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SUPER POWER
IN SUPER POWER EXPLAINED
THE INJUSTICE GANG BEGAN A NEW JLA ERA
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This month, our Hot Take is Mageddon is the JLA’s most formidable villain. Let’s start with our reviews.
In our JLA reviews, we mentioned how Grant Morrison’s 1997 JLA run, revitalized the franchise. More importantly, it gave a new generation of fans the classic JLA line-up: Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, Flash, Aquaman and Martian Manhunter.
What makes the JLA work is that they are a modern pantheon of gods. Literally! Grant Morrison gave us a beefed-up version of superheroes that continually outdid previous prowesses such as: Wally’s Infinite Mass Punch, Martian Manhunter figuring out Joker’s mind, Superman absorbing Mageddon’s anti-sunlight or even Batman going toe to toe against Prometheus.
Though, the Injustice Gang and JLA villains began the end of the Satellite era for the JLA. In fact, they are the worst and cause threats of any scale: From Lex Luthor creating an alternate future with Final Crisis, General Eiling taking on the Justice League, Amazo matching the entire JLA, to Mageddon starting World War III to level the Milky Way.
Though their villains definitely legendary, let’s list how the villains of the JLA and Justice League of America series rank in formidability.
FORMIDABILITY
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 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 the 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.
Let’s rank our Big Seven. To note, all scores are rated out of a 100.
1. MAGEDDON
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SCORE: 71.5
FORMIDABILITY:
WARRIOR
At DC, Mageddon ranks at the top of the JLA villains. Indeed, The Anti-Sun is one of the most feared beings in the DC universe. What separates Mageddon is that it is both a weapon of the Old Gods and an Aztek apocalypse.
Really, Mageddon’s coming to Earth is told in JLA: World War III (2000). Importantly, his anti-sun can level the Milky Way galaxy to make it one of the strongest JLA foes. And it has destroyed WonderWorld, peopled with 4D conceptual beings.
Generally, Mageddon has a Weakness to Universal Forces. The JLA defeated it because the superhero Aztek unleashed 4D energies in his helmet to weaken its telepathy on Earth.
2. FERNUS
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SCORE: 67
FORMIDABILITY:
METAHUMAN
Importantly, Fernus is the most popular JLA villain. However, Fernus’s greatest strength is his burning for the fire of lust to spawn in a nuclear apocalypse. As a Burning Martian, his fire lust is a Power Dependency that is a Limit to world conquest.
Perhaps, due to his overwhelming power and strength. In comparison to the White Martians, Fernus consistently faces tough competition. Many times, the Burning Martians have faced foes above his Class. Such as the Guardians of the Universe though Fernus is JLA-level.
Really, Martian Manhunter’s weakness to fire is well-known. As Fernus, he may be the strongest telepath in the DC Universe. Though, his Martian physiology makes him Galaxy-Level in Energy Projection. Properly speaking, Fernus belongs to the Galaxy Class of Super Strength.
3. DESPERO
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SCORE: 58.5
FORMIDABILITY:
METAHUMAN
At this time, Despero still gets no respect from writers and editors. Though the Identity Crisis (2005) story arc does reveal the extent of the Kalanorian’s terrifying potential. At his highest potential, Despero is a Cosmic Being who can mind control the League and even planets. In some respects, DC comics has yet to capitalize on Despero’s power-set to tell long-lasting stories.
During DC Universe Rebirth, the tyrant orchestrated a new Rann-Thanagar war and sought to obtain Nth metal. Importantly, he has shown great magic use such as the ability to regenerate from Nth metal. Perhaps, an indication that he can finally overcome Zatanna. At the same time, Martian Manhunter may challenge Despero as the most powerful telepath in the DC Universe.
Only time will tell if the editorial team at DC finally raises his stock.
4. AMAZO
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SCORE: 50.5
FORMIDABILITY:
BLOODLUSTED
Recently, Amazo has become the nemesis of metahumans in Dawn of DC. And we can see why: He can replicate their powers, depower them and program himself. Since Justice League Unlimited (2004-2006), Amazo has grown on fans as a nigh-omnipotent villain.
Formidability-wise, Amazo has weaknesses and has limitations. In fact, his absorption cells can mimic metahuman physiology. At the same time, he inherits their weaknesses. Namely, Batman once depowered him by using Red Tornado’s ghost to teleport him to a red sun. Though, his Class is Stellar.
Nevertheless, Amazo is often a weapon by a villain in a grander scheme and a member of the Secret Society of Super-villains. Definitely, his enemies are the Justice League or a Champion.
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5. LEX LUTHOR
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SCORE: 50
FORMIDABILITY:
PEAK HUMAN
Generally, Lex Luthor is THE smartest human in the universe. Though, like the other powerhouses in the DC Universe, he has discernible weaknesses. In fact, his hubris and arrogance are his weaknesses. Though not a 12th Level Intellect, he has managed to out-hack Brainiac.
Incredibly, his Intelligence is his super-power up and he has evolved above his strength class against Superman, Darkseid and Doomsday. Furthermore, Luthor with the Worlogog has single-handedly created the Final Crisis (2009) timeline.
And he consistently fights quality opponents like the Justice League, Superman or Imperiex. Rock of Ages reveals his greatest strength is with his Adaptive Evolution-Level Intelligence to merge with universal forces.
However, where Luthor ranks lower is on morals and responsibility. Though a great leader and strategist, Lex Luthor has been willing to sacrifice members of the Injustice Gang for amnesty.
And that’s our ranking! Don’t forget to leave comments if you liked the Super Power Explained.
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