In the mega-hit crossover DC Versus Marvel (1996), two powerful abstract entities named the Brothers threatened the existence of the DC and Marvel universes. Namely, in order to decide whose universe survives a contest of champions was decreed by the cosmic entities.
In a series of battles, the heroes of both universes duked it out in outcomes decided by fan-vote. Largely, the battles were a popularity contest though they indeed were fun!
In some respect, one element that has not been appreciated enough is the off-panel confrontation between Darkseid and Thanos. So, let’s ask the obvious question: Who would win in a battle between Darkseid, The Boss vs My Boy Thanos?
Really, both are A-list villains in their respective universes. Namely, Thanos is well known for conquering the Infinity Gauntlet and bringing the Marvel universe to his heel.
At the same time, Darkseid achieved virtual omnipotence in his millennial conquest of the Anti-Life Equation, which threatened the existence of the DC multiverse.
At the same time, Thanos also experienced real victory in Marvel: The End. But since the story is non-canon, we cannot use it to compare both villains.
So, let’s compare Thanos with the IG to Darkseid with the ALE.
Generally, formidability is the ability to compete, match and defeat a foe despite overwhelming odds. Usually, formidability indicates a warrior’s ability to defeat a stronger, more powerful and more resourceful enemy.
For this reason, it is almost interchangeable with the Fighting Skills Level. For example, this explains why Batman is able to defeat Killer Croc or Bane who are in fact stronger or more powerful.
Using tactics, training, technology, resources and intel, Batman is usually able to take on more powerful opponents.
Before we rank our two A-list villains, let’s list some rules.
First, the superhero should be able to consistently defeat opponents above their strength class or power level.
In terms of power level or fighting skills, they should have few or no weaknesses.
Consistently, they should face quality opponents that are at least able to destroy a city.
Finally, they should have fewer limitations in power, strength, ability or intelligence.
First, we will compare them in Strength Class, Intelligence, Preparation, Power and Leadership. Then, let’s rank Darkseid and Thanos in Formidability. To note, all scores are rated out of a 100.
1. STRENGTH CLASS
Generally, Darkseid is at least Stellar Level in Super Strength. Regularly, he takes on Superman-level foes and either matches or is below Superman in Super Strength.
At the same time, Orion vs Darkseid showed what happens when the two strongest New Gods unleash their power all-out.
With the ALE, Darkseid is in a human body. Due to those limitations, he is still so powerful that we rated his Super Strength as Irrelevant. At the same time, Darkseid is subject to weakness exploitation with the Radion bullet. In Thanos’ case, his only weakness is mental.
On the other hand, Thanos is often stronger than the strongest warriors in the Earth-616 Universe. In Infinity, Thanos takes on the strongest heroes without the IG: Hulk, Hyperion, Thor.
With the IG, Thanos takes on the entire roster of Marvel’s heroes with just the Power Gem. Hence, he has access to Infinite Super Strength.
ADVANTAGE: THANOS
2. INTELLIGENCE
In the Intelligence department, Darkseid is among the most intelligent beings in the DC Universe.
As a New God, he has access to the Mother Box, the Father Box, the Hellspores, and not to mention he rules the entire planet of Apokolips with its advanced tech, armies and defense systems.
In addition, he regularly spies on New Genesis, intercepts its communications with the nigh-omniscient Source. In Death of The New Gods, Darkseid actually decyphers the language of the Source to claim the Soulfire. And of course, at the start of Final Crisis, he claimed the ALE.
Generally, Thanos is a super-genius. In some sense, Thanos is both a space conqueror and a cosmic being. With Sanctuary, his home ship and various other crafts, he can destroy entire planets. In an Adam Warlock story, Thanos threatened to destroy stars in order to win Death.
Though Thanos’ intelligence is cunning, it does not operate on Darkseid’s scale. Indeed, in Thanos: Redemption, the mad Titan was able to intercept Galactus’ files and figured out they had been tampered with.
Of course, Galactus is an abstract on the level of Eternity. However, there is quite a difference of power and scale between the universal Eternity and the multiversal Source, which is the final frontier of the DCU.
In terms of strategy and preparation, Darkseid does not compare favorably. In order to gain the IG, Thanos largely operated on his own by besting the Elders of the Universe and other champions in single combat or by outsmarting them.
Though, it took Thanos a relative short amount of time after discovering the Soul Gems in Death‘s realm.
In comparison, it took Darkseid millennia in order to obtain the object of his desire, the destructive Anti-Life Equation. As a New God, he intervened in Earth’s history, guiding it and planning in order to investigate that secret. And he still failed.
In the end, it took the Death of the New Gods and the destruction of the Fourth World by the Source. Only in Heaven was the God of Evil able to conquer his prize.
ADVANTAGE: THANOS
4. POWER
Really, the gap in power between both is striking. Let’s start with Thanos. With the IG, the Mad Titan has Infinite power and is nigh-omnipotent. To this end, he was able to beat Marvel’s heroes.
At the same time, at full power, he was able to defeat the cosmic entities, including Eternity. What is striking, however, is the fact that Thanos was able to affect only one universe and even Living Tribunal, the multiversal Judge, was not involved.
On the other hand, Darkseid with the ALE threatened all reality. That is, he threatened the entirety of the DC multiverse, past, present and future. All the way to Heaven or the Hyperverse.
More importantly, unlike Thanos’ power dependency with the Gauntlet, Darkseid only had to upload the ALE over the Internet and speak it. Horrifyingly, the Earths of the DC multiverse were being dragged to Hell, by sinking into a singularity. How nightmarish!
In the end, all that was left of reality, was the Watchtower floating in space, where Superman and company made their last stand against Darkseid and his forces, even Mandrakk.
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5. LEADERSHIP
Unquestionably, Darkseid wins in the leadership department. In his case, you actually have to beat him and be more powerful. Only Darkseid has succeeded in opposing everyone against Superman at the end of Final Crisis.
With the ALE, the infected are an extension of Darkseid’s will.
In Thanos’ case, hubris undermine his leadership. Notably, despite having attained supremacy in the Marvel universe, Thanos was still challenged by lesser beings. Though he triumphed over his obstacles.
Ultimately, Thanos unconsciously knew he was not fit for omnipotence and supplied the means to lose the IG.
Definitely, Darkseid is the Boss!
ADVANTAGE: DARKSEID
FORMIDABILITY SCORES
Strength Class: Irrelevant 100%
Weaknesses: Rare Minerals or Elements 75%
Quality Opponents: Reality 100%
Limitations: Weakness Exploitation 83%
SCORE: 79
FORMIDABILITY:
WARRIOR
Strength Class: Infinite 100%
Weaknesses: Hubris 50%
Quality Opponents: God or Abstract 100%
Limitations: Power Dependency 92%
SCORE: 71
FORMIDABILITY:
METAHUMAN
VERDICT:
Darkseid with the ALE is an Abstract in the DC multiverse. Thanos with IG is the Supreme Being of the Marvel universe.
Darkseid wins.
And that’s our ranking! Don’t forget to leave comments if you liked the DC vs Marvel.
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