Several speedsters have heldThe Flashmantle in the DC universe, but there can only ever be one Fastest Man Alive. Every fan is sure to have their favorite, but that honor belongs toWally West, not only due to the impressive superhero feats under his belt, but because of how Wally has proven time and time again that he’sthe best version of The Flash in history.
Chronologically, Wally West is thethird version of TheFlash, following Jay Garrick and Barry Allen. He was introduced inThe Flash (1959) #110by John Broome and Carmine Infantino as the young nephew of Iris West, Barry Allen’s love interest. After he was struck by lightning in the same spot Barry had been, and was similarly blessed with super-speed, he becameKid Flash, the Flash’s sidekick. He later stepped up to become The Flash after Barry’s death. Over the years, Wally has evolved from a reckless kid to an assured family man and a hero in his own right, making the Flash mantle his own.
Wally West Is The Speed Force’s Chosen One
Barry Allen Walked, So Wally West Could Run (Beyond Time)
The clearest indicator of Wally being the best Flash is the sheer number of feats he’s accomplished as the Scarlet Speedster. In terms of velocity, even Barry Allen has concededWally is the fastest Flash, and while Barry discovered/unlocked it,Wally West’s connection to the Speed Forceis stronger than any other speedster, essentially being its “Chosen One”.
Wally’s astounding abilities have enabled him to travel between planes of existence, beat Superman in a race, and even control reality from the Mobius Chair. He evenoutran DC’s embodiment of death itselfinThe Flash(1987) #141by Mark Millar, Pop Mhan, Josh Hood, and Christopher Ivy, powered by nothing but the Speed Force and his love for Linda Park-West.
The Flash: 10 Best Wally West Costumes in DC Comic History
Wally West has had a lot of great outfits over the years as the Flash. See some of the best costumes he’s ever worn as the Fastest Man Alive.
Wally’s home life also factors into him being the best Flash. His wife, Linda, is the lightning rod that enables him to reach new heights without losing himself to the Speed Force. He also has two children, Jai and Irey, and a new baby, Wade. When he isn’t running around as the Flash, Wally West is just an average blue-collar worker, doing what he can to support his family and make ends meet. His struggle to balance his two worlds,as seen inThe Flash(2023)by Si Spurrier, makes himmore relatable than other Flashes, and therefore more compelling.
Wally West Upholds The Flash Legacy For All Time
Wally’s Entire Existence Symbolizes DC’s Legacy of Superheroes
What makes Wally West truly special is how much he struggles, despite how perfect he may seem. As Barry’s former sidekick who was suddenly given the responsibility of carrying on his legacy, Wally constantly wrestles with whether he canlive up to the Flash name. Although he stumbles at times, he never stops trying to do right by Barry, and that drive fuels him to go above and beyond.
Wally’s reverence for what it means to be The Flashmakes him not only a worthy successor, butthe best Flash to ever don the iconic red suit.
The Flash
The Flash is the superhero name given to the DC Comics character who utilizes unparalleled speed tied to a dimensional power known as the “speed force” to overwhelm their opposition. Premiering in 1939, the original Flash arrived as Jay Garrick. Still, it would be superseded by Barry Allen in popularity and featured status, but the Flash is one character that has met many of their alternate selves. The character is typically seen as a part of the Justice League in nearly all incarnations.
