FLASH #117 (1960)
by John Broome & Carmine Infantino
I don’t know, Captain Boomerang, a guy who can dodge lightning can probably dodge a boomerang.
We begin with a toy company deciding boomerangs are going to be the next big thing.
Yes, really.
I have to assume boomerangs were relatively unknown in 1960s America, because there is an entire page dedicated to explain what they are.
This results in a publicity stunt: an advertisement for anyone who knows how to use a boomerang.
Yep. That’s the lame secret origin of Captain Boomerang!
Too bad it turns out the guy used to be an outlaw (in the Australian outback, because of course he’s Australian), and he begins his crime spree.
Iris is notable for being the only “girlfriend of a superhero” who does not have a total obsession over the guy’s secret identity. However, she’s also not an idiot.
And speaking of idiots: there’s a reason why Flash is not called “the world’s greatest detective”.
Needless to say, these are not Boomerang’s parents but some crooks he happens to know.
However this trick can only work once, and Flash catches up with Captain Boomerang as soon as he commits a new crime.
0.0000000000001 nanoseconds later, the Flash wins.
What’s that? He’s actually caught by surprise by a boomerang?
Sounds legit.
And now, ladies and gentlemen, I give you: the most WTF plan of a Flash villain so far.
Just take a moment to appreciate the scene. This story has a cover date of December 1960.
The first human wouldn’t reach space until 4 months later. The first American would follow one month later.
Okay, let’s imagine you’re the Flash and you’re about to crash back to Earth at terminal velocity. How do you save yourself? YOU CRASH FASTER.
Sounds legit.
Now Flash can arrest Captain Boomerang for real. I would complain he really should’ve done this sooner, but considering we got a Space Boomerang out of it I’m not complaining!
Historical significance: 7/10
Captain Boomerang is a staple of the Flash rogues gallery, with a surprising impact on the rest of the DC Universe.
Silver Age-ness: 10/10
A SPACE BOOMERANG!!!
Does it stand the test of time? 4/10
You really have to suspend your disbelief on this one, even more so than with other villains. Starting from the fact that the Flash can be taken by surprise by a boomerang (???).
Ridiculous Flash feat of the day
From the second story, presented with no context: the Flash animating some cowboy wax dummies.
How close is this to the modern character?: 6/10
The look and the absolutely ridiculous Boomberang tricks are there, but they will be underplayed over the years. The fact that he’s Australian is barely a factor in this story, but it’s a major recurring point in his development.
When it comes to the Flash Rogues, Captain Boomerang is probably second only to Captain Cold as being representative of the team.
However he enjoyed a lot of exposure and character development by being one of the few recurring members of the Suicide Squad, much like Deadshot.
Far from being turned into an anti-hero, Captain Boomerang maintained his… less-than-charming personality.
He’s an absolutely irredeemable jackass sleazeball, for sure, but you have to respect the consistency.
