In this installment of DC vs. Marvel, I compare the weapons of the DC universe with the weapons of the Marvel universe. The weapons are broken into three power levels. Each universe will have a winner declared in each category and the universe that wins in the most categories is the overall winner. The weapons will be judged in the areas of aesthetic, conceptual and/or utilitarian design. In other words, which universe has the coolest weapon in each category? This is not a “which weapon is more powerful” contest.
The weapons in the top power category are called (1) Cosmic Weapons. These are the really powerful weapons of the DC or Marvel universe. A person with this sort of weapon can take on a team of superheroes such as the Justice League or the Avengers or perhaps even shake the foundations of the universe. A good example on the high end of a cosmic weapon would be the Infinity Gauntlet of the Marvel universe. With the Infinity Gauntlet you can take on an army of superheroes and more. Thanos used the Infinity Gauntlet to challenge the combined might of Galactus, the Stranger, the titan Epoch, Love and Hate, two Celestials, Master Order, Lord Chaos, Kronos, Death and Epoch. An upper end Cosmic Weapon can alter reality. The range of the weapon can vary from global, at least, to galactic. A cosmic weapon is even difficult to conceptualize using pseudo science. This is part of the attraction of a cosmic weapon.
A good example of a weapon on the low end of this category would be the Sun Eater used in the DC Universe. The Sun Eater can give the Legion of Superheroes a hard time but it will take forever to eat enough suns to change the foundations of the universe. I wouldn’t try to take on even Galactus alone with a Sun Eater. Galactus might eat the Sun Eater!
The next power level would be (2) Super Weapons. These weapons enable the wielder to take on a heavy duty superhero such as Superman on the upper end of the power scale. Green Lantern’s ring would be a good example of a super weapon on the upper end. You might be able to defeat Superman with a Green Lantern ring, probably not, but you would have a chance at least. On the low end, Captain Cold’s cold gun can let a super villain take on a hero like the Flash. I would strongly urge any potential super villains out there not to try to take on Superman with something like a cold gun. A Super Weapon cannot be constructed in the real world but can be conceptualized with pseudo science.
The last level is what I call (3) Street Weapons because they are the type of weapons you see used on the streets. Often they are normal weapons that have been enhanced with some tinkering. On a good day, you might be able to take on a half a dozen street crooks with one of these weapons but you probably need some special martial arts skill to do this. A good example of this type of weapon would be Daredevil’s Billy Club or Batman’s Batarang. A street weapon could be constructed in the real world but probably would have to be adapted considerably due to real life technical constraints.
1.0) COSMIC WEAPONS
1.1) Cosmic Weapons – DC
Some of the cosmic weapons in the DC universe include the
Anti-Life Equation
Book of Eternity
Miracle Machine
Spear of Destiny
Sun-Eater
Warworld
The Spear of Destiny is the spear used to pierce the side of Jesus Christ. Hitler used the Spear of Destiny in the DC Universe to keep the American superheroes from liberating Europe. Superman was given the task of killing the Spectre with the Spear of Destiny in one issue. The Spectre is the most powerful being in the DC Universe and anything that can kill him has to be pretty powerful. The Spear of Destiny gives the wielder the ability to control the minds of super powered individuals, massive reality warping and extremely powerful holy abilities
The Book of Eternity is a book that contains the story of existence. If absolute knowledge can lead to absolute power then does absolute corruption follow…? The wielder of the book also is granted vast magical powers.
This idea that knowledge is power is also explored in the concept of the Anti-Life Equation that will destroy all life. Darkseid is obsessed with the equation and according to him in one issue the equation is:
loneliness + alienation + fear + despair + self-worth ÷ mockery ÷ condemnation ÷ misunderstanding x guilt x shame x failure x judgment n=y where y=hope and n=folly, love=lies, life=death, self=dark side
If Darkseid says the equation then the victim has mathematical certainty that all life and existence are futile and that serving Darkseid is the only point in existence. This is mind control but mind control that can be shared via the internet and presumably even intergalactic communication systems that advanced races would possess. A master of this equation could rule the cosmos with but a sentence and a good media outlet. Those controlled could be asked to repeat the message to even more beings so the equation would spread exponentially. In short, the equation has metamemetic properties. For a definition of metamemetics please read:
Someday I will master the science of metamemetics and use this blog to rule the world!
