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Flashback
Before she met Wally West, Linda Park was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. As an adult, she landed a job as a reporter in Keystone City. At some point, Linda married Rick Shavers, a chemist for Royal Industries. As she confessed this to Wally, she admitted is was a foolhardy decision. The union only lasted two weeks and the marriage was annulled.
| Wally and Linda get hitched in FLASH #159 [2000] |
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Speed Dating
She first met Wally West when she was sent to New Mexico to cover a story concerning a Porcupine Man incident. When Linda met Wally West, she took him to be an arrogant, immature hotshot. Linda was nonetheless attracted to Wally, and saw beyond his overconfident facade– and saw him for the man he truly was. Eventually, the two began a serious relationship. Shortly after the arrival of Iris West and Bart Allen (Impulse) from the future, the evil organization Kobra threatened Keystone City. Bart, Iris and Linda Park aided Wally in defeating Kobra, with the help of other fellow speedsters, including Jay Garrick, Max Mercury and Jesse Quick. It was during the battle with Kobra that Wally learned of the Speed Force - a mystical power source that all super-speedsters drew power from. Wally was able to use his love for Linda as a beacon to draw him out of the Speed Force. Truly, they shared a special bond.
| Wally and Linda get hitched in FLASH #159 [2000] |
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Shortly after this, Wally planned to wed Linda Park. At the wedding, however, Linda was abducted by Abra Kadabra, who sought revenge on Wally for a past defeat. Kadabra was able to erase Linda from everyone's memory (except for Bart, who remembered Linda since he came from a different time period). At the same time, Wally came into conflict with Cobalt Blue, who was revealed to be Barry Allen's twin brother. Cobalt Blue felt Barry had the life he should have had. He found a way to acquire super powers through black magic and sought to erase the Flash legacy. This meant killing various people who would carry on the Flash legacy through the 30th century! Super-speedsters past and present joined forces and eventually defeated Cobalt Blue. The speedsters also deduced Abra Kadabra was behind Linda's abduction. Wally was able to rescue Linda and restore everyone's memories of her. Wally and Linda resumed their relationship – and their wedding plans. The wedding of Linda Park and Wally West was celebrated by friends and family, including Dick Grayson serving as Wally's best man.
Linda later found her job as a reporter presented a conflict of interest, being married to a super-hero. Linda decided to give up her career as a reporter and started attending medical school. Soon after, Linda discovered she was pregnant.
Wally and Linda dote over
their newborn twins
in INFINITE CRISIS #3 [2005]. |
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Back To The Starting Line
When Wally's friend Hunter Zolomon became the new Professor Zoom, he sought to teach Wally a lesson about loss and responsibility. Although Zoom was defeated, Wally's public identity made Linda a target, resulting in the deaths of Wally's unborn twins at the hands of Zoom. Following that tragedy, the Spectre granted Wally's request for everyone to forget Wally West was ever the Flash. The wish had unforeseen results; By pulling this temporal thread, Wally's past was changed as well. He now works for the Keystone Police Force in the auto repair division. When Linda learned Wally was the Flash, all her memories returned - including the pain of losing her unborn children.
When a war among the Flash Rogues Gallery erupted, Wally was catapulted through time by Professor Zoom. With the aid of Barry Allen, the Flash prevented the tragedy of Linda's miscarriage. And when Wally returned to the present, he was greeted by Linda - who had just given birth to their twin children.
When Superboy from Earth Prime ran amok during the Infinite Crisis, Flash and the super-speedsters raced to stop his rampage. While running to subdue the deranged Teen of Steel, Wally felt a calling to keep racing "someplace else." Linda refused to let Wally face this unknown challenge alone; In a burst of lightning, Wally, Linda and the twins left this earthly plane for parts unknown.
Flash Family
The West family found themselves on an alien world that revered the Flash legacy. While there, Linda and Wally discovered the twins' hyper-accelerated metabolism was causing them to age in quick growth spurts. Fearing for their health, Linda called upon her medical training and took a crash-course in hyper-speed biology. Linda discovered their super-speed powers were in a constant state of flux, but learned to temper the effects through advanced technology.
Wally West was later pulled back to earth by the Legion of Super-Heroes, along with Linda and the twins. Resuming his Flash identity, Wally West was now surrounded by his own Flash Family. Iris, aged to 10 years old, found she could harness super-vibrational powers; Jai, aged to 8 years old, learned he could temporarily hyper-accelerate his muscle growth for quick bursts of super-strength. Although their super-speed powers manifest in different ways, the twins have been allowed to take part in their father's adventures with their mother's guidance.
