Comics books have brought joy to millions and millions worldwide. Everyone has the personal favorite hero from comics, but they are all puny compared to the guys on here. This list has been a long time in the making. Thousands of characters had to be considered – but ultimately only ten were chosen. Be sure to mention your own favorites in the comments. Oh – and if you like comics and lists relating to them, be sure to check out the Top 10 Significant Moments in Comic History.
Publisher: Marvel Comics
First Appearance: X Factor vol 1. #5 (June 1986)
Origins: Cairo, Egypt
En Sabah Nur is reputed to be the first mutant on earth and also the most powerful. He scores an impressive 39 out of 42 on Marvel’s official powergrid. Apocalypse has control of his body on the atomic level to go along with tremendous energy absorption and energy projecting abilities. His powers are greatly enhanced due to his mastery of alien technology specifically genetics and biochemistry.
Publisher: DC Comics
Origins: Planet Apokolips
First Appearance: Superman’s Pal, Jimmy Olsen # 134 (November 1970)
Darkseid is worshipped as an “anti-god”. He is a supreme conqueror who is one of the greatest threats to the DC universe as he seeks to control all living beings. Darkseid is capable of unleashing unimaginable amounts of energy through his “Omega Effect” beam. He is also immortal and has displayed immeasureablee levels of strength, stamina, endurance, and mental abilities.
Publisher: DC Comics
First Appearance: Crisis on Infinite Earths #2 (May 1985)
Origins: Qward
Very little has been revealed about this character. What is known is that A-M is the embodiment of all the anti-matter in existence. This makes him a threat to the entire omniverse through his near limitless cosmic powers. It has been alluded that his purpose was to eliminate all matter in the omniverse, leaving only anti-matter behind. This would essentially make him “God”. Anti-Monitor has shown the ability to absorb entire universes, manipulate matter and energy on a cosmic scale and transform the very essence of reality.
Publisher: DC Comics
First Appearance: Superman #153 (February 2000)
Origins: Unknown
Imperiex is the DC Comics version of Galactus. A being whose plan was to hasten the end of the universe by collapsing galaxies into super black holes and create a new, perfect universe with the corresponding release of energy. Imperiex wields near omnipotent power derived from the big bang and has been described as an energy being requiring a material shell. It has shown the ability to project immensely powerful energy blasts and exert its will through a near infinite supply of “probes” which are capable of annihilating entire planets.
Publisher: Marvel Comics
First Appearance: Iron Man #55 (February 1973)
Origins: Titan (Saturn Moon)
Sure, many a villain threatens to destroy the universe but Thanos is the only one who can actually do it. He possesses immeasurable levels of intelligence, strength, endurance, stamina, and durability. Thanos also has exhibited the ability to manipulate enormous amounts of cosmic energy. An obsession with the female embodiment of death, led him to gain control of the infinity gauntlet, ascending him to godhood. Thanos used his power to destroy half the life in our universe by simply snapping his fingers.
Publisher: Marvel Comics
First Appearance: Fantastic Four #48 (1966)
Origins: Planet Taa (Pre- Big Bang)
The only survivor of the universe that existed before the Big Bang, Galactus consumes entire planets for nourishment. He has displayed god like abilities, including manipulation of molecules on a cosmic scale, conversion of matter to energy and vice versa, teleportation across great distances, erecting impenetrable force fields, etc…, all on levels beyond human comprehension. His intelligence, stamina, and endurance are also beyond any known method of calculation. Galactus is also able to scan the thoughts of virtually any known being.
Publisher: DC Comics
First Appearance: More Fun Comics # 52 (February 1940)
Origins: Silver City
The Presence is the DC comics version of the Judeo-Christian God. It is the highest being in their very complex religious cosmology which includes a second tier of “gods” such as the New Gods, Greek Gods, Hindu Gods, etc. Although it has been described as omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent; it has also been mentioned as having appeared at some point after the beginning of reality as we know it. This ambiguity lowers The Presence’s ranking as it is generally credited with the creation of only one universe (DC), thus it may or may not be the original creator.
More specifically: The Brothers, Eternity, Death, Infinity, Lord Chaos, Master Order etc.
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Origins: N/A
First Appearance: N/A
They can be considered abstract concepts that have shown the ability to manifest themselves physically in order to reveal themselves or their motives to conscious beings in the omniverse. These entities have at one time or another exhibited “god like” power within their respective realms. It is not clear, however if these entities take action through their own will or if they are controlled by a higher power.
Publisher: Marvel Comics
First Appearance: Strange Tales #157 June 1967
Origins: N/A
The Living Tribunal is a virtually omnipotent and omniscient entity whose purpose is to safeguard the omniverse from imbalance. Tribunal is perfectly impartial and has shown the ability to accomplish anything it sets its will to; including the willingness to sacrifice millions to save billions and sacrifice billions to save trillions. There is absolutely no limit to what The Living Tribunal can accomplish in order to maintain balance or eliminate threats. Nevertheless; Tribunal is second to one.
