The Turtle (DC)

Why in Database: In DC, in the role of the Flash’s opponent, two versions of the character known as Turtle appeared. For ease of use, let’s call them NEW and OLD (although it is not always easy to identify which one is in the comic). What they have in common is the using of slowness for their advantage and way to defeat the Flash. Later, they also have many other ideas, but they never work so they usually end up in jail. Most of the comics are about the OLD Turtle, which in the “prime of life” we saw in the oldest comics with the first Flash, later we see him mainly as a very old character, but still efficient, as befits a turtle.

Who’s Who in the DC Universe #24 oraz Who’s Who #8 are two publications containing descriptions of various characters from the DC universe, including both Turtles.

All Flash #21 – Fastest Man Alive!!: The OLD debut, there is a lot of him! We see him in “ordinary” form, an elegantly dressed man. He uses the nickname Turtle because he fights with Flash “at a slow pace”.

Comic Cavalcade #24 – The Slow-Motion Crimes: Another story with many scene with OLD. His turtle costume makes his debut.

Flash Comics #102 – Barrels of Crime: Again, OLD, he’s in jail. He escape, but Flash catches him.

Showcase #4 – Mystery of the Human Thunderbolt!: NEW debut! There is much of talking about him in story, but we don’t see much of him “in person”. Worth mentioning is fact, that he is the first opponent of the new incarnation of Flash.

Flash #201 – Finale for a Fiddler!: OLD is visible only on two pages.

Flash #220 – The Slowest Man on Earth: Another issue with NEW, a lot of him. And he ends up in prison, again.

DC Special Series #11: Flash Spectacular – Beyond the Super-Speed Barrier: Lots of NEW in part 2, we can see what additional uses his shell have. He ends up arrested again. Additionally, there is a short biography at the end. We can also see other, ordinary turtles.

Flash #300 – A Flash Odyssey: NEW visible only in Flash’s memories, basically, redrawing of two frames from Showcase #4 .

(T1, T2): Flash #32 – Welcome to Keystone City: A lot of frames, but in all of them the Turtle (OLD) remains in the shadow, we see him only watching the action on the screens, and talking to the other turtle.

(T1, T2): Flash #33 – Joker’s Holiday: Again, on 3 or 4 frames, in shadow, but on the last one, you can see him (the OLD) better.

(T1, T2): Flash #34 – White-Out: A lot of scenes with Turtles, and they finally have some role, they captured the Flash. You can see them both, because the OLD and the NEW work together.

(T1, T2): Flash #35 – Behold the Turtle!: Lots of Turtle scenes. The OLD one dies in an explosion (although you know how “death of a character” works in comics), and the NEW one is arrested.

(T2): Flash Secret Files #2 – The Stunning Secret of the Scarlet Speedster’s Super Slow-Down: A four-page story in which we can see a lot of Turtle. He end up being arrested, as usual. He looks NEW in appearance and in the way he speaks.

(T2): Silver Age: Flash – The Flash’s Big Day: Interesting story with a lot of NEW, he is again the main negative character of the story.

(?): Flash #163 – Heartbeat: The OLD Turtle is here, he has some frames, but most of the comic is focused on Flash. The Turtle ends… somewhere in the past, with the dinosaurs.

Adventures of Superman #582 – Crazy About You : There is definitely a turtle (on one page), but … it’s “weird” apperance. He definitely looks more like the (non-existent then, let’s add) Ninja turtles we saw in Bay’s movies than either of the two known forms.

(?): Flash #183 – Crossfire Prologue: Tricked: You can see the OLD, in one group frame.

(?): Flash #188 – Crossfire, Conclusion: Metal and Flesh: In one of the group frames you can see a figure that can be recognized as Turtle, rather OLD.

Formerly Known as the Justice League #04: NEW, only on cover.

(T1): Flash #209 – Fast Friends: Only the Turtle’s cell in prison and his eyes are visible. It is probably OLD, see the issue described below.

(T1): Flash #213 – Slow Motion: The OLD escaped from prison. But, surprise, they catch him again. A lot of scenes with him.

(T1): Flash #217 – Post-Crisis: OLD, visible on two pages, in ~four frames.

(T1): Flash #219 – Truth or Dare, Part 1: One page, two frames, OLD.

(T1): Flash #225 – Rogue War, Conclusion: OLD on cover and on two frames inside.

The Flash Rebirth #01: OLD, as statue in Flash’s museum.

DC Universe Legacies #03 – Powers & Abilities!: 1 frame, as a newspaper clipping, probably NEW.

Justice League Beyond #25 – Beyond Origins: The Flash : OLD, visible only in the group frame.


Author: XYuriTT

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