I’m doing a series of posts that I call a fantasy matchup pitting a Marvel Comics universe character against a DC Comics universe character in a straight-up fight. This was inspired by some chats with friends after a movie marathon and some wild assumptions. So in true competitive form, I’ve drawn up a contest of champions of sorts.
In this titanic clash, we compare two of the most iconic extraterrestrial warriors. Superman, the last son of Krypton and protector of Earth, faces Omni-Man, the Viltrumite warrior from the “Invincible” series who has far more sinister intentions. Both are immensely powerful, capable of decimating armies, planets, and even gods. But when these two powerhouses face off, who will emerge victorious?
Battle Breakdown
- Strength and Durability:
- Both Superman and Omni-Man are titans in terms of raw physical strength. Superman’s strength is so vast that he has lifted planets and fought cosmic beings like Darkseid. Omni-Man, while similarly strong, has been shown obliterating entire civilizations and fighting his way through armies. While Omni-Man’s strength is formidable, Superman’s cosmic-level feats put him slightly above Omni-Man in terms of raw power. In terms of durability, both are nearly invulnerable, but Superman’s exposure to higher-tier threats (cosmic rays, magic, etc.) gives him more experience dealing with extreme damage.
- Combat and Fighting Style:
- Omni-Man has the advantage of centuries of combat experience. He’s fought wars, destroyed planets, and battled numerous powerful beings across the universe. His battle-hardened nature makes him a relentless warrior who won’t hesitate to kill. Superman, though lacking the same level of ruthless experience, is a master tactician in his own right and a highly skilled combatant. Superman’s fighting style is typically more reserved, focused on restraint and incapacitating rather than killing his foes.
- Morality and Ruthlessness:
- Omni-Man’s willingness to kill without hesitation is one of his key traits. He would not hold back against Superman, aiming to destroy him swiftly. Superman, on the other hand, would struggle with his moral code, trying to avoid killing Omni-Man if possible. This could create a significant challenge for Superman, as Omni-Man would exploit any hesitation or restraint.
- Speed and Agility:
- Both characters possess immense speed, capable of moving faster than the human eye can perceive. Superman, however, is known for his faster-than-light speed, which he uses to travel across the galaxy. While Omni-Man is extremely fast, it’s unclear if his speed matches Superman’s. In battle, Superman’s agility combined with his super-speed might give him the edge in landing blows and avoiding attacks.
- Weakness Exploitation:
- Superman has two major weaknesses: kryptonite and magic. However, Omni-Man has no access to either, which levels the playing field. On the flip side, Omni-Man’s only significant vulnerability is extreme trauma, but his incredible durability means that only a being with Superman’s strength could deal such damage. Superman’s strategic mind and ability to adapt to various combat styles might give him the tools to find a way to exploit Omni-Man’s weaknesses.
Special thanks to ESH EFFECTS for creating these fantasy matchup images, they look fantastic.
Verdict:
In terms of raw power and durability, both Superman and Omni-Man are near equals. However, Superman’s experience fighting a broader range of powerful foes, including cosmic entities, might give him the upper hand. Superman’s morality and compassion could initially limit his ability to fight Omni-Man at full strength, but once pushed to the brink, Superman’s superior speed, strength, and tactical experience may allow him to outlast Omni-Man.
While Omni-Man’s brutal, kill-or-be-killed mindset could overwhelm Superman early on, Superman’s superior speed, versatility, and unrelenting willpower would likely lead him to victory in a prolonged battle. If the fight were to drag on, Superman’s endurance and adaptability would become too much for Omni-Man to handle.
Superman (DC)
- Background: Superman, born Kal-El, is the last survivor of the doomed planet Krypton and raised on Earth as Clark Kent. Gaining extraordinary powers under Earth’s yellow sun, he has become the symbol of hope and justice, dedicated to protecting humanity with his vast strength and moral compass.
- Powers and Abilities:
- Super Strength: Superman’s strength is nearly unlimited, capable of lifting planets, battling cosmic beings, and overpowering almost any foe.
- Flight: Superman can fly at incredible speeds, including faster-than-light travel.
- Invulnerability: Under the yellow sun, Superman is nearly indestructible, capable of withstanding nuclear explosions, extreme temperatures, and powerful energy blasts.
- Heat Vision and Freeze Breath: His heat vision can slice through most materials, and his freeze breath can incapacitate opponents.
- Super Speed and Reflexes: Superman moves and reacts faster than the speed of light, making him an almost untouchable target in battle.
- X-ray Vision and Super Hearing: Superman can detect threats from miles away and see through objects, giving him a strategic edge.
- Weaknesses:
- Kryptonite: Radioactive fragments of his home planet can severely weaken or kill him with prolonged exposure.
- Magic: Superman has little defense against magical attacks, which bypass his invulnerability.
- Moral Code: Superman’s strong sense of morality sometimes limits his actions, particularly against ruthless opponents who are willing to kill.
Omni-Man (Invincible)
- Background: Omni-Man, born as Nolan Grayson, is a member of the Viltrumite race, an alien species dedicated to conquest and domination of planets. On Earth, he posed as a benevolent superhero, but his true nature as a conqueror was eventually revealed. Omni-Man’s strength is comparable to, and sometimes exceeds, the most powerful beings in the Invincible universe.
- Powers and Abilities:
- Super Strength: Omni-Man’s strength is extraordinary, enabling him to decimate armies, destroy cities, and battle beings with comparable power.
- Flight: Like Superman, Omni-Man can fly at incredible speeds, crossing vast distances in moments.
- Invulnerability: Viltrumites possess incredible durability, making Omni-Man nearly indestructible. He can survive in space, withstand tremendous impacts, and endure sustained physical assaults.
- Enhanced Reflexes: Omni-Man’s reflexes and speed allow him to move faster than most opponents can react, making him a deadly combatant in any battle.
- Combat Experience: Having fought in numerous wars across galaxies, Omni-Man is a seasoned warrior with centuries of battle experience, giving him a strategic edge.
- Weaknesses:
- Viltrumite Weakness: The only known way to kill a Viltrumite is through extreme physical trauma, though they can endure far more punishment than most beings.
- Brutality: Unlike Superman, Omni-Man’s willingness to kill without hesitation makes him a ruthless combatant. While this isn’t a traditional weakness, his lack of restraint could provoke him into making tactical errors against a more composed foe.
Conclusion: Superman and Omni-Man are both incredibly powerful beings, but Superman’s combination of raw strength, strategic thinking, and vast experience would likely give him the edge. Omni-Man’s ruthless nature makes him a dangerous opponent, but Superman’s ability to fight at the highest levels while maintaining his moral compass makes him the likely victor in this ultimate battle of extraterrestrial powerhouses.
Read other Fantasy Matchups:
Thor vs Aquaman
Thor vs One Punch Man
Batman vs Black Panther
Superman vs The Sentry
Captain Marvel vs Wonder Woman
Silver Surfer vs Green Lantern
Lobo vs Wolverine
Ironman vs Cyborg
Captain America vs Batman