Which is Faster: Black Racer Barry Allen or Wally West?

When it comes to discussions about speed in the DC Universe, two names often come to mind: Black Racer Barry Allen and Wally West, aka Flash III. But which of these powerful speedsters is truly faster? Let's dive into their speed stories and explore who ultimately emerges victorious.

Death's Black Racer - A Speedy But Not So Fast Participant

Black Racer, an aspect of Death tasked with delivering mortality to the New Gods, operates outside the Speed Force. Despite being a formidable presence, Black Racer is mentioned to be slower compared to the speedsters of the DC Universe. In a notable comic, Jay Garrick (The Flash) stated, "It's a little-known Flash fact that Death can't travel faster than the speed of light." This revelation from Final Crisis Vol 1 #3 suggests that Black Racer's speed, while impressive, is not unmatched. Therefore, we can safely rule out Black Racer from our comparison.

Barry Allen vs. Wally West - The Flash Showdown

With Black Racer out of contention, we're left with Barry Allen and Wally West, two of the most renowned speedsters from the DC Universe. After Barry escaped the Speed Force, he showcased an unparalleled level of speed in the comic Flash Forward Vol 1 #5. However, Wally West has a compelling argument for being faster based on both practice and continuation of the role.

Wally West's Predecessor and Mentor: Wally West first gained his powers by repeating the accident that gave Barry his abilities. This means Wally inherited not only the powers but also the mantle of the Flash from an early age. During his time as Kid Flash, Wally often shadowed Barry Allen, learning from him and honing his abilities. This mentorship and early exposure to the Flash's powers probably made Wally a formidable speedster even before he officially became the Flash.

Barry Allen's Absence: In a significant part of the comic history, Barry Allen was presumed dead for years. During this time, Wally West took up the mantle of the Flash to honor Barry's memory, continuing to use the name as a tribute. Thus, he was known as the fastest man alive during Barry's absence. This extended use of the Speed Force and recognition as the Flash for an extended period gives Wally a substantial edge in the speed race.

Comics vs. TV Shows: If we look into the TV series, Barry Allen is often depicted as faster. However, in the comics, Wally West's speed has surpassed that of Barry Allen. In the Flashpoint series, for example, Wally West's speed is described as "faster than fast," literally unmeasurable, a significant upgrade from his original characterization. This unprecedented speed further cements Wally's position as the faster of the two.

Barry Allen's Admission

A definitive statement about Wally West's speed can be found in the comics. In a particular narrative, Barry Allen himself admitted, "Wally West is the fastest there is." This declaration leaves no room for doubt regarding Wally's status as the faster of the two speedsters.

Conclusion

After a thorough analysis of their speeds, abilities, and the historical context of their roles, it is clear that Wally West, as the current Flash, emerges as the faster of the two. Barry Allen's speed, while formidable, is overshadowed by Wally's sustained performance and unparalleled mastery of the Speed Force.

Therefore, the speed contest between Black Racer and the Flash is decisively won by Wally West, the current Flash of the DC Universe.