Mas y Menos

Titans Tower, an excellent site that's always up to speed on the team of teenaged superheroes, has posted some new information about the Teen Titans from recent issues of the title. Teen Titans #38 reveals all those heroes who were a part of the team during the missing year leading up to the DC Universe's One Year Later. Among those familiar faces in the line-up are Mas y Menos, the Spanish-speaking speedsters from Cartoon Network's Teen Titans. As Bill Walko notes, this marks the comic book debut of the characters.

Also on offer at the Titans Tower Monitor Room is a glimpse at Wizard #180's profile of Deathstroke's new Titans East roster, a group that includes Inertia. It's been promised that the villainous speedster, an evil clone of Bart Allen, will be appearing in both Teen Titans and The Flash in the near future. Though Bart is no longer Kid Flash, it seems certain that speedsters will remain connected with the Teen Titans in the days ahead.

Teen Titans #38 revealed all the Titans that were members during the missing year! ...Mas Y Menos make their comic book debut with Teen Titans #38. The twin speedsters were created for the Teen Titans animated series, which aired on Cartoon Network from 2003-2005. They debuted in the third season episode, "Titans East [parts 1 and 2]".

Batman & Robin & Flash

Comics Continuum has posted a summary and casting details for the fourth season premier of The Batman on Kids' WB! The episode, "A Matter of Family," will introduce Robin to the series. Flash fans will want to keep an eye on the airing schedule for The Batman this season as the scarlet speedster will be making a guest appearance! The Batman season opener will air with the premiere of Legion of Superheroes on September 23rd.

Justice League Line-Up

Justice League of America #1, by Brad Meltzer and Ed Benes, is now on sale. Will Bart Allen be a part of the team? Could the Justice League function without a Flash in the line-up? In the first issue, Bart is mentioned as a possible candidate by Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman. But will he make the cut? Perhaps tellingly, the Flash does not appear on Michael Turner and Peter Steigerwald's variant cover for the issue, and there's no sign of the scarlet speedster on the cover for Justice League of America #2. Only time, and future issues, will tell.

It's worth noting that the cast of characters presented on the two Ed Benes covers for Justice League of America #1 has changed since the promotional preview of the cover was first released. Among other changes, Red Tornado has taken the Flash's position on the front line. To compare the two line-ups and the various position changes, visit the Newsarama Blog.

It begins here — a bold new era for the World's Greatest Heroes by New York Times best-selling author Brad Meltzer and superstar artist Ed Benes! It's Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman...and the true roster of members who will become the new Justice League of America. Join us as we head into "The Tornado's Path."

F is for Flash

What does the letter "F" stand for in Ape Lad's One Hour Alphabet of Comic Book Folk? Why, the Flash, of course! You'll find the fastest man alive between Etrigan and Green Lantern in a line-up that runs from Aquaman to Zatanna.

Back in the U.S.A.

I've returned from my annual visit overseas, and an enjoyable and fruitful trip to the United Kingdom it was. Whilst enjoying the sights and experiences that London Town has to offer -- with no less than three trips to see Superman Returns, including one memorable visit to the BFI Imax 3D Cinema -- I was also able to pick up an array of Flash back issues at the city's various comic shops.

My favorite comic store has to be the subterranean Orbital Comics in central London, near Tottenham Court Road tube station. Blink whilst walking down Charing Cross Road and you'll miss it, but they have a good selection of modern and silver age issues and decent prices. (Plus, the place has character. They always have an amusing Top Ten List posted. You can find photos on their MySpace listing.) Of course, it takes more than one comic supplier to fill the gaps in someone's collection. I also stopped in at Forbidden Planet, naturally, and Comicana on Shaftesbury Avenue, and though I didn't pay a visit to Krypton Comics their website proved helpful in tracking down some of the more elusive installments.

On top of all this, there was a noteworthy visit to London's Cartoon Museum. The collection focuses primarily on political cartoon of the past several centuries, but their second floor offers an array of comic book related art including original pages by the likes of Dave Gibbons and Jack Kirby. It was certainly worth the visit.

Not only do I hope to return to daily updates for this blog, but the back issues I've picked up will help me to fill in some slight gaps in the Crimson Lightning issue guide and series index. I've already posted an entry for The Flash: The Fastest Man Alive #2 in an effort to keep up with the scarlet speedster. I'll simply say that you should watch the site. Some significant updates are on the way.

Hail Britannia! God save the Queen.

Now back to our regularly scheduled program...

Upcoming: The Flash #6

DC Comics has released their November solicitions, including the cover artwork and a (very) brief description for The Flash: The Fastest Man Alive #6. The issue will bring an end to "Lightning in a Bottle," the first story arc of the new series.