Bwa-ha-ha-haaaa!
Two of the DC Cosmic Weapons are from the Legion of Superheroes storyline. The Sun-Eater is a living nebula with the ability to snuff out whole stars. The Sun-Eater was created by the Controllers to destroy unworthy worlds. The Miracle Machine was also created by the Controllers. The machine can convert thoughts into reality and was given to the Legion of Superheroes as a reward for destroying the Sun-Eater controlled by a renegade Controller. Braniac 5 used the machine to repel an alien invasion of Earth. The combined armed forces of Earth and the Legion of Superheroes were losing the war so this is a good weapon to have on your side. Warworld is a whole world filled with weapons not just on the surface but from the surface to the core. Superman was barely able to stop even one skyscraper sized missile launched at Earth and the Warworld presumably has countless missiles and all sorts of weapons. Presumably even a team of superheroes could not even begin to shield Earth from an attack from Warworld but I doubt you could change the cosmos with this weapon.
1.2) Cosmic Weapons – Marvel
Some of the cosmic weapons in the Marvel universe include
Casket of Ancient Winters
Cosmic Cube
Evil Eye of Avalon
Infinity Gauntlet
Serpent Crown
Odinsword
Ultimate Nullifier
Wand of Watoomb
The most powerful weapon in the Marvel universe is probably the Ultimate Nullifier. The Ultimate Nullifier is generally in the possession of Galactus. Korvac used the Ultimate Nullifier to destroy a universe in the multiverse. The drawback is that use of the weapon is suicidal. Whoever wields the Ultimate Nullifier is also destroyed!
A close second in the Marvel universe in terms of power might be the Infinity Gauntlet. You can take over the universe with the Infinity Gauntlet. Whether or not you could destroy a universe with the Infinity Gauntlet has not been determined. The cosmic cube was the most powerful weapon in Marvel universe for years and years since it could alter reality with a thought but later the range of this weapon was set at a global level.
Before the appearance of the cosmic cube the most powerful weapon in the Marvel universe was the largely forgotten Odinsword that even graced the cover of Thor #156. The Odinsword was supposed to end the universe if drawn from its scabbard and this idea really struck my imagination when I was a youth in the sixties. Later, Odin absorbed the life force of all Asgardians, blew up the enchanted armor known as the Destroyer, to gigantic size, and grabbed the Odinsword to take on the Celestials and got blown up for his troubles so this event shows this sword is not in the same league as the Ultimate Nullifier or the Infinity Gauntlet. Thanos was able to defeat two celestials and heavy-duty company with the Infinity Gauntlet. Korvac was able to destroy a whole universe despite the Celestials.
Dormammu once used the Evil Eye of Avalon to merge his dimension with that of Earth. The Eye of Avalon was hexed by the Scarlet Witch and the ensuing energy disaster temporarily destroyed Dormammu and drove Loki mad. Maybe the Evil Eye of Avalon is third in terms of power in the Marvel Universe.
Cosmic weapons in the Marvel Universe that allow you to take on a band of superheroes, but probably not take over the cosmos directly, include the Wand of Watoomb and the Serprent Crown. The Wand of Watoomb enables the wielder to mentally project and absorb mystical energy, create force fields, control weather, open dimensional portals, observe events in other locations, and heal wounds. The Serpent Crown gives the user superhuman strength, telepathy, mind control, telekinesis, the ability to cast illusions, the power to project destructive bolts of mystical energy and even the mental ability to manipulate matter and energy. The Casket of Ancient Winters is Asgardian and allows the wielder to control infinite cold. A very specialized weapon but anything of infinite power belongs in the cosmic range.
1.3) Winner
For sheer originality the Anti-Life Equation wins! The ultimate cosmic weapon would not be concrete but abstract. This confirms what you always knew in your heart, algebra can end all life in the universe! E=MC2 is an equation that has changed the world more than just about anything. I think of the Anti-Life Equation as a super advanced version of E=MC2. I am sure just such an equation is just around the corner in real life.
