DB COMICS MAILBAG
IN SUPER POWER EXPLAINED
AT A BASE LEVEL, FLASH IS STRONG ENOUGH TO CARRY A ROOM
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In many respects, Flash has been described as the most powerful DC hero. Though Superman is the king in the super strength department, In The Brave and The Bold (1972) #99, Batman is possessed by the ghost of Manuel, who died 50 years ago. Each night the episode repeats itself. In order to seek help, Batman contacts Flash (Barry Allen). Together, they travel to the spirit world and find the truth.
To this end, Manuel is attempting to find bodies to possess in the realm of the living. Soon, Flash and Batman uncover the source of the possession: A black Egyptian Ankh. In the end, mustering his strength, Flash tosses the mystic Ankh into outer space.
Finally, Batman is freed from the possession.
Really, when we rate this feat, Flash’s super strength required him to propel the object strong enough to reach escape velocity. Per our calculations, a 1 kg object would need 5041000000 Joules of energy in order to reach the speed of a meteor, greater than escape velocity.
When we convert into mass, we realize Flash is strong enough to carry 1.142 tons, at least the mass of the average room.
Now, let’s answer the user’s question by looking at the main two Flashes, Barry Allen and Wally West.
How Flash’s Punches Can Hurt Superman
3. THE SPEEDBLITZ:
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Among 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 technique on Gorilla Grodd.
In Feat: Nightwing, ‘Outsiders’ #3, we calculated that Grodd’s skin is at least 0.42 times as durable as bone. Since we used the 1 ton Metahuman Strength-Level as baseline, Grodd’s durability is likely higher.
In the issue, Flash hit Gorilla Grodd with 3000 punches in a few seconds. However, hitting Superman with 3000 punches that can shatter a room does add up. The added energy is 1.91*1011 Joules which is more than the energy released by a 1-ton nuke.
Of course, we know Superman can take a nuke. In fact, he can survive a million nuclear blasts. However, depending on the incarnations, the speedblitz can hurt weaker Superman versions.
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2. LIGHTNING STRIKES/PUNCHES
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In the live-action CW The Flash series, the eponymous hero has developed multiple super powers as the seasons progress. Namely, he has the ability to generate and strike his foes with lightning.
In The Flash: The Complete Third Season, Flash (Barry Allen) matches Savitar’s lightning bolt. The Marvel & DC Wiki at Fandom, ranks this feat as Small City-Level.
In the comic medium, Barry has developed this ability in the Rebirth continuity. In The Flash: Lightning Strikes Twice, Flash empowers the citizens of Central City with the Speed Force, creating new speedsters.
Now, he has to face Godspeed, an enemy who can be at two places at the same time.
Early in the battle, Barry strikes Godspeed with a lightning punch, knocking him back. Then, in no condition to fight, Flash runs away. Typically, a lightning bolt can release one billion Joules of energy. In fact, this is powerful enough to power a city block.
Also, given that Barry’s Speed Force powered an entire city, the lightning bolts are potentially City Level. For his part, Superman has shown varying degrees of resistance to lightning and electricity, even magical lightning.
1. INFINITE MASS PUNCH
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In our Infinite Mass Punch (IMP) article, we mentioned that Flash has Infinite kinetic energy potential since he is a Speed Force Conduit. In effect, Flash can punch Superman with infinite force. You can register for a free membership in order to view our feat rating for Flash, Wally West, JLA Vol 1 #3.
At the same time, in his battle with Zum, Flash used the IMP and hit the time-traveling villain with the mass of a white dwarf star. In a battle with Superman, Flash can strike the Man of Steel with Infinite Level of Super Strength.
ANSWER:
In a battle with Superman, Flash can amp the impact force of his punches by accelerating near light speed. In effect, Flash can hit with infinite super strength.
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