The Flash |  The 5 main differences between Wally West and Barry Allen

The Flash | The 5 main differences between Wally West and Barry Allen


Two characters carry the same nomenclature as The Flash in DC Comics, but both have very different abilities and behaviors.

One of DC Comics’ hallmarks is its dedication to the legacy, with iconic characters that have their own lineage. One of them is The Flash, who gathers several speedster heroes and villains in his corner. The two Scarlet Speedsters who have stood out the most in decades of stories have been Wally West or Barry Allen, so much so that both receive the same nomenclature. And it is precisely this that creates confusion in those who do not know them thoroughly.



But what are the main differences between the two Flashes? Do they have different powers? Which is the fastest? Why do they both have the same name? And who is the most loved by fans?

Below are five major differences between Wally West or Barry Allen that could answer these questions.

1. What are the differences in skills between Wally West and Barry Allen?

While both Flashes can perform many similar basic actions, such as creating typhoons, using super speed to increase punching power, and moving so fast that everything around them appears to be frozen in time, Barry and Wally explore their connections to the Force. Speed ​​in different ways.




What are the differences in skills between Barry Allen and Wally West?  (Image: Playback/DC Comics)

Both gained their powers accidentally, after receiving an electric charge along with a chemical toilet. Even with the help of the Golden Age Flash’s Old Guard, Joel Cyclone, Barry had to learn the hard way how to master his powers. This process has been difficult, but not as arduous for West.

Both are capable of time travel, but West tends to do it more often and easily, also being able to “steal” and “borrow” speed, which Allen does not. On the other hand, Allen is the only one who traverses the entire DC Multiverse, even in dimensions or realities that aren’t parallel.

2. Who is faster, Wally West or Barry Allen?

While the answer causes controversy in many discussion groups, it is commonly believed that West is the fastest, due to his purer relationship with the Speed ​​Force and the fact that he was able to study better in learning his sprinter skills.



Who is faster, Wally West or Barry Allen?  (Image: Playback/DC Comics)

Also, West suffered a lot to be recognized as the main Flash, which still undermines his self-esteem a little today. So, even to back up his friend, Allen often points out that West is the fastest.

3. Why are Barry Allen and Wally West both known as The Flash?

In the late 1980s, Allen sacrificed himself to save DC Comics’ main timeline at the end of the Crisis on Infinite Earths saga. It was from there that Wally West, who was Kid Flash in Teen Titans, was “upgraded” to Flash of the Justice League.

During the 1990s, it was West who carried the torch as DC Comics’ premier speedster, and his popularity is still high today. Besides being able to prove his worth and powers to him on several occasions, many fans like the sentimental side of him: he usually brings more laughter and tears into the stories.



Why are Barry Allen and Wally West both known as The Flash?  (Image: Playback/DC Comics)

When Allen returned as Geoff Johns in the 2000s, fans were somewhat divided as the character also returned as the main reference for DC Comics speedster. Thus, the company, while increasingly differentiating both heroes, has chosen to keep The Flash nomenclature for both.

4. What are Wally West and Barry Allen’s personalities like?

Barry is a detective and scientist, and has a more cautious and volatile relationship with the Speed ​​Force. Because he is more observant and inventive, he usually experiments and studies his own skills more; and he also uses more external devices to carry out his plans than he does. Being an agent of the law, he is also more cold and reserved.

Wally, on the other hand, is a mechanic and an engineer, and has a purer relationship with the Speed ​​Force. He is sometimes impulsive, but usually calm and optimistic; he is often the “class humorist” and always has some jokes like “comic relief”. For this reason he is more good-natured and sunny.



What are Wally West and Barry Allen's personalities like?  (Image: Playback/DC Comics)

It is curious that both the Barry Allen seen in the CW series and the Flash as actor Ezra Miller have characteristics closer to West than to Allen.

5. Who is more popular with fans, Wally West or Barry Allen?

It’s hard to know who fans love the most, because Old School readers like Wally West too. However, out of respect for the classical hierarchy, many sided with Allen; so there’s a slight edge over the Scarlet Speedster from the Silver Age of Comics.



Who is more fan favorite, Wally West or Barry Allen?  (Image: Playback/DC Comics)

However, the fairest thing would be to say that there is a tie, because both have already proven themselves to be the best Flashes, each in their own way, on many occasions.

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Source: Terra

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