2.0) SUPER WEAPONS
2.1) Super Weapons – DC
Adam Strange’s Ray Gun
Aquaman’s Hook
Black Lantern Ring
Black Manta’s Battlesuit
Blue Beetle’s Scarab
Blue Devil’s Trident of Lucifer
Blue Lantern Ring
Braniac’s Space Ships
Braniac’s Force Field
Calculator Battlesuit
Captain Boomerang’s Trick Boomerangs
Captain Cold’s Cold Gun
Copperhead’s Armor
Deadshot’s Wrist Mounted Firearms
Disintegrator Sphere
Dr. Fate’s Helm of Nabu
Emerald Eye of Ekron – Emerald Empress
Entropy Aegis Armor
Exectutioner’s Atomic Axe
Fiddler’s Fiddle
Golden Girdle of Gaea
Golden Glider’s Iceskates
Green Lantern Power Ring
Hawkgirl’s Dart Gun
Hawkman’s Protonic Lance
Hawkgirl’s Wings
Hawkman’s Wings
Heat Wave’s Gun
HERO Dial
Icicle’s Cold Gun
Indigo Power Ring
Kanjar Ro’s Gamma Gong
Kinetic Hammer
Lasso of Lightning
Mageddon
Mega-Rod
Mirror Master’s Trick Mirrors
Mr. Freeze Cold Gun
Orange Lantern Ring
Orb of Ra
Orion’s Astro-Harness
Phantom Zone Projector
Piped Pipers flute
Psi-Scimitar
Psycho Pirate’s Medusa Mask
Qwa-Bolts
Red Power Ring
Sandman’s Sand of Sleep
Sandman’s Dreamstone
Sandman’s Helm of Dreams
Sargon the Sorcerer’s Ruby of Life
Sonigun
Soultaker Sword
Spear of Lonea
Star Man’s Cosmic Rod
Star Sapphire
Steel’s Apokolips Armor
Toastmasters
Trident of Neptune
Trident of Poseidon
Trident of Triton
Weather Wizard’s Wand
Webgun
Wonder Woman’s Bracelets of the Aegis
Wonder Woman’s Lasso of Truth
Xantha Charge
Yellow Power Ring
The two most famous weapons in the DC list are probably Green Lantern’s power ring and Wonder Woman’s Lasso of Truth. Recently, DC decided to add a whole rainbow of power rings to their universe and I think this is diluting the brand. What’s next a purple Hulk? The creator of Wonder Woman also invented the lie detector! The Lasso of Truth is the ultimate lie detector! I think both weapons are great but slightly prefer the Lasso of Truth due to its interesting origins.
2.2) Super Weapons – Marvel
Beetle’s Armor
Black Blade of Baghdad
Black Knight’s Ebony Blade
Black Knight’s Ebony Dagger
Black Knight’s Power Lance
Black Knight’s Shield of Night
Blacklash’s Whip
Blizzard’s Suit
Bloodaxe
Big Wheel
Caliburn
Captain America’s Shield
Chorus Sentry
Cobalt Bomb
Controller’s Slave Discs
Convincer
Cosmic Control Rod
Crimson Dynamo’s Armor
Crimson Gem of Cyttorak
Cyclone’s Suit
Destroyer (Enchanted Armor)
Doctor Octopus Tentacles
Dr. Doom’s Armor
Dragonfang Sword
Eagle Shield
Electroplasmic Wand
Energy Shield
Excalibur
Exorcist Gun
Eye of Agamotto
Firebrand Suit
Firepower’s Armor
Firesword
Fiver Fingers of Annilation
Gamma Bomb
Ghost Rider’s Chain
Ghost’s Battlesuit
Golden Mace of Hercules
Grim Reaper’s Scythe
Guantlets of Ares
Hofund
Hurricane’s Wings
Iron Man Armor (Earth-200151)
Iron Man’s Armor
Iron Monger’s Armor
Jet Parlyzer
Justiciar
Kurokaze
Mandarin’s Ten Rings
Mandroid Armor
Megingjord
Mirage’s Holographic Suit
Mysterio’s Helmet with Holographic Projector
Mysterio’s Gloves and Boots that Emit Hallucinogenic Gas
Odin’s Thrudstok
Polestar’s Magnetic Gauntlets
Pyro’s Battlesuit and Flamethrowers
Quantum Bands
Ringmaster’s Top Hat with Portable Mind-control Device
Rhino’s Polymer Armor
Ronan the Accuser’s Universal Weapon
Sakki
Scell
Scorcher’s Suit and Flamethrowers
Shocker’s Gauntlets
Silver Surfer’s Surfboard
Son of Satan’s Trident
Spymater’s Battlesuit
Staff of Polar Power
Star-Blazer
Star Shield
Stilt-Man’s Armor
Stormbreaker
Streamsword
Sun Shredder
Sunbeam Ray Gun
Surtur’s Twilight Sword
Sword of Bone
Sword of Fangs
Sword of Frey
Sword of Kamnu
Sword of Light
Sword of Might
Sword of Night
Sword of Ultimate Shadow
Swordman’s Sword
Taskmaster’s Solid Energy Weapon
Thor’s Hammer Mjolnir
Titanium Man’s Armor
Ulik’s Pounders
Ultra-Diode Ray
Unicorn’s Power Horn
Vulture’s Wings
Whiplash’s Gauntlets and Battlesuit
Wizard’s Power Gloves
Wrecker’s Crowbar
The three most famous weapons in the Marvel list are Thor’s hammer, Captain America’s shield and Iron Man’s armor. Captain America, Iron Man and Thor are all members of the Avengers so you often get to see these incredible weapons together in one great comic book.