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Origins: N/A
First Appearance: Doctor Strange Vol 2, #13 (April 1976)
Creator of all realities in all timelines in every single part of the omniverse. TOAA is essentially “God” and therefore nothing can possibly exist without him. This makes TOAA more powerful than all beings or entities combined. His true identity has been alluded to as being Stan Lee, the legendary comic book creator.
@Rolo Tomasi (120): That is the picture of One above all…and not of “THE” One Above All
What’s the difference? My comic book knowledge is extremely limited.
hey, the tribunal is a rip-off of the hindu mythological character named Brahma.
btw, has he 3 heads or 4 heads?… the tribunal i.e.
and why has he covered his head(s) with that dirty handkerchief of his?
@Rolo Tomasi (120): Im sure JF just forgot to include the contributor.
Well, recognition where it’s due. I’m sure he will fix that once he catches wind of it in the comments. This is not a reference to Lactose Intolerant Girl btw.
So riddle me this: Darkseid supposedly is a “supreme conqueror” and has “immeasurable levels of mental abilities”, yet he can’t even spell his own name right? The resident Listverse spelling-cops would have a field day with him. I would bump him from 9 down to 10. Ok maybe 9.5 on a good day.
what a crap list.
Where’s Dr. Manhattan and Miracleman?
My super-power: Able to extend bar closing time by three hours in a single bound!
I change my mind. Squirrel Girl should be up there!
Gabi:
Good question. The difference is that they are two different characters. “One Above All” is the leader of an alien race called the celestials.
“The One Above All” is the marvel comics version of “God”. Two characters but almost the same name.
yea the one above all is supposed to be the creator of everthing time the universe and all of its incarnations
@gabi319 (115): How do I keep it classy?
@Maggot (123): I’m sure he will fix that once he catches wind of it in the comments. This is not a reference to Lactose Intolerant Girl btw.
I bow down to literary superiority.
@gabi319 (128): My pinkies were also extended when I delivered that one. Fyi.
good god, do these guys ever sleep?
I love comics but you know things have gotten ridiculous when you can comprise a list of 10 villains that ALL have the ability to destroy whole universes without effort.
How about the son of Superman??( in superman returns)
see.. even krypton has no effect on him!(although a bit sensitive on the outside)
oh well …it’s a movie.
ok sorry..kryptonite
Personally I would have included The Beyonder. He destroyed and recreated an entire galaxy with thought alone. Also The Celestials, the ones who created mutants in the first place. Lastly Hyperstorm, who had total control of the four fundamental forces of the universe. Nice list though.
What about Dr.Manhatan and Silver Surfer?
@damien_karras (125): Thats an Amazing super-power to have dude..can you extend the *****s lapdance too? haha.
@Nauplius (116):
I fear my power only works on the slow-witted and intellectually sub-par. Sad, that.
How about a list of *****ty villians? Never saw Wiley E. Coyote beat Roadrunner. The Bulldog never craned Droopy with a wooden mallet hidden behind his back. *****, Slyvester even had Tweedy in his mouth a few times before Granny *****hammered it out of him. Tom was ***** all when it came to Jerry.
@bucslim (82):
“Additionally, those roids are supposed to shrivel a dudes testicular appliances. How can you be all manly and extra y chromosomey and crush worlds with a snap of your fingers if you have tiny nuts?”
Well, pal… I THINK that’s the issue here… it’s called “compensation.” Like owning a really expensive sports car or one of those long, hyped up speedboats.
“The spandex ain’t gonna cover up the fact that your nuts are miniscule and inadequate for any threats to take hold in the heart of your superhero opponent.”
They got that ***** covered. Prosthetics, my friend. Prosthetics.
“Have you ever seen someone in that condition? They can’t go to the bathroom by themselves.”
I think that’s why Galactus had the Silver Surfer hangin’ around. You know… to occasionally… “help.”
I suspect the board was involved in the “wiping” stage, but we shan’t go there.
@gabi319 (119):
Good question…
Nice list except you forgot Doomsday. He killed Superman, arguably the most powerful superhero, and i rejoiced! Yeah i said it. But then Supe pulled a Jesus Christ and ruined everything. But even then he couldn’t defeat him and had to send him out into space to think about all the awesome “bad” things he’d done. Superman shoulda stayed dead. Doomsday for the win.
@Randall and Bucslim(139):
Building Prosthetics on a planetary scale? Could you imagine the ad put in the paper for THAT job?
108 – korinthian
Relating to villains is what kills them. I can’t relate to a psychopathic serial killer because I’m not one, nor do I understand how the mind of one works. When villains become anti-heroes, their villany ends.
Time Trapper.
@#143 – Glass.
It seems we are speaking past each other here.
Imo, a good villain needs a motivation, he needs to have a reason to do what he does.
Sure, he can just be “crazy” or “evil”, but that’s just a lame 2-minute villain on par with that Spider-man crook that dresses up as a Kangaroo.
A psychopathic serial killer might seem hard to relate to, but if you find out why he does it, or find out that a bully in his childhood was the trigger that started his murderous career, then suddenly you can relate.
“When villains become anti-heroes, their villany ends.”
Again I ask you to clarify what you mean by this.
@damien_karras (142): lol I was thinking the same, they would need jupiter size balls, although they better use uranus and neptune to look really virile since they have about the same diameter.
