He may be a mainstay of the Justice League, but the Flash is never going to be the team's leader. In The Flash #781, Wally West reveals the role every Scarlet Speedster is destined to play in the diverse superhero outfit.

With the numerous evils just waiting to put the DC Universe in danger, the greatest heroes alive assembled to defend their world. From the impressive array of powers that Superman boasts to the fighting experience Wonder Woman possesses, every member of the League brings something to the table. Especially Flash, whose always helped with last-minute saves thanks to his Speed Force powers. But while the Flash has always been an invaluable member of the Justice League, he's never exactly led the team. He's been in positions where he's had some sway over the group, but the Fastest Man Alive hasn't risen to the top like Superman or Batman.

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And it seems that there's a very good reason why Flashes don't make for good leaders of the DCU's premier superhero organization. In The Flash #781 by Jeremy Adams and Fernando Pasarin, Wally West spends the day on patrol with his cousin, the Kid Flash Wallace West. As the two travel the world, the Flash regales his sidekick with stories of time when Wally was Kid Flash. Wally mentions a time when he sneaked out to fight crime on his own, only to run into his mentor, Barry Allen, stopping a disaster. But instead of being reprimanded, Barry asked for Wally’s help. The Flash tells Kid Flash that speedsters aren't meant to be reactionaries or planners. They're meant to be the "boots on the ground" that are actively looking for threats that they can deal with immediately.

Flashes Are Too Busy To Lead The Justice League

Wally West Flash True Purpose DC Comics

The Flash is right on the money when he elucidates the role that speedsters often play. With their Speed Force connections, Flashes and other fast-moving heroes tend to be aware of crimes before most other heroes and the first to respond to people in need. Wally has a great awareness of how his powers are necessary when calamity strikes. But this introspection also reveals why speedsters aren’t in positions of leadership on the League.

Everyone on the Justice League plays to their strengths. Heroes like Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman have often led the team because they all know strategy and how to motivate their teammates. While Flash is a fine hero, his skills are of much better use when the Justice League needs recon or emergency services for civilians. It doesn’t mean that someone like Wally can’t lead the League, but on a team of heroes, his powers work more in a supportive role. In fact, with the Flash always on the lookout for trouble, and always there to help, one could say that the Flash is the Justice League’s ultimate first responder.

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