Written by Danny Bilson and Paul DeMeo; Art and Cover by Ken Lashley. "Lightning in a Bottle" concludes with a duel to the death on Keystone Bridge! DC Universe 32pg. Color $2.99 US. On Sale November 15, 2006.

Free Comic Book Day 2007

The date has been announced for next year's Free Comic Book Day. Look for the event to hit your local comic book stores on May 5, 2007. Once again, the annual celebration will coincide with the release of a major superhero film -- Spiderman 3. DC Comics is sure to participate, so there's a good chance you'll find the Flash in a free issue of one Justice League tie-in or another.

Free Comic Book Day is set to be celebrated around the world on May 5, 2007. Traditionally held the first Saturday in May, the event will both celebrate and raise awareness of this unique art form by giving visitors to approximately 2,000 participating comic book specialty stores a free comic book with no purchase required! Free Comic Book Day 2007 will coincide with opening weekend of Sony's North American release of the highly anticipated comic-based movie, Spider-Man 3, starring Tobey Maguire and Kirsten Dunst.

“In today’s society, it’s our pop culture that continues to draw people together,” said Free Comic Book Day spokesperson Elissa Lynch. “Free Comic Book Day celebrates one of the major foundations of pop culture and energizes a new generation of comic book readers."

Dozens of comic book publishers will contribute a wide variety of free titles for 2007’s event, with something for every age, reading level, and taste. Many families and friends use the day as a way to explore the world of comic books in a fun-filled setting. Free Comic Book Day generates a significant amount of interest from local communities, as evidenced by the fact that 75% of comic shops report that they gained new customers as a result of the 2006 Free Comic Book Day promotion.

Free Comic Book Day was originated by comic shop retailer Joe Field, and is supported by Diamond Comic Distributors, comic shops, and leading publishers such as Dark Horse Comics, DC Comics, Image Comics and Marvel Comics as a way to celebrate the medium, unite the community, thank current readers and, most importantly, invite new readers to visit their local comics shops and explore the variety of stories available in comic form.

For updates and more information about Free Comic Book Day, including details on how to participate, check out www.freecomicbookday.com.

July Sales

Diamond Comic Distributors have released their final North American sales estimates for the month of July, and Comic Buyers Guide has posted the data. As expected, The Flash: The Fastest Man Alive has dropped on the chart since its relaunch in June. Nonetheless, the figures remain respectable. The Flash: The Fastest Man Alive #2 comes in at number twenty-five on the list, just behind the latest installment of Green Lantern and ahead of Supergirl.

21. Supergirl #7 [Res] ($2.99) DC - 81.99
22. Ultimate Fantastic Four #31 ($2.99) Marvel - 81.3
23. X-Men #189 ($2.99) Marvel - 79.19 - 79.19
24. Green Lantern #12 ($2.99) DC - 77.28
25. Flash: Fastest Man Alive #2 ($2.99) DC - 74.59
26. Supergirl #8 [Res] ($2.99) DC - 74.07
27. Ultimate Spider-Man #97 ($2.99) Marvel - 73.75
28. Eternals #2 ($3.99) Marvel - 71.41
29. Teen Titans #37 ($2.99) DC - 68.6
30. Ultimate X-Men #72 ($2.99) Marvel - 67.96

Crossing the Atlantic

I'm departing for London this afternoon and will be away from my computer for nearly a month. I will endeavor to update this blog with comic related news items, minutia, and assorted distractions whenever possible. I'll also be on the lookout, of course, for any Flash Finds whilst I'm across the pond. As I prepare to spend most of the day aboard various airplanes heading toward Britain, here's the elegant, striking, and aeronautically-themed cover artwork to Legends of the DC Universe #15 by British artist Carl Critchlow. Enjoy!

Find the Flash: Comic-Con '06

Kelson Vibber has posted his photos from Comic-Con '06. The album features plenty of amusing snapshots of men and women who attended the convention in costume, including this photograph of the Flash waiting in line at a San Diego Starbucks! Are we surprised that the fastest man alive drinks at Starbucks? Also, it looks like the Flash keeps his keys on his belt, which can't be safe at high velocities. Then again, I don't suppose the costume has pockets.

June Sales

Diamond Comic Distributors have released their sales numbers for the month of June, and Comic Buyers Guide has posted a review of the data. It looks as if DC has accomplished their goal with the relaunch of The Flash. Bart Allen has brought the title to the top. The Flash: The Fastest Man Alive #1 comes in at number seven on the list of top selling comic titles, with an estimated 120,400 copies of the issue sold. Time will tell just how long the numbers remain this high.

