Comparing Thanos and Superman: Durability in MCU and DCEU

When discussing the durability of superheroes, particularly comparing characters from different cinematic universes, the question often arises: Can Superman from the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) survive a cosmic-scale power surge as depicted in Rocket the Beta and the Infinity War of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU)?

Comparative Analysis

Both the MCU and DCEU have their own definitions of what constitutes a hero's capabilities. It's important to note that superhero durability is context-dependent, often adjusted for the narrative's requirements. For example, if Hulk and Thanos can both survive using the Infinity Gauntlet and only sustain an injured arm, it is reasonable to expect that Superman could also endure a similarly powerful event.

Thanos vs. Superman: Defining Superhuman Durability

Some may argue that Superman, from the DCEU, possesses the ability to survive "ridiculously cosmic proportions" as depicted by the black hole incident. However, as Nabil's video explains, the so-called "black hole" incident was nothing more than a portal to the Phantom Zone, incapable of the cosmic-scale destruction suggested.

Black Hole Feat and Beyond

The black hole incident, often cited by fans and critics, is scientifically debunked. A real black hole would be far more powerful, sucking in everything within its vicinity at speeds beyond human capacity. Surviving such an event would be an outlier, even within the cinematic universes of the MCU and DCEU.

Especially relevant is Thanos, who survived a power surge of ridiculously cosmic proportions following the snap of the Infinity Gauntlet. This event was unprecedented in the MCU, equating to far more energy than a typical superhero could endure. Additionally, Thanos survived an attack from Thor, thrown by the powerful Stormbreaker, which could overpower a beam from all six Infinity Stones.

Thanos's True Durable Champion?

Thanos's resilience extends to surviving attacks from other powerful fighters. He can withstand punches from the Hulk, who has slightly staggered Surtur, and cracks Surtur's crown. He also endured minimal harm from attacks by Mark 50 Iron Man and Worthy Captain America, and no-sold attacks from Captain Marvel.

Superman’s Strong Points

Superman, on the other hand, has shown his durability in various ways. He survived a nuclear explosion weakened by Kryptonite and continued to function while his weakened state was barely noticeable. He also managed to withstand the ramming force of the World Engine, which can tank the collision with Earth that causes a mountain-busting shockwave. Superman endured the beam from the World Engine, used for terraforming Earth, despite the long-term effects and was unharmed from a headbutt by Wonder Woman, his pre-resurrection equivalent. He also took hits from Doomsday and a fight with General Zod.

Resurrected Superman and the Future

With the resurgence of Superman, his durability scales to his attack potency, which is multi-continental, powered by the Mother Boxes capable of reshaping a planet. This scale-up, combined with the enhancements from the Mother Boxes, makes Superman a formidable opponent, though the gap with Thanos, the Mad Titan, is smaller.

MCU Thanos's durability surpasses that of DCEU Superman. While Superman can withstand flying through a World Engine and trading blows with other Kryptonians, Thanos can endure attacks from the MCU's most powerful heroes, including Hulk, Captain Marvel, Mark 50 Iron Man, and Thor. The difference narrows with Resurrected Superman, as his attack potency scales to his enhanced state.

Both Thanos and Superman represent extreme ends of what superhero endurance can be, but in different cinematic universes. While Thanos might have the edge in the MCU, Resurrected Superman in the DCEU does not trail far behind in terms of durability.