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Super Power Explained: ‘Justice’ Proves Shazam May Be Faster Than Superman On The List Of DC’s Best Speedsters

In 'Justice' (2006) #7, Captain Marvel outruns the Fastest Man Alive.
 
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SUPER POWER

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IN SUPER POWER EXPLAINED

THE DC UNIVERSE IS ALL ABOUT SPEED

'DC Nation' (2018) #2 ranks the Top 10 speedsters in the DC Universe
‘DC Nation’ (2018) #2 ranks the Top 10 speedsters in the DC Universe. AP Photo/DC Comics.

In the DC Universe, speedsters are capable of moving at tremendous speeds. Indeed, these are metahumans possessing tremendous super speed. To this end, ‘DC Nation’ (2018) #2, lists the Top 10 speedsters in the DC Universe.

For our purposes, let’s list them according to classes: 1. Speed Force Users. 2. Kryptonians. 3. Greek Pantheon and Magic Users. 4. Martians.

I. INFINITE CLASS: SPEED FORCE USERS

In the DC Universe, the Speed Force is the super power that powers the best of DC’s speedsters. In fact, this multiversal energy allows its users to generate an infinite amount of kinetic energy. To sum, DC’s best speedsters are Speed Force conduits that can reach an infinite amount of super speed.

1. FLASH (WALLY WEST), ‘JLA’ (1997) #3

In 'JLA' (1997) #3, Flash's infinite mass punch sends Zum into escape velocity at seven miles per second.
In ‘JLA’ (1997) #3, Flash’s infinite mass punch sends Zum into escape velocity at seven miles per second. AP Photo/DC Comics.

In ‘JLA’ (1997) #3, Flash (Wally West) showcased why he is the Fastest Man Alive. At the time, Wally endeared himself to us. Remembering Barry’s “Flash Facts,” he used a combat technique known as the Infinite Mass Punch.

In a race against the White Martian named Zum, Wally shattered general relativity. Indeed, he accelerated his mass to infinity as he approached the speed of light. Then, he hit Zum with the IMP generating an infinite amount of kinetic energy. At high speeds, Zum hit escape velocity and landed across the planet.

In ‘The Flash’ (1999) #148, Flash hits Reverse-Flash with a white dwarf punch. Definitely, the IMP enables Flash to take on Superman-level foes. Considering this, Wally deserves the top spot on this list.

VISIT FEAT: FLASH, ‘JLA’ #3.

2. FLASH (BARRY ALLEN), ‘FLASHPOINT’ (2011) #5

In 'Flashpoint' (2011) #5, Reverse-Flash reveals to Barry that the hero caused Flashpoint over grief for his mother.
In ‘Flashpoint’ (2011) #5, Reverse-Flash reveals to Barry that the hero caused Flashpoint over grief for his mother. AP Photo/DC Comics.

Certainly, “Flashpoint” is the most important DC crossover event of the new millennium. In a few words, in ‘Flashpoint’ (2011) #1, Barry Allen awakens at his desk. Strangely, he notices details of his daily routine are off. Also, he has no speed.

Furthermore, the most important detail is that his mother is alive. Afterwards, visiting the Batcave, Barry meets with Batman who is Thomas Wayne. In the end, Barry realizes he is living in an alternate timeline and suspects the Reverse-Flash is the cause.

In ‘Flashpoint’ (2011) #5, Reverse-Flash reveals to Barry that the hero caused Flashpoint over grief for his mother. When Barry found out Eobard murdered his mother, he time travelled to the past. Tragically, he saved his mother which resulted in the new timeline.

In the end, Barry attempts to restore the timeline. Unfortunately, this creates the Prime Earth multiverse. Certainly, the Speed Force grants its users infinite energy. Here, Barry shows his super power: time travel and the ability to recreate the DC multiverse. Definitely, this requires an infinite amount of kinetic energy.

VISIT FEAT: FLASH (BARRY ALLEN), ‘CRISIS ON INFINITE EARTHS’ #8

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3. REVERSE-FLASH (BARRY ALLEN), ‘FLASHPOINT’ (2011) #5

In 'The Flash' (1993) #79, Reverse-Flash reveals he replicated Flash's powers in the 25th century.
In ‘The Flash’ (1993) #79, Reverse-Flash reveals he replicated Flash’s powers in the 25th century. AP Photo/DC Comics.

Among his rogues, Reverse-Flash is Flash’s most dangerous foe. J. Richland Anderson at CBR.com, lists him third on the “10 Fastest Characters In All Of The DC Multiverse”. In the 25th century, technology has solved the problem of crime. As a result, there are no superheroes.

A wealthy man, Eobard Thawne was obsessed with the Flash. Successfully, he replicated Flash’s powers in an experiment and became… Reverse-Flash! Time traveling to the 20th century, he plagued Flash for years.

Among his super powers are: dimensional travel, time travel, reality alteration and Speed Force Negation. Lately, Thawne has created the Negative Speed Force.

