One of the earliest forces in the known universe, the Phoenix entity has gained a reputation through the galaxy as a harbinger of doom, possessing several hosts' bodies and occasionally being a massive threat for Earth's main superheroes. The Phoenix Force may be an often-overused gimmick for when Marvel wants to pull out all the stops against an unconquerable foe, but the draw can only last so long. The current Enter the Phoenix story is continuing to show fans the extent of the Phoenix's great power, through the control and manipulation of Earth's Mightiest Heroes. If only The Avengers could reach a few cosmic entities capable of rivaling the Phoenix itself. After all, there are cosmic forces existing in both Marvel and DC Comics, with power above that of the Phoenix.
Prior to his death in 2015's Time Runs Out storyline, the Living Tribunal has been a cosmic entity responsible for safeguarding the Marvel multiverse. If there is any form of imbalance in the grand scheme of the Multiverse, the Tribunal will act immediately and swiftly put an end to the threat. With three distinct yet single-minded heads representing equity, revenge, and necessity, the Tribunal has been well prepared for Earth-based superheroes such as Doctor Strange and She Hulk to cosmic-level threats like Thanos and Galactus. There is not a force on Earth or space that can truly rival the Tribunal's vast power. While the Phoenix and Living Tribunal have not shared the most panel time in comics, the two powerful entities did happen to intertwine on occasion. Their interactions showcase the two cosmic heavyweights' power, as well as the distinction in class between the two entities. While the Living Tribunal should not underestimate the Phoenix Force's power, there are other cosmic forces in both comic universes that should be more pressing concerns.
DC Comics' 1985 -86 mega event series Crisis on Infinite Earths introduced readers a new threat known as the Anti-Monitor. A native of the Antimatter Universe, the Anti-Monitor serves as the centerpiece antagonist of the event and is responsible for the destruction of several DC realities. Aside from the Anti-Monitor's destructive capabilities, the nearly immortal entity can alter his size and shape, travel across dimensions, constitute matter from thin air, grant power to others, and manipulate reality as he sees fit. Like the finest of cosmic entities, there is no limit to the Anti- Monitor's power at face value. The being can be stopped, but it's only a matter of time before DC's greatest antithesis makes his return.
The primary force commanding the Marvel Universe remains the mysterious One Above All. Not to be confused with the Celestial of the same name, Marvel's One Above All is yet another multiverse being who is essentially the curator of all existence. Whereas the Living Tribunal acts on behalf of the One Above All, it's the One Above All who assigns the Living Tribunal as well as the countless existing entities and heroes their life assignments and goals. The One Above All has made minor appearances throughout several Marvel titles and there has even been speculation as to the being's true identity. There has yet to be a force that can truly match the One Above All's power set. Rarely ever seen in full, the One Above All is as close to a fictional interpretation of God as one is to get in Marvel.
DC's living embodiment of God is known as the Presence, taking numerous other forms throughout its existence from the Voice to the Hand. Hailing as the most powerful entity in the DC Comics multiverse, the Presence acquires nigh-omnipotence and similarly shares a shrouded history with Marvel's One Above All. While it may be a giant threat to the Avengers, the Phoenix Force doesn't have much chance of competing with these entities that shaped the cosmic fabrics of their universes.
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March 22, 2021 at 05:52AM