Flash #28 [1989]: It is revealed that a transformed Wally West has been contributing to the increased sightings of the mythical Porcupine Man. It seems the experiment to restore his speed, along with Wally's unique physiology, resulted in Wally's current physical state. Reporter Linda Park is on scene to report the 'Porcupine Man Incident'. First appearance of Linda Park in issue #28.
Flash #36 [1990]: Linda Park starts a new job as television anchorwoman in Central City.
Flash #61 [1992]: It's the wedding of Mary West and Ernesto Valentino - and it's up to the fastest man alive to get the preacher to church on time. And just when Wally is feeling all alone, Linda Park shows up to the reception late - without a date.
Flash (second series) #0, 95-100 [1994-1995] "Terminal Velocity" Storyline: Shortly after Iris's arrival, the evil organization Kobra threatened Keystone City. Bart, Iris and Linda Park aided Wally in defeating Kobra, with the help of other fellow speedsters, including Jay Garrick, Max Mercury and Jesse Quick. It was also during the battle with Kobra that Wally learned of the Speed Force. Wally was the first speedster to ever enter the Speed Force and return. Wally was able to use his love for Linda as a beacon to draw him out of the Speed Force. When he emerged, he had enhanced super-speed powers, including the ability to lend super-speed to other objects.
Flash (second series) #101-104 [1995]: The mystery and mayhem continue as Wally and Linda delve deeper into the weird secrets of both Harriston, Massachusetts and the lovely Ms. Park's romantic past. Flash and Linda battle mystical were-beasts conjured by Fontaine, the head of Royal Industries. As the mystical mystery unravels, Flash learns that Linda's ex-husband Rick Shavers was trying to find scientific means to stop Fontaine from conjuring a powerful demon using ancient arcane arts.
Flash (second series) #142 [1998]: Wally West and Linda Park make preparations for their wedding. As the ceremony is coming to a close, a flash of light changes reality - and Linda Park is seemingly erased from existence! Dick Grayson [best man], Donna Troy, Roy Harper, and Garth [Tempest] appear.
Flash (second series) #159 [2000]: The "Dark Flash" saga concludes! Angela Margolin has fallen for our grim hero, but does she have what it takes to spend the rest of her life with him? Plus, Wally, once reunited with Linda Park, resumes their aborted wedding plans. Wally and Linda wed, with best man Dick Grayson and Titans teammates as guests. Marriage of Wally West [Flash] and Linda Park.
Flash (second series) #197-200 [2003]: "Blitz" Professor Zoom returns in a story that reveals the secrets behind his origin! His new goal: Make the Flash a better hero by experiencing tragedy. Wally West and Linda suffer their greatest loss when Reverse Flash causes Linda to lose her unborn twins. The Spectre grants Wally's wish for his identity to become secret.
Flash(second series) #224–225 [2005]: “Rogue War, Chapters 5–6" Barry Allen helps Wally West alter the timeline in his fateful battle with Reverse Flash. They successfully save Wally's children; In the present, Linda gives birth to twins. First appearance of Jai & Iris West; not named until All Flash #1.
Infinite Crisis #4 [2005]: Superboy-Prime attacks Superboy. Superboy calls on his Titans allies to subdue his Kryptonian doppelganger. The misguided Superboy-Prime inadvertently decapitates Pantha and slaughters Baby Wildebeest and Bushido; He then freezes Red Star into crystal ice and rips off Risk's right arm before being pulled into the Speed Force by the combined might of the super-speedsters. Death of Pantha, Baby Wildebeest and Bushido. Flash, Linda and the twins race to parts unknown.
Justice League of America #10 [2007]: Wally West is pulled back from the brink of the Speed Force by the Legion of Super-Heroes, along with his wife and hyper-aged twins.
Flash (second series) #231-236 [2007-2008]: The unstable powers of Wally West's growing children reach a terrifying new level as Wally West deals with an alien invasion. A back-up feature "The Fast Life," tells the compelling tale of Wally's family's life on a Flash-friendly alien world during their missing year.
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| Wally and Linda return with the twins - all grown up - in ALL FLASH #1 [2007]. |
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Tornado Twins: Jai & Iris
During his adventuring as the Flash, impetuous Wally West met and fell in love with plucky reporter, Linda Park. After a whirlwind courtship, the couple finally wed.
