Meet The THINKER | Classic Flash Villain

There have been many versions of The Flash over the years from the golden age onward. Jay Garrick, Barry Allen, Wally West, Bart Allen and more have all faced some version of The Thinker. How does he fit into the Suicide Squad? Just who is this classic villain? Find out here on Casually Comics.
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[@jonathanross149]

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

[@johnbockelie3899]

" Now don't you two don't do no thinking for the thinker !!" " Right, Moe."

[@elrefu92]

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

[@tkillcoin]

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.

[@GenerationWest]

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!)

[@jamcalx]

Never be cruel.

[@GenerationWest]

@@jamcalx never be cowardly.

[@Indigo1]

Literally love this comment

[@eladiocofresi5202]

And don't be lasagna.

[@fandoms_loser_witch6747]

OMG THANK YOU, BEST REFERENCE EVER

[@kyanperry8786]

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

[@amandak.5967]

Thor: "Mad? I do not understand."

[@bwalker77]

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!

[@Stavol2Dual]

Never let people with recency bias stop you from enjoying what you like, their knowledge is limited.

[@ForbinsColossus]

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.

[@manis1551]

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.

[@Xehanort10]

In The Flash show he started off well and seemed like a good guy who got more and more evil while trying to find a cure for his condition. But then they overdid the body swapping and made him too powerful to the point of him becoming a Villain Sue with all the metahuman abilities he ended up getting. And then there was the really bad "I'm gonna make everyone dumb so I can teach them and be the world's greatest genius." And his wife was retconned from loving but willing to do anything to help her husband no matter how evil to an innocent victim brainwashed into doing what he wanted.

[@MagillanicaLouM]

Homie really thought he was doing something with that name

[@k9feline2]

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

[@philipjay2099]

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

[@CasualNotice]

My headcanon has re-costumed the entire Marvel and DC universes in their branded Underoos. Wonder Woman is particularly fetching.

[@philipjay2099]

@@CasualNotice I hope she hearts your comment cuz I can merely like it :/

[@euansmith3699]

"Quickly, V-Neck! The Jersey Boys are escaping!" "Leave it to me, Turtle-Neck; I'll stop them! Okay, you cardigan'd criminals, pull-over!"

[@philipjay2099]

@@euansmith3699 They just wear sweaters. They don't name themselves for sweaters. That would likely be their bizarrosweaterverse LOL.

[@ForbinsColossus]

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.

[@johnbockelie3899]

The Flash, featuring The 3 want to be Stooges.

[@Gangerworld]

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

[@timoh2248]

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.

[@justicierodelaliga]

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.

[@dragonetafireball]

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

[@willday9316]

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.

[@thomastakesatollforthedark2231]

Yknow these really are the source of all the world's ills

[@Auckdarren]

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

[@Xehanort10]

So the Flash was forcibly making criminals flash others?

[@negligible_reality]

kinky 😳

[@LBcrimson]

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.

[@joek7676]

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.

[@emsleywyatt3400]

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

[@constipatedinsincity4424]

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!💯😀

[@thomastakesatollforthedark2231]

Oh the sensations

[@constipatedinsincity4424]

@@thomastakesatollforthedark2231 I'm glad that there's only one picture of me as the Black Panther

[@thomastakesatollforthedark2231]

@@constipatedinsincity4424 how did that night go heh

[@cellscribe]

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

[@takeachance5881]

21 Minutes? Oh boi we in for a ride.

[@davidmcmahon4633]

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.

[@Akutabai5]

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

[@will2Collett]

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.

[@astrocitizen]

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.

[@daraghokane4236]

He had the rival a evil speedster

[@astrocitizen]

@@daraghokane4236 First off, I believe that you meant to type "[...] the Rival, an evil speedster". Second of all, that character sounds lmore like a "cracked reflection" or "evil counterpart" kind of villain much like Bizarro or the Wraith, which is not the same as an arch-enemy.

[@johnburt7935]

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

[@dcmarvelcomicfans9458]

John burt that wasn't Jay Garrick that was Zoom the real Jay Garrick is Barry's father from Earth 3

[@johnburt7935]

@@dcmarvelcomicfans9458 As one of my kids said while he was just learning to speak English, *_"Is dis a real?"_*

[@ProjektTaku]

@@johnburt7935 kinda. The earth 2 jay garrick is played by the guy who plays barry's father (and flash in the 90s show) but he is the flash on that earth.

[@johnburt7935]

@@ProjektTaku Convoluted, but fun.

[@ProjektTaku]

@@johnburt7935 quite comic booky.

[@caseygibson7266]

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.

[@isaacmartinez6904]

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

[@Babbling_Wizard]

Cross your fingers, hopefully better than the last one

[@lowercase21]

The director of the new suicide squad movie is the one that put guardians of the galaxy on the map so I'm guessing its going to be way better then the first suicide squad. It sucks he won't continue tgotg 3 for like 2 years tho.

[@chrisp.9385]

@@Babbling_Wizard everything is better than the last one...excepy JL,jl was worse

[@lowercase21]

@WhoDarestheMAN gamer lol your so butthurt, you still have to defend that movie huh? Even though theres countless jokes about how horrible it is. The movie is a big joke I could send you some editorials on why the movie sucked and was only made for preschoolers want to check it out? Ahh The Oscar, the only argument you and all the Suicide squad fans have.. guess what like anyone gives a fuck about an award for makeup!? You will be praising this new movie bc theres actually talent behind the camera but whats going to be funny is it took a marvel director to make the Suicide squad cool..

