Jason Peter Garrick: The Flash

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The modern Flash
Read more about the Justice Society of America, founded by the Flash

Personal Data

Jason Peter Garrick was created by writer Gardner Fox and artist Harry Lampert. He first appeared in the comic series Flash Comics, published in 1940. Garrick is the original Flash, now called "Flash I." There are 4 "Flash" characters in DC Universe as of now, all with superspeed.

Garrick gained superspeed abilities in a labratory accident. He then played football for a short time before turning to crime-fighting, going by the Flash. He wore a red shirt with a yellow lightning bolt and an old WWI helmet which he acquired from his father, Joseph Garrick, who fought in WWI. Garrick went on to found the Justice Society of America. Garrick eventually retired and married his lover Joan Williams. He became a role model for younger heroes to look up to.

Powers and Abilities

Garrick gained super speed abilities after inhaling hard water (later heavy water) vapors after a labratory accident which rendered him unconscious. When he awoke he found he was capable of the following superpowers:

• movement at speeds far higher than humanly possible
• reaction time far faster than humanly possible

These superpowers enabled him to do creative things such as:

• vibrate his face to prevent clear photography or recognition when his mask is off
• displace air to create a vacuum to put out fires

Friends and Enemies

Alan Scott: Green Lantern

Alan Scott was, along with Garrick, a founding member of Justice Society of America. He wears a power ring which taps into an energy source to turn his thoughts into energy constructs.

Barry Allen: Flash II

Barry Allen is the second of the four speedsters who go by the name of the Flash. He rescues Jay Garrick after Garrick's enemies build a resonator which vibrates his hometown, Keystone City, out of "real space," causing it to be frozen in time. Allen vibrates at a similar frequency to find the city then teams up with Garrick to free the city.

Dr. Edward Clariss: The Rival

Dr. Edward Clariss is a professor at the university Jay attended. He attempts to replicate Jay's recipe that gave him superspeed, calling his result "Velocity 9." He turns to crime, wearing an outfit like Flash's but darker. He fights the Flash. However, Edward's formula wears off and he is defeated.

Isaac Bowin: The Fiddler

The Fiddler is a villain who uses hypnotic music played from his violin to control people's minds to commit crimes. He is one of the Flash's main enemies, and is among the 3 villains who build the resonator to freeze Keystone City.

Clifford DeVoe: The Thinker

DeVoe was originally Keystone City's district attorney, but after criminals were able to escape his grasp he became frustrated and decided to join them instead. He became the mastermind of his criminal gang, gaining the nickname "the Thinker." The Thinker is an evil genius who uses a "thinking cap" to fight Flash and Green Lantern. His thinking cap can project mental force, enabling mind control and telekinesis.He is a member of the Injustice Society and is among the 3 villains who build the resonator to freeze Keystone City.

Richard Swift: The Shade

The Shade is an immortal antagonist to Flash capable of manipulating darkness. He is a member of the Injustice Society and is among the 3 villains who build the resonator to freeze Keystone City.