Who Are the 5 Most Iconic Speedsters in Pop Culture?

On your mark, get set, GO! When it comes to super powers, one of the most popular power sets is often super speed. Who wouldn’t want to achieve tasks in record time and run literal circles around their enemies?

From gritty comic book heroes to side-scrolling video games, pop culture is full of speedsters. Buckle up for a whirlwind review of the top 5 speedsters of all time! Speed limits need not apply.

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Red Rush (Invincible)

As is a tried and true tradition in super hero media, Red Rush is an homage to another speedster who will pop up later. But actually, this red-suited hero from Invincible was a little enigmatic. Only his first name was known: Josef. Other than that, he was from Russia and acted as a member of the Guardians of the Globe, alongside Omni-Man. If you noticed the past tense, well, that’s because even super speed couldn’t save this hero from a devastating betrayal.

Keeping in line with his mysterious persona, it’s not even known how Red Rush obtained his powers. He could manipulate his body’s sub-atomic composition, allowing him to run and react at superhuman speeds. His brain also functioned at a faster and more elaborate level. Still, those super-fast reflexes were no match for a Vitrumite. Rest In Pulp, Red Rush.

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A-Train (The Boys)

The satirical, hyper-violent The Boys is based on a comic book, like Invincible. And just like the previous entry in this list, the characters from The Boys are all horrifically flawed. By exaggerating their self-serving attitudes and less-than-heroic demeanors, these two shows try to reflect how super heroes might actually fit into our own world. On The Boys, this perspective is further developed by tying the world’s most famous super heroes to capitalism.

Like his fellow Vought employees, A-Train maintains a sleek public image while he’s a mess behind the scenes. He’s been part of The Seven and has gotten his hands dirty with Compound V, though recently he’s had a tentative redemption arc. Even though he’s “the fastest man in the world,” A-Train shows how insecurity can hold anyone back … and lead them to some devastating choices.

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Sonic the Hedgehog (Sega)

Hit those gold rings and give it up for the only non-humanoid entry on the list! Sonic the Hedgehog first popped up in 1990 as a cameo appearance in the arcade racing game Rad Mobile, but his titular debut came a year later for the Sega Genesis. Since then, Sonic has become a beloved blue blur in well over a hundred video games plus comic books, TV shows, and a series of feature films. People can’t get enough of this guy!

Audiences enjoy Sonic’s spunky personality and colorful cast of characters, such as his best friends Tails and Knuckles, his sledgehammer-wielding girlfriend Amy, and his devious archenemy Doctor Eggman. Maybe it’s the way he doesn’t make all that much sense — hedgehogs can run pretty fast in short bursts, but not supersonic speeds. Plus they’re definitely not bright blue. Or it could be the iconic trilling sound when Sonic grabs a golden ring. No matter the reason, Sonic and his zoomies are a fan favorite.

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Quicksilver (Marvel)

Whereas Sonic is a little big-headed but ultimately a likable guy, Quicksilver is tougher to tolerate. As the (sort-of) son of Magneto and a former member of the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants, Pietro Maximoff has a checkered past. He’s often written in Marvel comics to emulate the Master of Magnetism’s worst qualities. Pietro can be extremely arrogant and hot-headed, jumping to conclusions faster than anyone around him can blink an eye.

Still, he’s an iconic part of the Marvel universe, having served on the Avengers’ legendary second lineup and later working with X-Factor. You also might have heard of his twin sister Wanda, the Scarlet Witch. These two are extremely close and will do anything to protect each other. Somehow, Wanda brings out Pietro’s better side, as did his Inhuman wife Crystal. However, over the years he has struggled to be a hero. After all, he did help cause the House of M reality and then release Terrigen Mist on the world while trying to undo M-Day. Even faster-than-thought Quicksilver can’t outrun the consequences of his own actions.

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The Flash (DC)

Beyond chemical enhancements and genetic mutation, you’ll find The Flash and his use of the Speed Force. Barry Allen, the Justice League’s founding speedster, is one of the most recognizable faces from DC. He’s the resident hero of Central City and thanks to his time-hopping, Multiverse-spanning adventures, the Flash Family is constantly growing.

Through the Speed Force, Flash not only moves at speeds beyond the comprehension of regular physicists, but he also has electrokinesis and access to interdimensional time travel. Plus, over time he has become familiar with other cosmic forces such as the Negative Speed Force, the Strength Force, and the Still Force. That’s a lot of power for one super hero and Barry has certainly caused his fair share of multiversal messes. Still, his forensic detective skills and good heart always take him to the finish line alongside his fellow DC speedsters like Wally West, Jay Garrick, Kid Quick, and Circuit Breaker. You could even say it … runs in the family.

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Hey, slow down! Let us know your favorite speedsters and why they’re first place in your fandom marathon.

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