Flash #175

Flash #175 (On Sale: October 19, 1967) features an Al Plastino cover. This is the only Flash cover Plastino would do and is the last cover he would ever do for DC, ending twenty years as a DC cover mainstay. Not a bad way to end a run; the Flash figure is very nice.

"The Race to the End of the Universe" is by E. Nelson Bridwell, Ross Andru and Mike Esposito and features the second race between The Flash and Superman. Rokk and Sorban, two gamblers from Ventura (no, not on the California coast, the planet Ventura), take the Justice League hostage. They force Flash and Superman to race across the universe to settle a wager. To motivate the heroes, the gamblers threaten to destroy the home city of the loser. If the heroes refuse to race, they will destroy both Metropolis and Central City.

The race across the universe begins with the Flash protected by a special aura that allows him to survive in space. Superman is forced to make a detour around a red sun star system and makes a startling discovery on Ventura. Meanwhile, while separated from the Superman the Flash encounters several deadly hazards in his path.

Superman catches up and tries to convince Flash to abandon the race. Flash thinks it is a trick, until he receives a message from Green Lantern and Aquaman. Both heroes then abandon their race and return to Justice League Headquarters.

Rokk and Sorban then attack the heroes exhibiting super powers of their own. Reprinted in Limited Collectors' Edition C-48 and Superman Vs. Flash TPB

Edited by Julius Schwartz.