The CW describes the character as “a charming, but cocky scientist who was affected by the same Particle Accelerator explosion that created the Flash. When Caitlin Snow (Danielle Panabaker) recruits him to join the team at S.T.A.R. Labs, Hewitt jumps at the opportunity to fulfill his destiny as a powerful meta-human.”

Demore Barnes is a Canadian film and television actor probably best known for his role in the television shows, The Unit and 12 Monkeys. 

A “tokamak” is a Russian-created fusion reactor device. CW’s description above for Hewitt is pretty far from his original comic book persona. See his entry below from Who’s Who: The Definitive Directory of the DC Universe vol 24, which recaps his appearances in 1983.

After that adventure ended in Fury of Firestorm Annual #1 (1983), Tokamak wasn’t seen for about 20 years. In 2006 during the Jason Rusch Firestorm: The Nuclear Man series, Tokamak (now spelled Tokomak) was revealed to have survived by creating a series of clones of himself in which he merged with them to prolong a terminal disease as the result from his powers. He took the identity of Victor Hewitt in order to inherit his company, and bedeviled the recent Firestorm Jason Rusch from behind the scenes while conspiring to create nuclear meltdowns across the Earth to empower himself. He was ultimately stopped by Firestorm, Firehawk, Mikhail Arkadin, and Gehenna, and was finally killed when Tokamak was separated from his clone by Firestorm. Image below from Firestorm: The Nuclear Man #30 (Oct. 2006)

Some folks on the interwebs have questioned adding Tokamak, rather than one of Firestorm’s better known rogues. My response is that they’ve already added: Killer Frost, Multiplex, and Plastique. In the realm of notable Firestorm foes, that leaves Hyena, Typhoon, Black Bison, and Tokamak. I’d argue that Hyena would be too redundant on The Flash as an animal foe after introducing Gorilla Grodd. Typhoon would be too redundant on The Flash after introducing Weather Wizard. That leaves Black Bison, which would be really cool, but walks that dangerous line of reinforcing stereotypes. Therefore, I feel Tokamak is a pretty good choice for Firestorm foes. Besides, he was probably chosen because it fit their story needs.

Congratulations to Demore Barnes for landing a role on The Flash! And welcome to the Nuclear Family!

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ESSENTIAL FIRESTORM READING:

Ronnie Raymond & Professor Martin Stein

• Firestorm The Nuclear Man 1-5 (1978): Firestorm’s earliest adventures. Collected
• DC Comics Presents 17 (1980): Firestorm returns to action with Superman & receives an invitation. Collected
• The Flash 289-299, 301-303 (1980-1981): Firestorm 8 page back-up stories. Partially Collected
• Fury of Firestorm 1-9 (1982-1983): Firestorm’s most successful run. Fun stories!
• Fury of Firestorm 14-18; Fury of Firestorm Annual 1 (1983): Excellent story introducing Firehawk and Tokamak. My personal favorite!

Jason Rusch

• Firestorm 1-3 (2004): The origin of Jason as Firestorm Available Digitally
• Firestorm 8-13 (2005): Jason teams-up with Firehawk and … deceased Ronnie Raymond? Partially Collected
• Firestorm The Nuclear Man 28-32 (2006-2007): Jason and Professor Stein together in a fantastic adventure
• Blackest Night 1-8 (2009-2010): Firestorm changed forever. Collected

New 52: Ronnie Raymond & Jason Rusch

• The Fury of Firestorm The Nuclear Man 13-20 (2012-2013): The New 52 Firestorm returned to a more iconic version. Collected

In my opinion, the comics above are the most essential Firestorm stories.  Up next are other Firestorm appearances definitely worth your time!

OTHER WORTHWHILE FIRESTORM APPEARANCES:

Firestorm-centric Justice League of America appearances:

• JLA 179-180 (1980): Firestorm joins the JLA
• JLA 183-185 (1980) : JLA travels to Apokolips. Collected
• JLA 192 & 193 (1981): Red Tornado goes wild. Collected
• JLA 205 (1982): Professor Stein vs Hector Hammond
• JLA 207-209, and All-Star Squadron 14 & 15 (1982): Crisis on Earth-Prime. Collected
• JLA 228-230, JLA Annual #2 (1984): Mars/Earth War and aftermath

Stories that dramatically changed Firestorm’s composition and personality:

• Fury of Firestorm 62-64, Fury of Firestorm Annual 5, Firestorm 65 (1987): Birth of the “Blank Slate” Firestorm
• Firestorm 85-100 (1989-1990): The Elemental era of Firestorm

Major DC Events Involving Firestorm:

• Crisis on Infinite Earths 1-12 (1985-1986): Collected
• Legends 1-6 (1986-1987): Available Digitally
• Brightest Day 0-24 (2010-2011): Collected Vol 1, Vol 2, Vol 3
• Forever Evil 1-7 (2013-2014): Collected

There you go. While Firestorm has appeared in hundreds of other comics, these are the ones I’d recommend to a new reader of the character. If you disagree with my selections, or think of other important appearances, sound off in the comments!

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Here is a snapshot of my own personal collection! Click to enlarge.

