The Incomprehensible Speed of The Flash: A Study in Original Comic Drafts

The Flash: The cessation of time itself would seem as slow as a turtle to him. In the pages of the original comic books, The Flash's speed is a phenomenon so extreme that it defies comprehension.

Compared to the most powerful heroes like Superman, The Flash's speed stands as a beacon of awe. Depending on the author's pen, his pace could range from a few light-years per second to an ineffable, almost godlike dimension of surpassing velocity. As the story unfolds, the reader is often left gazing at the earth's surface, blinking, for fear that they might have missed the exact moment when The Flash reappeared, seemingly without passing through the intervening space.

Comic Genres and The Flash's Speed

The Flash's speed is most prominently featured in the Silver Age of Comic Books. During this era, the line between reality and superhuman capabilities became blurred, leading to an era of unparalleled heroism and innovation. Some of the most astonishing depictions of The Flash's speed can be found in these Silver Age tales, where his velocity was often so incomprehensible as to be written off as a mystery of the cosmos.

Superman and The Flash: A Timeless Rivalry

Interestingly, in this era, The Flash did not solely race against other superheroes. One of the most iconic encounters was with Superman, the King of the Silver Age. Their rivalry was akin to a cosmic battle of wills, one that was not just about speed but also about wits and the sheer ability to stretch beyond the bounds of conventional existence.

During a few key Silver Age encounters, Superman and The Flash frequently raced against each other. These races were not so much about winning or losing but about pushing the boundaries of what was possible. In these duels, Speedster and Kryptonian would run circles around each other, sometimes achieving cosmic tie-races, while at other times, it seemed as if they could have crossed the finish line simultaneously, the gap between them collapsing into nanoseconds of nigh-instantaneous rivalry.

Unpredictability and Writers' Flexibility

It's important to note that there was no set speed for The Flash in the original comics. The creators had the freedom to depict his speed in various ways, depending on the story and the writer's intent. Sometimes, The Flash ran so fast that it seemed as if he was traveling through a cosmic tunnel, leaving a trail of light behind. Other times, his speed was so absolute and infinitesimal that it defied the laws of physics as understood by even the most advanced minds of the time.

Real-Life Speed Comparisons

For context, let's consider the real-life speed comparisons with The Flash and Superman during these Silver Age encounters:

The Flash: Considered to be able to run faster than light speed, a feat science deems impossible, yet in the realm of comics, such feats were not only conceivable but expected. Superman: Capable of traveling at or near the speed of light, but still, the outcome of these races was never certain, leading to a fascinating interstellar tug-of-war.

Why Does This Matter?

Understanding the speed of The Flash in his earliest incarnations can provide valuable hints to his character's evolution. It highlights the importance of writers in shaping the narrative and the world of the DC Universe. Moreover, it gives insight into the reader's perception and the expectations set by comic book creators during a time when the superhero genre was in its infancy.

Conclusion

In summary, The Flash's speed in the original comics is a facet of his character that continues to captivate and mystify readers. It serves as a testament to the limitless creativity and storytelling prowess of comic book authors during the Silver Age. As we continue to explore the world of the DC Universe, understanding these elements can help us appreciate the depth and complexity of these iconic characters.

Thanks for reading and exploring the incomprehensible speed of The Flash with us!