Johnny Quick (Johnny Chambers)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Johnny Quick | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
||||||||||
|
||||||||||
|
||||||||||
Johnny Quick is the name of a Golden Age DC Comics character, with the power of superhuman speed. He was a superhero who appeared mostly in More Fun Comics during the Golden Age.
Contents |
[edit] Origin
Johnny Quick's secret identity was Johnny Chambers, a newsreel photographer. He invoked his power by reciting a mathematical formula ("3X2(9YZ)4A") taught to him by his childhood guardian, Professor Gill, who had in turn derived it from inscriptions found in a Pharaoh's tomb. He began to work as a crime-fighter and divided his time between the two jobs until a fateful day at the White House.
[edit] Early History
In December 1941, while working on assignment, Johnny Chambers and his assistant Tubby Watts followed the trail of disappearing JSA members all the way to the White House. Secretly a mystery-man himself he wanted to find out what was what in regards to the world's first team of heroes. He joined the few remaining JSAers (Hawkman and the Atom) as well as other heroes, including his future wife in her identity as Liberty Belle. Together this group met with President Roosevelt and were told of the devastation at Pearl Harbor. They were given a presidential mandate to travel to California and keep America's west coast safe from any further Japanese aggression. During what became the first mission of the All-Star Squadron Johnny Quick aided in rescuing the missing JSAers (who had been kidnapped by the villainous Per Degaton).
From that first meeting, the tension between Johnny and Libby was evident as they entered into a flirtatious relationship. The relationship would endure many hardships, as Liberty Belle had certain responsibilities as the chairwoman of the Squadron, but nonetheless the relationship persevered and the two wed on April 1, 1942. Their union would result in a daughter, Jesse Belle Chambers, who would inherit the special abilities of her parents.
[edit] Later History
The Squadron was disbanded as the war ended, and Johnny and Libby retired from the public eye, although Johnny Quick would occasionally be seen fighting crime, such as when he first met the villain Savitar. Max Mercury appeared on the scene and saved Johnny, as the two engaged Savitar together. Max and Savitar would disappear in a flash of light, and the threat of Savitar was thought to be over.
Eventually Johnny finally committed to his retirement, and he began research on the formula that unlocked his speed. Max Mercury told him that the formula was merely his way into tapping into the other-dimensional power known as the Speed Force. Scientists balked at the idea that the formula gave him power, and that the power was genetic. Neither theory convinced Johnny, and he sought his conclusions in the mystic arts, seeing the formula as a mantra, unlocking his potential.
This theory had his effect on Johnny, as he began lecturing at universities and delivering seminars, trying to preach this newfound philosophy to the world. To this goal he founded Quickstart Enterprises, which created and endorsed products of potential-unlocking quality, as well as videotapes of Johnny's lectures. This led to his wife, Libby, leaving him, embarrassed.
Thanks to his abilities, Johnny's age was retarded, keeping his appearance younger and vigorous, despite his true age. After the Justice Society of America returned following a long absence, Johnny assisted them occasionally. Together with the Justice Society, Johnny would face the villain Extant during the time-event known as Zero Hour. Like the other heroes present, Johnny was aged considerably by the villain. Though he was now much older physically, he did not relinquish his hero-ing activities, and together with his daughter (now calling herself Jesse Quick) helped train the time-displaced Impulse.
[edit] Ultimate Fate
Some time afterwards, Johnny met with Iris Allen, widow of Barry Allen, who warned him that trouble was forthcoming for users of the Speed Force. Johnny refused to believe his power was not his own, till moments later he found himself without his speed, thanks to the manipulations of the returned Savitar. Johnny was grudgingly forced to accept the Speed Force's existence.
In the final battle with Savitar, Johnny Quick sacrificed himself to save his daughter's life and ran into the Speed Force, merging with it. Although Jesse herself recently lost her powers, she succeeded him in the best possible manner.
[edit] Allies
Johnny Chambers had as his trusty assistant and confidant Tubby Watts (also of See-All-Tell-All News). He worked with, romanced and married Libby Lawrence aka Liberty Belle, and he also worked with all the members of the Wartime All-Star Squadron. During his time with the Squadron, Johnny met the members of the JSA and developed a strong but friendly rivalry with Jay Garrick, the first Flash.
Johnny Quick returned during the Infinite Crisis storyline with Max Mercury and Barry Allen to assist Bart Allen (the second Kid Flash) wrestle Superboy-Prime into the Speed Force.
