10 DC Heroes Who Could Easily Defeat Steppenwolf in Justice League

Regarding Zack Snyder’s Justice League, opinions may vary, but it undeniably introduced one of the most terrifying villains in the DC Extended Universe: Steppenwolf. Akin to DC’s Thanos character, Darkseid, Steppenwolf hails from a powerful race called the New Gods. This makes him one of the most potent entities within the DC Extended Universe. So formidable was he that it required the collective strength of Aquaman, Wonder Woman, and Superman to subdue him. Nevertheless, there are several DC heroes absent from Justice League who could have given Steppenwolf a tough challenge. In fact, some are strong enough to engage in a one-on-one battle and possibly defeat the alien warlord.

There are numerous strategies a DC hero might employ to subdue a menace such as Steppenwolf, ranging from hand-to-hand combat in tight quarters to aerial attacks, or even altering the surroundings themselves. Despite the vast array of characters within the DC universe, it proved difficult to find 10 who could single-handedly bring an end to Steppenwolf’s oppression. However, we managed to do so, and the list of 10 DC heroes capable of defeating a solo version of Justice League’s Steppenwolf stands as proof.

Swamp Thing

Frequently, discussions among fans about who has greater combat prowess fail to include Swamp Thing, but this omission is unfortunate because he is covertly one of the most potent heroes in the DC universe. Although he initially emerged as a scientist who was transformed into a being composed of living vegetation after a lab accident, the current version of the character is more or less a deity of plants. Swamp Thing draws his power from an otherworldly energy known as The Green, which connects him to and empowers all plant life – including those originating from planets beyond Earth.

Swamp Thing possesses remarkable abilities such as departing from his physical form and moving swiftly through flora akin to the Flash, controlling growth to gigantic kaiju dimensions with corresponding strength, and approaching immortality. Essentially, Swamp Thing can hold his own against Steppenwolf, even on his toughest days.

Lobo

In a somewhat loose interpretation of what constitutes a hero, it’s not hard to imagine the Main Man relishing a confrontation with Steppenwolf. He’d likely poke fun at the New God for his haughty demeanor, then swiftly use his massive hook to deal a devastating blow – all while enjoying a cigar. Lobo, an intergalactic bounty hunter, is one of DC Comics’ most hardened and unhinged characters.

Known as “The Last Czarnian,” Lobo has earned

The Spectre

As a film critic, let me tell you, when you fuse the embodiment of divine retribution with the flamboyantly ironic demises that characterized the Nightmare on Elm Street series, what emerges is none other than The Spectre. Unlike Steppenwolf, who may be a god in his own right on his home planet, The Spectre serves a higher power – or at least the DC Comics interpretation of God. And with this immense authority at his fingertips, The Spectre becomes an unstoppable force to reckon with.

Steppenwolf’s wicked actions are so numerous that they could summon the vengeful Spectre. This spectral entity is likely to mete out a suitable but twisted retribution against the ambitious conqueror, a punishment so gruesome that it might make even Darkseid feel uneasy about the details.

Supergirl

Regardless if we’re referring to Kara Zor-El from the DCEU or any of the comic book versions, Supergirl outmatches Steppenwolf in a fight. Although both are equally powerful, Supergirl is more aggressive in battles compared to Superman. Unlike Superman who tends to withhold full force due to fear of causing harm, Supergirl doesn’t hesitate. Born outside Kansas, she doesn’t share the Midwestern perspective on violence that her cousin does.

In essence, Kara doesn’t seek out opportunities for violence, but if she’s confronted with no other choice, she won’t hesitate to end another life. It’s clear from the intense battle against Steppenwolf in Justice League, a fight-to-the-death scenario, that Supergirl would take whatever actions were necessary to protect herself and others.