A few years into their marriage, Linda and Wally West learned Linda was pregnant with twins. But tragedy struck when the new Professor Zoom sought to teach Wally a lesson about loss and responsibility. Zoom targeted Linda, which resulted in the deaths of Wally's unborn twins. After mourning this devastating loss, Wally was later catapulted through time by Professor Zoom. With the aid of Barry Allen, Wally was able to prevent the tragedy of Linda's miscarriage. And when Flash returned to the present, he was greeted by Linda - who had just given birth to their twin children, Iris and Jai West.
When Superboy from Earth Prime ran amok during the Infinite Crisis, Flash and the super-speedsters raced to stop his rampage. While running to subdue the deranged Teen of Steel, Wally felt a calling to keep racing "someplace else." Linda refused to let Wally face this unknown challenge alone; In a burst of lightning, Wally, Linda and the twins left this earthly plane for parts unknown.
They Grow Up So Fast
The West family found themselves on an alien world that revered the Flash legacy. While there, Linda and Wally discovered the twins' hyper-accelerated metabolism was causing them to age in quick growth spurts. Fearing for their health, Linda called upon her medical training and took a crash-course in hyper-speed biology. Linda discovered their super-speed powers were in a constant state of flux, but learned to temper the effects through advanced technology.
Wally West was later pulled back to earth by the Legion of Super-Heroes, along with Linda and the twins. Resuming his Flash identity, Wally West was now surrounded by his own Flash Family. Iris, aged to 10 years old, found she could harness super-vibrational powers; Jai, aged to 8 years old, learned he could temporarily hyper-accelerate his muscle growth for quick bursts of super-strength. Although their super-speed powers manifest in different ways, the twins have been allowed to take part in their father's adventures with their mother's guidance.
Wally and Linda's twin children were born in Flash #225 in 2005, but it wasn't until All Flash #1 in 2007 that their names were revealed!
Mark Waid on naming the twins: "Yeah, let’s talk about [the names of the twins] for a second. Because that came to us via Alan Brennert. [Writer of quite a few Batman and Secret Origins stories in the 80s, later an Emmy award-winning writer and Producer for LA Law] Alan is a good friend of mine, and he’d done a lot of research into Korean names and culture for one of his novels. And we were just talking one day at the comic shop about how I needed a name for the boy. “Iris” was a given, but I didn’t want to name the kid “Barry”, or “Bart” again, because I think there’s a limit to the number of Barrys the Flash universe should be having. And it was him who came up with Jai (pronounced, “Jay”) as an authentic Korean name. So, perfect. I wanted one name to be from Wally’s side of the family and one from Linda’s, and the fact that we were able to settle on one that paid homage to both sides of the family is great."
Flash (second series) #224–225 [2005]: “Rogue War, Chapters 5–6" Barry Allen helps Wally West alter the timeline in his fateful battle with Reverse Flash. They successfully save Wally's children; In the present, Linda gives birth to twins. First appearance of Jai & Iris West; not named until All Flash #1.
Justice League of America #10 [2007]: Wally West is pulled back from the brink of the Speed Force by the Legion of Super-Heroes, along with his wife and hyper-aged twins.
All Flash #1 [2007]: Wally West learns of the death of Bart Allen and hunts the people responsible. Iris and Jai's names revealed.
Flash (second series) #231-236 [2007-2008]: The unstable powers of Wally West's growing children reach a terrifying new level as Wally West deals with an alien invasion. A back-up feature "The Fast Life," tells the compelling tale of Wally's family's life on a Flash-friendly alien world during their missing year.
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Flash II
Alias: Barry Allen |
When Wally met Barry at his police lab, a seemingly freak accident occurred; A bolt of lightning struck chemicals which spilled on Wally granted him super-speed powers similar to Barry's. Wally West becomes Kid Flash in FLASH #110
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A Bolt of Lightning
Police scientist Barry Allen idolized the Flash, the nearly-forgotten champion of an earlier generation… yet the two men could not have been more different. Slow and methodical, Barry Allen moved like molasses, forever late to any appointment, eternally exasperating to his fiancee, Iris West. One night, a bolt of lightning cascaded upon him a shower of electrified chemicals, and his dreams were realized. Barry became one of the first of a new generation of heroes – and a new Flash was born!