The very first Firestorm action figure is still the most beloved by many fans…
Super Powers Collection Firestorm (1985)

Next, the miniature DC Direct Pocket Super Heroes Firestorm action figure (Sept. 2002)
Instead of fire-hair, I’m pretty sure that’s just Aquaman’s hair repainted.

Then, the first “inaction” figure, part of DC HeroClix Cosmic Justice – Firestorm (Mar. 2003)
Cool pose, but the paint jobs can REALLY vary.

Next, my personal favorite Nuclear Man action figure, DC Direct JLA Series 2 (Dec. 2004)
Ironically, when this figure was released, Firestorm was already sporting a new look with
Jason Rusch as the new Firestorm, and thus this figure’s design was out-dated at release.

Then, Jason’s first action figure, DC Direct’s Infinite Crisis
Firestorm with flaming stand (May 2007)

Next, Jason’s entry in DC HeroClix Justice League – Firestorm (Sept. 2007)

Then, a pair of figures in Mattel’s DC Universe Classics line,
Firestorm (Jason) and variant (Ronnie) (Nov. 2008)

Next, Jason got animated with Batman: The Brave and the Bold
Rocket Blast with Firestorm action figure (Nov. 2009)

Then, Ronnie got small with DC Universe Infinite Heroes Firestorm action figure  (Jan. 2010)

Next, Ronnie got funky & chunky in this Blammoid Firestorm (Jan. 2010)

Then, Eaglemoss produced this lead mini-figurine as part of the
DC Comics Superhero Collection Figurine Magazine #46 featuring Firestorm (Mar. 2010)

Next, the first piece featuring Ronnie & Jason together was
DC Brightest Day HeroClix Action Pack with Firestorm (Oct. 2010)

Then, these adorable DC Universe Action League figures – Deathstorm vs Firestorm (Dec. 2010)

Next, Ronnie got animated in the Mattel Convention Exclusive
Justice League Unlimited 3-Pack: Angle Man, Firestorm & Killer Frost (Apr. 2011)
Yes, that’s right.. with Angle Man?!? Click to enlarge.

Then, the most unexpected Firestorm toy (and most unrecognizable) came in
McDonalds Happy Meal – Batman: The Brave and the Bold (Apr. 2011)

Next, one of my favorite Nuclear Man action figures, DC Direct’s Brightest Day Firestorm
(July 2011). Ironically (for a second time), when this figure was released, the New 52
costume redesign for Firestorm had already been promoted. That’s twice a new figure
was released just after a new look was revealed, thus making the figure’s design out-dated.

Then, the first New 52 Firestorm merchandise produced included DC Heroclix:
The New 52 Justice League with Ronnie, Jason & Fury (Aug. 2012).  Ironically (third time’s
the charm), when these HeroClix were released, the New 52 “Ronnie & Jason merged”
costume redesign for Firestorm had already been promoted. That’s three times a new figure
was released just after a new look was revealed, thus making the figure’s design out-dated.

Next, Eaglemoss produced another Firestorm mini-figurine as part of DC Superhero Chess
Figure Collector Magazine, issue #53 Firestorm White Pawn (Mar. 2014). Ironically
(a fourth time, seriously), when this figurine was released, The New 52: Futures End
costume redesign for Firestorm had already been promoted.  This makes four times
a new figure was released just after a new look was revealed, thus making the
figure’s design out-dated.

Finally, later this year the Mattel’s Matty Collector Club will release a Firestorm
figure as part of their Total Heroes line! It looks so cool and comes
with a floating Professor Stein head accessory!! Click to enlarge.

And just for fun, here is a Firestorm Cubee! A Fan-created do-it-yourself
figure made entirely from folded paper!

Thanks for checking out this Firestorm action figure index! I’ll update it from time to time as more Firestorm toys become available. Reminder, there will be a follow-up post soon featuring Firestorm’s supporting cast and foes. So check back!

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Support Firestorm (and Gregg Schigiel)! Fan the flame!

]]> http://firestormfan.com/2014/03/28/super-muppets/feed/ 4 http://firestormfan.com/2014/01/07/jules-suarez/ http://firestormfan.com/2014/01/07/jules-suarez/#comments Tue, 07 Jan 2014 10:30:31 +0000 http://firestormfan.com/?p=8947 Check this out! Awesome fan art featuring nearly every incarnation of Firestorm! I absolutely love it! Click the image to enlarge!

The artist is a teenager from Mexico named Jules Suarez. A teenager!! How cool is that?!?! First of all, I don’t know a lot of teenage fans of Firestorm. Second, if his art is this good during his teenage years, just think how good he’ll be as an adult! Great job, Jules!! Keep up the fantastic work! Be sure to follow Jules on deviantART and Tumblr!

