Thursday, December 3, 2015

Flash #203

Flash #203 (On Sale: December 3, 1970), has a wonderful cover by Neal Adams and Jack Adler. Jack provided the photograph and the colors, Neal did the rest.

"The Flash's Wife Is a Two-Timer" is by Robert Kanigher, Irv Novick, and Murphy Anderson.  While rummaging in her father's basement, Iris West discovers a locket with the engraved name Iris Russell. Her touch triggers an audio message which reveals that Iris came from the 30th Century. Her parents, Eric and Fran Russell, feared for the safety of their newborn daughter Iris due to an impending nuclear holocaust. To save their child, they sent her back in time to the 20th Century. Iris was taken in by Ira West and his wife who had recently lost their own infant during childbirth. When confronted by Iris, Professor West confirms the story.

Before telling her husband the story, Iris is drawn forward in time. She is able to leave a short note behind to give Barry a clue to her whereabouts. In the 30th Century, Iris is reunited with her lost parents. However, she comes to the attention of Sirik, the supreme leader of Earth-East. Sirik demands that Iris become his mate, or he will destroy everyone.

Meanwhile, in the 20th Century, Barry Allen finds his wife's note. He uses the cosmic treadmill to travel into the future. He finds his wife and is brought up to speed on her predicament. The Flash then challenges and defeats Sirik. Iris bids farewell to her newfound birth parents and returns home with her husband.

The Flash later shares this story with Superman who has a similar origin to Iris. Hard to believe this story has not been reprinted.

Edited by Julius Schwartz.

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