The Secret Origin of... JOHNNY QUICK

Though there were other comics series with similar names before and after, the longest-running Secret Origins comic book was published by DC Comics from April 1986 to August 1990.  It included 50 regular issues, three annuals, and one special edition.  This series of blog posts focuses on the stories that would have, should have, or otherwise follow the spirit of that series.

The initial format of Secret Origins was to devote the odd-numbered issues to heroes from the Golden Age and the even-numbered issues to more recent heroes.  Beginning with Secret Origins #6 (cover dated September 1986), each issue featured one Golden Age origin and one "Modern" origin."  A number of the final issues of All-Star Squadron, which was slated to be retooled as The Young All-Stars, also featured origins of the Golden Age heroes.  Among them was the origin of All-Star Squadron member Johnny Quick. The premise within the on-going storyline of the series was that the Squadron members were telling their stories to the Tarantula for a book he would write once World War II concluded.  

The Secret Origin of... JOHNNY QUICK

"The Origin of Johnny Quick" from All-Star Squadron #65 (January 1987) by Roy Thomas, Don
Heck, and Tony DeZuniga

Synopsis from The All-Star Companion Vol. 2: Orphaned Johnny Chambers is raised by Professor Ezra Gill, discoverer of a "speed formula" he passes on to Johnny upon his death.  As an adult, Johnny becomes a newsreel photographer with Sees All/Tells All News.  On-the-job encounters with Sandman, Crimson Avenger, and especially The Flash inspire him to create his JQ identity, assuming it first to break up a circus-based crime ring.   

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