Meet The THINKER | Classic Flash Villain 

He tells you a joke, and then you get it on the way home. The Thinker

"first I think, then try to kill the flash" Albert Einstein, 1969

I hate to pile on The Dimwits, but as stated, they seem to serve a real purpose in this story. The Thinker plans for speed, he plans for wits, and he may think his plans are "fool-proof". But in good story telling, there is often no accounting for the fool, and his/her ability to take down those with power. Good stuff. Thanks for this look back.

Captain America: “I understood that reference!!!”

The Thinker, he's trying to be a "Good Man", who tells you to laugh hard, run fast, and be kind, (also never eat pears!)

Favorite line of this video “Likes not loves. The Thinker is nothing if not perceptive. He’s not going after Joan. He doesn’t have a death wish. This is the Golden Age, the Flash would kill him.” 🤣 I couldn’t stop laughing at that.

That closing argument defending Golden Age comics is why I subscribed to this channel. I used to read a bunch of Golden and Silver Age comics, even if they rarely aged well. Knowing the history of the medium, how the mythology was created, what Eisner, Lee and Kirby brought to the genre, etc... The bad stuff is what they had to go through to eventually make the good stuff!

"I think, therefore I try to kill the Flash" -Clifford Descartes Devoe

Homie really thought he was doing something with that name

Ah, when a sweater and jeans is a valid supersuit. My brain contains a whole sweater-verse base mostly on the golden age.

It's a shame that the writers from the Flash TV show didn't write the Thinker well. I was underwhelmed by the character's story arc on that show. I hope you do more Golden Age comics as most comic book youtubers avoid covering comics from the 1930's, 40's and 50's.

The Injustice Society of The World: a compulsive gambler, a mutant psychiatrist, a caveman, a "not Mandrake the Magician", a brilliant but erratic lab assistant, and a disillusioned lawyer.

I am so here for your rapid-speak Flash voice.

I’d support more stories from the Golden Age. It’s an era that doesn’t get much attention. Comics before Seduction of the Innocent and the CCA were so different from what would come later. Plus, with the JSA getting more of a spotlight now is the perfect time to look back at their origin.

14:22 I’m getting Aspestos Lady flashbacks (she was written before they knew about asbestos and canonically died of long term exposure)

I would love to see more videos covering Golden Age comics. It's really hard to find channels that cover comics from that era, which is dissapointing because they have so much to offer if given the chance.

There are comics where Jay would strip criminals down to their underwear and leave them stranded on top of skyscrapers!

Golden and Silver Age comics are SOOO fun. Yes there are some outdated and cheesy stuff but you learn to appreciate it. And they offered so much content for the money. I used to dislike the JSA. Mainly because of the costumes. But I own EARTH 2 and learned to enjoy them. I'm glad they stuck around...and that we will see them un BLACK ADAM. ...I especially love that they will give importance to HAWKMAN as since the JL TV series everything is Hawkgirl. And while I like that the character took off did not mean they had to get rid of Hawkman in the process. PS Way to yo for WB/DC to beat Disney/Marvel with their own winged character.

The Thinker, along with Fiddler and Shade, was featured in the groundbreaking "Flash of Two Worlds" story in Flash 123.

Definitely talk more about this era! I see more shows and movies pulling from this age which I practically know nothing of and I you're one of the few channels willing to take a look at origins,older characters, concepts etc. of comic things in a way that's more direct and friendly and not just glossary. (Also I low-key have a crush 😂) , anyway yeah I'm definitely up for more older era stuff.

"See this invisibility going down" -- golden age comics

Back in the 80's I was dressed like Jay Garrick for Halloween. People kept telling me I looked like a black Gene Kelly and a couple of black Erroll Flynn. That was the year before I dressed like the Black Panther! That's a whole new conversation!💯😀

All-Flash is a very fascinating comic. I think it is the only comic that had the longest stories ever. 60+ pages for one story.

21 Minutes? Oh boi we in for a ride.

"Shout-out to all those who can recognize that reference". Searching comments to find out what this was about. Discovering I'm to early.

An accordion is always a viable reference point.

Let’s not forget that time when Clifford DeVoe formed that 90’s R & B group with Ricky Bell and Michael Bivins

I can see you reading comics to a baby, so, so cute Sasha Quinn. 😊💗🙏👍🌼 I think this was an interesting introduction, I really liked the Devoe character on THE FLASH. The 3 Stooges characters - sad to say - are forgetable - they did go on to make the rest of us a little happier in the world.