Iris' nephew Wally worshiped the Flash and soon enough, a similar accident that granted Barry his powers made Wally West into Kid Flash, the Flash's teen sidekick. After a long courtship, Iris married Barry Allen.
Wally was exited at the proposition of meeting his idol. Ironically, Wally thought very little of Barry upon meeting him (and unaware of his dual identity at the time). When Wally met Barry at his police lab, a seemingly freak accident occurred; A bolt of lightning struck chemicals which spilled on Wally granted him super-speed powers similar to Barry's. This was the exact same way in which Barry received his powers! Wally would later find out that the Speed Force used these accidents as a cover to grant super-speed powers to both him and Barry. Wally West became Kid Flash, the Flash's teen sidekick.
Future Shock
Barry and Iris enjoyed a happy marriage until the Reverse Flash, Flash's mortal enemy, seemingly killed Iris at a costume ball. In truth, Iris' life essence was plucked from her in the moment of death and transplanted into a new, living body using 30th century technology.
Meanwhile, Barry grieved for his wife and continued his career as an adventurer. Eventually, he met and fell in love with a woman named Fiona Webb. On the day they were to be married, the Reverse Flash returned intent on killing Barry's new bride. Barry saved Fiona, but killed Zoom as a result. Although the act was in self-defense, Flash was arrested to stand trial. During the trial, Barry learned that Iris was indeed alive and well in the 30th century. One month later, plucked from a future of happiness, Barry died during the Crisis on Infinite Earths saving the universe from the Anti-Monitor. In the time they were together, they conceived twins.
Upon Barry's death, Wally assumed the Flash mantle in honor of his fallen mentor.
The Flash possesses super speed that can surpass the speed of light. This enables him to vibrate through objects and even travel through time.
Flash (first series) #110: The biggest day in the life of Wally West, president of the Flash Fan Club (Blue Valley chapter) was certainly the day that his aunt Iris West arranged for him to meet his hero. Flash spent an afternoon with the lad and even showed him a chemical cabinet just like the one from which he had gained his super-speed. Then, in a coincidence defying all odds, a bolt of lightning entered the room and the accident reoccurred before Flash's eyes once more, as chemicals doused young Wally and bestowed upon him powers identical to his own. Flash gave Wally a tailored-down version of his own uniform, a ring to keep it in, and the christened him Kid Flash. First appearance of Wally West [Kid Flash].
Flash (first series) #120 [1961]: Outside of Ira West, Kid Flash was the first person to whom Flash revealed the secret of his double-identity (Flash #120, May, 1961). In that story, the two speedsters were inadvertently thrown 25 million years into the past, where they battled a race of golden humanoids.
Flash (first series) #135 [1963]: The Flash, who had been toying with a new costume design for Wally, was inspecting an alien mind over-matter machine when, in a burst of light, the new costume sprang from his mind and onto the body of his protégé (Flash #135, Mar. 1963). Since the new outfit exposed Wally's bright red hair, FIash provided his costume-storage ring with a special instant-dye spray with which he could easily change his hair color, as Wally, to brown (Flash #138).
Crisis on Infinite Earths #8 [1986]: Barry Allen dies.
Crisis on Infinite Earths #12 [1986]: Kid Flash came out of retirement to fight in the Crisis, and was hit harder than anyone when the heroes found Flash's costume and ring and realized that their compatriot was dead. However, even though a blast from the Anti-Monitor reduced Wally's top speed to that of sound, it cured him of his metabolic malady. This, combined with the desire to honor his mentor and friend, caused Wally West to forevermore discard his Kid Flash identity and, instead, adopt the name and costume of Flash (Crisis #12).
Flash (second series) #62-65: "Born To Run": Wally West looks at some old pictures and recalls his first year as "Kid Flash".
Flash (second series) #74-79: "The Return of Barry Allen": Barry Allen, the fastest man alive until his tragic death, mysteriously returns, only to show himself as violent and paranoid. "Barry" is eventually revealed as the Reverse Flash. During the battle, Wally learns that he is faster than he ever knew, and
his subconscious mind prevented him from reaching the super-speed level of
Barry Allen. Now feeling he is capable of filling the Flash boots, Wally has
met the super-speed level of his former mentor.
Flash (second series) #143-150: "Chain Lightning": Wally West came into conflict with Cobalt Blue, who was revealed to be Barry Allen's twin brother. Cobalt Blue felt Barry had the life he should have had. He found a way to acquire super powers through black magic and sought to erase the Flash legacy. This meant killing various people who would carry on the Flash legacy through the 30th century! Super-speedsters past and present joined forces and eventually defeated Cobalt Blue.
