In this article, we are bringing you a list of the top 10 strongest DC characters of all time, be they heroes or villains.
In the world of DC Comics, many characters have emerged with incredible powers. Some are aliens, some are like gods, and others are regular folks who got extraordinary abilities by chance. This article lists the most powerful & strongest characters in DC, whether they’re good or bad. We’re ranking them to find out who’s the strongest of them all.
10. Eclipso
Eclipso, a character with distinctive purple hair, has been a fixture in DC Comics since 1963, initially emerging in tales of horror penned by writer Bob Haney and illustrator Lee Elias. Introduced as scientist Bruce Gordon, his transformation into Eclipso transpires during a confrontation on the Pacific island of Diabolo, catalyzed by a black diamond. Eclipso embodies the darker facets of Gordon’s persona, inciting mischief and chaos.
A reversal to Gordon necessitates exposure to bright light, resembling an inverse solar eclipse. In the 1990s series, Eclipso is unveiled as an evil deity of retribution dwelling on the moon’s dark side, converting those seeking vengeance into reflections of himself. Formerly an “Angel of Vengeance,” Eclipso veered into supervillainy after deviating from the will of the Presence.
Nevertheless, despite his transition, Eclipso retained a significant portion of his powers. When compared to the notably higher rank of the Spectre on our list (see below), it becomes evident just how formidable Eclipso is and the staggering levels of power at play. Hence, his placement on our list is warranted.
9. Reverse-Flash
The moniker Reverse-Flash is adopted by multiple characters within the DC Comics realm, with Eobard Thawne being the most prominent figure. Thawne’s origin, established in “The Flash: Rebirth” (2009), involves his discovery of a time capsule containing the Flash suit, leading to his transformation into Professor Zoom, the Reverse-Flash. Holding the Flash accountable for his defeat, Thawne becomes consumed by vengeance, resulting in the death of Iris West and endeavors to harm others.
“The Return of Barry Allen” presents Thawne’s revised origin, portraying him as a scientist resorting to plastic surgery to resemble Barry Allen and acquiring Speedster capabilities. Thawne assumes a pivotal role in significant DC events such as “Final Crisis” and “Doomsday Clock,” showcasing his resilience and association with the Negative Speed Force.
Thawne stands as the only character that Doctor Manhattan couldn’t permanently eradicate, a testament in itself to his placement on our list.
8. Lucifer Morningstar
Lucifer Morningstar, inspired visually by David Bowie and based on the fallen angel, is a fixture in Vertigo Comics, a division of DC Comics. His inaugural appearance occurs in ‘Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen’ #65, wherein he strikes a deal with Jimmy Olsen, revealing his identity as the fallen angel Lucifer. Primarily recognized for his role in Neil Gaiman’s ‘Sandman,’ Lucifer becomes disenchanted as the Lord of Hell, expelling all demons and relinquishing the key to Dream of the Endless.
He retires to Earth, operating a piano bar named Lux and engaging in philosophical dialogues concerning free will. Regarded as one of the most potent characters in the DC Universe, Lucifer seldom leverages his reality-bending capabilities, favoring strategic approaches. Despite his affable demeanor, he often assumes a supervillain’s mantle within comics.
Lucifer Morningstar is nearly on par with the traditional concept of God in terms of power, thus justifying his inclusion on our list. However, we harbor doubts regarding his potential against the characters ranked higher.
7. Anti-Monitor
The Anti-Monitor, recently revealed as Mobius, stands as a supervillain and pivotal antagonist in the ‘Crisis on Infinite Earths’ series published by DC Comics from 1985 to 1986. Making his debut in ‘Crisis on Infinite Earths’ #2 (1985), he achieves official revelation in issues #5-6, only to face obliteration in #12, later returning in ‘Green Lantern: Sinestro Corps Special’ #1 (2007).
Renowned for inflicting more deaths than any other DC supervillain, he effortlessly obliterated thousands of universes and effortlessly vanquished Supergirl. By assimilating positive matter universes, the Anti-Monitor bolstered his power, engaging numerous heroes simultaneously and demonstrating resistance to control, even when operating as a Black Lantern during ‘Blackest Night.’ A formidable and terrifying cosmic entity, the Anti-Monitor remains a menace dreaded throughout the universe.
The Anti-Monitor emerged as the principal antagonist in the renowned ‘Crisis on Infinite Earths’ storyline, posing an existential threat to the established reality. Furthermore, he succeeded in overpowering Darkseid (portrayed as one of his avatars) in direct combat, emphasizing his formidable prowess, which secures his placement on our list.
6. Nekron
Nekron, the embodiment of Death in DC Comics, made his debut in ‘Tales of the Green Lantern Corps’ #2 (1981), assuming the role of a recurring adversary to the Green Lanterns. Serving as the primary antagonist in ‘Blackest Night,’ Nekron derives power from the souls of the deceased, inhabiting a nightmarish realm between Limbo and Purgatory. Throughout ‘Blackest Night,’ Nekron commands black power rings capable of reanimating the deceased, collaborating with Scar and Black Hand.
