As a character who’s existed for roughly three-quarters of a century, The Flash packs with him a dense history. The lore surrounding the hero, and Speedsters in general, is intricate and incredibly complex. Of course, it’s up to writers to determine these intricacies, especially when taking the science fiction nature of the character into consideration. A Speedster’s speed, how it manifests, how they put it to use, and the manner in which they themselves perceive it are known to change every so often. For instance, the Speed Force is a relatively new concept that didn’t debut until the '90s. As such, The Flash’s powers, too, have undergone overhauls in the past.
While Speedster abilities incite shock and awe in comic panels, they are far more difficult to translate to screen. However, technology and network television budgets may not be the only reasons why some of the Scarlet Speedster’s powers have yet to debut on The Flash. Practicality within the Arrowverse’s expanding world could play a factor. The same can be said of Barry himself; perhaps some skills and abilities don’t fit this version of the character. Regardless of why they’ve yet to appear, the following list examines 15 powers The Flash has yet to feature.
15 TALKING FAST
In addition to handling menial chores and stopping criminals at breakneck speeds, there is speed reading, speed thinking, and, yes, speed talking. As far as DC’s cross-media ventures are concerned, the latter ability has been most notably seen in Young Justice’s sophomore effort. A conversation between Kid Flash, Impulse, and Barry Allen’s Flash quickly turns into a sped up frenzy of sounds.
Interestingly, the only two capable of keeping the incredible momentum of the talk going are The Flash and Impulse.
Wally West appears as confused as a nearby police officer. The Flash has yet to take advantage of the skill. However, this version of the Speedster can apparently perform the task. In Supergirl’s “Crisis on Earth-X” episode, Oliver advises Barry to speed read his vows to Iris if they’re too long. Barry’s concern? That “no one will understand” him. Why haven’t we seen this power in action?
14 PERMANENTLY IMMOBILIZE ENEMIES
All Flash’s run returns Wally West to continuity following the events of “Infinite Crisis.” It’s a fascinating read with one peculiar instance that won’t soon be forgotten. To avenge the death of Bart Allen, Wally immobilizes the young Speedster’s killer, Inertia. This act freezes Inertia in place, essentially turning him into a statue. However, the rogue is still capable of thought; this punishment doesn’t disrupt his sentience. It’s a cruel act of vengeance, one we are unlikely to see take shape in the Arrowverse.
Should there be a Flash villain worthy of such treatment, Reverse-Flash is undoubtedly the one. Why Barry refuses to permanently eliminate him from the timeline continues to elude fans. Perhaps his demise is being saved for a special moment in the series. This punishment, while inhumane, seems fitting for a Speedster who laughs in the face of constructs governing time and justice.
13 INFINITE MASS PUNCH
The science behind The Flash’s famous infinite mass punch is perplexing. To understand, one needs familiarity with Einstein’s theory of relativity and a whole host of other physics-based equations and theories. That said, it can be argued that the science fueling this skill in the panels of comics isn’t exactly accurate. Regardless, to affect an enemy with such a blow, a Speedster needs to be traveling at the speed of light, or close to it.
The most famous example of this can be found in JLA #3 (1997), when Wally West’s Flash battles Züm.
In the show’s pilot season, Barry performs a similar move on Girder. However, one distinct difference is that Barry only travels at the speed of sound. Cisco deems the act a Super Sonic Punch. When will Grant Gustin’s Barry use the speed of light to achieve an infinite mass punch? It’s anyone’s guess.
12 FLIGHT
The Arrowverse’s Scarlet Speedster runs on water, travels through time, and traverses dimensions. One action fans haven’t seen him partake in is flight. Can comic iterations of him actually fly? It’s arguable, but he certainly cannot do so in a manner akin to a character like Supergirl. Creating wind funnels allows Flash to achieve the semblance of flight. While the show features instances of him constructing funnels, never does he use one to maneuver aerially. The closest example is seen in the first season’s finale. However, a singularity forms the event and The Flash launches himself inside it with the help of floating debris.
Because he’s so fast, flight is wholly unnecessary. Yet, it remains a fascinating trick many probably wouldn’t mind seeing employed in live-action. Perhaps one day, Team Flash will find a use for having the Speedster perform an aerial stunt.