Flash (second series) #200 [2003]: Wally West and Linda suffer a great tragedy when Reverse Flash causes Linda to lose her unborn twins. The Spectre grants Wally's wish for his identity to become secret. Barry visits Wally.
Flash (second series) #224–225 [2005]: “Rogue War, Chapters 5–6" Barry Allen helps Wally West alter the timeline in his fateful battle with Reverse Flash. They successfully save Wally's children; In the present, Linda gives birth to twins.
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Iris & Wally in
a flashback tale
from FLASH
ANNUAL #8 [1995]. |
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Future Shock
Infant Iris Allen was sent to the 20th century from the 30th century by her parents to spare her from almost certain nuclear war. She was found and adopted by the West family. She grew up a child in the 20th century, and moved to Central City, where she got a job as a reporter for the Picture News and met Barry Allen. Unknown to Iris, Barry was also the super-fast costumed adventurer known as the Flash. Iris' nephew Wally worshiped the Flash and soon enough, a similar accident that granted Barry his powers made Wally West into Kid Flash, the Flash's teen sidekick. After a long courtship, Iris married Barry Allen. Iris eventually learned of Flash's dual identity when Barry began talking in his sleep.
While looking through her father's things, Iris discovered a message from her true parents, telling of how they sent her to the 20th century from the future. This was the first she had ever learned of her true origins, a fact which distanced her from her father, Ira West, for some time.
Barry and Iris enjoyed a happy marriage until the Reverse Flash, Flash's mortal enemy, seemingly killed Iris at a costume ball. In truth, Iris' life essence was plucked from her in the moment of death and transplanted into a new, living body using 30th century technology. In the past, Barry Allen eventually learned of this and transported himself into the 30th century to be reunited with his wife. One month later, plucked from a future of happiness, Barry died during the Crisis on Infinite Earths saving the universe from the Anti-Monitor. In the time they were together, they conceived twins, although Barry does not live to learn this.
Barry and Iris' twins, Don and Dawn, were born; Both have their father's speed powers. The twins grow up to become the heroes known as the Tornado Twins. Dawn gave birth to Jenni Ognats (XS of the Legion of Superheroes). Don Allen's wife, Meloni, gave birth to Bart Allen (who later becomes Impulse).
Back to the Past
Bart was born with super-speed as well, but it had an unfortunate side effect: Bart was aging at an accelerated rate. Although only chronologically two, he appeared to be a boy of about twelve. Earthgov scientists placed Bart in a virtual reality chamber and kept him for observation. Iris Allen kidnapped the rapidly aging Bart, and took him to the 20th century where Wally would help temper Bart's powers. Now removed from his virtual reality program, Wally and company were able to figure out a way that Bart ages at a normal rate. Bart, now dubbed Impulse, aided Wally, Iris and Linda Park (as well as the other speedsters) in defeating the terrorist organization, Kobra.
Iris remained in the 20th century, but she felt uncomfortable possessing the knowledge of Wally's future. She decided to move off on her own, for fear of the temptation to tell Wally what the future holds. In that time, Iris wrote a best selling book based on Barry Allen's adventures as the Flash.
Iris later contacted Julie Jackam, who, according to the history books, would bear the son of Wally West. Gaining Julie's confidence, she convinced the young woman to have the baby, as Iris promised to care for him if she could not. When Julie died, it was discovered that Josh Jackam's father was not Wally - but the Weather Wizard. Feeling she owed Julie a promise, Iris adopted the infant Josh, intending to raise him as her own. But this discovery also made Iris realize something: recorded history contained errors and discrepancies; This allowed her to interact with her family without fear of revealing future events.
Flash (first series) #110: The biggest day in the life of Wally West, president of the Flash Fan Club (Blue Valley chapter) was certainly the day that his aunt Iris West arranged for him to meet his hero. Flash spent an afternoon with the lad and even showed him a chemical cabinet just like the one from which he had gained his super-speed. Then, in a coincidence defying all odds, a bolt of lightning entered the room and the accident reoccurred before Flash's eyes once more, as chemicals doused young Wally and bestowed upon him powers identical to his own. Flash gave Wally a tailored-down version of his own uniform, a ring to keep it in, and the christened him Kid Flash. First appearance of Wally West [Kid Flash].
