7 Marvel & DC Characters Who Can Take Down Doctor Manhattan

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Doctor Manhattan first appeared in the celebrated graphic novel Watchmen. Originally a physicist named Jon Osterman, he survived an accident that should have been fatal by reconstructing his body at a molecular level, essentially becoming a godlike being. As the only person with superpowers in his world, he eventually expanded his influence, playing a significant role in the larger DC Multiverse. Manhattan is widely regarded as an incredibly powerful being, capable of manipulating time, altering events, and achieving virtually anything he imagines.

Doctor Manhattan is incredibly powerful, but he’s not invincible. Characters from both Marvel and DC comics could potentially defeat him. We frequently see even gods lose battles, so it’s plausible some of these heroes could win using their abilities and smarts. Here are seven Marvel and DC characters who might be able to overcome Doctor Manhattan, something many believe is impossible.

7) Enigma

The recent Krakoa era for the X-Men had a strong start, though the conclusion wasn’t as satisfying. One of its key contributions was the introduction of a character capable of defeating Doctor Manhattan: Enigma. Enigma is actually Nathaniel Essex, transformed into a Dominion – a nearly all-powerful being existing outside of normal time and space. This is crucial because it means Manhattan can’t foresee Enigma’s moves, a weakness we’ve already seen exploited. While their power is comparable, Enigma has the unique ability to spend centuries observing his opponent outside of time, devising a winning strategy, and then instantly return to the present to execute it.

6) Prime Superman

The comic series DC One Million doesn’t get enough credit, and it’s where we first meet the most powerful version of Superman. This Superman, known as Prime Superman, spent thousands of years inside his fortress, absorbing solar energy. By the time he emerged, he was virtually omnipotent – able to do anything, including bringing Lois Lane back to life and moving through time. His power level is comparable to that of Manhattan. We’ve seen how Superman struggles to understand Manhattan, making it difficult for him to anticipate Manhattan’s actions, even with future knowledge. This gives Prime Superman a significant edge and the ability to win against the godlike being.

5) Hulk

The Hulk is famously strong, but he’s far more powerful than many realize. His true source of power isn’t gamma radiation, but a cosmic being called the One Below All, essentially making him the personification of chaos. He’s capable of incredible feats, like literally punching holes through reality. Attempts to defeat him, even by someone like Manhattan who relies on scientific power, would be useless. The Hulk’s power isn’t based on science, and he’s virtually immortal – even if destroyed, he’d simply regenerate. He could even become enraged enough to withstand any attack and potentially banish Manhattan to another dimension, guaranteeing a victory.

4) God Emperor Doom

As a follower of Doom, let me tell you about God Emperor Doom – he’s not just powerful, he’s the most powerful version of Doom there is. He didn’t just get stronger on his own, he actually stole power directly from the Beyonders, and they are beings beyond comprehension – seriously, being overwhelmingly powerful is their whole thing! That means God Emperor Doom’s abilities are on a scale no one else in the Marvel universe can reach. People always ask about Doctor Manhattan, and honestly? Doom would win. Manhattan’s powers are impressive, but they just don’t compare to the sheer scope of what God Emperor Doom can do – it’s a completely different level.

3) The Beyonder

The Beyonder was the first of his kind to enter the Marvel Multiverse. He brought together a group of heroes and villains, created a planet for them, and forced them to battle. Although Doctor Doom briefly stole his immense power, the heroes restored it to him, and he eventually returned in human form. The Beyonder’s power surpasses even that of Doctor Manhattan; he has witnessed and experienced far more, and Manhattan’s ability to perceive time likely wouldn’t be effective against him. In a direct confrontation, the Beyonder would almost certainly win easily.

2) Captain Adam 0f Earth-4

Grant Morrison’s The Multiversity reimagined the DC Multiverse within the New 52 continuity. One world, Earth-4, featured characters inspired by Watchmen. On this Earth, Captain Allen Adam was the equivalent of Doctor Manhattan, possessing the same incredible abilities. However, Adam had military training, making him a more skilled and ruthless fighter than Manhattan. This difference in experience would likely determine the outcome of a confrontation between them.

1) Thanos

Okay, look, Doctor Manhattan is seriously powerful, way more so than Thanos, honestly. But if they actually fought, I think Thanos would still win. I mean, the guy consistently beats beings with god-like abilities using just his natural strength and skill. And it wasn’t just luck! He didn’t just overpower those who held the Infinity Gems – seriously, they were Gems originally, and that was way cooler – he outsmarted them, played their weaknesses, and took the Gauntlet fair and square. That’s Thanos’ whole deal: he’s not just brute force. He’s a strategist, a thinker. He wouldn’t just rush into a fight with someone as powerful as Manhattan. He’d analyze him, find an opening, and exploit it. He’s just that clever, and that’s why he always comes out on top.

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2026-02-14 17:14