1. Civil War #2 ($2.99) Marvel - 253,900
2. DCU Brave New World #1 ($1.00) DC - 140,900
3. New Avengers #21 CW ($2.99) Marvel - 134,300
4. Wonder Woman #1 ($2.99) DC - 132,600
5. New Avengers #20 ($2.99) Marvel - 125,600
6. Civil War Front Line #1 ($2.99) Marvel - 122,100
7. Flash Fastest Man Alive #1 ($2.99) DC - 120,400
8. Astonishing X-Men #15 ($2.99) Marvel - 120,000
9. Wolverine Origins #3 ($2.99) Marvel - 116,100
10. Amazing Spider-Man #533 CW ($2.99) Marvel - 113,000

Find the Flash: "Spaced"

Last night I was watching an episode of the hilarious Channel 4 comedy Spaced, starring Simon Pegg and Jessica Stevenson, a program that can't properly be enjoyed unless you're a true geek. The episode -- "Epiphanies," from the first series -- contains an amusing sequence in which protagonists Tim and Daisy are embroiled in a hotly contested game of Scrabble. (One of the words Tim attempts to earn credit for is S-H-A-Z-A-M. "It is a word!" he insists. "I've got a pile of comics this big!") During the scene Simon Pegg can be seen wearing a red t-shirt emblazoned with the familiar Flash symbol. Although you can't quite make out the lightning bolt logo in this screen capture from the episode, you can spy a portion of the "Graphitti" trademark on the t-shirt's left sleeve, meaning Pegg's shirt comes from the same supplier that printed all of the Flash t-shirts that I own!

Classic Covers: The Flash #111

Those of you who are using the new DC Comics postage from the United States Postal Service will be seeing a miniature reproduction of the cover to The Flash (V.1) #111 . Here's a larger look at the classic comic cover by Carmine Infantino and Joe Giella, featuring the Flash striving to outrun the deadly lightning bolts cast by invading cloud creatures. The set of twenty stamps are also available as stamped postcards.

With these 20 colorful stamps, the U.S. Postal Service honors stars from the world of DC Comics. Ten stamps show portraits of super heroes; the others show covers of individual comic books devoted to their exploits. Art director Carl T. Herrman worked with the creative staff at DC Comics on the design of this issuance.

Stan Lee's Lightspeed

The world premiere of Stan Lee's Lightspeed is tonight at 9:00pm on the Sci-Fi Channel. The film will also air at 1:00am. The Sci-Fi Pictures original, the first project from Stan Lee's POW! Entertainment, focuses on a man gifted with the extraordinary ability to move at the speed of light following a near fatal mishap. Sound familiar? This makes Lightspeed the latest in a long line of superhero speedsters. In fact, I would have to say that the titular hero in this film, stylistically speaking, bears more than a passing resemblance to the character drawn by Kevin Maguire for Just Imagine Stan Lee Creating the Flash! Just imagine this Daniel Leight under the goggles in place of Lee's Mary Maxwell and you've got a match. It just may be that Stan the Man decided to bring his reinterpretation of DC's fastest man alive to the screen.

Comic book wizard Stan Lee presents Lightspeed, a government agent (Jason Connery) who uses his new super powers to combat an old friend (Daniel Goddard) who has become a serpentlike supervillain. Lee Majors and Nicole Eggert co-star.

The Flash Family Tree

I picked up a copy of Wizard Magazine #178 (August 2006) yesterday afternoon and was pleased to discover a colorful two-page spread presenting the Flash family tree. Entitled "The New Flash" and posted under the banner of Wizard's Revamp Mania! review, the Flash family tree offers a visual representation of how Bart Allen is connected to the likes of Barry Allen, Wally West, the Tornado Twins, Captain Boomerang, Zoom, the Thawne clan, and a number of future Flashes. The illustrated diagram covers pages 98 and 99. I've added an excerpt from the introduction below. The chart pays particular attention to the fact that the Flash's legacy has been twisted into knots by time travel, and the magazine makes an effort to clarify the situation for new readers. For longtime readers already familiar with the life and legacy of Barry Allen, I suppose it's easy to forget just how complicated this particularly superhero family tree can be!

With The Flash: Fastest Man Alive now out of the starting blocks and issue #2 touching down like a lightning bolt in July, Bart Allen is speeding down the path to donning the yellow and red as the brand new Flash, the fourth such hero to go by the moniker. But does the former Impulse and Kid Flash have any idea what he's getting into? Being the Flash is about more than just running real fast and grabbing pizza for the JLA's dinner breaks -- it's a legacy that already spans 10 centuries, includes friends as well as foes and descendants who may actually end up filling their ancestor's shoes thousands of years before their predecessors were even born! Confused? Not surprising -- but you don't need to be! Follow along with this helpful family tree and learn everything you need to know about those who ride the lightning. You may want to take notes, Bart.