2.3) Winner
I loved Iron Man the movie! One of the major subplots of the movie is the creation of Iron Man’s armor. Could you do this with any other weapon in the DC or Marvel universe? I don’t think so. Iron Man’s armor is the coolest super weapon because of its story line and plausibility. DC and Marvel are tied at this point and the next weapon decides which universe has the coolest super weapons.
3.0) STREET LEVEL WEAPONS
3.1) Street Level – DC
Azrael’s Armor
Batman’s Batarang
Batman’s Utility Belt
Catwoman’s Cat o Nine Tails Whip
Catwoman’s Retractable Claws
Deathstroke’s Staff
Green Arrow’s Trick Arrows
Hawkman’s Claw of Horus
Huntress’ Crossbow
Joker’s Acid Squirting Flower
Joker’s Cyanide Pies
Joker’s Electrified Joy Buzzer
Joker’s Exploding Cigars with Nitroglycerine
Joker’s Razor Sharp Throwing Cards
Lobo’s Chain and Hook
Penguin’s Trick Umbrellas
Robin’s Battle Staff
Sandman’s Gas Gun
The three coolest street level weapons in the DC universe all come from the Batman family and include the batarang, utility belt and the Joker’s squirting flower. Joker’s Squirting flower doesn’t squirt water but squirts Joker venom or acid.
3.2) Street Level – Marvel
Black Widow’s Gauntlets
Boomerang’s Trick Boomerangs
Daredevil’s Billy Club
Jester’s Trick Artificial Hands
Jester’s Ball Bearing Marbles
Jester’s Exploding Popcorn
Jester’s Flying Discs
Jester’s Explosive Rubber Balls
Jester’s Yo-Yo
Gladiator’s Wrist Mounted Rotating Circular Blades
Green Goblin’s Glider
Green Goblin’s Pumpkin Bombs
Hawkeye’s Trick Arrows
Paladin’s Armor
Mockingbird’s Battle Stave
Moon Knight’s Boomerang
Moon Knight’s Golden Ankh
Moon Knight’s Throwing Irons
The coolest street level weapon in the Marvel universe is Daredevil’s Billy club. A close second might be the Green Goblin’s equipment that led to the Hobgoblin who used the same equipment. The Green Goblin glider probably belongs in the super weapons category. The pumpkin bombs definitely belong in the street level category since they are basically grenades with a gimmick.
3.3) Winner
The Batman family sets the standard for street weapons in comic books! The difficult choice is trying to decide which Batman family weapon is the coolest. I actually created a utility belt! I was living in Taiwan at the time and Taiwan is beset with typhoons, earthquakes and the threat of invasion from mainland China. More as a conceptual exercise than anything else, I made a utility belt designed to facilitate survival in all three of Taiwan’s scenarios. My buddies got a real kick out of the belt and made various suggestions. The emphasis of the belt was survival rather than military usage so my belt had totally different stuff than Batman’s belt. I actually think the belt I created would be semi useful. I vote Batman’s utility belt as the coolest street weapon since it is actually possible to create to some extent.
Conclusion
The Anti-Life Equation is the best cosmic weapon. Iron Man’s Armor is the best super weapon. Batman’s utility belt is the coolest street level weapon. DC wins two out of three categories.
DC wins!
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