The eternal debate over whether Superman or the Flash is faster has captivated fans for decades, but modern DC continuity has established that while the Man of Steel is a close second, Kryptonians are slower than Speed Force users. Superman’s super-speed is entirely biological, so he's bound by the laws of physics. Meanwhile, the Speed Force alters reality to allow speedsters to neutralize atmospheric friction and inertia, as well as defy the speed of light and thus relativity itself. When push comes to shove, Superman eventually encounters a mechanical ceiling, whereas the Flash can simply tap deeper into the metaphysical concept of motion.
The age-old "Flash vs Superman" debate receives an answer, as a version of the Man of Steel proves he's much faster than several members of the Flash family.
Superboy Is Faster Than The Whole Flash Family, Except One Member
Superman #39; Written By Joshua Williamson; Art By Dan Mora
Superboy Prime has been making honest attempts at redeeming himself in the pages of Superman, impressing the Kents and major members of the Justice League alike. But in the real Superman's absence, it's also up to Superboy to fight off the original Man of Steel's threats. Currently, Manchester Black forces Superboy to face numerous enemies from his previous landmark events and crossovers, including his encounter with the Flash Family in Infinite Crisis. Without breaking a sweat, Superboy Prime dodges Wally West, Kid Flash, and Jay Garrick simultaneously, admitting that only Barry Allen can match his speed.
Superboy's easy dodge is only made more impressive by the fact that he's also fighting multiple other enemies besides the Flashes, including Wonder Girl, Terra, Negative Man, and other characters whose names Superboy can't remember. After dodging the Flash family, Superboy also reunites with Kal-L, who may challenge him to a battle that actually forces Superboy to push his super speed to the max. Although prime-continuity Superman has grown more powerful, the Golden-Age Kal-L is still powerful and fast enough to put Superboy Prime through the wringer, especially now that Superboy isn't evil.
Not Even Barry Allen Can Truly Be The Fastest Man Alive
Super Speed Is Bound To DC's Automatic Power Balancing
Super speed is governed by an unspoken law of automatic power balancing that ensures no single character can permanently claim the mantle of the undisputed fastest DC character alive. While Barry Allen is the centerpiece of the Speed Force, DC lore dictates there's always a bigger fish in every universe. Superboy Prime has proved capable of outrunning and overpowering multiple Flashes more than once, and when Barry Allen stands superior to his peers, the universe inevitably introduces dark mirrors like Eobard Thawne and Black Flash.
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The Flash Family is tough, but who's the toughest?
Besides, the most compelling challenges DC's speedsters face are usually problems that super speed can't immediately solve. Temporal paradoxes and psychological warfare can't be undone or avoided simply but running fast. This is why villains like Captain Cold and the Trickster have retained their place in the Flash's expansive rogues' gallery, even in unique timelines like the Absolute Universe. Even Wally West's newfound predictive abilities can't avoid all possible negative futures. And if Superboy decides to punch reality or manipulate the comics' panels, there's little a Flash's super speed can do to stop him.
Superman #39 is available June 24 from DC Comics
Created By
Gardner Fox, Harry Lampert, Carmine Infantino
First Appearance
Flash Comics
Alias
Jay Garrick, Barry Allen, Wally West, Bart Allen, Avery Ho
Alliance
Justice Society of America, Justice League, Teen Titans
Race
Human
Franchise
D.C.
English (US) ·