• Top 10 Most Powerful Superheroes of All Time

  

  Written by Zeromage 1,843 Comments
  Last Updated:: May 23, 2008

  Here it is folks, the biggest debate on the whole interweb. Never has there been a more well thought out argument for a completely non-existent thing. Which superhero could beat up which other superhero. Never has a group of people spent more time drawing graphs, doing calculations, making charts, and writing computer programs to prove that the hero they love is in fact the toughest. These people do more literature searches than a graduate student writing their dissertation on literature. One can only imagine what world problems could be solved if comic book nerds would instead focus this same energy on say; poverty, healthcare, the climate, pollution, the economy, childhood obesity, cancer, sudden infant death syndrome, racism, genetic disorders, violence against women, the melting ice caps, sending a man to mars, depression, solving Goldbach’s conjecture, creating a unified field theory, un-raveling the mystery of DNA, figuring out what happened before the big bang, resolving religious tensions in the Middle East, finding peace on Earth, making cleaner cars, sustainable energy, nuclear fission, getting rid of hippies, and the million other things that would make this world a better place to live in.

  So in order to finish this debate once and for all we here at OW have finally finished THE list of the most powerful superheros. This is it folks. As every faithful reader knows that we here at OW are always right, we have proved it in the past. There can no longer be any debate. No more argument required. This list has taken us years to complete, and has threatened to destroy all that is OW. While making this list there was lots arguing, name calling, some shouting, a little bit of snuggling, more shouting, lots of your momma’s, but we finally came up with the definitive list of the most powerful superheroes of all time. We can’t be more clear on that last point, this is it. None of what you are about to read is opinion, it is fact. Next time one of your nerd buddies starts to argue you need only refer to this list, kindly pat him the head a give him one of the problems listed above to argue about. Here’s how we did it.   First we excluded all super villains, this is heroes only, next we eliminated all exorbitantly overpowered cosmic beings (Phoenix, Odin, or the Highfather). And finally we ignored all heroes that would be considered ‘normal’ but have similar powers as those listed below. Then we plugged in all the facts and figures into the OW super computer and waited. Exactly 137 days later the answer was spit out. It then took us one year to figure out what that answer meant. Finally its over these are the most powerful superheroes. Fact.

  10. The Green Lantern (Hal Jordan)
  

  Despite coming in at number 10, The Green Lantern (Hal Jordan) is one tough hombre. As a member of the Green Lantern Corps, he wields a power ring that can generate a variety of effects and energy constructs, sustained purely by the ring wearer’s strength of will. The greater the user’s willpower, the more effective the ring. The limits of the power ring’s abilities are never defined, but it has been referred to as “the most powerful weapon in the universe” on more than one occasion. It’s precious. Over the years, the ring has been shown capable of accomplishing almost anything within the imagination of the ring bearer. Often the rings are used to form solid-light constructs, the power and size of which are limited only by the ring-bearer’s willpower. And, if that wasn’t powerful enough, DC recently (in 2006) retconned the ring’s longtime lack of effect on yellow objects, stating that the ring-bearer need only feel fear and overcome it in order to affect yellow objects. With his protective bubbles and mean green energy bursts, the Green Lantern has fought with, and at varying times against, such heavyweights as Superman and Captain Marvel. But he’s still no match for number 9 on our list…

  9. Professor X
  

  So how does someone whose Kryptonite is stairs make it onto the list of the ten most powerful superheroes of all time? Well, despite being wheelchair-bound, Professor Charles Xavier is one of the most powerful heroes in comic-dom. Born a mutant, Professor X is the world’s most powerful telepath. He is able to read or project his thoughts into minds within a radius of hundreds of miles. He can psionically manipulate the minds of others, warp perceptions to make himself seem invisible or project illusions, cause loss of particular memories, and induce pain or temporary mental and physical paralysis. Within close range, he can manipulate almost any number of minds for such simple feats. Taking it a step further, against one opponent he take full possession of their mind, although he must strictly be within that being’s physical presence. He can even project powerful mental bolts of psionic energy, enabling him to stun the mind of another being into unconsciousness and completely shut down minds and bodies, or cause death. But, while Professor X may possess the most powerful melon on Earth (and one of the most powerful in the galaxy), his delicate body would prove to be too much a liability against the other eight powerhouses on this list.

