The Flash, Barry Allen, proudly proclaims himself “the fastest man alive” in every episode of the CW series. However, both in the TV show and comic books, this claim is frequently challenged. While Barry Allen is undeniably fast, clocking speeds that reach the speed of light, many speedsters have either matched or even surpassed him. So, how does Zoom, one of the Flash’s most formidable adversaries, stack up against the Scarlet Speedster in the speed department? Let’s delve into the hierarchy of speedsters and examine where Zoom fits in.
Speedsters Who Have Outpaced the Flash
Several characters within the DC universe have demonstrated speeds exceeding Barry Allen’s, including both allies and enemies. Here are some notable examples:
Speed Force Conduits and Legacy Speedsters
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Wally West: Often regarded as the fastest Flash, Wally has pushed the boundaries of the Speed Force further than Barry. He can directly access and manipulate the Speed Force, allowing him to achieve speeds surpassing even instant teleportation.
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Bart Allen (Impulse/Kid Flash): Born with super speed, Bart’s potential arguably exceeds Barry’s. His connection to the Speed Force allows for incredible bursts of speed, though it’s less consistent than Barry or Wally’s.
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Iris West II (Impulse): Daughter of Wally West, Iris inherited a powerful connection to the Speed Force, allowing her to master it in ways Barry hasn’t. Her potential is immense, rivaling even the most seasoned speedsters.
Villains Harnessing the Power of Speed
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Eobard Thawne (Reverse-Flash/Professor Zoom): Barry’s arch-nemesis, Thawne utilizes the Negative Speed Force, granting him speed comparable to and often surpassing the Flash. He can manipulate time, a significant advantage in any speed contest.
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Hunter Zolomon (Zoom): While not a speedster in the traditional sense, Zoom manipulates time relative to himself, giving the illusion of super speed. This allows him to outmaneuver even the fastest speedsters, although he doesn’t possess inherent speed powers.
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Godspeed: This relatively recent addition to the Flash’s rogues gallery boasts a pure connection to the Speed Force, enabling him to steal the speed of other speedsters. His potential is limitless, making him a formidable opponent for even the Flash family combined.
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Savitar: A self-proclaimed god of speed, Savitar possesses extensive knowledge of the Speed Force, granting him unique abilities like instant healing and force field projection. His mastery of the Speed Force makes him one of the Flash’s most dangerous adversaries.
Other Notable Speedsters
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Black Flash: The embodiment of death for speedsters, Black Flash can travel through time and the Speed Force with seemingly infinite endurance, making him a terrifying force.
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Amazo: This android can replicate the powers of any Justice League member, including the Flash’s speed. He has consistently proven capable of outpacing the Scarlet Speedster.
Zoom’s Speed: A Different Kind of Fast
Hunter Zolomon, the Zoom of Wally West’s era, stands out due to his unique “speed.” He doesn’t tap into the Speed Force. Instead, he controls his personal timeline, creating the illusion of super speed by slowing down everyone else around him. While incredibly fast and arguably faster than the Flash in terms of relative speed, his power isn’t derived from actual velocity.
The Verdict: A Complex Comparison
Determining who is definitively faster depends on various factors, including the specific version of each character and the context of the story. While Barry Allen is incredibly fast, many speedsters have surpassed him in raw speed or possess abilities that grant them a competitive edge. Zoom’s unique time manipulation allows him to seemingly outpace the Flash, but he is not inherently faster in the traditional sense. Ultimately, the question of who is faster remains a complex and continually evolving debate within the DC universe.
