| “ | I don't think you're ready for it, Rick. You don't know me any better than you knew my dad. I know that he invented the hourglass. The power inside it. I also know how much he respected that power. He knew how addictive that power could be, and how tempting it was to use it in all the wrong ways. Limiting the powers was his idea. One hour a day. And I never saw him abuse it. |
” |
An hourglass was invented and used by the late Rex Tyler to physically enhance himself.
History[edit source]
Creation[edit source]
At some point, Rex Tyler, a skilled chemist, designed an hourglass to enhance human beings physically. Tyler soon decided to wear the hourglass himself, becoming the super powered vigilante, Hourman, and subsequently joining the Justice Society of America.[1]
Death of Rex Tyler[edit source]
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On Christmas Eve 2010, Tyler, alongside his teammates, conflicted with the Injustice Society of America. During the battle, the entirety of the Justice Society was killed, with the exceptions of Doctor Mid-Nite and Tyler himself.[2] After the battle, Tyler and his wife brought their son to Blue Valley and attempted to evade the Injustice Society's pursuit. However, Solomon Grundy successfully assassinated both of them, with Tyler's hourglass falling into the hands of Stripesy, and later placed in the JSA headquarters for years.[1]
A New Generation[edit source]
In 2020, Courtney Whitmore discovered the Cosmic Staff and was brought to the JSA headquarters to learn the legacy of the heroes. Unbeknownst to Dugan, Whitmore stole the hourglass, alongside other protective suits and weapons, in hopes of reforming the Justice Society.[3] Eventually, Whitmore and Dugan discovered that her classmate, Rick Harris, was the son of Tyler. Whitmore, Beth Chapel and Yolanda Montez convinced Harris to wear the hourglass. Harris soon ran away to seek revenge on those that he disliked, and was later persuaded to join the team, albeit reluctantly.[1]
Destruction[edit source]
When Rick Tyler (formerly known as Rick Harris) was manipulated by Eclipso, he saw his uncle as Grundy, whom he was convinced to have been killing people in the forest. Tyler severely injured his uncle, soon realized his mistake afterwards. The hourglass was then shattered when Tyler deemed himself unworthy of the power and was arrested by the police.[4]
Random Minutes[edit source]
Even when Eclipso assaulted Blue Valley, Tyler remained powerless to fight in the battle, with his hourglass unable to work effectively.[5] Tyler worked extensively on the repairs of the hourglass after the battle, though was only able to get it to function for random minutes, including 33, 48, 6, and 17, but never an hour, much to his frustration.[6][7]
Overview[edit source]
Functions[edit source]
- Body Enhancement: When flipped upside down, the hourglass is activated and begin the one-hour countdown. During the hour, the wearer, who has genetic ties to Rex Tyler, will be enhanced physically and can perform exceptional tasks, including superhuman strength, reflexes and durability.[1]
Drawbacks[edit source]
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- Time Limit: To prevent an abuse of the power bestowed by the hourglass, Rex Tyler designed the hourglass to include a "limited", for lack of a better word, such that the power can only be maintained for an hour in one day and will dissipate when the one-hour limit has been reached.[1][8]
- DNA Ties: Tyler designed the hourglass to be applicable to himself and people with genetic ties to him, with the hourglass being tied to his own DNA.[1]
Appearances[edit source]
Gallery[edit source]
Hourglass
Rex wearing the hourglass on his neck
Rick wearing the hourglass on his neck with his suit
Destroyed hourglass
Rex's Journal
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Promotional Images[edit source]
Character Portrait (Rick Tyler)
Poster (Rick Tyler)
"The JSA are back in action!"
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