The World's Greatest Superheroes Part 2: Flash Fights for His Life

The Justice Leage (George Tuska, 2005)

About the creative team

The first five episodes of The World’s Greatest Superheroes were written by longtime comics and TV scribe Martin Pasko. A former letterhack and highly proficient workhorse from editor Julie Schwartz’s stable of Superman writers, Pasko was also well-known for his revivals of Dr.Fate (with Walt Simonson), E-Man and Plastic Man (with artist Joe Staton), as story editor on Thundarr the Barbarian, and an acclaimed run on Swamp Thing (unfortunately overshadowed by his successor on the title, Alan Moore).

From its first strip through 1982, the artists of The World’s Greatest Superheroes were penciller George Tuska and inker Vince Colleta. Combined, Tuska and Colleta probably worked on every character produced at Marvel and DC over the course of their careers. And yet, both creators could be fairly described as “divisive,” with as many defenders as detractors among the fandom. 

Tuska, whose catalog of work dates back to the Golden Age of Comics, is often celebrated for his versatility, having applied his style to everything from superhero stories to westerns to true crime and romance. Colleta, known primarily for a long association with Jack Kirby, was an economical inker sometimes criticized for the details he chose to leave out.

Still, both men were particularly well-suited to the relentless production schedule of comic books, which made them excellent candidates for the even more-harried world of the funny papers.

* * *

The Justice League has defeated Vandal Savage, but not without cost. The Flash has had his bell rung so viciously that not even the advanced technology available on the superheroes’ satellite headquarters is capable of helping the badly-addled scarlet speedster. He needs a specialist!

Unfortunately for our heroes, they choose a hospital which is under siege from a super-powered thief capable of walking through walls, teleporting through space, and running through the air! And he’s robbing the facility of its valuable medical equipment – much of which is necessary to save the Flash’s life!

Behind the bad guy is Doctor Destiny, a longtime foe of the Justice League (first appearance: Justice League of America #5, June 1961) whose powers allow him to manipulate or even enter the human subconscious. In this scenario, the deadly Doctor has developed an experimental drug which allows his henchmen/human guinea pigs to dream of impossible crimes and then, upon waking, commit them using amazing telekinetic powers which “make their dreams a reality” – assuming that they survive the treatment! And when the Doctor himself takes his own experimental medication, all hell breaks loose.

If Doctor Destiny wasn’t a big enough threat on his own, the League is also shaken by internal strife. Superman and Batman chastise Wonder Woman over the recent battle with Vandal Savage, causing the offended Amazon to resign her membership!

Joining the cast in this story arc are Gotham City’s Dynamic Duo, Batman and, to a lesser degree, Robin. Space cop Hal Jordan, a.k.a. The Green Lantern, and martial artist The Black Canary enjoy extended cameos aboard the League’s satellite HQ.

One other item of note is that, in most of Doctor Destiny’s comic book appearances, the dream-manipulating madman is depicted with gruesome skull-like features. But the more family-friendly environment of the newspaper comics apparently encouraged a softer (if still grisly) visage. 

02. Flash Fights for His Life
(1978-07-02 to 1978-10-24)
Starring: Superman, The Flash, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, Batman, Robin, Black Canary
Villains: Dr. Destiny, Benny, Charles, Manuel, chronic traumatic encephalopathy
Creative Team: Pasko, Tuska/Colletta