I really appreciate you going over some of the lesser known characters from the Suicide Squad trailer! I saw Thinker and was super excited because it was Peter Capaldi and I have been in another huge swing of getting into Doctor Who again but didn’t know anything about the character… even though I totally keep up with The Flash and didn’t realize Devoe was The Thinker. Welp. Also, I appreciate your speed-reading, haha.

"Novel Length"? Oh god, I don't think I can handle Barry Allen for that long.

Although Clock King would have been an obvious, possibly too obvious choice of role for Capaldi, The Thinker makes sense too. I'm super hyped for The Suicide Squad.

I think you summed up the Thinker rather nicely. Out of the GA Flash's villains, I think he was his lead bad guy... or at least the closest thing he came to an arch-nemesis. And with his meticulous planning, high IQ, and technological gimmicks, he was very much the Flash's Lex Luthor, much like the Gambler was the GA Green Lantern's Joker.

Can't wait to see how The Suicide Squad will turn out for next year.

No three comedy relief sidekicks were offended in this video

"He stabbed himself in the back three times!" 😂😂😂

I'm for all era's and any comics you feel like checking out. Part of what I like on this channel is learning about the character origins/story arcs, also the behind the scenes and creator tea.. all while having fun with the dialog and just the general way they are written. Some of those stories are so bad, but that can make them really sooo good to hear about..and your voice acting makes it infinitely better!😁

It's a shame that the Golden Age doesn't get discussed all that much. I'd actually love to see you discuss other longstanding characters who debuted in the Golden Age, it's always interesting to see how they've changed since their initial creation. Another thing I'd love to see would be discussions of characters that have evolved from humble origins into pop-culture staples, such as Harley Quinn, Deadpool, Batman and the Joker. I feel like Harley and Deadpool are especially unique in that regard.

I'd be curious to know which version of the Thinker your husband first became interested in, and why that character stuck with him. As for the statue of the Thinker, I always figured he was thinking "Now, where did I leave my pants?"

That really is quite a story. I love Jay Garrick, and was quite disappointed when the TV series used him up as a villain.

"Hunk, who does not live up his name"

The more I watch your channel the more I enjoy Golden Age comics and the more I enjoy your love of the books!

the thinker:THINK WALLY!THINK!

This is so old school I was looking for the panel where they say “Thinker, why you stinker.” Sasha I appreciate how you speed read Jay Garrick’s dialogue. 😉

Sasha, one of these days you'll be caught slippin' and say..."But, before we get started, I'm Sawshuh...". I'm tellin' you. It's gonna happen.

yessssss, this was long awaited!! so glad you did this!

Love the content. Especially the older stuff. That niche has yet to be filled. I think you own it.

I am hugely here for any and all discussions about the Golden Age. It's so overlooked and often derided (sometimes rightly) for its sexist and sometimes stereotypically racist depictions of some characters, but it's also the cornerstone for our understanding of characters we now take forgranted (particularly DC's Big Three.) Seeing a character like the Thinker reminds you as a reader I'd argue is a hallmark of what the Golden Age could be at its best. Without a driving need for sales or crossovers or anything, the writers could focus on the STORY, and truly think of character development or motivation, a properly fleshed out and realized story from end to end and even mix in the whimsical parody of real life celebrities of their era. The Thinker's a prime example of this and it benefits him. Sure, he goes over the top towards the end, but pays off the character's arrogance that he's in disbelief that the Flash could just use his speed to defeat his intelligence. I think the darker elements are interesting too, like the social justice seeker that was Superman and the much more brutal and even gun-wielding early Batman. And it's a window into the times and culture of that era, and an invaluable resource. More please!

I thought the first Thinker in DC comics was named McGurk

i remember this comic. The 3 Stooges were the first Millionaires of Hollywood. Did you buy my old collection of comics? Almost everyone of your broadcast shows me an old cover or two of comics I had. Thanks Sasha

Golden Age stories can be so much fun. Also I love how you talk really fast for Flash, and Hunk played by Robert Z'Dar,

More episodes like this ( with more obscure characters and unsung heroes).

Good god! If anyone ever baby talked me like Joan does to Jay, there will certainly be trouble.

Sasha would you consider doing a comic book club live podcast thing. It would be awesome to do live reads and discussions with you via RU-vid live stream or twitch.tv

Yay, The Thinker, he is a very underrated villian. I have always thought Clifford Devoe was interesting.

Would love to hear your take on The Spirit. Golden Age or Darwin Cooke’s run.

Great video. The Thinker is a very interesting villain, and I liked how actor Neil Sandilands portrayed him in Season 4 of The Flash.

