Who's the Faster Speedster: Jay Garrick or Quicksilver?

In the vastly sprawling worlds of DC Comics and Marvel Comics, two iconic speedsters stand out: Jay Garrick (also known as the Flash) and Quicksilver. As we delve into their abilities and the contexts in which they operate, sorting out the question of who's faster becomes a fascinating exploration of comic book lore.

Comparing Jay Garrick and Quicksilver

Jay Garrick: As the original Flash from DC Comics, Jay Garrick possesses an array of super-speed abilities that allow him to run at incredible velocities often faster than the speed of light. His powers are typically depicted as being on par with or surpassing other speedsters in the DC universe, including Barry Allen (the second Flash).

Quicksilver: From Marvel Comics, Quicksilver is also known for his super-speed. However, his maximum speed is generally portrayed as being slightly below the speed of light. He can run faster than the speed of sound, demonstrating incredible agility. While his abilities are impressive, they do not touch the extremes of those displayed by characters like the Flash.

Conclusion: Most Versions of the Flash Are Significantly Faster Than Quicksilver

In most comparisons, versions of the Flash would be considered faster than Quicksilver because their speed can surpass the speed of light. Quicksilver's speed, while formidable, tends to remain within the confines of the Marvel universe. Nevertheless, there are instances where Quicksilver has shown impressive feats, making him a formidable opponent even among the speedsters.

The Quicksilver Downplayers and the Speed Debate

There are still some who downplay Quicksilver's speed, often placing him at speeds of Mach 5 or massively hyper-sonic levels. These assessments, however, often fall short of capturing the true extent of Quicksilver's abilities. Let's explore some of his notable feats that prove his speed is anything but modest.

Quicksilver's Notable Speed Feats

Outlasting the Inflation Period of the Big Bang: Marvel lore occasionally posits extreme speed feats for Quicksilver. In one instance, it is described that he could run faster than the inflation period of the big bang, which is calculated to be 32.77 sexvigintillion times the speed of light. This level of speed is, quite frankly, mind-boggling.

Running Faster Than the Speed-force: The speed-force, a concept from the DC universe, is theoretically the ultimate speed. However, Quicksilver has shown feats that rival this. For example, he was able to outperform the speed-force in certain situations, demonstrating his speed at inexplicable and stupidly fast levels.

Outrunning Visual Hypnosis: In one notable combat scenario, Quicksilver was seen outrunning the reflected light of visual hypnotism used by the Ringmaster. This not only highlights his speed but also his agility and reflexes.

Feats of Picosecond Speed: Quicksilver has demonstrated the ability to run at speeds that are literally in the picosecond range. For example, in one instance, he was seen running at least a few hundred meters in three picoseconds, which is equivalent to running 111,111.111111 times the speed of light (c) at the minimum.

Respecting Both Speedsters

Both Jay Garrick and Quicksilver are celebrated for their respective speed abilities. It's important to recognize that while Jay Garrick can often be seen as the faster of the two, Quicksilver still possesses abilities that make him a significant and formidable figure. These abilities could be considered exceptional and revolutionary within the Marvel universe.

So, whether you view Quicksilver as slightly slower or incredibly fast, it's crucial to respect his place in the pantheon of speedsters. After all, in the vast realms of comic books, both Jay Garrick and Quicksilver have their unique place in the narrative of speed legend.