If it were ever in doubt, the Flash has finally revealed how he manages to keep his super-speed at maximum efficiency. A variant cover for The Flash #791 shows Wally West in action, keeping his powers in tip-top condition the only way a speedster can.
West, and every other blessed by the Speed Force in the Flash Family, has one of the greatest abilities in the DC Universe: speed that allows his to defy the very laws of physics and make the impossible possible. The Flash’s speed has allowed him to go anywhere in an instant, travel to alternate universes, and even go back in time. Nearly any question fans have about the Scarlet Speedster’s abilities can usually be traced back to the Speed Force, the mysterious phenomenon where all Flashes draw their speed from. But even with that in mind, questions still persist about Flash’s application of his powers.
Case in point, how exactly can Flash’s body keep up with the physical toll all his running takes on him? It’s no doubt that Barry Allen or Wally West would need high levels of energy in order to use the powers the Speed Force grants them. A variant cover for The Flash #791 may shed some light on just how the Flash replenishes his energy so quickly. The cover, drawn by artist Marco D’alfonso, shows Wally West in his iconic Flash outfit scarfing down a number of carbohydrate-rich foods such as donuts, pretzels and even a baguette. From the globe and pictures behind him, Wally’s clearly on a food tour around the world, trying the best snacks each country has to offer. From pizza in Italy to eclairs in France, Wally just can’t get enough fuel for the road.
Flash’s Binge-Eating Is Key To His Speed
It shouldn’t come as much of a surprise that the Flash is a big eater. In Green Arrow #26, Barry Allen claimed he needed to eat 50 times his body weight to make up for the calories he burns running around. Clearly, it’s no problem for the Flash to throw down when it comes to eating, but it’s interesting to see this is something that extends to other speedsters as well. It finally confirms that for all the gifts of a Flash, there’s a pretty big drawback as well.
As cool as it is to see a hero with amazing powers, it’s nice to see there be a limit. Superman has radioactive kryptonite, Martian Manhunter has fire, even Green Lantern was at one point inhibited by the color yellow. The idea that a Flash needs to constantly be munching on snacks in order to keep up their impressive pace is an interesting aspect of their powers. It’s not the most overwhelming weakness, but it can be frustrating (especially if Wally winds up getting a bit hangry). But the variant for The Flash #791 shows that West doesn’t seem to mind the drawback, as he gets to eat some pretty tasty cuisine.