11 RUN ON HIS HANDS
During “The Mirror Master’s Master Stroke” storyline, the famed rogue trades his speed-powerless legs with those of The Flash. Mirror Master becomes the Fastest Man Alive; meanwhile, the superhero is rendered relatively ineffective. But defeating a Speedster is never as simple as it seems. With some quick thinking on his part, the hero devises another way to catch up with the villain -- run on his hands at superspeed.
Running at incredible speeds is impressive enough, but doing so on a handstand is a feat no one could have anticipated.
In truth, it probably should not be expected on The Flash either. Thus far, the show has put Barry in several wild and unorthodox situations, even for a comic book series. Yet, hand-running still seems a step unlikely to be taken.
10 SENSE THE EMOTIONS OF OTHER SPEEDSTERS
The Flash books in DC’s Rebirth continuity introduces a new skill to the hero’s stable of powers. This skill allows Barry to achieve a level empathy exceeding that of other humans. Of course, it bears a connection to the Speed Force. Most interesting is what he’s able to do with the ability, which provides him an empathetic connection to fellow Speedsters. Therefore, he can sense their emotions and garner a greater understanding of their state of mind.
It’s a subtle touch that is not nearly as mind-blowing as some of the other abilities on this list. And, yet, The CW’s Flash would undoubtedly benefit from its use. Such a power would have been helpful during Enter "Flashtime", the episode where Barry calls on the help of Jesse Quick and Jay Garrick to save Central City. Empathetic powers would also ease his efforts to train Wally.
9 INTERSTELLAR TRAVEL
The Flash has the hero traveling to other Earths in different dimensions, but he’s never actually set foot on another planet. In the '70s, as the Space Race charged ahead, the Speedster took to the stars. “To the Nth Degree” is a story wherein Barry’s father-in-law, Ira West, incidentally gifts Iris and Barry a telescope capable of surveying planets that are lightyears away. Curious, Iris points it towards the skies and spots a planet that’s nearly inhospitable for its inhabitants.
Using the light from the telescope’s lens, Barry travels to the planet and offers aid.
If on paper it sounds absurd, can anyone imagine this being implemented on The Flash? Perhaps there’s room for such a plot on Legends of Tomorrow, where hilarity and a good time would ensue. For now, though, unless the Speedster takes a ride with Supergirl, it seems he’s likely to remain on Earth.
8 RESIST TELEPATHY
The Flash moves so fast that his mental faculties must be fast to keep up. This explains abilities such as speed reading, but his speed does more than enhance his mind. His abilities also protect his psyche from intrusion. Such is often the case whenever telepathy comes into play. Even someone as powerful as Martian Manhunter has difficulty invading the Speedster’s thoughts.
On television, however, this has yet to receive earnest exploration. During The Flash’s second season, Team Flash faces Gorilla Grodd. Everyone is susceptible to the villain’s telepathic machinations, The Flash included. Barry’s weakness to Grodd encourages Cisco to craft a headset that blocks telepathic forces, which proves ineffective as it constantly falls off. Ultimately, with Iris’ help, Barry overcomes Grodd’s influence. But his victory relies on mental strength, not superspeed. This may be one power The Flash isn’t fast enough to manifest just yet.
7 CONSTRUCT HARD ENERGY WITH THE SPEED FORCE
Energy Construction is a skill most notably related to Wally West’s Flash, but considering the show’s usage of other Wally staples for Barry (i.e., Linda Park), this, too, deserves a pass. The Speed Force’s power can be harnessed to create physical constructs. Therefore, a Speedster can form their suit onto their person, or patch imperfections.
This ability also enables him to armor himself, a handy tool to have in dire situations.
Neither live-action Barry Allen nor live-action Wally West has shown signs of knowing how to do the same. Should this aspect of their powers come to fruition in the Arrowverse, it will be interesting to see who unearths the trick first. With Wally spending so much time of late meditating, he may crack the code, offering him an opportunity to teach his mentor.
