When comic book fans debate raw strength, two names almost always come up: Marvel’s Hulk and DC’s Superman. But dig a little deeper into the DC Universe and you’ll find no shortage of heavy hitters—heroes so powerful they could go toe-to-toe with Hulk or even give Superman a serious challenge. From lesser-known legends to cosmic juggernauts, here are ten DC superheroes who take “super” to a whole new level.
10. Starfire
Don’t let her smile fool you—Starfire isn’t delicate. She’s driven by ultraviolet radiation, and she uses that to fuel her strength, flight capabilities, and starbolts capable of destroying planets. She’s quick enough to span solar systems and strong enough to take on Wonder Woman. And due to her ability to absorb radiation, she can disarm Superman in combat—something that most characters wouldn’t even attempt. Starfire doesn’t glow—she burns.
9. Triumph
You might not be hearing his name a lot, but Triumph used to be a central member of the Justice League. His electromagnetic powers enhance his senses and invulnerability, and he can even drain other people’s energy, including Superman’s solar cells. He’s no lightweight when it comes to a fight either, with force fields that have survived beatings from monsters like Doomsday. Arrogant? Certainly. But when it comes to power, Triumph is the genuine article.
8. Booster Gold
Don’t be fooled by the flashy personality—Booster Gold is more than a glory-hunter. Equipped with advanced technology from the future, he’s got strength, energy blasts, shields, and even time travel powers. He’s taken hits from Doomsday and held his own against some of DC’s biggest behemoths, demonstrating that smarts and gadgets are just as good as brawn. He jokes all right, but Booster Gold isn’t kidding around.
7. Waverider
Waverider is a time-manipulating quantum entity who is nearly impossible to harm. He can turn invisible, fly at the speed of light, and emit tremendous energy blasts—but it’s his control over time that makes him so deadly. In Superman/Doomsday: Hunter/Prey, Superman had to rely on Waverider to defeat Doomsday. If Waverider wished, he could remove a villain—or even a hero—from the timeline without breaking a sweat.
6. Power Girl
Consider Power Girl to be Supergirl’s harder, more experienced alternate from another world. She’s a straightforward Kryptonian power-set—super strength, heat vision, flight—but she’s frequently depicted as being more resilient and less susceptible to Kryptonite. Having had years of combat under her belt, Power Girl not only survives in the world of Superman but even excels in it.
5. Icon
An extraterrestrial stranded on Earth in the 1800s, Icon has lived history and developed phenomenal strength, speed, and endurance. He’s also acquired energy projection and healing powers that rival Superman. He may not be famous like some others, but let me tell you, Icon is one of the strongest beings in the DC Universe, and his level-headed nature only adds to his formidable presence.
4. Mr. Majestic
Imagine Superman with a warrior’s mindset and fewer moral restrictions, and you’ve got Mr. Majestic. A Kherubim warlord from the WildStorm universe, he’s battled ancient enemies, mastered advanced alien tech, and survived countless wars. When he joined the DC Universe, it became clear that he could match Superman blow for blow—and sometimes even outthink him.
3. Sodam Yat
This guy is essentially the ultimate hybrid: a Daxamite (possessing Kryptonian-strength) and a Green Lantern. Solo, Sodam Yat flies, can punch through steel, and withstand missiles. Toss in a power ring—and occasionally the Ion entity—and he’s almost invincible. He’s battled entire legions and held his own, demonstrating that willpower and alien DNA are a frightening combination.
2. The Spectre
Need to judge a whole universe? Call The Spectre. As the literal personification of divine retribution, he doesn’t just punch hard—he warps reality to his beck and call. The Spectre can warp time, change dimensions, and wipe out threats such as the Anti-Monitor. Hulk would not even be worth a mention in his book. He is less superhero and more cosmic reckoning in a cloak.
1. Superman
Of course, it always comes back to Superman. He is the standard for superhuman strength, speed, and durability. From gripping deflating planets to enduring black hole-level explosions, Superman’s achievements are the stuff of legends. But what makes him truly stand out is that he restrains himself, always. He can unleash godlike devastation, but instead turns to compassion. Whether he’s battling Doomsday, Darkseid, or Hulk himself, Superman still embodies what it is to be the strongest hero in the DC Universe.
So even as Hulk and Superman hog the headlines, DC’s lineup is replete with titans who can rattle the very foundations of the multiverse. Whether it be science, magic, or plain cosmic power, these heroes demonstrate that there’s always someone more powerful in the wings.