Flash vs Superman (Greatest Stories Ever Told)

The first time it happened was in a one-shot issue in Superman. The book was #199, the cover was done by Carmine Infantino and Murphy Anderson. The question? Who is faster, The Flash or Superman?

It’s like asking who is smarter between Tony Stark and Lex Luthor or who is crazier between Darkseid and Thanos, but better. These questions are the ones that keep us fans wondering, guessing, betting amongst one another and up and night.

Finally, at least one of them would be answered with a race.

Who Wins?

While it is nice that the writers answer these questions, I’m hindsight, this answering often leads to more arguments and squabbles than resolutions. I suppose this is because we are a fickle bunch who are never truly satisfied with any one outcome. In an attempt to alleviate such problems, the writers decided that the race couldn’t be merely a run around the block. This race was to be one that went around the globe.

The story picks up in the office of the United Nations’ Secretary-General with one of the employees suggesting the tilt. They further explain that the race raised money for nations that needed it.

Without hesitation, the two accepted and began preparation.

Funny enough, the criminals had heard of this event and begin making wagers in hopes that they would strike it rich. This, of course, forced them to intervene so as to make certain that their chosen competitor would win.

Who needs rules?

The rules were stated as follows:

• No flying
• Remain on your feet
• Run as hard and as fast as you can

Outside of these, it was to be a standard race to the finish.

And without that knowledge in hand, the two took off like a speeding bullet (pun intended).

A bump along the way…

Nobody likes to lose and for these two, this couldn’t be closer to the truth. In an effort to cause trouble for the other, each took their turn running the course through difficult terrain such as through the desert and over the seas. The latter of which they had to swim through because, well, as good as they are nobody can walk on water.

They even gave a shout out to my country as they ran through the icy fields of Saskatchewan. And it was in Saskatchewan that The Flash would have some trouble. During his time, he inadvertently slipped on some ice and knocked himself unconscious. Luckily his competitor was Superman and in an act of compassion, he changed back into Clark Kent and came to his aid. He explained to The Flash that he is a reporter covering the case, saw what happened and came to make sure he was alright.

After The Flash comes to, he continues the race taking a lead over the changing Superman. They encounter water territory but they remember that their powers can’t be utilized. They actually have to swim the distance.

Can’t catch a break…

With the end near the villains, each take their turns attempting to slow down the heroes.

The Flash as met with some transparent and bullet-proof glass that once again knocked him out cold when he hit it. And Superman? Well, Superman ran straight through some Kryptonite dust!

With both heroes simultaneously tied up, the stakes grew. Who would escape first and win the race?

An escaping Superman once again helped out his friend. This time, however, instead of changing into Clark Kent, he used his heat vision to let loose a tied up Flash. The Flash then, in turn, used his super-speed to cause the dust to disappear from around Superman.

Seeing what was happening, the villains unsuccessfully resorted to using Superhero stand-ins as a way of achieving personal victory. Naturally, this didn’t work.

It pays to be good

So who won?

Realizing that no good would come from one or the other winning, the two ran across the finish line with their hand in the air. This caused a nearby cameraman to exclaim that it was a tie.

I know for many fans that this first encounter didn’t answer the, “who would win” question but it did show the true colors of the heroes. Not only did the help one another, throw all competitiveness out of the window, and foil the plans of the villains but they raised some money for a good cause.

The question becomes, “Who wins the next race?”

Cheers,

Jeff

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