Determining who the 2nd strongest character in DC comics is can be a tricky question, as power levels vary greatly between different storylines and continuities. However, there are a few key contenders that often emerge as top candidates for the position behind Superman. In this article, we’ll examine some of the most likely options and look at arguments for and against each of them.
Martian Manhunter
One of the most popular choices for the 2nd strongest DC character is J’onn J’onzz, the Martian Manhunter. As a Green Martian, J’onn has a wide array of superpowers that put him in Superman’s league:
- Super strength, speed, durability and flight
- Shape-shifting abilities
- Telepathy and other psychic powers
- Invisibility
- Martian vision abilities such as heat vision
- Regeneration and longevity
With his vast psychic powers that can match Superman’s strength, intangibility to phase through attacks, and wide versatility of abilities, Martian Manhunter has a strong case to be considered second only to Superman in power. However, he does have some weaknesses that Superman lacks, such as vulnerability to fire. So while extremely powerful, he may not quite match Superman in all areas.
Captain Marvel/Shazam
Another top contender for the 2nd strongest DC character is Captain Marvel, also known as Shazam. Captain Marvel was originally conceived as a Superman copy who could possibly match or even exceed Superman himself. He gains his powers from ancient gods:
- Wisdom of Solomon
- Strength of Hercules
- Stamina of Atlas
- Power of Zeus
- Courage of Achilles
- Speed of Mercury
This gives Captain Marvel strength, speed, durability, magic resistance and other abilities on par with Superman. In some comic storylines, Captain Marvel has been able to go toe-to-toe with Superman and even gain the upper hand. However, Superman has also decisively defeated him, so most still view Superman as firmly stronger. But Captain Marvel is likely the closest character to matching Superman’s power.
Wonder Woman
As an Amazon warrior princess blessed by the Greek gods, Wonder Woman also possesses extraordinary superpowers that rival Superman’s:
- Super strength, speed and reflexes
- Accelerated healing
- Flight
- Expert combat skills and weapons mastery
- Magic weaponry like her Lasso of Truth
- High resistance to magic attacks
While she doesn’t quite match Superman’s levels of strength and invulnerability, she has held her own against him many times. Her combat skills and magic weapons also give her an advantage Superman lacks. She has managed to defeat beings like Ares and Hercules, showing her might against DC’s strongest. While Superman still edges her out in most categories, Wonder Woman proves one of the mightiest heroes in DC Comics.
Darkseid
As a powerful alien warlord and DC’s version of Thanos, Darkseid is a credible threat to Superman and contender for 2nd strongest. Hailing from the hellish world of Apokolips, Darkseid possesses:
- Immense strength, stamina and durability
- Omega Beams from his eyes for range attacks
- Genius intellect and strategy
- Telepathy and telekinetic abilities
- Immortality and rapid healing
- The ability to possess human bodies
Darkseid has conquered countless worlds, including Earth in some timelines. He has managed to defeat Superman multiple times through brute force and cunning. However, some versions of Superman have also soundly defeated him in combat. While definitely among DC’s elite powerhouses, Darkseid lacks Superman’s moral code against killing, which may give Superman the edge if fighting all-out.
Doomsday
The monster who once killed Superman, Doomsday has strength and durability exceeding almost any other DC character. Created on Krypton as the ultimate lifeform, Doomsday possesses:
- Super strength sufficient to overpower and kill Superman
- Invulnerability and regeneration allowing him to quickly heal any wounds
- Deadly claws and spikes able to cut through nearly anything
- Hyper-evolution enabling him to quickly develop resistances to whatever hurts him
- No need to eat, sleep or breathe
Doomsday beat Superman to death in his debut story, though Superman later returned. While possessing less versatility than other 2nd strongest contenders, Doomsday’s physical might and resilience are nearly unrivaled. He lacks intelligence but makes up for it with a single-minded drive for destruction. If sheer power counts most, Doomsday has a strong case as 2nd strongest.
Comparison
Here is a comparison table of some key power attributes between the top contenders for 2nd strongest DC character:
| Character | Raw Strength | Speed | Durability | Energy Powers | Fighting Skill |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Martian Manhunter | Very high | Very high | Very high | Psychic abilities, Martian vision | Expert |
| Captain Marvel | Extremely high | Extremely high | Very high | Magic lightning | High |
| Wonder Woman | Very high | Very high | Very high | Magic weapons | Master |
| Darkseid | Extremely high | Moderate | Extremely high | Omega beams | High |
| Doomsday | Extremely high | High | Nearly invulnerable | None | Low |
Conclusion
In conclusion, while no one DC hero definitively claims the spot as 2nd strongest in all situations, the ones with the best case are Martian Manhunter, Captain Marvel, Wonder Woman, Darkseid, and Doomsday. Martian Manhunter arguably has the most well-rounded power set besides Superman himself. Captain Marvel was conceived to match Superman and has similar power levels. Wonder Woman and Darkseid have also frequently proved a close match for Superman. And Doomsday’s physical might and durability may exceed almost any other character. While other contenders like Supergirl, Superboy Prime or Brainiac have also vied for the position, the top five listed emerge most frequently as those who can pose a true challenge to Superman himself. But Superman remains the undisputed #1 within the DC universe.