The Blur

Since the introduction of the Flash in 1940, the speedster has become a superhero archetype. However, some speedsters are deliberate homages to the original.

Real Name: Stanley Stewart
Known Relatives: Abigail (mother)
Hometown: Hammer Falls, Georgia
Group Affiliation: Squadron Supreme
Hair: Black
Eyes: Brown
Publisher: MAX Comics, later Marvel
First Appearance: (as Stanley) Supreme Power #1 (October 2003); (as the Blur) Supreme Power #5 (February 2004)
See Also: The Whizzer (Squadron Supreme)

Supreme Power is a re-imagining of the Squadron Supreme, itself a re-imagining of the JLA. Series writer J. Michael Straczynski has stated he plans to explore similar themes to those in Mark Gruenwald’s 1985–1986 Squadron Supreme mini-series, but from another angle. Other similarities appear to JMS’ own “Rising Stars,” in terms of dealing with the effect super-heroes might have on the rest of the world. The series was relaunched in 2006 as “Squadron Supreme,” starting with the formation of the team.

As an infant, Stanley Stewart was stricken with an unidentified illness that nearly killed him. He survived, and grew up with super-speed, practicing first in secret and later with his mother’s knowledge to become a hero. After the public learned of the American government’s super-man Hyperion, rumors of the “Atlanta Blur” led booking agents Gareth and Henderson to Stanley’s door, where they offered him a multimillion dollar contract for corporate sponsorships.

Stewart was only the second superhuman known to the world at large, and his down-to-earth personality has made him quite popular. It also served as a sharp contrast to Hyperion’s more aloof, isolated manner. Early experiences with the U.S. government’s handling of superhumans left him distrustful, and when he was drafted into the Squadron Supreme, he requested conscientious objector status. His request was denied, and the Blur became a reluctant charter member of the team.

It seems likely that Stanley Stewart will become the conscience of the Squadron Supreme... assuming, of course, that Hyperion will let him.

• Primary Sources
• Art Credits

Primary Sources

• “Crank Up the Volume” and “Questions of Perspective” - Supreme Power #5–6 (February–March 2004), J. Michael Straczynski
• Squadron Supreme #1 (May 2006), J. Michael Straczynski

Art

• Supreme Power #6 (March 2004) - Gary Frank and Jon Sibal

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