Just about every Firestorm is represented in this drawing!! Here is a complete list of all incarnations in Jules’ art:

• Original Firestorm (Ronnie Raymond / Martin Stein)
• Elemental Firestorm (Martin Stein)
• Jason Rusch (1st Firestorm form)
• Jason Rusch (One Year Later design)
• Deathstorm (Black Lantern Firestorm)
• Brightest Day Firestorm (Ronnie Raymond / Jason Rusch)
• Jason Rusch (New 52 Firestorm Protocols)
• Ronnie Raymond (New 52 Firestorm Protocols)
• Fury (New 52 Firestorm Protocols)
• Current Firestorm (Ronnie Raymond / Jason Rusch)
• Crime Syndicate Deathstorm (Martin Stein)

The only Firestorm missing is the “Blank Slate” Firestorm. However, to be fair the only recognizable difference between the “Blank Slate” and the original Firestorm are the red cowl sideburns. So really, the art works just fine without it.

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That sound you hear is a bunch of Match-heads scratching their noggin’ thinking, “What the heck is the JSI?!?” The JSI was a team featured in the altered timeline of the Trinity maxi-series.

From Trinity #22, Gehenna up against Cyborg, Damage, and Tomorrow Woman.

We don’t post about Gehenna often enough around here.  If you are unfamiliar with Gehenna, shame on you. Along with Jason Rusch, she made up half of the Firestorm matrix from 2007 – 2009.

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Take a guess where the panel is from, then check the image properties for the answer!

Support Firestorm (and Aquaman)! Fan the flame!

VOTE! Click here to vote for your favorite six entries from, “What do you like about Firestorm?”

The six individuals with the most votes will receive one of the following fantastic prizes:

• An original art page drawn by Dan Jurgens and Ray McCarthy from the recent The Fury of Firestorm: The Nuclear Man #13 (courtesy of Ray McCarthy)
• Firestorm: The Nuclear Man trade paperback signed by writer and co-creator Gerry Conway
• The Fury of Firestorm: The Nuclear Men #11 & #12 signed by inker Marlo Alquiza (courtesy of Jeremy Hobbs)
• The Fury of Firestorm: The Nuclear Men Volume 1: God Particle trade paperback
• Brightest Day Firestorm action figure (courtesy of Mail Me My Comics)
• Batman: The Brave and the Bold t-shirt featuring Firestorm (courtesy of Lil’ Russell Burbage)

My thanks to Ray McCarthy, Jeremy Hobbs, Mail Me My Comics, and Lil’ Russell Burbage for donating prizes. Also, my thanks to Speed Force, the Flash blog, for inspiring this contest!

VOTE! Click here to vote for your favorite six entries from, “What do you like about Firestorm?”

Support Firestorm! Vote for those that Fan the flame!

UPDATE: If you voted prior to 11:00pm EST on Monday, February 25, please vote again. I apologize for the inconvenience. Due to some voting inconsistencies, I had to delete the original poll. The new poll was launched just after 11:00pm on Monday. You may select up to six responses, but please don’t vote for the same response multiple times. If there is a repeat of voting inconsistencies, I will terminate the voting and select the winners myself. The new poll URL is: http://twtpoll.com/m17u99

Happy voting! May the best Match-head win!

The rules of the contest are pretty simple… Just share what you like about Firestorm, or a favorite memory involving the Nuclear Man. Write these thoughts in the comments section of this post or e-mail them directly to me by clicking here. You can discuss any era/incarnation of the character, or any series where he appeared (i.e. Fury of Firestorm, Justice League of America, Brightest Day, Super Friends cartoon, etc).  The only restriction is haters need not apply. If you’ve got a bone to pick with a particular incarnation of Firestorm, this isn’t the place. This is a celebration of Firestorm, so let’s keep it positive! The contest will run until 10pm EST on Sunday, February 17th. So be sure to get your entries in before then. One entry per person please. Once the contest closes on February 17, we’ll collect all the entries and set them up as a poll to be voted on by readers, and the top-rated five will win!

We’ve got some great prizes! Check these out:

• An original art page drawn by Dan Jurgens and Ray McCarthy from the recent The Fury of Firestorm: The Nuclear Man #13 (courtesy of Ray McCarthy)
• Firestorm: The Nuclear Man trade paperback signed by writer and co-creator Gerry Conway
• The Fury of Firestorm: The Nuclear Men #11 & #12 signed by inker Marlo Alquiza (courtesy of Jeremy Hobbs)
• The Fury of Firestorm: The Nuclear Men Volume 1: God Particle trade paperback
• Brightest Day Firestorm action figure (courtesy of Mail Me My Comics)

Yes, you read that correctly! We’re giving away an original page from Dan Jurgens and Ray McCarthy’s premier issue of Firestorm!  How cool is that?!?!?!

My thanks to Ray McCarthy, Jeremy Hobbs, and Mail Me My Comics for donating prizes. Also, my thanks to Speed Force, the Flash blog, for inspiring this contest!

Tell us why you Support Firestorm! Share why you Fan the flame!

UPDATE: Vote for your favorite six entries from the contest!

Prices start at $72.58 and they offer lots of options and sizes. Now to complete your cosplay, you just need to set your hair on fire!

Check out the costume below based upon Jason’s post-Infinite Crisis suit! And click here for more information!

If you’re brave enough to order one, let us know! If you can legitimately wear spandex and look good doing it, then send us a picture too!

Support Firestorm! Fan the flame!