While the Flash is known as the Fastest Man Alive - and has been for decades of DC continuity - it turns out that he believes he only officially won that title thanks to one amazing feat. Thankfully for his fans, it's a fittingly epic way for the Flash to have claimed his iconic nickname.
Fans see the adventure unfold in Louise Simonson, Jesus Merino, Andy Owens, Wendy Broome, and Carlos M. Mangual's The Death of Superman: The Wake #10. The issue sees the Justice League reminiscing about Superman in the wake of his death at Doomsday's hands, and the Flash shares a story of one of their fabled races. In the issue, the Fifth-Dimensional imp Mister Mxyzptlk has made a bet with his dimension's ruler King Brpxz over who is faster: Superman or Flash. The all-powerful beings kidnap Metropolis and Central City, stating that only the winner's city will be returned to Earth. To sweeten the deal, the reality-bending King Brpxz promises the winner a wish.
Flash Became the Fastest Man Alive by Beating Superman
When Flash and Superman begin the race, they quickly discover it's not as simple as who's faster on their feet. The route takes them through various obstacles - a stretch of frictionless road, a patch of complete darkness, and a cloud of Kryptonite, testing their ability to think fast and use their powers to come out ahead. Just before the finish line, the two are trapped in diamond prisons, with Mxyzptlk believing that Superman can use his strength to break out faster than Flash can phase free. However, encouraged by Superman, Flash instead uses his speed to shatter the prison and claims first place, using his wish to restore Metropolis to Earth alongside Central City. To mark his victory, the Fifth-Dimensional beings award Flash a tacky trophy emblazoned with the words 'Fastest Man Alive' - Flash calls the trinket the actual, official proof he earned his title.
Superman's Most Powerful Enemy Crowned Flash the Fastest Man Alive
Superman vs Flash race stories are always fun - even after Flash later revealed that he's always held back against the Man of Steel - but this really is the ultimate test of their respective abilities. Each is faced with insurmountable obstacles and must find a way to triumph. At the same time, the Fifth Dimensional imps have access to all of time and space, as well as the multiverse itself. There's no-one better than King Brpxz to officially declare someone the fastest man alive, and beating Superman in a foot race is the ultimate way to prove it.
Flash's speed has constantly increased since he was introduced, with many feats that prove he's untouchable when it comes to speed. However, beating Superman in a race and then being declared the fastest man alive by a godlike being from a higher dimension answers the question beyond all doubt. Flash may not think much of Mister Mxyzptlk and King Brpxz, but the trophy he was awarded for his victory is undeniable evidence that he's earned the Fastest Man Alive title.