  8. The Hulk

  If World War Hulk showed us anything, its just how powerful the Hulk is. Never mind the fact that in Hulk #470, he was choked out by an ordinary python, or that he was once injured by Wolverine’s bone claws. I attribute that to poor writing. At his best, the Hulk is a 7-foot, one-ton green behemoth with near-unlimited strength, rapid tissue-regenerative powers and nigh-inexhaustible stamina. He is highly resistant to physical, as well as psychic attacks. He’s been shown to be immune to temperature extremes, diseases, and poisons. His powerful legs allow him to leap into Earth’s upper atmosphere, or even across continents, and when injured he can heal from almost any wound, inherently embodying the most ubiquitous panacea. He has gone toe-to toe with almost all of Marvel’s elite heroes and villains, and has usually come out on top. All of his powers depend on how mad he is, and at his maddest, his footsteps are enough to shake the entire Eastern Seaboard, and his punches capable of shattering small planets.

  7. Black Bolt
  

  Our seventh most powerful superhero of all time is Black Bolt, the king of the offshoot of humanity known as the inhumans. Black Bolt has often been described as one of the most powerful superheroes in the Marvel universe by other heroes, and for good reason. Through electron gathering and manipulation, Black Bolt can increase any aspect of his physical nature to superhuman levels, including his strength, speed, stamina and durability. In times of great need, he can channel this power into a single devastating punch called “The Master Blow”. He can also harness the electrons for matter transformation; the controlled projection of energy as concussive blasts or quasi-solid particle/electron fiends, broadcasting jamming frequencies, and flight. But Black Bolt’s most salient offensive weapon is his cacophonous voice, as a hypersonic shout that can level an entire city, and his merest whisper has been shown capable of stunning the Hulk. It’s even been suggested that his voice is capable of destroying an entire planet.

  6. The Sentry

  Empowered by an enigmatic professor’s secret formula, The Sentry absorbs solar radiation for strength and moves his molecules an instant ahead of the normal timeline. His superpowers include super strength, speed, stamina, and senses, along with the power to create energy fields and of course the power of unaided flight. He also possesses a number of mental powers, having displayed the ability to implant his memories into another person’s mind. To top all that off, he emits a form of radiation that calms down the Hulk, severely limiting the Jade giant’s rage-fueled powers. It’s been mentioned a number of times that he possesses the power of “a million exploding suns” and that he is “the most powerful human in the galaxy”. Unfortunately, his primary weakness appears to be his mental instability, as he is often referred to as an agoraphobic schizophrenic, and he is very susceptible to mental manipulation and inculcation.

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1,843 Comments

1. #1 alberto says:
   November 7th, 2009 at 3:08 pm

   My take on this

   If Genis-Vell (aka Legacy, aka Photon, aka Marvel’s Captain Marvel) is powerful enough to be on the list, He should. This list is supposed to be the most Powerful Superhero List, Not the Most Popular Superhero List, Now He might be technically a Clone, but He is not. Hopefully He will be included.

   Not speaking of Clones, The Sentry, should get out of the list (why?) does the word “Marvel’s Superman” sound familiar?, oh well, he can stay, is not like He is a complete replica of Superman like Gladiator plus if you don’t leave him, people will start saying Why the Sentry is not on the list?

   But that is just my take on the matters.

   Peace
2. #2 Alberto says:
   November 7th, 2009 at 3:09 pm

   My take on this

   If Genis-Vell (aka Legacy, aka Photon, aka Marvel’s Captain Marvel) is powerful enough to be on the list, He should. This list is supposed to be the most Powerful Superhero List, Not the Most Popular Superhero List, Now He might be technically a Clone, but He is not. Hopefully He will be included.

   Now! speaking of Clones, The Sentry, should get out of the list (why?) does the word “Marvel’s Superman” sound familiar?, oh well, he can stay, is not like He is a complete replica of Superman like Gladiator plus if you don’t leave him, people will start saying Why the Sentry is not on the list?

   But that is just my take on the matters.

   Peace
3. #3 Delta says:
   November 7th, 2009 at 3:13 pm

   Some of the stuff Genis did, one could argue he’s too powerful for the list.