Dream of the Endless

The Endless are a band of cosmic entities embodying the fundamental principles of existence itself. Among them are Dream (also known as Sandman or Morpheus), Death, Delirium, Desire, Despair, Destiny, and Destruction, each ruling over aspects of human consciousness. As the overseer of dreams, Dream can influence even Steppenwolf’s subconscious mind, thereby altering his reality significantly. This means that rather than engaging in a traditional battle, Dream could effectively neutralize Steppenwolf as a threat without ever throwing a punch – instead, it would be more accurate to say he bends Steppenwolf’s reality to his will.

Martian Manhunter

It’s striking how often discussions about Superman-level combatants overlook Martian Manhunter. This oversight might be a reflection of the public’s lack of knowledge about his abilities rather than any inherent weakness in those abilities. J’onn J’onzz, after all, boasts powers similar to both Superman and Supergirl, but with additional capabilities such as telepathy, telekinesis, shape-shifting, invisibility, and the ability to change his density at will.

As a passionate cinema enthusiast, I’d like to offer an alternate take on this scenario: If Martian Manhunter were to face Steppenwolf alone, he could employ stealth by becoming invisible, approaching from behind. Once close enough, he’d phase through the warlord, reaching inside and seizing his heart, tearing it out with a swift motion. It’s a gruesome thought, I know, but undeniably efficient.

Plastic Man

Unlike Steppenwolf’s raw power, Plastic Man compensates with his extraordinary talents. With the ability to alter his body at a cellular level, Eel O’Brien can stretch, grow, twist, and transform in ways that border on the fantastical. From contorting into various shapes to cooking up unique abilities, there seems to be no limit to what this flexible hero can do. As Plastic Man, he is virtually indestructible and functionally immortal, ensuring his eventual triumph over Steppenwolf.

Combine such a character with one of the most irritating, boisterous, twisted personas found around Deadpool, and it’s likely that only Plastic Man among these heroes could make Steppenwolf relent and yield – if only to silence him.

Doctor Manhattan

As a film enthusiast, I’d rephrase it this way: Anybody can rule an existing universe, yet it takes a true mastermind to bring a new one into existence. Manhattan isn’t just capable of crafting entire universes; he can even tweak the intricate tapestry of the DC multiverse itself. Sometimes, his changes aren’t always beneficial – like when he single-handedly sparked the controversial New 52 continuity – but that’s beside the point.

From personal experience, having delved into the world of ‘Watchmen’, it’s clear that Doctor Manhattan possesses near-limitless power, rendering Steppenwolf insignificant by comparison. The problem, however, lies in Manhattan’s immense abilities. He views ordinary humans as inconsequential, much like ants, which makes engaging his attention a daunting task. The real hurdle, then, becomes finding a way to stir Doctor Manhattan’s compassion enough for him to consider engaging Steppenwolf, let alone taking action against him.

Starfire

Character like Princess Koriand’r tends to be overshadowed in discussions about DC’s major figures, which isn’t shocking considering her main appeal lies primarily in the Teen Titans and Teen Titans Go! animated series, where physical conflicts are typically secondary to character relationships. However, let me assure you, the comic book version of Starfire is a formidable force who could easily outmatch Steppenwolf in combat.

Instead of exchanging fists with Steppenwolf, which she’s capable of, a more effective strategy for Starfire would be to ascend into the skies and rain down energy attacks on the flightless New God, aiming to immobilize him.

Saint of Killers

Once more, we’re pushing the boundaries of what constitutes a “hero,” yet given that the Saint of Killers is a saint and essentially working for Heaven, many would likely see him as a virtuous figure. A virtuous character who carries two revolvers capable of instantly obliterating anything they strike. Steppenwolf regards himself as a deity, but annihilating gods is a particular skill the Saint of Killers possesses.

Throughout the storyline of “Preacher,” the Saint of Killers ultimately eliminates not just Satan, but eventually the very being known as the Abrahamic God. It’s not any god, but the one often referred to in the Abrahamic religions. Steppenwolf has no hope of surviving against such overwhelming power.

2025-04-15 22:10