Superman might be the gold standard of power in comic books, but he’s not entirely invincible. Across the multiverse of comics, characters exist whose abilities, intellect, or sheer magical prowess could topple the Man of Steel. From cosmic entities to street-level geniuses wielding the right tools, these figures prove that even Superman can meet his match under the right circumstances.
1. Doctor Manhattan
Doctor Manhattan, from Watchmen, operates on a scale that dwarfs even Superman’s might. Not only does he manipulate matter at the atomic level, but he perceives time as a simultaneous whole, knowing all that has happened and all that will. This omniscience grants him an almost unfair edge, as he’d anticipate Superman’s every move.
Unlike Superman, Manhattan doesn’t tire, and physical attacks are useless against his energy-based form. While Superman’s raw power is formidable, it’s meaningless if he can’t lay a finger on his opponent. Doctor Manhattan’s abilities were further expanded in DC’s Doomsday Clock, proving his capacity to reshape universes themselves. For deeper insight into his cosmic role, check out this analysis from Screen Rant.
2. The Spectre
An embodiment of God’s vengeance in the DC Universe, The Spectre is essentially a cosmic force. His powers include reality manipulation, near-omniscience, and immortality. Unlike Superman, whose power stems from the sun, The Spectre’s abilities transcend physical laws entirely.
He’s judged and executed gods and mortals alike, which makes even Superman vulnerable should The Spectre deem him guilty. For instance, during the Day of Vengeance storyline, The Spectre tore through powerful magical beings without breaking a sweat. The sheer scale of his cosmic authority places him in a different league. To explore The Spectre’s vast powers, see this overview from DC Database.
3. Martian Manhunter
While Superman and Martian Manhunter are often allies, J’onn J’onzz’s abilities could potentially give him the upper hand. Like Superman, he possesses flight, super strength, and speed. But he adds telepathy, shapeshifting, invisibility, and intangibility to his arsenal.
A telepathic strike could incapacitate Superman before a punch is thrown. In stories like New World Order, Martian Manhunter has demonstrated his capacity to overpower even the strongest minds on Earth. Given Superman’s vulnerability to psychic attacks, J’onn would be a serious contender in any fight. For more on J’onn’s capabilities, visit Comic Book Resources.
4. Doctor Fate
Doctor Fate wields the power of Nabu, a Lord of Order, making him one of DC’s most potent magic users. Superman’s notable vulnerability to magic gives Fate a critical advantage. Whether it’s casting spells that restrain Superman or banishing him to alternate dimensions, Fate has the mystical tools to defeat the Man of Steel.
In JSA comics, Fate has frequently tackled cosmic threats that would have crushed most heroes. His combination of magical mastery, cosmic awareness, and reality-warping magic makes him a genuine threat. Dive deeper into Doctor Fate’s magical feats on Den of Geek.
5. Shazam
Shazam, formerly Captain Marvel, harnesses the power of gods and ancient heroes, including the wisdom of Solomon and the strength of Hercules. He matches Superman’s physical abilities while also wielding magical lightning—a critical factor, given Superman’s vulnerability to magic.
In comics like Kingdom Come, Shazam has gone toe-to-toe with Superman, proving that in a clash, he could hold his own—or even win. Billy Batson’s ability to instantly transform also adds a strategic layer that Superman might find difficult to counter. Learn more about Shazam’s mythological powers at IGN.
6. Wonder Woman
Though often an ally, Wonder Woman is a warrior forged by gods and trained for combat from birth. She combines superhuman strength and speed with a divine arsenal, including the Lasso of Truth and magical weaponry capable of harming Superman.
In several storylines, such as Injustice, Diana has shown she’s willing—and able—to challenge Superman physically and ideologically. Her combat skills and magical gear give her unique advantages, and she’s proven capable of matching Clark blow for blow. For a deeper dive into Wonder Woman’s battles with Superman, check out The Mary Sue.
7. Silver Surfer
From the Marvel Universe, Silver Surfer commands the Power Cosmic, enabling energy manipulation, matter transmutation, and faster-than-light travel. While Superman’s physical might is unmatched, Surfer’s energy manipulation allows him to drain power sources—even potentially red or yellow solar energy that fuels Superman.
Surfer’s vast cosmic awareness also grants him strategic insight. In crossovers and speculative battles, Surfer is consistently cited as one of the few Marvel characters capable of neutralizing Superman. Explore Silver Surfer’s incredible abilities on Marvel.
8. Thor
As the Norse God of Thunder, Thor brings mystical power, physical strength, and divine weaponry. His enchanted hammer, Mjolnir, is forged of Uru metal and imbued with potent magical properties, which could harm Superman. In crossover comics like JLA/Avengers, Thor battles Superman nearly to a stalemate. Thor’s command over storms and his resilience in cosmic battles would make him a significant challenger. For a comprehensive look at Thor’s powers, visit Marvel.
9. Darkseid
Darkseid, one of Superman’s greatest foes, possesses immeasurable strength, genius-level intellect, and the Omega Effect—a power capable of erasing beings from existence. Even Superman struggles against Darkseid’s Omega Beams, which can track targets across time and space. Darkseid’s ultimate goal to dominate all life often brings him into direct conflict with Krypton’s last son. In arcs like Final Crisis, Darkseid comes perilously close to breaking Superman physically and mentally. Check out this profile of Darkseid’s power at Screen Rant.
10. Scarlet Witch
Scarlet Witch, from Marvel’s Avengers, has reality-warping magic that can reshape existence. Her powers famously caused House of M, erasing nearly all mutants with a thought. Against Superman, her probability manipulation and hex magic could depower him, erase his powers, or rewrite reality to her will. While physically fragile compared to Superman, Wanda’s magical might makes her a formidable threat in a hypothetical clash. Explore Scarlet Witch’s reality-warping feats at Entertainment Weekly.