Generally I don’t comment on lists, but I have a few comments because I love superheroes. The Precsence I thought was called the Spectre, Doomsday should be on here because he can’t die…only get stronger. I’m glad Superman was excluded because all in all he isn’t all that powerful. I suppose Hulk could be on here as well because he is similar to Doomsday in which he keeps getting stronger and stronger. TOAA is strong but I think there is a difference between God and Supervillain. There is a point in which you have to draw that line. I think you should do a top 20 list that involves comics most tormenting villains than the top 10 most powerful. Because its the villains that really get to you that count, not necessarily the ones that are the strongest, the villains that go the extra step to really get you agitated such as the Joker and Lex
TOAA is more then strong he is all powerful he could wipe all of them off the list just by thinking
as long as we’re requesting:
radioactive man & fallout boy
@psychosurfer (146): Imagine someone submitting a resume?
1982-8484: Performed contract work during the construction of the “Death Star” in the Outer Rim.
1979-1982: Assistant to the Assistant Manager at the AMC Multiplex Theater.
crap… 1982-1984
Where’s Bane he broke Batman’s back or Doomsday he killed Superman.
I’d like to see any one of these characters try and win even one game of Calvinball.
I say Lobo was pretty badass,he whooped Superman and destroyed his entire race.And he went up to heaven and whooped God himself.
why didnt spawn make dis list….
@Galactus (22): Thanks for not eating us!
I always liked the scrawny villians. Hey, what about a list of the creepiest comic book villians?
@Kay (156): Joker would be number 1 with a bullet. Everyone knows that.
@gabi319 (128):
@Maggot (123):
Great… I go out for lunch and I miss all the fart commentary.
Like the list
But you left out
juggernaut – x men
SInestro – Green lantern
Dr. Doom – Fantastic four
Joker – “Dark Knight version”
Dommsday – Superman
Green Goblin – Spiderman
And the strong good guys
Silver surfer
AMAZO – JLU ( Justice league unlimited)
Punisher
Dark Knight version Batman
ORIAN ( darkseids’ son) – JLU
Professor x – x men
i wish thanos was ranked higher.. you should have seen what he did with everything in the “Marvel The End” saga.. =)
cheers from the philippines!
Number 1 should be Deadpool, simply for the fact that he realizes he isn’t real. Oh tell me, all mighty The One Above All, why that if you made all realities and timelines that we know of, you AREN’T REAL?! At least Deadpool acknowledges the fact he’s in a comic book.
No Doctor Manhattan?
I feel so puny.
I think the problem with this list (it still is very enjoyable however) is that many are not superheroes. I would classify some, such as The Presence, The Living Tribunal, and The One Above All as cosmic beings, not superheroes by definition. It’s tough to compare them to others such as Superman; it’s kind of like comparing apples and oranges. Also, has anyone mentioned Captain Universe?
I don’t want to split hairs. It’s a difficult list to argue. All the characters on there are incredibly powerful. But what about God as shown in FF #511. Jack Kirby is easily the most powerful comic book character ever. He’s…God in the Marvel Universe.
The writers and artists who make these comics are the most powerful. The One Who Holds the Eraser (TOWHE) is the most powerful of all.
Nice List. And yes 80% of these guys are villans. For those wondering how they are beat, its because many superheros join together to fight agains them. Sometimes even 20 to 30 against one of these bad boys.
This list has a lot of flaws.
The list is too general.
There are too many comic books out there
and don’t forget the indie publishers.
Don’t they also make comics?
Why is this list mostly Marvel?
There’s also Sandman from Vertigo,
Darkness from Top Cow, Hellboy from Dark Horse, the Shade from DC, Mister Majestic from Wildstorm.
I suggest the title to be a little more
specific such as “Top 10 most powerful
villains in Marvel” or so on.
@romerozombie (109):
romerozombie. we posted about The Preacher in the same minute.
*****in cool coincidence.
Hey Frater. put this in your coincidence list and smoke it ; )
Phoenix should be on this list!
Watch out, guys. With Marge Simpson gracing the cover of Playboy, she could shoot to the #1 spot…
http://jdrourke.wordpress.com/
The Preacher.
My apologies for forgetting to include the name of the contributor. It has been added.
Rogue wins, she can steal all of there powers.
their*
Christ, I haven’t made that grammar error in years.
Number’s 9 and 10 look similar…
What about Jesse Custer from Preacher? he has “the word” that allows him to command anything with his voice alone because he is possessed by Genesis, an infant god that is the cross between an angel and a demon. he can command angels and demons, and even death himself. which brings me to the next character, The Saint of Killers, an old dead cowboy who is the living embodiment of death, is indestructable, immovable and can kill anything with his walker colt pistols which he can draw instantly and never run out of ammo.
I abhor comics. BLECH!
But to each his own.
Thanos means death in Greek (I think) though.
@Joe13 (166): The One Who Holds the Eraser (TOWHE) is the most powerful of all.
Not comic book related but your comment reminded me of this:
How bout Captain Universe – he beat Living Tribunal right?
yeah! my vote also goes to Chuck Norris!