Flash (second series) #62-65: "Born To Run": Wally West looks at some old pictures and recalls his first year as "Kid Flash".
Flash (second series) #91-94 [1994]: Wally's Aunt Iris travels to the 20th century for refuge for herself and her grandson, Bart Allen. (Iris West returned to the 30th century and was reunited with her husband Barry Allen just before his death). Iris sought help for Bart, who had accelerated super-speed and was aging rapidly. Wally was able to cure Bart, who went on to become Impulse, a superhero in his own right. First appearance of Bart Allen in issue #91. First full appearance in issue #92.
Flash (second series) #0, 95-100 [1994-1995] "Terminal Velocity" Storyline: Shortly after Iris's arrival, the evil organization Kobra threatened Keystone City. Bart, Iris and Linda Park aided Wally in defeating Kobra, with the help of other fellow speedsters, including Jay Garrick, Max Mercury and Jesse Quick. It was also during the battle with Kobra that Wally learned of the Speed Force. Wally was the first speedster to ever enter the Speed Force and return. Wally was able to use his love for Linda as a beacon to draw him out of the Speed Force. When he emerged, he had enhanced super-speed powers, including the ability to lend super-speed to other objects.
Flash #180-181 [2001]: Chyre meets the woman vying for custody of Josh Jackam: Iris Allen. Iris returns and gains custody of Josh to fulfill her future.
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Flash I
Alias: Jay Garrick |
After gaining super-speed by breathing the hyper-charged atoms of a radioactive hard water formula, college student Jay Garrick became the fastest man alive. Choosing to use his powers to serve law and order, he adopted the costumed identity of the Flash and operated during the 1940's, during which time he served as a founding member of the Justice Society of America and of the wartime All-Star Squadron.
Jay also married his longtime sweetheart, Joan Williams. Along with his fellow JSAers, Garrick was pressured into retiring from public duty in the early 1950's, only to vanish altogether – along with the entire city of Keystone – thanks to a scheme by his archenemy, the Fiddler. Years later, he and his city were rescued by the new Flash, Barry Allen.
Content that his legacy was in good hands, Jay opted to stay in semi-retirement, though he still surfaces when he is needed, whether as a hero, advisor, or an active member of the JSA.
The Flash possesses super speed that at one time approached the speed of light – but he is slower these days due to his advanced age. However, contact with the speed force keeps Jay young for his age.
Flash (second series) #74-79: "The Return of Barry Allen": Barry Allen, the fastest man alive until his tragic death, mysteriously returns, only to show himself as violent and paranoid. "Barry" is eventually revealed as the Reverse Flash. During the battle, Wally learns that he is faster than he ever knew, and his subconscious mind prevented him from reaching the super-speed level of Barry Allen. Now feeling he is capable of filling the Flash boots, Wally has met the super-speed level of his former mentor.
Flash (second series) #0, 95-100 [1994-1995] "Terminal Velocity" Storyline: Shortly after Iris's arrival, the evil organization Kobra threatened Keystone City. Bart, Iris and Linda Park aided Wally in defeating Kobra, with the help of other fellow speedsters, including Jay Garrick, Max Mercury and Jesse Quick. It was also during the battle with Kobra that Wally learned of the Speed Force. Wally was the first speedster to ever enter the Speed Force and return. Wally was able to use his love for Linda as a beacon to draw him out of the Speed Force. When he emerged, he had enhanced super-speed powers, including the ability to lend super-speed to other objects.
Flash (second series) #143-150: "Chain Lightning": Wally West came into conflict with Cobalt Blue, who was revealed to be Barry Allen's twin brother. Cobalt Blue felt Barry had the life he should have had. He found a way to acquire super powers through black magic and sought to erase the Flash legacy. This meant killing various people who would carry on the Flash legacy through the 30th century! Super-speedsters past and present joined forces and eventually defeated Cobalt Blue.
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His true name is lost in the mists of time. But Max Mercury was once a fort messenger during the 1830's – a young man who befriended a local Indian tribe. Unable to prevent their massacre, his only chance to stop a further ambush came in accepting the magic of the tribe's dying shaman, who instilled in him a connection to a greater power from beyond light-speed– a command of uncanny velocity that transformed him into Ahwehota, or ‘Windrunner,' protector of the Indians.
Eventually, Windrunner felt called by this higher power (it was the Speed Force) and ran to pursue it, but in fear drew back before he was absorbed into its energy field and instead ricocheted away, catapulting forward in time.