6 ENHANCED VISION
Thanks to his speed, The Flash can spot objects in the distance before they reach the a regular human’s visual perception. Why Barry does not employ this ability on the show is a mystery, especially since it has creative applications. To an extent, the way Supergirl can hear trouble from a distance, Flash should be able to pinpoint incoming danger using only sight.
Of course, this ability is not nearly as advanced as Supergirl or Superman’s hearing, but it could prove beneficial while on various missions. Better yet, should Barry ever be permitted to return to Central City’s police force, this skill could also aid him during crime scene investigations or in the lab. Besides, who wouldn’t mind seeing Barry’s speed being used to amplify his intelligence akin to instances in season one?
5 STEAL SPEED
Wally West harbors many powers his predecessor never develops. One notable example is his ability to wrench speed away from moving objects. This feat includes speeding bullets, the Earth, and even Superman. While Speedsters such as Jay Garrick and Inertia may also succumb to Wally’s special gift, Barry Allen -- the Speed Force’s progenitor -- is immune.
After four seasons of television, three of which feature Speedsters as the big bad, perhaps it’s time for Barry to learn this skill.
Given his ventures aboard the Waverider, Wally could likely find a use for speed thievery as well. It’s possible that this particular ability is being withheld on the show. After all, if the Speedsters could simply steal from their villainous counterparts, the threat would be thwarted in record time. Unless introduced in the series, there’s no way of knowing whether this could make for interesting television drama.
4 SUPPLY NON-SPEEDSTERS WITH SPEED
Many of Wally West’s most fascinating powers are exclusive to him. Of course, this is largely due to Barry Allen’s being absent from the comics for several years, while Wally adopted The Flash mantle. In some respects, Barry still has some catching up to do. One power we would not mind him repurposing for himself is the ability to lend speed to non-Speedster characters.
For a brief period of time, Wally can give someone speed, allowing them to tap into the Speed Force. The effects themselves are minimal as the individual’s only gain is to keep up with his pace. Still, it could have some useful applications on The Flash. At the very least, John Diggle is bound to relish in not having to be carried around anymore.
3 ACCELERATE TIME
The Arrowverse’s Barry Allen regularly slows or pauses time. Typically, this ability is employed to gain or devise a tactical advantage. Combat situations, particularly when bullets and other projectiles start flying, is when it garners the most use. In many respects, this go-to skill is foolproof.
If only he could mix it up some, though, perhaps by accelerating time for a change.
Aside from his going back in time and potentially wanting to speed things along upon returning, this skill, for the show, seems limited in scope. What practical reason is there for this version of the hero to accelerate time? Likely none. However, since Barry still has difficulty respecting the rules, he’s bound to accelerate time at least once, which will then result in some catastrophe that only he can fix.
2 THE FLASH RING
The microtechnology that powers the Flash Ring does exist in the Arrowverse. In fact, the Reverse-Flash uses such a device to store his suit. Additionally, Ray Palmer has mastered the manipulation of similar technology. Palmer is often seen carrying his ATOM suit in miniature form, which shrinks small enough to fit in his pocket.
During The Flash’s second season, Barry Allen expresses interest in using the technology for his own Flash suit. The convenience, he quickly notes, is unbeatable. No longer should he have to tote his suit around in a bag. Its compact storing in something that is always on his person could work wonders for his effectiveness in the field and off. Thus, he asks Cisco to look into the technology; the tech expert promises to do just that. However, two seasons removed from this promise and there’s still nothing to show for it.
1 CUT OFF A SPEEDSTER'S SPEED FORCE CONNECTION
In the DC Rebirth continuity (The Flash #8), Barry races to Iron Heights prison to save inmates from Godspeed. Trouble strikes as Flash has difficulty keeping pace with his former friend and ally. In an effort to slow Godspeed down, Barry elects to tie their Speed Force energies together, which can “temporarily short-circuit [their] connection.” Upon Barry’s reaching out and grabbing him, they are both halted and immensely pained.
It’s a brief solution to a massive problem, but the temporary slow down does give Barry an advantage as Wally joins the fight.
This neat, yet painful, trick would work wonders for Barry on The Flash, especially if he either learns it by accident or from Jay Garrick. It would be truly surprising if the series ends without Barry exploiting this at least once.