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II. COSMIC CLASS: KRYPTONIANS

In the second class, are the Kryptonians. In a few words, under the light of the yellow sun, Kryptonians are capable of running, reacting, flying and traveling at superhuman speeds. Really, Kryptonians derive their super speed from the yellow solar radiation stored in their super dense cells. In effect, they are supermen who can move at FTL speeds.

1. SUPERBOY-PRIME, ‘INFINITE CRISIS’ (2006) #6

In 'Infinite Crisis' (2006) #6, Superboy-Prime escapes the Speed Force in his solar armor.
In ‘Infinite Crisis’ (2006) #6, Superboy-Prime escapes the Speed Force in his solar armor. AP Photo/DC Comics.

Originally, Superboy-Prime was destined to become Superman. Tragically, Alexander Luthor Jr’s machinations during “Infinite Crisis” caused him to become an evil Superman.

In ‘Infinite Crisis’ (2006) #4, believing himself to be the true Superboy, Superboy-Prime attacked Superboy. As a result, the Doom Patrol, Teen Titans and JSA came to the rescue. Critically, many members of the super-powered teams were injured. Left with no choice, Bart, Jay and Wally sent SBP to the Speed Force. There, he was imprisoned under a red sun.

In ‘Infinite Crisis’ (2006) #6, proving no prison could shackle him, Superboy-Prime escaped. Definitely, it requires to be faster than the Speed Force to escape it. Is SBP faster than infinity?

2. H’EL, ‘SUPERMAN’ (2013) #14

In 'Superman' (2013) #14, H'el teleports Superboy.
In ‘Superman’ (2013) #14, H’el teleports Superboy. AP Photo/DC Comics.

During the “H’el on Earth” storyline, Superman meets a foe unlike he has seen before. In a few words, H’el is Superman with additional super powers: teleportation, telekinesis, telepathy and size alteration.

In ‘Superman’ (2013) #14, H’el teleports Superboy so fast that Superman can’t see his movements. Considering Superman’s perception, this definitely requires FTL super speed. Certainly, this feat is the reason why H’el belongs on this list.

3. SUPERMAN, ‘ACTION COMICS’ (2014) #35

In 'Action Comics' (2014) #35, Superman travels endless space in 60 days.
In ‘Action Comics’ (2014) #35, Superman travels endless space in 60 days. AP Photo/DC Comics.

On multiple occasions, the Man of Steel has demonstrated he can travel and react at FTL super speed. Particularly, the speedblitz is a combat technique that allows Superman to punch his foes at tremendous speeds.

In ‘Action Comics’ (2014) #35, In conclusion, this is a FTL super speed feat. Definitely, it is the reason why Clark deserves a spot on this list.

VISIT FEAT: SUPERMAN, ‘SUPERMAN’ #207

III. STELLAR CLASS: GREEK PANTHEON AND MAGIC USERS

Third, is the Greek Pantheon and magic users. In short, these metahumans derive their super speed from divine enchantment and the pantheon of gods. Incredibly, they can move at near the speed of light. As a matter of fact, they regularly compete with DC’s best speedsters.

1. WONDER WOMAN, ‘WONDER WOMAN’ (2005) #214

In 'Wonder Woman' (2005) #214, a blind Wonder Woman tags Reverse-Flash moving at near light-speed.
In ‘Wonder Woman’ (2005) #214, a blind Wonder Woman tags Reverse-Flash moving at near light-speed. AP Photo/DC Comics.

To begin, Wonder Woman regularly competes with DC’s best speedsters. In ‘JLA’ (2008) #23, the League has been defeated by an upgraded Amazo in Red Tornado’s body. Thus, it’s up to Wonder Woman to save the day. Using their combined super powers, the JLA defeats Amazo.

In the issue, it is stated that Wonder Woman’s combat speed is faster than Superman’s. Though, Superman may have unlimited travel speed potential.

In ‘Wonder Woman’ (2005) #214, a blind Wonder Woman reaches Reverse-Flash moving at near light-speed. Considering the Reverse-Flash is powered by the Speed Force, this is a feat requiring near infinite kinetic energy. Therefore, Wonder Woman belongs in the Stellar class.

2. CAPTAIN MARVEL (SHAZAM), ‘JUSTICE’ (2006) #7

In 'Justice' (2006) #7, Captain Marvel outruns the Fastest Man Alive.
In ‘Justice’ (2006) #7, Captain Marvel (Shazam) outruns the Fastest Man Alive. AP Photo/DC Comics.

Throughout DC continuity, Captain Marvel (Shazam) has been recognized as Superman’s equal. As matter of fact, the “Justice” series proves this to be the case. In ‘Justice’ (2006) #7, the League recovers from an attack from the Legion of Doom.

On the ocean, Superman and Captain Marvel find Flash running. Atrociously, his accelerated metabolism prevents Flash from stopping to run. Sensing the danger, Superman admits only Captain Marvel may be able to save Flash. Then, the Captain has a plan.

Pouring on the speed, he catches up to Flash. In a flash of lightning bolt, he utters the magic word: Shazam! Then, he transforms back to Billy Batson and Barry is knocked out. Quickly, Superman saves them both.