Comic-Con '06

• Kelson Vibber has posted a rather detailed overview of what transpired at the "50 Years of the Flash" panel at the San Diego Comic-Con this past Saturday. It includes some comments from writer Danny Bilson regarding The Flash television series and the future of the comic title, wonderful stories from Carmine Infantino regarding the great Silver Age, and commentary from Geoff Johns concerning his involvement in the series.
• According to Newsarama, at Comic-Con's DC Universe panel Danny Bilson hinted that "a kid named Inertia is behind a lot of the problems" in upcoming issues of The Flash, and Geoff Johns promised that "Inertia will be in Titans East as well." It looks as if Bart Allen will soon be facing off against his evil clone once again.
• Newsarama also reported on DC's JLA/JSA panel, during which the creators commented on the fate of Wally West and the new Flash's potential place in the League. "Opened by DC Executive Editor Dan Didio, Friday's JLA/JSA panel included Justice League of America writer Brad Meltzer, editor Eddie Berganza, Justice Society writer Geoff Johns, and editor Stephen Wacker discussing the legacies and futures of their respective teams, as well as teases aplenty about just who may be on the final lineups of the DCU's premiere powerhouses... Asked about the possibilities of Wally West and his family returning sometime soon, Didio said that Wally's story is not over yet, but at this moment, and for the foreseeable future, Bart Allen is the Flash. When asked about the presence of the Flash on the JLA, Meltzer replied that it would be good to have a speedster on the team."

Gorilla City Games

Eidos have released a demonstration video of the Flash in action from the upcoming Justice League Heroes videogame. Below is the footage, posted at YouTube. It looks as if they've done a fairly good job at representing the Flash's unique powers in the gameplay, and the footage presented here, taking a page right out of the Silver Age, appropriately features the fastest man alive cleaning up Gorilla City...

Justice League Animated?

The scarlet speedster's first foray into feature films may be animated rather than filmed. Entertainment Weekly is reporting that Warner Bros. is considering an animated feature that will chronicle an epic adventure of the Justice League of America. The Superman Homepage has also posted an excerpt from Issue 888 (July 28, 2006) of the magazine. The article, entitled "Comic Booked," specifically cites the Flash as one of the characters Warner Bros. is hoping to launch into his own franchise and suggests that a Justice League film may be one way to establish the character with audiences. Considering the success Warner Bros. Animation has had with DC properties, it doesn't seem like a bad idea.

Superman has returned. Batman has begun again too. Might we ever see these Super Friends share the screen? Count on it, true believers -- but not in the flesh. EW has learned that Warner Bros. is developing what could be the greatest spandex story ever told. The concept doesn't only involve the Man of Steel and the Dark Knight, but their cohorts in the Justice League of America, too. The animated movie -- part of a larger superhero-related Warner media initiative -- is likely to be based upon a famous comic saga. One possibility: an adaptation of Identity Crisis, a 2004 murder-mystery smash written by novelist Brad Meltzer that could be used to launch the likes of Green Arrow and The Flash into their own films, 'toon or otherwise. One request: No Gleek, please.

DC Comics Postage Released

Today the United States Postal Service launches a series of commemorative stamps featuring the most prominent stars of DC Comics. This marks the first time that the Postal Service has issued a postage collection spotlighting superheroes. Among the characters featured in the set of twenty is the Flash. A portrait of Barry Allen in motion -- illustrated by Carmine Infantino and Murphy Anderson -- appears as part of the first half of the set. The second half features a reproduction of the cover to The Flash (V.1) #111 by Carmine Infantino and Joe Giella.


The U.S. Postal Service immortalizes 10 comic book heroes Thursday, July 20 at the San Diego Convention Center when it dedicates the DC Comics Super Heroes commemorative stamps and stamped postal cards. The 10:30 a.m. PT ceremony will take place in Room 5AB to launch the world's largest comic book and pop culture show—Comic-Con International 2006. DC Comics President and Publisher Paul Levitz and some of the greatest comic book artists of all time will participate in the ceremony and a panel discussion on the historical and cultural legacy of DC Comics superheroes. San Diego holds the unique distinction of being the only city in the nation where the stamps will be available that day. The DC Comics Super Heroes commemorative stamps will be available nationwide, Friday, July 21.

This is the first stamp pane honoring comic book super heroes to be issued by the Postal Service. Half of the pane of 20 stamps are portraits of: Aquaman, Batman, the Flash, Green Arrow, Green Lantern, Hawkman, Plastic Man, Supergirl, Superman and Wonder Woman. The other 10 stamps depict covers of individual comic books devoted to each super hero. Art director Carl T. Herrman worked with the creative staff at DC Comics on the stamp designs. For information on the DC Comics Super Heroes stamps, go to: The 2006 Commemorative Stamp Program. For information on DC comics, go to: dccomics.com.