Grodd Ain 't So Tough!

It's always interesting seeing how villains evolve over the years, often going from afterthought one-shots to the biggest bad-asses conceivable.

Take, for example, Grodd.

Yes, the very name conjures terror and angst in all DC fans. He's a Big Bad.

But in his first appearance? Not so much.

Grodd has just stolen the "force of mind power" from Solivar, and now he can bend other to his will!!

Remember--when Obi-Wan uses "force of mind," it's good--when Grodd or Killgrave use it, it's bad!!

Anyway, Flash and Grodd haven't met yet...but Solivar has just recruited Barry to take down Grodd before he can conquer the world.

And the first meeting between these titans? Their terrible struggle?

Done in 6 panels. The Flash just spins Grodd around really fast. Game over.

No, seriously, spinning him around fast was enough to completely defeat the evil ape!

Well...that was easy.

As I said...interesting. Grodd was a throwaway villain easily disposed of in the back-up story. Somewhere along the line, though, he became the final-panel-reveal-OMG-Flash-is-in-for-the-battle-of-his-life villain.

So, evildoers, don't give up. Perservere, and you, too, can make the Grodd leap from  disposable chaff to world-threatening figure!!

From Flash #106 (1959)