In the issue, Barry states he can run around the planet in a heartbeat. Considering a human heart beats 60 to 100 times per minute, the World’s Mightiest Mortal travelled at 22 percent of the speed of light. Therefore, it is a reason why Captain Marvel may be faster than the Man of Steel.

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IV. PLANETARY CLASS: MARTIANS

Finally, the Green and White Martians can think, run and fly at speeds multiple times the speed of sound. Incredibly, they can fly around the Earth in seconds. Some can even travel in space under their own power.

1. MARTIAN MANHUNTER, ‘JLA’ (2013) #5

In 'JLA' (2013) #5, Martian Manhunter flies from Mars to Earth.
In ‘JLA’ (2013) #5, Martian Manhunter flies from Mars to Earth. AP Photo/Marvel Comics.

Definitely, Martian Manhunter is a speedster. In the New 52, J’onn J’onnz has demonstrated flight from Mars to Earth. Certainly, this is an inter-planetary feat.

2. ZUM, ‘JLA’ (1997) #3

In 'JLA' (1997) #3, Flash reveals Zum has the powers of Superman with some military training.
In ‘JLA’ (1997) #3, Flash reveals Zum has the powers of Superman with some military training. AP Photo/DC Comics.

In the JLA’s first meeting with Hyperclan, Wally West battled Zum. In a race, the White Martian used military tactics and superior speed. As matter of fact, Zum was running so fast, he was creating after images. In some sense, he may have been approaching the speed of light. In fact, that is what it took for Flash to defeat Zum.


RESOURCES

REDDIT: Respect Wally West, the Flash (Post-Crisis).

SOURCES

DC Nation Vol 2 in DC Database.
JLA Vol 1 3 in DC Database.
The Flash Vol 2 148 in DC Database.
Flashpoint Vol 2 1 in DC Database.
Flashpoint Vol 2 5 in DC Database.
The Flash Vol 2 79 in DC Database.
10 Fastest Characters In All of DC’s Multiverse in CBR.com.
The 10 Most Evil Things Superboy-Prime Ever Did in CBR.com.
Infinite Crisis Vol 1 4 in DC Database.
Infinite Crisis Vol 1 6 in DC Database.
Superman Vol 3 14 in DC Database.
Action Comics Vol 2 35 in DC Database.
Justice League of America Vol 2 23 in DC Database.
Wonder Woman Vol 2 214 in DC Database.
Justice Vol 1 7 in DC Database.
Justice League of America Vol 3 5 in DC Database.
Justice League Comics to Read Before the Movie in IGN.

12 thoughts on “Super Power Explained: ‘Justice’ Proves Shazam May Be Faster Than Superman On The List Of DC’s Best Speedsters

  1. […] ‘Final Crisis: Superman Beyond’ (2008) #1, Superman and Captain Marvel/Shazam lift the Book of Limbo. Really, it is a book with an infinite number of pages. In “Superman, […]

  2. […] In their family reunion, Magneto and Quicksilver were outmatched in super speed. Indeed, Quicksilver proved superior combat speed landing a punch. At the same time, Magneto’s EM Sight allows him to perceive electromagnetic forces and energies on Earth. In part, it explains Magneto’s enhanced perception and his ability to track speedsters. In Vision and the Scarlet Witch (1982) #4, Magneto is able to show heightened reflexes. Reactively, he erects a force field as Quicksilver charges at him at high speed. Though, Quicksilver beats him in raw power speedwise. Nevertheless, both Magneto and Quicksilver are in the same Speed Class. […]

  3. […] pushed past the boundaries of infinity. In Final Crisis: Superman Beyond (2008) #1, Superman and Captain Marvel/Shazam lift the Book of Limbo. Indeed, it contains infinite pages all occupying the same space. On another […]

  4. […] CHECK OUT THE SUPER POWER: ‘Justice’ Proves Shazam May Be Faster Than Superman On The List Of DC… […]

  5. […] King Shazam is possessed by The Batman Who Laughs. He comes to Kandhaq to conquer. Brutally, Black Adam engages him in a clash. […]

  6. […] Force is a dimension in the Sphere of the Gods, beyond the DC multiverse. From the Speed Force, speedsters are powered with an infinite reservoir of kinetic an potential […]

  7. […] Flash’s signature attacks is the speedblitz. Generally, many speedsters in the DC Universe can perform this technique, including Superman. Particularly, Wally West has performed this […]

  8. […] speed feat during the For Tomorrow story arc. In a fight against Equus, Superman performed the Speedblitz technique. Amazingly, with his cells charged by yellow sunlight, Superman is able to break the laws […]

  9. […] the contestants. On the left side is Shazam, the World’s Mightiest Mortal and on the right side is Grail, the Daughter of […]

  10. […] the most part, Captain Marvel has served as a JLA reserve member to call upon when Superman is not available or in distress. In […]

  11. […] After, Spectre goes through the DC Universe destroying magic, eventually going mano-a-mano against Captain Marvel. […]

  12. […] Today, we continue to celebrate Flash Appreciation Day celebrated on February 11th. In 2018, DC Nation #2, published DC’s official list of the Top 10 fastest speedsters of the DC Universe. […]

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