Since then, he has drifted through many different eras using many different names, including Whip Whirlwind and Quicksilver. At one time, Max even teamed up with the Jay Garrick Flash during the 1940's. Max leaped again to the late 40's, where he unknowingly fathered a daughter named Helen.
During a time jaunt in the early 60's, Max and Jonny Quick encountered Savitar, an evil speedster who had become a human avatar of the speed force. The battle caused both Max and Savitar to leap forward in time.
Max eventually surfaced during Wally's time as the Flash, and went by the name Max Mercury. Regarded by his peers as the Zen Master of Speed, Max is by nature a gifted teacher of the discipline. Indeed, it was Max who knew of the Speed Force before any of the other speedsters. Max later moved to Manchester, Alabama with Bart Allen (Impulse). Slowly and arduously, Max worked at making Bart consider his actions carefully before acting so... impulsively. After moving to Manchester, Max was also reunited with his daughter, Helen, who he fathered during one of his time jaunts.
Max is currently missing in action - possibly trapped somewhere in the Speed Force. In the meantime, the villainous super-speedster named Rival has somehow taken possession of his body.
Max Mercury possesses super speed and the ability to vibrate through solid objects.
Flash (second series) #77-78 [1991] : First modern appearance of Max Mercury
Flash (second series) #0, 95-100 [1994-1995] "Terminal Velocity" Storyline: Shortly after Iris's arrival, the evil organization Kobra threatened Keystone City. Bart, Iris and Linda Park aided Wally in defeating Kobra, with the help of other fellow speedsters, including Jay Garrick, Max Mercury and Jesse Quick. It was also during the battle with Kobra that Wally learned of the Speed Force. Wally was the first speedster to ever enter the Speed Force and return. Wally was able to use his love for Linda as a beacon to draw him out of the Speed Force. When he emerged, he had enhanced super-speed powers, including the ability to lend super-speed to other objects.
Impulse #1 [1995]: Max settles with Impulse in Manchester.
Impulse #16 [1996]: History of Max.
Impulse #58, 88–89: Max Mercury is lost in battle; Shown possessed by Rival.
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Rudolph West is the father of Wally West, a young super-hero who embarked on a career as Kid Flash - and later, The Flash. The Wests were seemingly a normal, middle-class family living in the midwestern town of Blue Valley, Nebraska; however, unknown to Mary and her son, her husband Rudolph was approached by the Manhunters shortly after their son gained super-powers and he agreed to serve as one of their spies.
As a child growing up, Wally never felt particularly close to either of his parents. He grew especially close to his father's sister, Iris. Wally considered his Aunt Iris an ally and confidante within his fractured family. When Wally became Kid Flash, he grew closer to Iris' fiancée, Barry Allen, who was secretly the Flash. Wally's associations with Iris and Barry separated him further from his parents.
After Wally assumed the mantle of the Flash, Rudolph left Mary and sent her on a Caribbean cruise that was supposed to have ended in a fatal "accident." Mary survived the accident and learned of her husband's connection to the Manhunters. After the Manhunters' plan failed, Rudolph went missing. Later, he was presumed dead during the Dominator invasion of earth.
But Rudolph had actually feigned his own death. A born con man, Rudolph found Lila McGrath from the Celestial Enlightenment cult. The cult was actually a scam - fleecing people out of money by enabling them to 'contact' dead loved ones. Wally later joined the cult in hopes of contacting Barry Allen. Feeling a tinge of guilt, Rudolph West decided to flee from the cult before being exposed by Wally.
Rudolph later made a surprise appearance at the wedding of his ex-wife, Mary, when she wed Ernesto Valentino. Wally and Mary were shocked to learn Rudolph was indeed alive. But near-death had done nothing to smooth out Rudolph's rough edges.
Flash (second series) #8 [1988]: Flash is called as one of the heroes chosen to save one of the Immortals around whom the MILLENNIUM event centers. But before he can save the man, he must deal with the fact that his father is secretly a Manhunter agent; After the dust clears, Wally gets a phone call from his mother telling him his father is dead.
Flash (second series) Annual #2 [1988]: Wally West is reunited with his estranged father - who disappeared after a failed contract with Manhunter Agents during the MILLENNIUM event. Wally's father, Rudolph, is now working as a private detective.
