Jay Garrick, the original Flash, debuted in 1940 as a college student who gained super-speed from a hard water vapor accident. He became a founding member of the Justice Society of America and later a mentor to generations of speedsters, including Barry Allen and Wally West.
Jay Garrick first appears in Flash Comics #1, gaining super-speed after inhaling hard water vapors in a lab accident. He adopts a winged mercury helmet and becomes the original Flash. #comics #dc
Jay Garrick becomes a founding member of the Justice Society of America (JSA) in All Star Comics #3. The JSA is the first superhero team in comics. #comics #dc
Jay Garrick faces his first speedster villain, the Rival, in Flash Comics #13. The Rival is a dark mirror of the Flash. #comics #dc )
After the Golden Age ends, Jay Garrick retires from superheroics, marrying his longtime girlfriend Joan Williams. He later returns in the Silver Age. #comics #dc
In Showcase #4, Jay Garrick meets Barry Allen, the new Flash, and mentors him. This story establishes the concept of the multiverse in DC Comics. #comics #dc )
In The Flash #123, Jay Garrick and Barry Allen meet for the first time, crossing over between Earth-2 and Earth-1. This story popularizes the multiverse concept. #comics #dc
Jay Garrick helps reform the Justice Society of America in Justice League of America #21-22. The JSA becomes a regular feature in DC Comics. #comics #dc
Jay Garrick retires from superheroics again, focusing on his family and career. He occasionally appears in team-ups. #comics #dc
Jay Garrick participates in the Crisis on Infinite Earths, a major crossover event that merges the multiverse into one timeline. He survives the crisis. #comics #dc
After Crisis, Jay Garrick is re-established as a retired hero living in Keystone City. He appears in the series 'The Flash' (vol. 2) as a mentor. #comics #dc
Jay Garrick mourns the death of Barry Allen in Crisis on Infinite Earths. He later mentors Wally West as the new Flash. #comics #dc
Jay Garrick rejoins a reformed Justice Society of America in the series 'JSA' (1999). He becomes a key member. #comics #dc )
Jay Garrick is a central character in the new 'JSA' series, which runs for 87 issues. He serves as a mentor to younger heroes. #comics #dc )
Jay Garrick is revealed to have a connection to the Speed Force, the energy source for all speedsters. He helps Wally West understand it. #comics #dc
Jay Garrick plays a role in Infinite Crisis, helping to restore the multiverse. He represents the Golden Age heroes. #comics #dc
Jay Garrick appears in the weekly series '52', where he and other JSA members deal with a year without major superheroes. #comics #dc )
Jay Garrick stars in the new 'Justice Society of America' series, mentoring a new generation of heroes. #comics #dc )
Jay Garrick fights against the Black Lanterns during the Blackest Night event. He resists the temptation of the Black Ring. #comics #dc
In the New 52 reboot, Jay Garrick is reintroduced as a younger hero from Earth-2. He gains his powers from a lab accident involving dark matter. #comics #dc
Jay Garrick stars in the 'Earth-2' series, where he is a key hero on an alternate Earth. He battles the forces of Apokolips. #comics #dc )
Jay Garrick appears in 'The Flash: Rebirth' storyline, helping Barry Allen understand the Speed Force. #comics #dc
Jay Garrick participates in the 'Convergence' event, where he teams up with other pre-New 52 heroes to save their timeline. #comics #dc )
In DC Rebirth, Jay Garrick returns to the main DC Universe, restored to his classic Golden Age origin. He becomes a mentor again. #comics #dc
Jay Garrick appears in the TV series 'The Flash' (played by John Wesley Shipp), bridging the gap between comics and live-action. #comics #dc #tv )
Jay Garrick appears in 'Doomsday Clock', a sequel to Watchmen, where he represents the legacy of the Justice Society. #comics #dc
Jay Garrick fights against the Batman Who Laughs during the 'Year of the Villain' event. He helps save the multiverse. #comics #dc
Jay Garrick plays a role in 'Dark Nights: Death Metal', the culmination of the Batman Who Laughs saga. He helps restore the DC multiverse. #comics #dc
In 'Infinite Frontier', Jay Garrick is revealed to be a key figure in the new multiverse, with his timeline restored. #comics #dc
Jay Garrick participates in 'The Flash: One-Minute War', a storyline where speedsters face a new threat. #comics #dc )
Jay Garrick appears in 'Lazarus Planet', a crossover event involving magical and elemental forces. #comics #dc
Jay Garrick makes a cameo appearance in the film 'The Flash', portrayed by an actor. #comics #dc #film )
Jay Garrick stars in the animated film 'Justice Society: World War II', which adapts his early adventures. #comics #dc #animation
Jay Garrick is a central figure in 'The New Golden Age' storyline, which reintroduces legacy characters. #comics #dc