flash'y as Byrne on Superman or Perez on Wonder Woman but he was the best written of the bunch because they took kind of a Spider-man approach with all his problems. DC treats there characters like gods, a bit much, but in Flash he had so many relatable problems (though I am still waiting to experience winning the lottery and dealing with all that) along with adjusting to the mantle of his mentor.
Yes, I felt the same!
The Flash is indeed DC’s greatest hero. I don’t if everyone realizes how much he can do because of that super-speed. I actually like the first couple seasons of the CW show. It definitely did go way downhill. I think a lot of that had to do with Kreisberg getting cancelled. One of these days, you’ll have to tell us how you really feel about DC’s reprint program 😜
Yeah, the poor Flash TV show went from entertaining to unwatchable.
I read Showcase Presents: The Flash Vol. 1 and it is pure Silver Age. There isn't for example very sophisticated characterization, but I don't care. It had great concepts and good plots. I think Batman has the best Rogues Gallery, but the Flash ties with Spiderman as a close second.
I wish DC would stop doing those reboots.
Me too.
I f#£&*( LOOOVE The Flash!
Those wacky races between the flash and superman are always a hoot. I enjoyed the trial of the flash. I think the movie might actually be…good…. Even though he is a total dick..Ezra does have something.. those omnibuses though…drool..
Barry Allen was my Flash, and I still tend to think of Wally West as Kid Flash. They did do some great stuff with him, though, when he became the main Flash in DC. I appreciate your including Jay Garrick in the discussion as well, showing the several iterations of the character. DC may (and really does) suck at reprints, but at least enough stuff is around to read golden and silver age stories.
What are your thoughts on Impulse, Bart Allen, grandson of Flash? Did I already ask you this?
I like Bart.