Fans Rank the Top 10 Cosmic-Level Threats in Marvel Comics

Marvel Comics feature a vast array of fascinating characters, from ordinary humans tackling street-level challenges to those endowed with magic or altered by dramatic events. Among this diversity, there are beings who are truly cosmic in scale, capable of immense destruction.

Determining the most powerful or notable cosmic entities can be challenging, so we turned to Ranker. With over 9,000 votes in their comprehensive poll of Marvel’s cosmic characters, fans have weighed in. Let’s dive in and discover who ranks as the best!

10. Thanos

The MCU’s Thanos was formidable, but his comic book counterpart is on an entirely different level. As an Eternal Deviant hybrid, Thanos possesses not only immense physical strength but also extraordinary intelligence, which is his most dangerous trait.

Armed with advanced alien technology and mystical artifacts, Thanos can amplify his powers and manipulate cosmic forces. His quest for ultimate power nearly led to the end of reality itself in the epic “Infinity Gauntlet” storyline.

9. Dormammu

Dormammu, the ruler of the Dark Dimension, presides over a mystical and chaotic realm beyond the normal space-time continuum, granting him near-omnipotence within his domain. He can warp reality to his will, including altering physical laws, creating or destroying matter, and manipulating space and time.

However, Dormammu’s omnipotence is limited to the Dark Dimension, which is why he ranks lower on this top 10 list.

8. Death

Death is a cosmic entity embodying the concept of mortality, wielding profound influence over the cosmos. She has the power to control and shape the fate of all living beings, affecting entire worlds and civilizations as she governs the ultimate end of life.

In various storylines, Death has demonstrated the ability to alter reality and the very fabric of existence. Her involvement in cosmic events frequently results in significant changes to the balance of power and the trajectory of the universe’s destiny.

7. Mephisto

Though Mephisto might appear as just a Demon Lord with limited influence on Earth-616, his true power extends far beyond. Residing in the Infernal Dimension, separate from the main Marvel Universe, Mephisto’s reach spans across dimensions. This interdimensional presence allows him to influence events on Earth and in other realms, giving him a cosmic-level impact.

6. Phoenix / Phoenix Force

The Phoenix Force is a primordial cosmic entity embodying the essence of creation and destruction. As one of the universe’s oldest and most fundamental forces, it represents the cyclical nature of existence and the balance between life and death.

With near-limitless power, the Phoenix Force can manipulate vast amounts of energy, alter matter at a molecular level, and create or obliterate life. This immense power enables it to challenge even the mightiest beings in the Marvel Universe. The Phoenix Force requires a host to channel its abilities, and individuals like Jean Grey and Thor often experience uncontrollable surges of power while linked to it.

5. Celestials

Celestials exhibit near-divine strength and abilities, capable of manipulating cosmic energies, altering fundamental universal forces, and wielding power on a planetary or even galactic scale. Their powers encompass energy projection, matter manipulation, and cosmic awareness.

The appearance of Celestials often heralds major upheavals in the Marvel Universe, as their immense power makes them formidable adversaries. Their placement on this list is well-earned due to the significant challenges they pose.

4. One Above All

The One Above All is essentially the creator of everything and everyone in the Marvel Universe, embodying the collective presence of writers and artists, notably Jack Kirby, to symbolize their overarching influence.

As the supreme creator and ruler of the Marvel Multiverse, the One Above All stands as the highest and most powerful force in existence, surpassing all other cosmic beings and entities. Given this immense power, it’s puzzling to see them ranked fourth—an order that seems questionable.

3. Living Tribunal

The Living Tribunal ranks among the most powerful entities in the Marvel Universe, tasked with overseeing and maintaining balance across all aspects of existence. Its role is to ensure equilibrium across the Multiverse, preventing any single force or entity from becoming too dominant or disrupting cosmic harmony.

While its influence spans the entire Marvel Multiverse, the Living Tribunal was created by the One Above All, making it inherently less powerful than its creator. The higher ranking of the Living Tribunal compared to the One Above All might be due to its direct impact and perceived threat to the Multiverse’s balance.

2. The Beyonder

The Beyonder hails from beyond the known Multiverse, existing in a higher plane of existence. His origins in the “Beyond Realm” endow him with powers and perspectives far exceeding those of typical cosmic entities in the Marvel Universe.

Given the Beyonder’s near-omnipotent abilities and his inherent instability, his high ranking is well justified.

1. Galactus

Galactus is a colossal cosmic entity known for devouring entire worlds and wielding the Power Cosmic, which grants him near-omnipotent abilities. While I may not view him as the ultimate threat, it’s understandable why others might consider him as such.

As a fundamental force in the Marvel Universe, Galactus represents the concept of universal balance. His existence is deeply intertwined with the cosmic order, and his actions are a necessary part of maintaining equilibrium. Even if he consumes a homeworld, it’s all part of the cosmic balance—nothing to be overly concerned about.

What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments below!