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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I love Bagley’s work. His Thunderbolts was so much fun! Love that series!

At the same convention Roy had the chance to meet Dan Jolley and Jamal Igle too! Sounds like a Firestorm-filled show to me! While there I imagine Roy was hunting for another copy of the variant cover to Fury of Firestorm #61 from 1987. After all, he’s only got nine copies so far. Seriously.

Thanks to Jay Jones for helping get this sketch scanned! Check out Jay’s Captain Atom blog – Splitting Atoms!

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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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Dave Beaty, Scott’s long-time inker and creative collaborator, created this a memorial video to celebrate what would have been Scott’s 44th birthday. Many of Scott’s fans, friends & family contributed to this video. Please take a few minutes and celebrate his life and many contributions to the comic book art form. See all the titles Scott worked on by clicking here. For a celebration of Scott’s contributions to Brightest Day, click here.

If you can’t view the embedded video above, please click here.

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Scott Clark broke into superhero comics during the 1990s and worked for years in conjunction with Jim Lee’s WildStorm studio. Scott worked on many high-profile books, including: X-Men, Batman Inc, Alpha Flight, Grifter, Stormwatch, Adventure Comics, Wonder Woman, and Brightest Day, just to name a few. Scott’s death came as a real shock to the comics community. There was an outpouring of sadness from fellow comic creators, fans, and friends he left behind.  Jim Lee, DC Entertainment Co-Publisher, posted the following statement:

I’ve known Scott since the earliest days of WildStorm – he was one of the very first artists I brought into the studio back in 1993. I’m stunned and saddened by this news and at a loss for words. Scott was a great talent, a terrific guy, and a friend.  He was one of the regular crew of artists who worked well into the night (every night), took dinner at Denny’s at 2am and played ping pong in between drawing pages.  We will all miss him dearly. Our thoughts are with his family during this time.”

Dave Beaty, Scott’s long-time inker and creative collaborator, wrote this message on his Facebook the day the news broke:

So my friend and artistic collaborator Scott Clark passed away last night. It was a shock to his family and Micah and I. I’ve known Scott since the mid 90’s. I was his background assistant on Alpha Flight. We became friends and went on do create art for Stargodz, Brightest Day, X-Men, Batman Inc, Grifter, Adventure Comics, Wonder Woman, and the list goes on & on. He fought to get me at DC and at Marvel. He was the biggest supporter of my work. And I of his. I don’t know what this means for the future. Cuz things will never be the same for me. I will miss you Scott.”

I apologize to you Firestorm fans for taking so long to share this sad news. Honestly, I struggled how to report this story. I suppose I could have just done a straightforward news blurb, but somehow it didn’t feel right. Then Dave Beaty contacted me suggesting we run a series of Scott Clark’s pencils from Brightest Day. Such a fantastic suggestion from Dave! This is how we should remember Scott, by enjoying his amazing artwork and celebrating his contribution to the Nuclear Man’s history!

All the following images are original pencils by Scott Clark for Brightest Day. These were provided by Dave Beaty exclusively for you Firestorm fans! Be sure to click the images to enlarge. You won’t believe the amount of detail Scott put into each drawing!

Brightest Day #6 page 3 panel 1

Brightest Day #6 page 7 panel 3

Brightest Day #7 page 13

Brightest Day #10 page 1 panel 2

Brightest Day #10 page 1 panel 3

Brightest Day #10 page 3 panel 1

Brightest Day #10 page 3 panel 3

Brightest Day #10 page 22

Brightest Day #11 page 1 panel 3

Brightest Day #11 page 2 panel 3

Brightest Day #11 page 3 panel 5

Brightest Day #11 page 8

Brightest Day #11 pages 18 & 19

Brightest Day #14 page 24

Brightest Day #16 page 4

And finally, a really nice drawing of Firestorm in action!

Scott Clark, thank you for your fantastic contribution to Firestorm’s history. You will be missed.

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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?”

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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!

My thanks to Bill Bailey for sending this my way!

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We booked the event with Skydive Jacksonville. Several of my family members made the trip to help celebrate the occasion — or collect my remains if it went horribly wrong! Those making the trek included my wife, daughter, stepson, father, stepmother, sister, and brother-in-law.  It was so nice of them to travel just to see me jump!  I wore my Superman t-shirt for the occasion.  I considered wearing my Firestorm shirt, but if you are flying you gotta go with Superman, right?  I did carry a small Firestorm action figure in my pocket (the DC Universe Action League Firestorm, based upon the Brightest Day costume design), just so I could say Firestorm made the jump with me.  Check him out below!

I tandem jumped with a great guy named Kevin. Kevin was so pumped and energetic; you’d never guess he had skydived nearly 3,000 times! Also, his son jumped with us and it was fun jump with the father/son duo at the same time.

I thought I’d be nervous before the jump but I wasn’t at all. I felt supercharged and really excited! I was amazed the plane ride was so smooth. Normally when I fly my stomach momentarily drops during takeoff, but this was smooth as could be — probably the smoothest airplane ride I’ve ever had! We climbed to 12,500 feet (a little over two miles in the air)! I was able to see all of Jacksonville — even the coast — in the hazy distance. As we opened the door of the plane and prepared to jump, I felt only excitement – no fear! Below you’ll see a photo take just after we jumped. It may be hard to tell in the photo, but I’m cheering with excitement!

We free-falled (free-fell?) for about 7,000 feet over the course of 45 seconds. If I’ve done my sums correctly, that means we were falling at over 100 miles an hour! Surprisingly, the jump wasn’t scary at all. It was very smooth and the pressure of the wind made me feel supported instead of out of control. I did a few Superman flying poses — c’mon, you should have expected that.  It was very, very loud and I could barely hear myself cheering.  Then the parachute was deployed; also much smoother than I expected. It suddenly became very quiet and Kevin and I could talk in nearly normal voices. It was absolutely breathtaking! The video and pictures don’t do it justice.  We sailed the remaining distance over about five minutes, doing some fun spirals and spins!  For the landing, we came in fairly slow over the field we started from and slid to a halt on our bottoms.  I will admit I hit the ground at just the wrong angle and bumped my tailbone pretty hard.  It’s still sore a week later, but it’s slowly getting better.  That was the only downside to the jump!

I had an absolute blast and look forward to jumping again! It was a fantastic way to celebrate my 40th birthday! If you’d like to watch the video, check it out below!

If you’re unable to see the embedded video above, please click here.

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