It seems that Barry Allen’s most unexpected superpower may be the only thing stopping Batman from permanently taking care of the Flash. An encounter with a malevolent spirit revealed a supernatural fringe benefit of Barry’s power, which could wind up sparing him the Dark Knight’s wrath.
If there’s one thing that fans know about Batman, it’s that the hero is prepared for anything. With a keen analytical mind and the foresight to predict calamities, Bruce Wayne is always several steps ahead of those who would wish him and his allies harm. However, even the Justice League isn’t safe from Batman, who has plans to take down each of his comrades if any of them ever go rogue. While Bruce’s efforts may seem like overkill, the Justice League is composed of some of the most powerful people alive and if any of them are compromised, it could put the entire world in danger.
Case in point, the Flash came frighteningly close to being possessed by the spirit of serial killer while trying to solve a centuries-old mystery. In The Flash #28 by Brian Buccellato and Patrick Zircher, Barry has found himself possessed by two ghosts: the Keystone Killer and DC Comics’ underrated hero Deadman. The Keystone Killer has been taking over various people to complete his mission of killing off his archenemy’s bloodline while Deadman has jumped into Barry’s body to prevent the ethereal killer from seizing control over the Scarlet Speedster’s body. Unfortunately, Flash can barely focus with the spirits rattling around inside of him. As the battle between the ghosts between the ghosts becomes too much, Barry stops and vibrates his molecules fast enough to expel the dueling wraiths from his body.
Being able to shake off a possession is no small feat, and it’s an extremely practical use of Flash’s Speed Force powers. After all, plenty of people in the world would love to get their hands on Barry’s speed, even if they had to take control of his body to do so. It’s a good thing that Flash is able to use his speed to ward off evil spirits, because if he couldn’t, there’s a very good chance Batman wouldn’t let such a vulnerability last for long.
Someone with ill intent taking control of Flash’s speed is the exact sort of nightmare-inducing scenario that drives Batman to make fail safes in the first place. Despite the trust issues it causes, Batman’s Justice League contingency plans are there to keep the world safe in case of a worst-case scenario. If Batman seriously thought Flash being possessed by a ghost was a potentiality, he would almost certainly be ready to put Barry down by whatever means necessary. But because Flash is able to take care of the issue himself, there’s no worry about Barry’s speed falling into the wrong, incorporeal hands. Thankfully, the Flash’s speed is useful for more than just running, and that keeps him safe from evil specters and Batman.