   Sentry’s powers are similar, but there’s JUST enough to differentiate him power-wise, and especially his origin, for me to concede he’s not quite a Superman-clone. But if his origin were more like Superman’s instead of a rip-off of Triumph’s, I’d have to disagree.
4. #4 Matt says:
   November 7th, 2009 at 5:08 pm

   Here’s my top ten most powerful Superheroes:

   1. Sentry
   2. Black Bolt
   3. The Hulk
   4. Silver Surfer
   5. Thor
   6. Captain Marvel
   7. Martian Manhunter
   8. Doctor Strange
   9. Green Lantern
   10. Iron Man
5. #5 Alberto says:
   November 7th, 2009 at 6:26 pm

   @Matt

   Here is my take on your list

   You only read Marvel
6. #6 big guns says:
   November 7th, 2009 at 8:31 pm

   I hope they come up with new list soon because I really interest to see where Superman, Thor, Hulk end up on the list. I’m sure it will cause debate.
7. #7 ShadowHunter says:
   November 7th, 2009 at 8:53 pm

   Im just asking myself a question… Is Dr Manhattan a real Superhero since he went in another universe?
8. #8 Delta says:
   November 7th, 2009 at 12:08 am

   Matt…..

   LMAO!!! Hulk more powerful than Silver Surfer, Captain Marvel(either DC or Marvel), Thor, Green Lantern, Doctor Strange, or Martian Manhunter? What are you smoking? How badly has it damaged your brain? Out of your list, only Iron Man is less powerful than Hulk, and that’s arguable.

   Here’s a list of characters that are more powerful than Hulk that didn’t make your’s, and can make the list. Orion, Wonder Woman, Sersi, Flash and X-Man, to name a few.
9. #9 Starkie says:
   November 7th, 2009 at 12:11 pm

   Shadow hunter…
   Yeah sure he is, just because dr manhatton isn’t in this universe doesnt mean he is no longer a superhero. Silver surfer, superman, loads of them do it
10. #10 larryfilmmaker says:
    November 7th, 2009 at 2:52 pm

    I give up. I’ve been all over this website looking for a “contact” link or some way to share this “fan film”. Superman, Hulk, Thor, Surfer, and everybody else… in one epic battle. Check it:

    http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x7pw7l_the-greatest-fan-film-of-all-time_shortfilms
11. #11 larryfilmmaker says:
    November 7th, 2009 at 2:53 pm

    Also, are there forums?
12. #12 ShadowHunter says:
    November 7th, 2009 at 4:48 am

    That means Dr Manhattan should be in the Top 5…
13. #13 Delta says:
    November 7th, 2009 at 9:28 am

    No ShadowHunter, Doctor Manhattan should NOT be in the Top 5, or even in the Top 10. He wasn’t very impressive, really.
14. #14 ShadowHunter says:
    November 7th, 2009 at 4:38 pm

    Well, he still got the powers of a god and that’s why in went in another universe to create life.
15. #15 Delta says:
    November 7th, 2009 at 10:29 pm

    Doctor Manhattan did not go to another universe to create life. He was traveling to another solar system, or maybe it was galaxy, to SEE if he could create life.
16. #16 Delta says:
    November 7th, 2009 at 1:23 am

    Oh and ShadowHunter…..

    Superman, Orion, Green Lantern, Silver Surfer, Thor, Captain Atom, Quasar, Genis-Vell, Firestorm, and many, many others have much more impressive feats than Doctor Manhattan.

    Doctor Manhattan’s most impressive feat was teleporting between Earth and Mars. Which isn’t too impressive compared to plenty of other examples.
17. #17 adam says:
    November 7th, 2009 at 3:31 am

    what about galactus he created the surfer and can destroy him no problem… and then what about the time the hulk ate galactus… the hulk is definately the strongest… hulk vs thor… thor got his stuff tossed
18. #18 ShadowHunter says:
    November 7th, 2009 at 4:00 pm

    Okay, maybe you won’t agree with me but I think Batman got is place in this Top 10.
19. #19 Pete says:
    November 7th, 2009 at 4:12 pm

    Here’s my top 10 most powerful superheroes:

    1. Dr. Manhattan
    2. Silver Surfer
    3. Superman
    4. Hulk
    5. Thor
    6. Wonder Woman
    7. Captain Marvel
    8. The Flash
    9. Professor X
    10. Wolverine

    Honorable mentions:

    Orion, Iron Man, Namor, Dr. Strange
20. #20 Jesse says:
    November 7th, 2009 at 4:57 pm

    Pete:
    I don’t think that Wolverine belongs in the top ten let alone top 20 or 30. Yes, his healing factor makes him difficult to kill, but I hardly think that puts him on a top 10 most powerful list.
    And just for the record, I miss the days when Wolverine’s healing abilities weren’t grossly exaggerated.
21. #21 Alberto says:
    November 7th, 2009 at 1:56 am

    @larryfilmmaker

    I have seen the movie, before.

