1.5v batteries to charge 400v capacitors

[al360ex]

Hello,
I'm currently designing schematics for a personal EMP Generator (for my own entertainment).

Basically, I have a power source that will charge a capacitor bank. That energy will be dumped into a 10AWG enameled copper coil wrapped around a soft iron core.

Power source: 8x 1.5v Duracell Procell "D" in parallel.
Capacitor bank: 4x 400v/8800uF wired in parallel.

I have a couple of questions:
Will the discharge speed of the capacitors be affected since they are wired in parallel?
What would be the most simple and/or efficient way of charging the capacitors? Using an inverter transformer? An oscillator with a transformer and a full wave rectifier bridge? A ZVS Flyback Driver?
An other method I haven't thought of?

Thanks!
al360ex

 

[(*steve*)]

for charging: the insides of a camera flash (the old disposable cameras were great for this) has an inverter which will produce between 200V and 400V from something between 1.5 and 6V