I have been a fan of Jay Garrick since the early JLA/JSA crossovers of the 1960s. Any time Jay or the other original Justice Society heroes showed up, I was on cloud nine. So, getting to see a NEW SERIES (even a limited one) of the ORIGINAL Flash is a special treat for this old reviewer. Seeing that Jeremy Adams, fresh off of a terrific run with Wally West in THE FLASH, is writing this book, makes it even more fun. This is all part of the “Dawn of DC” initiative, bringing in some new twists to the old canon. That includes a sidekick who never appeared in the Golden Age…but who appears to fit in perfectly here. What do we learn about The Boom? How will she adjust to a world that has moved on by 60 years since she last saw her loved ones? And, who is Doctor Elemental? Wanna know more? Follow us after the jump!
SOME SPOILERS AHEAD!
With the “Dawn of DC”, there are a few changes to canon…but none that truly bothered this old reviewer. This story with Judy Garrick begins in 1963, so you can assume that Jay’s original heroics now appear to have been in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s, not in World War II as in Golden Age comics. This change allows us to see an older Jay and Joan in today’s world without having to use the “Last Days of the Justice Society of America” storyline (published 1986) that trapped them in an eternal Ragnarok – and without having that mystical “their powers cause them to age much more slowly” explanation from the 1990’s.
Still, this places the Garricks (likely) in their late 80’s or early 90’s as Judy Garrick re-enters their lives. Writer Jeremy Adams lets us see this through Judy’s eyes, and that’s the key to this excellent story. Here are just a few of the significant changes Judy finds upon coming home:
- The most obvious is that the world forgot her…including her parents. She thinks, “The world has moved on…my parents have moved on.”
- Her parents have aged by 60 years…she only saw them days ago in her timeline, but her parents are now the age of grandparents.
- Her old room was used by Bart…and to her parents it was only ever Bart’s room until she reappeared.
- Judy learns that there are a lot more speedsters around now…and they are like the family that she has missed out on.
- Judy’s line says it best, “Everything’s changed…except me”.
The storyline has that mission from 1963 as bookends to the story. Jay and Judy go to save Joan, but by the time Jay and Joan are reunited, Judy is forgotten! We see how that happened by issue’s end…and we meet a villain who was just as “forgotten” as Judy…Doctor Elemental!
Just who Doctor Elemental is…and how (and whether) he fits into Judy’s disappearance have yet to be revealed. But, this issue gives us SO much, and I cannot wait for the next issue! Just an additional note – I LOVED the artwork throughout this issue. Thanks to Diego Olortegui (pencils/inks), Luis Guerrero (colors), and Steve Wands (letters).
SUMMARY: This is an exceptionally effective first issue, one that even the newest reader can follow…and the oldest reader (me) can absolutely love. This is a 10/10 for me…of course that’s just my opinion. What do YOU think? Leave your comments below!