The debate over who holds the title of “fastest character in comics” has raged for decades. Speedsters are among the most iconic figures in both DC and Marvel Universes, but the crown isn’t easily awarded. We’ll explore some of the contenders, break down their incredible speeds with some scientific context, and determine who reigns supreme.
The Top Contenders:
The Flash (Barry Allen and Wally West)
Universe: DC Comics
The Flash, especially Wally West, is widely considered the fastest character in comics. Wally has been shown to exceed the speed of light (299,792,458 meters per second) multiple times and can tap into the Speed Force—a cosmic energy that transcends the laws of physics.
In The Flash #150, Wally outruns death itself, traveling at speeds that break the time barrier. In another instance, he outraces instantaneous teleportation, essentially moving faster than the concept of distance itself.
Scientific Context:
To travel faster than light, the energy required would approach infinity according to Einstein’s theory of relativity. However, the Speed Force, a fictional construct, allows Wally and Barry to bypass these laws, essentially creating their own physics.
Quicksilver (Pietro Maximoff)
Universe: Marvel Comics
Quicksilver is Marvel’s premiere speedster and has clocked speeds upwards of Mach 10 (7,680 miles per hour or 3,430 meters per second).
In Avengers #343, Quicksilver saves an entire city by outrunning an explosion. However, his speed pales in comparison to the Flash’s faster-than-light feats.
Scientific Context:
Traveling at Mach 10 would generate immense friction and heat. Without a protective field like the Speed Force, Quicksilver’s body would theoretically disintegrate from the atmospheric drag. His mutant physiology, however, seems to negate this issue.
Superman
Universe: DC Comics
Superman’s top speed is often described as faster than light. In Action Comics #775, he travels to Alpha Centauri (4.37 light-years away) in moments.
However, his speed isn’t exclusively dedicated to running but rather includes flight, which differentiates him from pure runners like the Flash.
Scientific Context:
Superman’s ability to exceed light speed while flying defies conventional physics. If he were purely a runner, friction and atmospheric resistance would create similar issues to those faced by Quicksilver.
Makkari
Universe: Marvel Comics (Eternals)
Makkari specializes in speed, with his power focused on running rather than general superhuman abilities. In Eternals: The Heretic, he achieves speeds approaching light speed, though he doesn’t surpass it like the Flash.
Scientific Context:
Unlike Quicksilver, Makkari’s Eternal physiology and cosmic origin enable him to push the boundaries of physics, but he lacks access to a Speed Force-like energy source to break the light-speed barrier.
Runner
Universe: Marvel Comics
The Runner, an Elder of the Universe, has been described as one of the fastest beings in the Marvel Universe. His speed is tied to cosmic energy, allowing him to travel at faster-than-light speeds across vast distances.
Scientific Context:
As a cosmic being, Runner’s speed is less about physical movement and more about his connection to cosmic forces, making direct comparisons with Earth-based speedsters like the Flash challenging.
Silver Surfer
Universe: Marvel Comics
Powered by the Power Cosmic, Silver Surfer has been shown to move faster than light during interstellar travel. However, like Superman, his speed feats typically involve flight rather than running.
Scientific Context:
Silver Surfer’s faster-than-light capabilities are plausible within the Marvel Universe due to his manipulation of space-time, rather than traditional acceleration or velocity.
The Scientific Breakdown
Speedsters like the Flash break the laws of physics through narrative devices like the Speed Force, which allows them to exceed light speed without suffering catastrophic effects. For non-DC characters like Quicksilver or Makkari, their speeds are constrained by physical limitations, though still impressive.
To put these speeds into perspective:
• Speed of Sound: 343 m/s (Mach 1)
• Speed of Light: 299,792,458 m/s
• Quicksilver: Approx. 3,430 m/s (Mach 10)
• Wally West Flash: Infinite (beyond light-speed in many instances)
Who Takes the Crown?
While many speedsters are impressive, Wally West’s Flash is the definitive fastest character in comics. His ability to surpass the speed of light, enter alternate dimensions, and manipulate time makes him unmatched. Coupled with the Speed Force, Wally operates beyond the limits of reality, solidifying his place at the top.
For fans of both DC and Marvel, speedsters remain a thrilling part of superhero lore, showcasing the limitless imagination of comic book storytelling.