I cant be the only one who saw that Injustice Gang picture and wondered what Doctor Sivana was doing there.

I'd love to see more Golden Age stuff discussed. I like how wacky, odd-ball, and 'lets just see what works' the entire era was- logic out the window.

Awesome video

Ooooh, can you do mongal next? Ive never heard of her before but also im too lazy to look up her wiki page😅🤷‍♂️

Thank you for another video Sasha! Made a bad day a little better

Sasha: *asks lots of questions* me: Yes. ~admittedly an overdone format but i think in this case, it fits.~

The baby talk was awesome. Thanks for the info on the Thinker.

Good in-depth analyses

_"Oh yeah, it's _*_big brain_*_ time"_ ~The Thinker

I’m enjoying these longer videos

I think therefore I am, The Thinker.

Great upload!! Probably the funniest you've been, yet didn't overwhelm the story. Since I grew up in the 70's, wasn't a fan of the original Flash. This has got me interested in seeing more of him. I enjoyed it immensely, sure your husband enjoyed it as well. Thanks for a great time!

The Thinker statue can’t keep one name I’m pretty sure some people are now arguing it should be called The Mourner

I had the highest amount of respect for you and your work.. and than you used the words "meenie- fo-feenie" and I lost a champion and role model :)

When I watch your videos it feels like I'm at school but I'm having a great time. You're great at this! P

Casually thoughtful, informative and entertaining as ever.

I would dig an hour+ video of you going over an issue.

Love you and your channel!! Lol

I LOL'd every time you did your super-fast Flash voice.

I would love to see more golden age stories on your channel.

This was a great video. Well done! I enjoyed this story. I like the Golden Age of Superheroes, so, th is is right up my alley. Also, I love Canadians. It was sweet you did this, for your husband. Take care!

Ah yes, the famous “wears a helmet that in no way covers your face” disguise: no one could possibly see through that, so he obviously has a secret identity...

I think this was a good episode and you should do more golden age. Being 80 year old it takes a bit to think like them but they are cool. Just a thought if you need some inspriation check out Digital Comics Museum. A final thought. So Devoe loses one case and figures his entire carrer is over., but gets beaten by the Flash every time, and keeps being a crook. I just don't think his heart was into being a lawyer.

forgot to say: it is quite interesting to see an old comic that says the system is broken and corrupt. Doubt they would have been allowed to in the comic code days

I would be very interested in hearing more golden age stories! I think a lot of people just focus on the bad stuff from the era (cause it can be pretty ridiculous and funny) but I'm really interested in hearing about the stories that made a real impact in the genre. A golden age captain marvel video would be cool!

Thank you for covering the Thinker! So the Thinker's super power was near Batman level of planning? Awesome video as always 👍👍. I known about the Thinker but I learned new things from this video both about the Thinker and the Flash. Could you do a video on John Constantine or the Shade?

Love the rocks fall everybody dies reference

I don't know much about the flash's rougue's gallery, but I do like the fact that the flash is the fastest man alive, according to the Cw, and the thinker sits there and thinks. I do like golden age graphic novels. I really like the three stOoges too!. Do you like the three stooges Sasha?

I was here for the Thinker, and shall be back when he gets his helmet. The Flash's secret identity works because nobody cared who he really was. He was the Flash. For reallikers.

I appreciate you walking back your promise immediately 😂

I think I actually like this much more than the CW version. I would like to pick up more of this and am really looking forward to Peter Capaldi's portrayal.

Funky plant that makes you go "invisible?" Yeah. Been there.

"A sulfuric acid trap door! Must be Tuesday!" 😂🤣😂🤣

These old comic book villains were grimy as hell.

Can you do Star Sapphire She’s so underrated and deserves more love And good content I’m enjoying it 😊

The Dimwits seem to be more of an amalgam of the Three Stooges and Laurel and Hardy rather than an outright parody of the former.

This reminds me of the better episodes of the Shadow radio program. There was that one episode with a hypnotist that only had to touch you to control you.

Thanks for explaining the thinker I’ve always wanted to know but was too lazy

Flash lied about free food? That's like Darkseid evil.

12:23 I am gonna headcanon that she just has a weird kink and Jay has been supportive, although not personally into it.

I love these Golden Age comic stories a lot 💕

Jay Garrick is my favorite Flash. Only John Wesley Shipp can play 2 Flash's in one 7:00 segment !

Okay, I know this was awhile ago but I just saw. "How would I know, for I am mad" comes from the Roger Corman picture The Undead, I think. Your videos are fantastic, btw.

I like the thinker and you did a good job sharing his story.