One question that is rarely asked in superhero comics is why supervillains frequent certain cities. There seems little point in petty villains plying their trade in Gotham City, Metropolis, or Central City. However, a throwaway line in How To Lose a Guy Gardner in 10 Days may explain why The Flash faced so many costumed criminals in his early days.
In the flashback story “Too Many First Dates” by Marguerite Sauvage, Barry Allen tries to enjoy his first date with Iris West. Unfortunately, Barry keeps getting called away due to various disasters requiring The Flash to save the day. These range from an out-of-control gorilla, to a gang of robbers crashing their car through the café where Barry and Iris met for coffee.
There are also numerous minor problems, like Iris being allergic to the flowers Barry gave her. Even the Fastest Man Alive can only do so much in the face of repeated random disasters. This forces The Flash to travel back in time in a futile effort to try and create the perfect date and keep the peace.
The Flash Indirectly Closed CCPD Stations
As Barry makes yet another trip back in time, he curses the City Council of Central City for closing all the local police stations. Apparently, this decision was made because the vigilantes of Central City were too good at protecting the city. This left Barry Allen overworked, running himself ragged, trying to fight crime and make Iris happy. This may explain why so many members of the Rogues Gallery came to Central City. Even with two versions of The Flash on hand, the odds were still in their favor.
It should be noted, however, that Barry’s statement may be hyperbolic. We do see several police officers near the end of the comic. They are shown acting on an anonymous tip that The Flash called in. This leads them to stop the bandits’ rampage before it starts.
It seems likely that the city council may have closed some of the more remote police stations. This would logically result in fewer patrolmen on the streets. In any case, it seems clear that The Flash is going the extra mile, regardless of how many police officers are helping him.
DC’s How To Lose A Guy Gardner In 10 Days is now available at comic shops everywhere.