Unveiled as the mastermind behind the resurrection of superheroes, Nekron transforms notable figures into Black Lanterns. Acknowledged as arguably the most potent malevolent force within the DC Universe, Nekron showcased an array of abilities, including resurrecting the deceased, fatal touches, emitting black energy blasts, and undergoing considerable augmentation. Due to the imminent danger he poses, Nekron, the embodiment of Death, was sealed away, yet he revealed his formidable might during the ‘Blackest Night’ narrative by manipulating zombie versions of powerful characters like the Anti-Monitor.
Fortunately, Nekron isn’t impervious, but his formidable might justifies his placement on our list.
5. Spectre
The Spectre made his debut in 1940 as a divine entity possessing limitless powers akin to the Presence. His capabilities encompass permanently nullifying powers and adjudicating the souls of mortals. Initially, detective Jim Corrigan donned the Spectre’s cloak, assuming the role of a divine avenger.
Despite waning popularity during the comics market crisis of the 1950s, the Spectre resurged in the Silver Age, contributing to ‘Crisis on Infinite Earths.’ In the 1970s, the character reemerged in Michael Fleisher’s ‘Adventure Comics’ series, notorious for administering gruesome punishments to criminals. Comparable to Marvel’s Living Tribunal, the Spectre endures as one of DC’s mightiest characters, embodying the “Angel of Vengeance” in service to the Presence.
With truly remarkable abilities, whether inhabiting a host or appearing in his original form, the Spectre stands as a dangerous entity deserving of his elevated position on our list.
4. Superman Prime (One Million)
Superman Prime (DC One Million) hails from the 853rd century, having evolved into the living embodiment of
 the Sun, thereby surviving beyond Earth. Following his departure from Earth in the 21st century and traversing the expanse of the DC Universe, he returned endowed with unparalleled skills and powers. Forming a covenant with his descendants, he bestowed a fraction of his abilities upon them in exchange for their commitment to truth and justice.
Upon confronting Solaris, a despotic Sun entity, he employed a Green Lantern ring to vanquish his adversary. His prolonged exposure to the Sun elevated his powers to seemingly infinite levels, facilitating the revival of his beloved Lois Lane through strategic planning. Superman Prime epitomizes the most potent superhero in DC Comics, embodying the quintessential version of Superman endowed with peak potential.
Although he has encountered defeat on several occasions and is anticipated to exhaust his powers after millennia, his undeniable supremacy validates his lofty position on our list.
3. Darkseid (True Form)
Darkseid, often portrayed as the conquering New God, harbors a mysterious and potent secret—he exists as an omnipresent, non-corporeal entity, with avatars manifesting in every reality. This revelation, elucidated by his brother Highfather, designates each reality, past, present, and future, as housing its unique iteration of Darkseid. This unparalleled attribute elevates him among the most formidable beings in comic book lore, paralleling multiversal deities such as The Presence and The One Above All.
While his true form remains veiled and has made only fleeting appearances, Darkseid’s detachment from trivial affairs and preference for dispatching avatars reflect his overwhelming might. In “Final Crisis,” his ability to cast a shadow over the entire Multiverse and generate a universe-endangering singularity underscores the extent of his dominion. Additionally, Darkseid’s dominion over 3,000,000 Daxamites in the Pre-Crisis era underscores his unmatched strength, hinting at his capacity to threaten entire universes as depicted in recent storylines.
Although his avatars exhibit certain vulnerabilities or limitations, these constraints do not apply to his True Form, thereby warranting his elevated placement on our list.
2. The Presence
The Presence, a multifaceted entity, debuted as The Voice, endowing Jim Corrigan with the power to become the Spectre. Serving as the ultimate creator of the DC Universe, subsequent revelations unveiled The Presence as the Abrahamian god overseeing the cosmos.
The Presence, capable of assuming various forms like The Hand and The Source, occasionally materializes while retaining omnipresence. Despite possessing immense power, The Presence ranks as the second strongest within the DC Universe, analogous to Marvel’s One-Above-All. While formidable, The Presence’s capabilities exhibit limitations, as evidenced by instances of being defeated in combat.
Despite his potential for resurrection, The Presence’s inability to be permanently eradicated positions another entity as superior.
1. Doctor Manhattan
Dr. Manhattan, introduced in Alan Moore’s ‘Watchmen,’ emerges as one of the most potent superheroes in the DC Comics universe, eclipsing even The Presence in power. His genesis stems from a tragic incident, transforming physicist Jon Osterman into a formidable, blue-skinned being imbued with immense power. Initially a tool of the U.S. Government, he ascends to leadership within the Watchmen before retreating to Mars, engaging in contemplation of metaphysical queries.
Despite withdrawing from Earth, he played a pivotal role in averting World War III and influencing the creation of timelines such as ‘Flashpoint’ and ‘New 52.’ Central to narratives like “The Button” and “Doomsday Clock,” Doctor Manhattan, impervious and virtually omnipotent, towers as the most potent fictional character.
Dr. Manhattan, a mortal transcended into a deity, surpasses even DC’s principal deity, The Presence, thus securing his placement atop our list of the mightiest fictional characters.
These character descriptions serve as a testament to the unparalleled might and diverse nature of the most powerful entities in the DC Comics universe.