Flash vs. Quicksilver Isn’t as Simple as Everyone Assumes

When comparing comic book speedsters, many fans assume that DC’s Flash should have Marvel’s Quicksilver easily beat. But this contest has been studied in a previous crossover between the two publishing giants, and perhaps the outcome is not so simple. Wally West is by far the fastest Fastest Man Alive, but his feats fall within the hypersonic spectrum, which is nothing to sneeze at when Flash is going at maximum output.

The JLA/Avengers comic was written by Kurt Busiek and George Pérez. In it, the Justice League send Flash out with a device meant to help him bridge a gap from their realm to that of the Avengers. But upon arrival, Flash discovers that his trump card has been nullified. And just like that, it’s Quicksilver’s time to shine.

Pietro’s powers are combed into his DNA and won’t change no matter what universe he winds up in unless that universe rearranges him molecularly. The Flash can only tap into the Speed Force wherever it already exists. This indicates that perhaps whenever any Flash travels outside of their universe, they are disadvantaged at best and utterly hopeless at worst.