Tom versus the Flash number 285 or good news.

Frank Curtis's beard is back 100%.

Welcome back for the Flash number 285, the May 1980 issue featuring a cover,

penciled by Don Heck, inked by Dick Giordano, who I'm afraid to say passed away this last

week, Dick Giordano, one of my favorite inkers. And from

I have heard quite a wonderful man, so sad to hear that. Always remember people, when you get a chance

to meet some of these old comic creators at conventions, do it, because they're not going to be

around forever. One of my most treasured memories is spending half an hour with Carmen and Fantino.

So always take the opportunity just to tell guys how much you like their stuff.

So you always see everyone go on and on after they pass away.

But it'd be nice to see more people talk about it before, before these creators leave the earthly realm.

And I think that's a weird thing to say.

This issue is edited by

Len Wien. Our story is, if at first you don't succeed, written by Carrie Bates, art by Don Heck

and Frank Chiaramante, lettered by Ban Oda, colored by Gene DeAngelo. It's a brand new beginning for

the Flash, as it says, right on the cover. Flash is running through

Central City thinking about how the first time he's kind of felt good in a very long time. And

it's time to get his life back on track after his wife passed away. He's zooming around

time when all of a sudden he notices something, a strange odor, just the hint of gasoline.

Now, if he's anything like me, he loves the smell of gasoline.

Just loves it. He can't get enough of it. So he's obviously pleased because he seems smiling a little.

But then he notices another odor mixed him with that gasoline smell. Something he recognizes

...