Speed
It seems fairly obvious that a superhero would have the ability of super speed but, surprisingly, it is not always fitted as standard. Being in peak physical condition and having super strength does not guarantee you can leave everyone else in the dust once the starter pistol sounds, apparently.
There are the obvious speedy characters – The Flash, Quicksilver, and Dash (The Incredibles) for example – and we all know that Superman can shift himself better than most, but there are relatively few others that can list super speed among their special traits. Spawn – the undead, demonic CIA agent – has a vast array of super powers, and super speed is chief among them. The Mask also has the ability to move quickly when necessary, and vampire hunter Blade is also fleet of foot.
This is not a near-universal constant in terms of super powers, however, and that poses some interesting issues from a narrative point of view. If superhero stories see their lead characters utilizing their special skills to combat specific threats, then those with super speed presumably use that to make their escape, on occasion, as necessary. It follows, then, that those without super speed more often find themselves having to stand and fight. Does this lead to different levels of boundary-pushing, in terms of storytelling, as is the case with regenerative and healing powers? A quick look at the names involved might well lead you to conclude that is, indeed, the case.