Flash (second series) #21-22 [1989]: INVASION! CROSSOVER. Wally West is called by the government to quell an alien invasion in Cuba. So Flash and Chunk travel to Cuba, where Wally discovers his father is still alive. Wally West learns his father sacrificed his life during an alien invasion strike.
Flash (second series) #37-39 [1990]: Struck by the idea that this woman could actually enable him to speak with Barry, Wally joins the Celestial Enlightenment cult and even ends up pitching for them on TV. Lila McGrath channels Wally's dead father - who in reality is alive and working with Lila on the cult's scam. Rudolph West decides to flee from the cult before being exposed and Wally never learns his father is still alive.
Flash (second series) #61 [1992]: It's the wedding of Mary West and Ernesto Valentino - and it's up to the fastest man alive to get the preacher to church on time. It's also a day of surprises, as Wally and Mary West are shocked by an uninvited guest: Rudolph West, Wally's father, who was presumed dead!
Flash (second series) #62-65 [1992]: "BORN TO RUN" Wally recalls his first days as Kid Flash.
Flash (second series) #142 [1998]: Wally West and Linda Park make preparations for their wedding. Tensions are high as Linda's parents arrive early and Wally's folks bicker as usual.
DC Universe Role-Playing Games: Sourcebooks and Manuals [ West End Games], DC Secret Files, supplemented by titanstower.com
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Mary West is the mother of Wally West, a young super-hero who embarked on a career as Kid Flash - and later, The Flash. The Wests were seemingly a normal, middle-class family living in the midwestern town of Blue Valley, Nebraska; however, unknown to Mary and her son, her husband Rudolph was approached by the Manhunters shortly after their son gained super-powers and he agreed to serve as one of their spies.
As a child growing up, Wally never felt particularly close to either of his parents. He grew especially close to his father's sister, Iris. Wally considered his Aunt Iris an ally and confidante within his fractured family. When Wally became Kid Flash, he grew closer to Iris' fiancée, Barry Allen, who was secretly the Flash. Wally's associations with Iris and Barry separated him further from his parents.
After Wally assumed the mantle of the Flash, Rudolph left Mary and sent her on a Caribbean cruise that was supposed to have ended in a fatal "accident." Mary survived the accident and learned of her husband's connection to the Manhunters. After Mary recovered, she moved in with Wally.
Mary's concern for Wally resulted in her meddling in his life - often putting a strain on his romantic relationships. Mary eventually found more focus in her life when she agreed to become secretary to Wally's friend, Chunk. Mary also began to have some secret adventures of her own when she used Wally's Justice League transporter to travel to Europe. It was during one of these jaunts that Mary met and fell in love with a dashing European man, Ernesto Valentino.
Mary and Ernesto eventually wed - and the ceremony featured an uninvited guest: Mary's ex-husband, Rudolph. Wally and Mary were shocked to learn Rudolph was indeed alive. But near-death had done nothing to smooth out Rudolph's rough edges. Mary still hold a grudge against Rudolph to this day.
Flash (second series) #8 [1988]: Flash is called as one of the heroes chosen to save one of the Immortals around whom the MILLENNIUM event centers. But before he can save the man, he must deal with the fact that his father is secretly a Manhunter agent; After the dust clears, Wally gets a phone call from his mother telling him his father is dead.
Flash (second series) #9-11 [1988]: Mary West moves in with Wally.
Flash (second series) #18 [1988]: Flash races away with the bomb just in time before it detonates. Meanwhile, Wally's mother finds a job - as Chunk's secretary.
Flash (second series) #30 [1989]: On a date with Connie Noleski, Wally finds himself the target of an assassin's bullet in the audience of a movie theater. Meanwhile, Wally's mother uses the boom tube for an adventure of her own.
Flash (second series) #48 [1991]: Wally, Chunk and the Elongated Man investigate the disappearance of Mary West; Wally learns his mother has a secret life of adventure by using his Justice League boom tube.
Flash (second series) #61 [1992]: It's the wedding of Mary West and Ernesto Valentino - and it's up to the fastest man alive to get the preacher to church on time. It's also a day of surprises, as Wally and Mary West are shocked by an uninvited guest: Rudolph West, Wally's father, who was presumed dead!
Flash (second series) #62-65 [1992]: "BORN TO RUN" Wally recalls his first days as Kid Flash.
Flash (second series) #142 [1998]: Wally West and Linda Park make preparations for their wedding. Tensions are high as Linda's parents arrive early and Wally's folks bicker as usual.
supplemented by titanstower.com
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