Attention: This article contains spoilers for The Flash (2023) #19!
The Mighty Case for Wally West as the Justice League’s Strongest
Within the realm of comic books, a perennial debate arises: who reigns supreme among heroes? When discussing the illustrious Justice League, many names are mentioned, yet one stands out as the consensus choice for the mightiest—a claim firmly belonging to Wally West, also known as the Flash. His abilities eclipse even the formidable Kryptonian and the various members of the Corps, solidifying his status at the zenith of DC Comics’ power hierarchy.
As Nightwing articulates Wally’s unmatched prowess to Linda, he conveys a chilling truth: “he could kill every living human in the time it takes to sneeze”and “go through gods like butter,”emphasizing the enormity of Flash’s capabilities. His training and evolution have pushed him past normal limits, making it clear that “Flash can’t be beaten.”
Wally West Ascends to Ultimate Power
Amidst the excitement of 2023’s run of *The Flash*, Wally West’s abilities have reached unprecedented heights. No longer merely the fastest Flash, he now possesses the astonishing ability to phase through entire realities. His recent battles against the eldritch Arc Angles in *The Flash #13* showcased not only his skill in saving the divine Source from annihilation but also his pivotal role in the birth of its new form. This evolution has transformed Wally’s powers into an almost metaphysical force.
While the Justice League boasts numerous heavyweights, few can contend with Wally’s extraordinary speed. The recent *One-Minute War* arc illustrated how Superman, often deemed Wally’s greatest rival in speed, appears to move in slow motion when compared to Flash’s full throttle. According to *The Flash #19*, “in a straight slugfest, Superman probably can’t land a single punch.” Another formidable challenger is Green Lantern John Stewart, whose immense willpower has elevated him to a living god status. Both heroes draw their abilities from the Source, but Wally remains its chosen conduit.
The Fear Factor of The Flash
Wally’s Nice Guy Dilemma
Nightwing’s eerie observation highlights a critical aspect of Wally’s character: “the only thing that prevents Wally from being the most dangerous person alive is he’s just so freakin’ nice.”However, recent arcs have showcased how easily Wally’s emotions can be manipulated, particularly by villains like Eclipso. In *The Flash #19*, the Justice League and Flash Family find themselves in a dire situation, struggling to rein in Wally, who traverses dimensions and timescapes as effortlessly as walking through a doorway.
This capacity to manipulate the Source places Wally amongst a select few in the DC universe, marking him as a truly unique powerhouse. The current narrative arc of *The Flash* delves into the philosophical ramifications of such immense power, with Eclipso’s hedonistic reign serving as a dark mirror to Wally’s more grounded ambitions of balancing family commitments with heroic duties. It is clear that Wally West now stands tall as the definitive powerhouse of the Justice League, and there doesn’t appear to be anyone on the horizon capable of rivaling his might.
Don’t miss out: *The Flash* #19 will be hitting the shelves on March 26, 2025, courtesy of DC Comics.