[@minato_arisato3751]

@@Babbling_Wizard did you like it?

[@A1somniaaa]

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!😁

[@noahhecker6609]

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

[@ToneTitan]

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

[@skyscreamstudios]

An accordion is always a viable reference point.

[@lunamalfoy7]

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

[@ashleytuchin7693]

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.

[@ProjektTaku]

I don't believe batman and jokers origins are quite "humble" considering they were in one of dc's (and in general) first comics and were an instant hit. Its like saying superman and lex had humble origins.

[@matthewmarquez8158]

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

[@robertroberts5090]

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

[@Solas67]

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!

[@Sunstar808]

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. 😉

[@mrbruce307]

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

[@davidfountain6607]

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?"

[@davidmoran2296]

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,

[@DjDragonblade]

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

[@kingdomcomesuperman3669]

No three comedy relief sidekicks were offended in this video

[@topgig]

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

[@Charolette21]

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

[@kj.6010]

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

[@figuredrawing4912]

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.

[@Mark-pl3bv]

"Hunk, who does not live up his name"

[@johnburt7935]

Notice his surname. Clearly, he is a Czech, which is to say a Bohemian, which is to...actually, you'd better not say "Bohunk", but some would.

[@Luke-fu5co]

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

[@SpinyskyStudio]

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

[@Neverleterlun]

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 KZbin live stream or twitch.tv

[@dherna12]

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

[@Kitsunekun2]

I thought the first Thinker in DC comics was named McGurk

[@Screamersmetal]

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.

[@ProjektTaku]

I always assumed it was because they were still coming off one of the first comics ever, famous funny's, which was more toon logic, so that carried over into the action comics book and so on, eventually leading to the toon style becoming the general style until people wanted something a bit more "serious" and less gaggy.

[@Dhyfis]

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.

[@kstormgeistgem461]

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

[@misteranother2252]

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?

[@kevincoleman2092]

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!

[@nooctip]

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.

[@Ryan5881]

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?

[@f12mnb]

Though it was called the Golden Age, the real world at that time was in WW2, just coming out of the Great Depression, so a trio of Three Stooge parodies WAS a bit of levity. The thing that is striking about the Golden Age is the extremes of plotting and characterization: sometimes they are barely sketched out - and others like this are deeply and carefully crafted. Please do these deep dives. Have you ever covered independent comics (e.g. NOT Marvel or DC?)

[@jhornacek]

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

[@paultapner2769]

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

[@festo8756]

Im guessing you never read Captain America 175- Captain America vs watergate

[@aloysiusmaina2625]

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

[@legendary3952]

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

[@DocSchupp1]

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 :)

[@samchristopher7620]

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.

[@GrayLanternPPA]

As a huge Three Stooges fan and a decent Flash fan, I am FLOORED that I didn't know about the Dimwits. Please cover more Golden Age. I feel like all I know of Jay's Flash is from Silver Age up.

[@thelockpot7836]

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

[@jimjones185]

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

[@TrenchReynolds]

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

[@ProjektTaku]

the thinker:THINK WALLY!THINK!

[@originalindigodingo]

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

[@constipatedinsincity4424]

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

[@benledet5193]

Love the rocks fall everybody dies reference

[@kcollier2192]

You give a very good analysis of the comics you review- well done. Also, have you ever been approached about doing voice acting? I think you'd be great at it. While stories like this are still a bit ahead of my time I'd certainly like to see more of the origins of the modern take on both heroes and villains (the '60's were my childhood years).

[@kashsmith6181]

You should check out Marvel's original speedster, The Whizzer. He got his super speed from mongoose blood. He was also supposed to be Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch's father before Magneto.

[@jhornacek]

Seen in the first couple of episodes of Jessica Jones season 2.

[@dragonetafireball]

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

[@sundered_ant]

Loved your comments about the Golden Age at the end :D also, any chance of a Ratcatcher video?

[@tretyler9521]

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!

[@AlecDraven]

6:25 "The Boys being Winky & Blinky." Any chance they have a friend named Clyde?

[@deonlatchman3283]

Awesome video

[@alwayshavefaith2521]

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

[@ea_gaming]

I appreciate you walking back your promise immediately 😂

[@aquatroy]

I also believe in "Warts and all". Its refreshing to hear another espouse the idea. Thanks.

[@rmr316]

I enjoyed the clip, thanks. I like that they made the Thinker a failed lawyer rather than a failed scientist. 10 years of poring over law books, cases, arguments instead of mixing chemicals alone in a laboratory like many other villains.

[@user-lj5ri3gp5o]

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!

[@deadfred821]

I get what you mean cause this not only felt like you were reviewing a novel; you showed on multiple occasions that you, my friend, are a reader & an academic.🤔 This is why I’m subscribed....✊🏾

[@euansmith3699]

Casually thoughtful, informative and entertaining as ever.

[@zachwise476]

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

[@amandak.5967]

I'm digging the fast Flash voice... the baby talk is horrifying though lol

[@claytonr.1886]

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.

[@pfunk6945]

These old comic book villains were grimy as hell.

[@soysaucefool]

I would love to see you cover the short but great Francis Kane/Wally West relationship, it starts in Teen Titans, and goes into his Flash run.

[@nicholaspeters6943]

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

[@danielross5292]

I love these Golden Age comic stories a lot 💕

[@dreamlandnightmare]

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.