SUPER POWER

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*To celebrate FLASH APPRECIATION DAY celebrated on February 11th, we publish this article on DC’s top two speedsters.

In one #SupermanTAS episode, #Superman and #Flash raced for charity. Though the end was unclear, who is #TheFastestManAlive?

— Database Comics Museum (@ClarkJosephKe11) February 8, 2023

FLASH AND SUPERMAN ARE THE FASTEST DC SPEEDSTERS

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.

With spots at Number 4, Numbers 2 and 1, Superman, Barry Allen and Wally West are the fastest DC heroes. Importantly, we compare Superman to the classic Barry Allen Flash to see how they match.

Both heroes have a historic rivalry that goes back to the SILVER AGE. In Superman (1967) #199, acclaimed writer Jim Shooter writes the first Superman-Flash race in DC continuity. In a charity race for the United Nations, Superman and Flash must circle the Earth three times to win. Importantly, the race ends in a tie due to interference by rival international gangs.

Recently, Superman and Flash race in Superman: Up In The Sky (2019) #4, for charity. In order to win, they must circle the Earth ten times. In the comic, Superman actually wins the race when he overhears Lex Luthor’s plot. Certainly, both heroes are competitors.

Let’s look at how Superman and Flash compare in super speed.

TV: IN S:TAS, THE SUPERMAN-FLASH RACE ENDS ON A CLIFFHANGER

From 1996 to 2000, Cartoon Network aired Superman: The Animated Series. Importantly, with BATMAN: The Animated Series (1992-1995), the Tim Burton shows set up the foundations for Justice League and the DC Animated Universe.

Moreover, the fourth episode of the second season, gave the fans the treat they deserved: the animated race between Superman and the Flash. In Metropolis, the competitors meet and the mayor tells them that the firs to race a 100 times around the Earth, will become The Fastest Man Alive.

In true DC Animated Universe fanfare, the episode is filled with comedy, fun and machinations from villains. Perhaps, one of the highlights of the entire series. Though both competitors are fierce, it seems the Flash has an edge. In fact, the episode ends on a cliffhanger.

In the end, both heroes continue their race and the winner is unclear.

VISIT THE DC POWER LEVELS PAGE

FILM: SUPERMAN CATCHES UP WITH THE FLASH IN RUSSIA

Really, Justice League (2017) finally brought the World’s Greatest Heroes to save the Earth from Steppenwolf’s alien invasion. Importantly, it resurrected Superman who died in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016) fighting Doomsday.

Perhaps, one of its least celebrated moments is the Superman and Flash civilian scene. For minutes, Flash is headed eastwards searching for civilians. When Superman hears civilians are in danger, he heads in the same direction. In a few moments, Superman catches up to the Flash.

Though earlier scenes at the Superman Memorial, show the Flash is faster, Superman shows reflexes fast enough to keep up with the Scarlet Speedster. In fact, our next item reveals that both heroes are competitors for The Fastest Man Alive.

FILM: IN THE POST-CREDITS SCENE, SUPERMAN AND FLASH RACE

Gloriously, Justice League (2017) showcases a fan-favorite post-credits scene. In order to determine who is The Fastest Man Alive, Flash and Superman agree to race across the Pacific. The movie ends on a cliffhanger with the outcome of the race uncertain.

Though the DCEU Flash is known to be faster and even capable of turning back time, Superman can escape the pull of a black hole and has the advantage with flying. Certainly, fans know Flash is The Fastest Man Alive.

COMIC: ON EARTH, SUPERMAN REACHES SUPERSONIC SPEEDS

VISIT Superman, ‘Superman’ Vol 2 #207 for a power level rating of Superman’s speedblitz.

Importantly, Superman flies at supersonic speeds on Earth and can circle the planet in a few moments. However, he is able to go FTL in space.

COMIC: FLASH RACES FTL

For the most part, Superman and Flash are challengers. However, Flash can run at light speeds on Earth. In Flashpoint (2011), Barry ran so fast that he turned back time and created an alternate DC multiverse leading to the New 52.

SEE Flash, Wally West, JLA Vol 1 #89 for Wally West’s power level rating. Comparably, Barry can travel at lightspeed.

RETWEETED BY DC TWEETS

🎉 #FlashAppreciationDay and #Speedsters? Click for the first Superman-Flash race! #dccomics #DCAU #TheFastestManAlive #Metropolis #TheBigApple #BigD #HTown #CityofSevenIslands #ComicsAreForEverybody https://t.co/Gx3pBz1aGk

— Database Comics Museum (@ClarkJosephKe11) February 23, 2023

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LINKS

Superman: Up in the Sky Vol 1 4 in DC Database. DC Nation Vol 2 in DC Database. Superman vs The Flash: Who Won More Of Their Races? in ScreenRant.