One of the most dangerous side effects of the Flash's powers could ironically make him lose a race with an average runner. When chasing down a villain, a pesky side effect revealed how the application of Barry Allen's Speed Force abilities could be used against him.
The powers given to the Flash by way of the Speed Force have made Barry one of the most impressive heroes in the DC Universe. As the mysterious energy's emissary, Flash can do things that defy comprehension and put him up there as one of the most useful heroes around. But Flash's Speed Force powers do have their drawbacks, and Barry's repeated attempts to master the phenomenon that empowers him have only made him more aware of that fact. The Flash's powers may give him an edge over most, but they can also be dangerous when not used properly.
Flash got a serious reality check when he was pulling out all the stops to catch a new, innovative villain. In The Flash #26 by Christos Gage and Neil Googe, Barry is chasing after a rogue with a fighter pilot gimmick named Spitfire. The villain has just murdered on of Allen’s old colleagues and the Flash wants justice. The Fastest Man Alive finds Spitfire at an airfield, where the villain is planning to exploit the Flash's grounded nature and take to the skies. As the Flash begins to catch up to his flight-obsessed foe, Spitfire pulls out a rapid-fire gun and sprays the Scarlet Speedster with bullets. Of course, bullets are no match for Flash, who easily vibrates his molecules and allows them to phase straight through him. Unfortunately, this technique backfires and prevents Flash from getting his hands on Spitfire's aircraft.
Phasing is probably one of the Barry’s most useful abilities. When needing to avoid solid matter, Flash’s phasing powers keep him safe from running into obstacles or taking critical injuries from deadly weapons. And while phasing is a move that definitely comes in handy to avoid injury, it’s the exact sort of thing that can render Flash’s speed completely useless.
Flash obviously goes up against a lot of villains with some lethal armaments. His Rogues alone possess some of the most innovative weaponry that's practically designed to harm the Flash. And for criminals, it’s not hard to procure guns. If Barry wants to protect himself from the dangerous equipment he goes up against, phasing is a good plan. But the Flash’s speed powers mean nothing if he can’t grab onto someone. All it takes is someone like Spitfire using a hail of bullets for cover, and before they know it, they’ve managed to escape the fastest hero in the DC Universe. Barry obviously needs to keep himself safe, but unless he can balance his phasing and speed abilities, villains may catch on to the surefire way they can outrun the Flash.