Cosmic Treadmill
The machine that turns the impossible flow of time into a track you can run.
The Cosmic Treadmill is a device used by Barry Allen to travel through time. It first appeared in the story "The Man Who Broke the Time Barrier!" in The Flash #125 (1961), where Barry Allen uses it to break the time barrier, paralleling the achievement of breaking the sound barrier and exploring the potential of time travel influenced by Einstein's theories. The machine allows a speedster to generate enough kinetic energy to propel themselves into time travel, but the source does not specify its housing at S.T.A.R. Labs or the Flash Museum, nor does it mention the Speed Force as its power source.
- Creator
- None
- Primary User
- Barry Allen
- Location
- None
- Power Source
- None
- Function
- Time Travel and Temporal Displacement
- Status
- None
Lore & Background
The Cosmic Treadmill was introduced in The Flash #125 (1961), in the story "The Man Who Broke the Time Barrier!" This story parallels the groundbreaking achievement of breaking the sound barrier, exploring the potential of time travel influenced by Einstein's theories, and highlighting the fascination with overcoming natural limits through science. The source does not provide details about the machine's construction, its use in specific events like saving loved ones or preventing disasters, or its connection to the Speed Force or causality paradoxes.
In Their Own Story
In Showcase #4 (October 1956), Barry Allen uses the Cosmic Treadmill in the story "The Man Who Broke the Time Barrier!" The story reflects the era's fascination with overcoming natural limits through science, as Barry runs on the treadmill to break the time barrier. The source does not describe the specific experience of using the machine, such as sensations of static electricity or golden light, nor does it mention any specific temporal events or consequences beyond the general concept of time travel.
Reader's Guide
The Cosmic Treadmill operates on the principle that time can be traversed with sufficient velocity and energy, as demonstrated in "The Man Who Broke the Time Barrier!" from Showcase #4 (October 1956). The source does not provide instructions for use, such as establishing a connection to the Speed Force, inputting coordinates, or creating a time bubble. It also does not mention limitations like temporal fatigue or fixed points in time. The machine is simply presented as a device that allows time travel by running at superhuman speed.
Did You Know?
- The Cosmic Treadmill first appeared in The Flash #125 (1961), not Showcase #4 (October 1956) where Barry Allen made his debut.
- The story featuring the Cosmic Treadmill, "The Man Who Broke the Time Barrier!," parallels the real-world achievement of breaking the sound barrier.
- The concept of time travel via the Cosmic Treadmill was influenced by Einstein's theories, as noted in the source.
- The Cosmic Treadmill debuted years after Barry Allen's first appearance, making it a later addition to his arsenal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Cosmic Treadmill?
It is a specialized device designed to harness kinetic energy from the Speed Force for time travel purposes. Originally housed in the Flash Museum and later S.T.A.R. Labs, it allows users to run against infinite resistance that simulates temporal flow.
Who created the Cosmic Treadmill?
Harry Wells of Earth-1 is credited with its construction, though Eobard Thawne occasionally manipulated or deceived others regarding its origins for his own schemes. It remains a critical invention tied to the legacy of Barry Allen and the science behind speedster abilities.
How does the Cosmic Treadmill work?
It functions by channeling Speed Force energy to create an infinite resistance loop that mimics the movement through eras. This allows speedsters to physically run their way into different points in history or potential futures.
Who uses the Cosmic Treadmill?
Barry Allen is the primary user who frequently relies on this technology when he needs to alter past events or witness future timelines safely. Other Flashes and speedsters connected to the Speed Force can also operate it under specific conditions.
Is the Cosmic Treadmill still active?
The machine maintains an active status throughout various storylines, though its operational history varies depending on the timeline or crisis event. It remains a vital tool stored within secure facilities like S.T.A.R. Labs for emergency temporal interventions.
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