Feeling the Need for Speed
You might struggle to think of more than 10 speedsters, but in reality, there are hundreds of these guys. However, if you ever wondered which comic or game character was the fastest, then this is the only list you’ll need. Spoiler alert: Sonic most definitely is not #1.
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20. Vixen
This lesser-known DC hero has access to an artifact that gives her the ability to channel various animals. She’s been known to use a cheetah form to give her a speedy advantage. However, this means Vixen is only as fast as a cheetah, and compared to others on the list, that’s not enough.
19. Rammus
Rammus is a character in League of Legends known to zoom around the map in his rolled-up armadillo form. You might think he’s no big deal until he comes barreling at you with hypersonic speed. This guy packs quite a punch, but there are faster folk out there.
18. Tracer
Did you know Regieleki is the fastest Pokémon with a base speed statistic of 200? He may look like a lumbering giant in the game, but according to the gospel of the Pokédex, he’s as fast as anyone in that universe gets.
17. Regieleki
Did you know Regieleki is the fastest Pokémon with a base speed statistic of 200? He may look like a lumbering giant in the game, but according to the gospel of the Pokédex, he’s as fast as anyone in that universe gets.
16. Power Girl
Moving onto other universes, DC has a few powerhouses of its own, and Power Girl is no exception. A Superman variant, this Kryptonian has all of Clark’s powers, meaning she too can reach the speed of light when flying around the world. However, Kryptonians aren’t the only speedsters in DC’s universe.
15. Jesse Quick
Coming to our first Flash variant, Jesse Quick is the daughter of Liberty Belle and Johnny Quick. She inherits the powers of the almighty Speed Force and has been known to reach Mach 3 acceleration levels. While she’s pretty darn fast, she is one of the slower Flash-family heroes.
14. Sentry
Marvel also has its share of speedy powerhouses. Sentry is better known as a god-tier superhero, often compared to Superman for his power level. In addition to incredible strength and durability, he can also fly at light speed.
13. Sonic the Hedgehog
But do any of these heroes really stand a chance against the legendary Sonic the Hedgehog? The answer is yes, yes they do. However, we have to give credit where it’s due. Sonic technically reaches 767 miles per hour and is definitely up there in terms of video game speedsters. But can he turn back time by running in reverse? No? Well then.
12. Johnny Quick
Remember how it was mentioned that Jesse Quick was Johnny Quick’s daughter? Well, meet dear old dad. Considered a speedster from DC’s Golden Age, Johnny was a conduit for the all-powerful Speed Force. It’s worth noting he has outpaced his daughter.
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11. Shazam
If you’ve seen the movies or are an avid comic reader, then you’re all too familiar with Billy Batson. Able to transform into a powerful adult version of himself, this superhero has the abilities of the Greek gods, including Hermes’s competitive speed.
10. Impulse
Another Flash family member is Bart Allen, the grandson of Barry Allen. With a deep connection to the Speed Force, he has the versatility and youth needed to push boundaries. However, he lacks the polish of more experienced speedsters.
9. Supergirl
Another Kryptonian worth counting on is Supergirl. Unlike her cousin, who has absorbed sun radiation for longer, Supergirl has the edge of experience. While she can sometimes match Clark’s speed, her strengths mainly lie in her resilience.
8. Jay Garrick
For many, Jay Garrick is considered the quintessential classic speedster. He was the original Flash, the one that started it all in 1940 with Flash Comics #1. While he set the bar for many speedsters, he has since been exceeded by his successors.
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7. Kid Flash
Here’s another spoiler: there are two versions of Wally West on this list. Kid Flash is one of those versions, as he’s a teenage Wally West who serves as Barry Allen’s sidekick. As far as young superheroes go, he’s probably the fastest one around, only surpassed by older speedsters.
6. Quicksilver
Another contender from Marvel, Quicksilver is probably who Marvel fans think of when picturing the fastest man alive. First appearing in X-Men #4, Quicksilver was known as the son of Magneto. While he’s one of the fastest men in Marvel, he pales in comparison to users of the Speed Force.
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5. Superman
This will be the last Kryptonian on this list. Undoubtedly the strongest and fastest of his family, Clark has been known to reach hypersonic levels and outpace light itself. However, despite what fans tell you, he loses races when it comes to the Speed Force.
4. Silver Surfer
You probably weren’t expecting another Marvel character on the list. Turns out Silver Surfer is undoubtedly the fastest Marvel character around. He can achieve the speed of light and even traverse distances through space in shockingly short times.
3. Reverse Flash
Considered the antithesis to Flash, Eobard Thawne has long been Barry Allen’s rival. Fueled by corrupted Speed Force energy, he has often managed to match or exceed Flash in certain confrontations. He too can manipulate time with his speed, making him one of the scariest threats out there.
2. Wally West
Some fans probably hoped to see Wally West in first place. While he can easily manipulate time and travel through dimensions by achieving unbelievable levels of speed, he is only surpassed by his mentor.
1. Barry Allen
If you guessed Flash would be number one, then you were right on the money. However, the question remains: which Flash? With so many to choose from, it’s hard to narrow down the fastest one. However, the credit has to go to Barry Allen, as he has remained the most consistent of all speedsters. With access to the Speed Force and the ability to travel faster than the speed of light, this is the definitive Flash.