    Is really funny.
22. #22 big guns says:
    November 7th, 2009 at 5:45 pm

    Wolverine nor Dr Mattanhan should not be on this list.

    If being hard to kill makes you powerful then where Hercules & Sersi they are immortal & more powerful then Wolverine.

    Dr. Mattanhan probably shouldn’t be on list at all if you do put him on the list surely no at the top. 1st reason) if he is as powerful as you think he is he’s too powerful for this list. 2nd)as Delta said in previous posting please show were is ability would work against the likes of Superman, Thor or Silver Surfer if can’t do that then he should not be number 1 on your list. 3rd If I read Watchmen correctly he does not come across as heroic person by the end, his more like uncaring jerk. So not really a hero neither so that another reason he shouldn’t be on this list. For more reason you may want read some of the previous posting starting with Delta posting about Dr. Manhattan.
23. #23 Delta says:
    November 7th, 2009 at 9:20 pm

    Adam…..

    um Did you pay attention? The list excludes the ridiculously powerful, and Galactus would fit that. And it excludes VILLAINS, and if anything Galactus is a VILLAIN more times than not.
24. #24 Delta says:
    November 7th, 2009 at 9:21 pm

    Adam…..

    um Did you pay attention? The list excludes the ridiculously powerful, and Galactus would fit that. And it excludes VILLAINS, and if anything Galactus is a VILLAIN more times than not.

    And Hulk is so fucking overrated. He ate Galactus in MARVEL ZOMBIES, which isn’t canon nor is that to be taken seriously.

    And Thor’s got the majority of wins over Hulk.

    And fuck, Superman’s demonstrated to be stronger than Hulk. Superman’s got the more impressive strength feats.
25. #25 David says:
    November 7th, 2009 at 9:26 pm

    Galactus , is neither good or evil he is just a Force of nature on a Cosmic scale
26. #26 Delta says:
    November 7th, 2009 at 9:30 pm

    And ShadowHunter, why does Batman deserve a spot on the list? He’s a normal human. He hasn’t even beaten Superman, in continuity, like people claim. And even if he had, which no one has given an actual example of, using tech and prep he normally wouldn’t have don’t count in his power.
27. #27 Delta says:
    November 7th, 2009 at 9:37 pm

    And Pete, what has Doctor Manhattan DONE to even be considered for the Top 10? #2-#8, with the exception of Hulk, all have feats much more impressive than Doctor Manhattan. As do your honorable mentions of Orion and Doctor Strange. And even Iron Man and Namor are much much more powerful than Wolverine, though they don’t belong on this list. Orion and Doctor Strange though are powerful enough to deserve consideration.

    Like Jesse said, just because Wolverine’s hard to kill doesn’t make him powerful.
28. #28 Alberto says:
    November 7th, 2009 at 5:53 pm

    Is Dr. Manhattan an actual Super hero?

    I did not seen him doing something Heroic during the whole comic, just maybe at the end, but He choosed the “lie” over the “truth” in the series.

    He did not even saved the vietnamise woman from being killed by the comedian and He could have stopped the comedian.

    So I guess He is not a Super hero, maybe a Super being, but not a Super hero.
29. #29 ShadowHunter says:
    November 7th, 2009 at 7:00 pm

    Delta, Batman actually beat Superman who was infected by some kind of Kryptonite Mind control (by Lex Luthor). He used his technology (A robot that gives him Superhuman strenght) to beat him. Yes, at the end, he used Superman weakness but in the end, he beat him. The power of Batman is his intelligence. Finding the weakness of his ennemies is not a problem for him. I think he would be able to beat every Superheroes (almost all of them) in the list if you give him some time.
30. #30 ShadowHunter says:
    November 7th, 2009 at 7:02 pm

    Delta, oh, I forgot. Batman actually fought ennemies that were actually stronger than him. Exemple : Bane, Killer Croc, etc.. Yes, the first time Batman (Bruce Wayne) encounter Bane, he gets his ass kicked but the second time, Bane actually got owned. How did a simple mortal guy could beat a guy that has Super Strenght like Bane and even Killer Croc..?
31. #31 Jr Strange says:
    November 7th, 2009 at 11:11 pm

    “First we excluded all super villains, this is heroes only, next we eliminated all exorbitantly overpowered cosmic beings (Phoenix, Odin, or the Highfather).”

