Savitar and the Speed Force: Exploring His Power Jeffersonian Gambit

In the vast and complex world of DC Comics, Savitar stands as a powerful and enigmatic figure. Born from the Speed Force, his connection to the power granted by the Speed Force is both his strength and his weakness. This article delves into a critical question: did Savitar ever use the Speed Force to make himself more powerful? Let's explore his utilization of this rare and potent energy.

The Speed Force and Savitar's Origins

The Speed Force, an interdimensional field of raw energy and kinetic force, powers the Fastest Man Alive, Barry Allen, among others. It is a mystic energy that has the potential to grant superhuman speeds and powers. Savitar, however, is not the fastest speedster. Originating from the Speed Force himself, he is essentially its gateway on Earth-20. His physical appearance is that of a monstrous, cyclopean creature, and his powers mirror those of his namesake.

Savitar's Motivation: The Jeffersonian Gambit

The primary driving force behind Savitar's actions is his exisitence as the Jeffersonian Gambit. This concept is a crucial aspect of his character and his quest for power. In essence, the Jeffersonian Gambit refers to his bid for a position of power in a higher reality. Savitar seeks to harness the immense potential of the Speed Force to reach this higher realm, essentially augmenting his own abilities to the extreme.

However, Savitar's ambition is not limited to a single moment of power domination. Throughout his appearances in DC Comics, he consistently seeks to draw out the Speed Force to its full extent, even when not directly seeking this higher reality. His curiosity and drive for power often led him to seek out more of the Speed Force. In doing so, he not only amplified his own abilities but also pushed the limits of what is possible within the Speed Force.

Opposition and Attempts

Despite his insatiable thirst for power, Savitar's attempts to harness the Speed Force completely have met with mixed success. In several instances, his efforts have proven to be futile. For example, in The Flash (Volume 2, 2011), Savitar's attempts to fully command the Speed Force were ultimately thwarted by his own hubris. The Speed Force, exhausted and understanding the limits of its power, resisted his efforts. While this provides a momentary setback in his plans, it does not deter Savitar from eventually again attempting to draw out more of the Speed Force.

Even when Savitar did succeed in manipulating the Speed Force to his advantage, he often found that the attempt left him vulnerable. In The Flash (Volume 7, 2020), he managed to fully harness the Speed Force, but at a cost. Once the Speed Force was fully under his control, it proved to be too much for him to handle. The energy overwhelmed Savitar, causing him to self-destruct. This self-restraint is a manifestation of the Speed Force's protective mechanism to prevent permanent damage to its wielder.

The Impact of His Abuses

While Savitar's constant manipulation of the Speed Force resulted in significant increases in his power, it also had severe consequences for him. Overusing the Speed Force strain his body and psyche to the breaking point. In The Flash (Rebirth), Savitar's attempts to draw out the Speed Force left him physically drained and mentally unstable. The repetition of these actions seemed to weaken him rather than strengthen him, highlighting the ultimate lesson that even the Speed Force is subject to bounds and limitations.

Moreover, the integrity of the Speed Force itself might be impacted by such abuses. The Speed Force is a delicate construct, and constant manipulation can affect its stability and balance. Consequently, Savitar's overreliance on the Speed Force for power suggests that he has not fully grasped its true nature and limitations. This is a recurring theme in his stories, as he often tests the boundaries of the Speed Force, pushing it to its absolute limits.

Conclusion

Indeed, Savitar did utilize the Speed Force to become more powerful. However, his attempts were not always successful and often carried significant risks. His relentless quest for power, attempting to bend the Speed Force to his will, demonstrates the dual nature of the Speed Force – it can be both a source of immense power and a force that can be dangerous to its wielder. Exploring Savitar's relationship with the Speed Force not only reveals a fascinating character but also offers valuable insights into the nature of power and its limits.

By delving into the moments when Savitar sought to control the Speed Force, we can understand the complex interplay between ambition and the mutable nature of his powers. Whether he succeeded or failed, Savitar's behavior serves as a cautionary tale about the capricious nature of power and the Speed Force's vital role in maintaining balance.