How Speedsters Put On Their Suits: The Barries and Wallys of the Flash

Speedsters, including Barry Allen, Wally West, and Bart Allen, have a unique way of hiding their identities while maintaining their superhero personas. This article explores how each of these Speedsters accomplishes this task, focusing on the functionality and historical context of the speed force suits they wear.

Bary Allen and the Speed Force Ring

Barry Allen, also known as the second Flash, is known for his distinctive speed force suit. The process of putting on the suit is both fascinating and practical. The suit can be compressed and concealed on his body while he operates in his civilian identity. Wearing a speed force ring on his right hand, Barry can activate the ring by thumbing a small stud located on the side. This action triggers a release mechanism that allows him to change into his suit at super-speed.

The ring possesses electromagnetic properties derived from Barry's connection to the Speed Force. This energy causes the suit to expand or shrink as needed, allowing the pieces to move and conform to his body. Barry can control the pieces of the suit with the Speed Force, enabling him to manipulate his costume dynamically. According to Barry, the ring can shoot out the suit with force equal to nine airbags, ensuring a rapid transformation during emergencies.

Better yet, the Speed Force suit is designed to fit snugly, eliminating the need for zippers or buttons. When not in use, the suit can be compressed and stored on Barry's body. This practical convenience is why he decided to forge his ring using his parents' wedding rings, symbolizing the importance of his identity as the Flash.

The Case of Wally West

Wally West, also known as the third Flash, also benefits from a Speed Force suit. However, unlike Barry, Wally eventually learned to manifest his suit directly from the Speed Force, bypassing the need for the ring. Wally's suit is unique because it is a speed force construct, similar to a Green Lantern's power ring. This means that Wally can summon the suit whenever he needs it and can even change into it at will without the assistance of a physical ring.

It's worth noting that Wally can't properly phase through objects, as is the case with Barry's grandson Bart Allen. Therefore, Wally's ability to instantly change into his suit is a significant advantage. This allows him to quickly respond to emergencies or change identities with ease. The Speed Force suit is designed to fit perfectly, and it's possible that Wally's suit can also be manipulated to accommodate his needs.

Bart Allen and His Secret Identifiers

Bart Allen, Barry's grandson, as both Impulse and Kid Flash, uses a similar protocol for concealing his identity. When Bart is the Impulse, he uses a special ring to hide his costume. This ring is designed to store his suit, allowing Bart to transform into his Impulse outfit without any visible changes to his civilian appearance. Similarly, when he switches to Kid Flash, he uses a separate ring to conceal his second costume. Bart does not remove these rings under any circumstances, as they are essential for maintaining his secret identity.

The original speed force ring, which Barry used, was acquired by Eobard Thawne. After Thawne's death, the ring was passed to Hunter Zolomon, who dubbed himself the new Flash and began utilizing it. However, neither Thawne nor Zolomon shares the same level of control over the ring and suit as Barry, Wally, and Bart.

Conclusion

The speed force suits of the Barries and Wallys of the Flash are integral components of their superhero personas. From Barry's Compression Ring to Wally's direct manifestation of the suit, these suits not only enhance their abilities but also play a crucial role in maintaining their secret identities. Each speedster has a unique method of activating and wearing their suit, highlighting the flexibility and ingenuity of these superheroes.

Understanding the mechanics behind these suits is not only interesting but also provides insights into the technological and magical aspects of the DC Universe. For fans of the Flash and speedsters, these details add an extra layer of depth to the stories and adventures of these iconic characters.