    That’s very good and all, but if your list only includes heroes, why would Hulk be on it?

    Then again, that’s only my take on the matter. I guess whenever I think of heroes, I think of righteousness, selflessness, reasonable, courage, compassion, and most important of all: a hero always believe the goodness in things and doesn’t kill at whim.

    Hulk? Bah, if Dr Manhattan doesn’t make the list, why Hulk? While I do agree to Hulk being one of the most powerful entities out there, he’s by no means a hero in my opinion. In fact, I think of Hulk as more of a “Ugh, little man shot me with a bazooka, me wanna break his bones.” type of guy.

    Heck, he never locks Banner in a closet and come out to play unless a spaceship explodes and kills his family. -WWH

    When had Hulk ever stopped a robbery? When had Hulk ever catch a falling train? When had Hulk ever took a hit for other than Betty?

    I realize I’m gonna piss off a lot of Hulk fans by writing this, but… Let’s see come criticism.
32. #32 Fedricco Rabaya says:
    November 7th, 2009 at 1:44 am

    What ever you say BATMAN for the win. He’s just a normal guy without any unusual powers but he has something which other Superheroes don’t have – TALENT.
33. #33 Alberto says:
    November 7th, 2009 at 3:35 am

    Well, I love Batman, I like his stories and I like his attitude and the fact that He never shows fear and that He is really smart, but there are things out of his league.
    How is he going to be able to defeat a guy who can react in a Pico-second?
    or a guy who travels arround the globe a dozen of times in less than a second?

    Like this:

    http://i647.photobucket.com/albums/uu200/biensalsa/ROUNDtwoZom10.jpg?t=1257478233
34. #34 DictatorBB says:
    November 7th, 2009 at 3:41 am

    Flash is Godly! D:<
35. #35 big guns says:
    November 7th, 2009 at 5:55 pm

    I’m not rabbit fan of the Hulk but I have to said Hulk has done many heroic things quick examples he has help Avengers & Defenders save earth on multi times and Banner very action of saving Rick Jones from Gamma Bomb was heroic. Hulk hero status not really in question just if his powerful enough be on this list. It’s hard to make arguement for Dr. Manhattan being hero or point to his heroic deeds. I like what Alberto said “So I guess He is not a Super hero, maybe a Super being, but not a Super hero.”. I couldn’t put it better myself.
36. #36 Alberto says:
    November 7th, 2009 at 7:08 pm

    When He is Dr. Banner, he has actually fought on the goo side, like in the Infinity Gauntlet Series, He also has that whole Defenders history behind him.

    Somehow when He is in his “kid” mentality, he recognizes “bad” from “good” as weel as any 5 year old could.

    I have seen the Hulk saving people, either by being aware of it or by consequence of his actions, more times than not.

    Like the Punisher or Wolwerine “anti-heroe” status

    Plus, lets also remember, That the lines of “good” and “evil” are not as well defined in Marvel U as in DCU
37. #37 Alberto says:
    November 7th, 2009 at 7:09 pm

    I meant good side
38. #38 ShadowHunter says:
    November 7th, 2009 at 8:54 pm

    Alberto, you think Batman had time when he had to dodge the Omega Beam of DarkSeid (Nobody managed to Dodge it)? Just saying that this Human got his place in the greatest superheroes.
39. #39 UP2IP2 says:
    November 7th, 2009 at 4:56 am

    No lives ,just no lives
40. #40 Alberto says:
    November 7th, 2009 at 5:27 pm

    @ShadowHunter

    I think, because of Batman have no powers and he usually hangs or battles people more powerful than him, He is always on alert and ready for possible threats.

    If We take into account that He is just a “regular” human and the type of things he has achieved against beings who can snap him like a twig, He is one of the greatest superheroes.

    Nightwing, Green Arrow, Hawkeye, Robin and the “regular” humans/superheroes will also enter in this category, but Robin not only he is a “regular” human, He is not even an adult, He is a KID! and still, He does not backdown.

    All this guys, I think deserve an honorable mention.

    While Batman takes the cake at being the best. It takes a lot of cojones to stand up against Superboy Prime with a few arrows, a batarang and your wits.