Comparing the Speeds of DC and Marvel Superheroes: Flash Quicksilver and Quicksilver
Comparing the Speeds of DC and Marvel Superheroes: Flash Quicksilver and Quicksilver
In the vast landscape of superhero cinema, speed is a critical component that often separates an average hero from a truly iconic one. While the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) and Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) share some similarities in their portrayals of speedsters, each version of the heroes Flash Quicksilver and Quicksilver has a unique take on how fast they can go. Let’s delve into the details and uncover who the true champions of speed are in these film franchises.
DC Extended Universe Flash
The portrayal of The Flash, particularly as played by Ezra Miller, showcases a superhuman who is not just fast, but possesses the ability to manipulate time as well. In the DCEU’s Justice League, it was explicitly mentioned that The Flash was just a hair faster than Henry Cavil’s Superman. Superman, in the DCEU, tops out at an astounding Mach 27.5, making The Flash a bit quicker at Mach 27.5.
The Flash's Powers and Speed
Zack Snyder and his team have emphasized The Flash's speed beyond just quick reflexes. Ezra Miller's portrayal includes incredible feats like time manipulation, allowing him to run across water, create whirlwinds, and even manipulate time itself. However, his top speed is calculated to be slightly less than the raw, incredible speed of Superman in the DCEU. Yet, The Flash’s abilities extend beyond mere speed, making him a truly formidable character.
Marvel Cinematic Universe and Quicksilver
The Quicksilver from the MCU, portrayed by Aaron Taylor-Johnson in Avengers: Age of Ultron, is depicted as very fast, certainly dodging bullets with ease and performing agile feats in combat. However, his speed is more straightforward and less iconic than the Quicksilver from the X-Men films, which is known for its visual and cinematic flair.
Powers and Speed of Quicksilver in Marvel
Joss Whedon’s depiction of Quicksilver in Avengers: Age of Ultron is where his speed is highlighted as being “as fast as a bullet,” which translates to Mach 2.2. This means Quicksilver is capable of moving at a speed that is 2.2 times the speed of sound, which is notably impressive but not as fast as the other speedsters on this list. The speed here is more about quick reflexes and agility rather than time manipulation or reaching astronomical speeds like The Flash.
Quicksilver from X-Men
The most iconic version of Quicksilver, played by Evan Peters, has been a standout character in the X-Men film franchise. One of the most identifiable traits of this Quicksilver is his ability to perform moves in slow motion, which visually splays his speed and agility. In X-Men: Apocalypse, he achieves one of his highest recorded speeds, Mach 112524, when he saves everyone from the mansion. This makes him significantly faster than the other speedsters in both the DC and Marvel universes, solidifying his status as the true champion of speed.
Powers and Speed of Quicksilver in X-Men
While Quicksilver in the X-Men films is depicted as incredibly fast, his speed is more cinematic and stylized, often highlighted through slow-motion scenes that showcase his speed and agility. His ability to dodge bullets and perform complex tasks in a fraction of a second is a testament to his exceptional speed, but it is not comparable to the raw numerical speed of the Flash or the manipulation of time.
Conclusion
When comparing the speeds of the Flash and Quicksilver from their respective universes, it is clear that Quicksilver from the X-Men films is the fastest. His ability to move at speeds exceeding Mach 112524, as witnessed in the film X-Men: Apocalypse, makes him head and shoulders above the other speedsters. However, the Flash’s time manipulation and other supernatural abilities make him a unique and irreplaceable character in the DCEU.
So, for the final tally, Quicksilver from the X-Men franchise is the champion of speed, followed closely by The Flash, and the Quicksilver in the MCU while impressive, falls slightly behind in the speed race.
In the end, whether it's the flash or the stylized speed, both characters bring a thrilling mix of speed and agility to the screen, making them fan favorites in their respective universes.