Every now and then, we get an opportunity to participate in something really cool, and today is one of those days. The Hero Initiative and Nothing But Comics have organized this very fun day in an effort to shine a light on the greatest speedster of all, the Flash.
So, all day today, we are bringing you wall to wall Flash coverage – we’ve got a special podcast, a Flash-centric art feature, a great interview, some classic reviews, and some discussions on the television show(s) that have featured our favorite Scarlet Speedster. We are joined in this celebration by some other great websites, so make sure to check out their content, too: Bounding into Comics, Comics Bulletin, the Geeked Gods, Graphic Policy, Outright Geekery, Speed Force, and Flash Fans.
Multiversity and the Hero Initiative have a long relationship of working together, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to do our part to get some more eyes on the charity. For those that don’t know about the Hero Initiative, president Jim McLaughlin has prepared a primer on the organization:
For readers that may be unfamiliar with the Hero Initiative, can you tell us how the organization helps comics creators?
Long story short, we’re a medical and financial relief organization for comic book creators. We’ve literally kept people alive. There was a moment at the San Diego con a few years ago that was surreal for me. An artist that we benefited came up to me to thank me for the help we had given him. He was shaking my hand, with tears streaming down his cheeks. He had been living on about $90 a week, and was eating one meal a day. He didn’t know what to do, or where to turn, and he was ready to take his own life. He had literally written the suicide note when he stumbled upon us. We were able to get him back on his feet, and he’s alive today, doing much better.
We’ve literally paid back rent when people were 48 hours from being evicted, paid electric bills when people were 24 hours from having utilities shut off, and paid for desperately needed operations that weren’t covered by medical insurance as well.
How can people help the Hero Initiative? Besides financial contributions, are there any resources or activities that might be helpful to the organization?
I always tell people, “Five bucks.” Is the easiest and best thing people can do. People can donate via the “What Can I Do?” page on our Website. We also need volunteers for events and conventions to help us staff these events. Folks can find information on the same page.
Since it’s Flash Appreciation Day, I’d like to ask the Hero Initiative team if you have a favorite iteration of the Flash character (Jay Garrick, Barry Allen, Wally West, or Bart Allen)?
Here’s what some members of our Board of Directors had to say:
George Pérez, former Teen Titans writer, artist:
Barry was always MY Flash. He’s the one I grew up with and there is something a bit poignant about being the artist who “killed” him back in the ’80s. Since I was drawing Wally as a member of the New Teen Titans, he will always be Kid Flash to me.
Mark Waid, former writer (duh) Flash:
How could it not be Wally West? Here’s my resume: Jay was stately, Barry was solid. But Wally was fun.
Walt Simonson, Ragnarok writer/artist:
Tossup between Jay Garrick and Barry Allen, giving Barry a slight edge. He’s the character I read when I was young, so he’ll always be the Flash to me. However, I was around when Jay Garrick was reintroduced into the DCU, and I have to say that as a kid reading the books, I thought it very cool that a second mature Flash with gray temples had appeared.
Jim Valentino, Image Comics co-founder:
Jay Garrick. I read Flash #123 when I was about 10 and just loved the character. Simple, homespun. Everything from his personality on down to his costume–a red jersey, dungarees and doughboy hat with wings. It looked homemade, like something anyone could wear without getting embarrassed. The most likable character in the JSA, the heart of the team.
Dennis O’Neil, longtime comics writer and editor:
I guess I’d go with Barry, but I confess to a warm spot in my heart for Jay because he was one of the first superheroes I encountered. (Hey, I was really, really young. Really!)
There you have it, folks – stay tuned all day for lots of great Flash content, and we will resume regular posting tomorrow.
