DC and Marvel Comics are both home to some incredibly powerful characters. Over the years, new challenges and threats have constantly risen to challenge some of the greatest heroes in both universes. As some of the more powerful threats in their respective universe, both Darkseid and Apocalypse have proven to be great challenges. Though each has never truly been able to succeed, both are so powerful that fans have often debated as to who would win in a fight between the two characters. Looking at a few specific factors, here is our input on Darkseid vs Apocalypse, and which villain is actually a bigger threat?
11 Enemy Power Level: Apocalypse
While the Justice League may be much more powerful than the Avengers, the X-Men are arguably more powerful than the both of them. With several Omega-Level mutants on their side, the X-Men could easily take on the likes of the Justice League. Of course, this depends on the lineup of the X-Men team, but generally, they could arguably take down DC’s greatest heroes. Because of this, Apocalypse has taken on a slightly bigger challenge and even emerged victorious from time to time. As a result, Apocalypse is the winner of round one.
10 Main Inherent Power: Apocalypse
As a mutant, Apocalypse’s powers and abilities come to him naturally. Thanks to his unique genetic makeup, Apocalypse can alter his body at the molecular level, allowing him to take virtually any shape or form he desires. Furthermore, he is also fused with celestial technology, which gives him a bit of an added advantage over his opponents. While Darkseid is incredibly powerful in his own right, there isn’t really anything unique about his own genetic makeup. Aside from his Omega-Beams, Darkseid shares the abilities of several other New Gods. While that’s not to say that Darkseid is weak in any way, Apocalypse does have the advantage of a more unique ability.
9 Main External Power: Darkseid
Especially with the power of the Anti-Life equation at his disposal, Darkseid is easily one of the most powerful things in the entirety of the DC Universe. As the ruler of Apokolips (the planet), Darkseid has had to fight hard for his rule. In his ruthlessness, he has taken down other gods and heroes alike who have stood in his way. In regards to his Omega-Beams, they are powerful enough to hurt Superman himself. Though Apocalypse may have the better advantage through his DNA, Darkseid, especially with the Anti-Life equation, could be significantly more powerful.
8 Armies: Darkseid
Both individuals rely on assistance of some sort to accomplish their goals. Unfortunately for Apocalypse, he typically just utilizes his four horsemen. Though he has picked some very powerful horsemen over the years, none of them really measure up to the armies at Darkseid’s disposal. Firstly, Darkseid’s Parademons are capable of doing immense amounts of damage. Though they are relatively weak, their sheer numbers alone are frightening in and of themselves. Secondly, Darkseid has both Granny Goodness and her Furies at his disposal. Those familiar with the comics know that Granny is one of the most ruthless comic characters out there. Likewise, her Furies are some of the most well-trained and obedient soldiers. No matter how powerful Apocalypse’s horsemen are, there’s no doubt that they would have an issue going up against the likes of Darkseid’s armies.
7 Experience: Darkseid
In regards to publication, Darkseid has nearly 15 years of experience that Apocalypse is lacking. Created in 1971, Darkseid has been terrorizing the DC Universe ever since. Even when he is defeated, he typically retreats to Apokolips to plot his next takeover. Apocalypse on the other hand, debuted in 1986. While he quickly became one of the X-Men’s greatest foes, he regularly disappears from the comics for extended periods of time. Though he almost always comes back stronger, it is really hard to doubt Darkseid’s experience over that of Apocalypse’s.
6 Ruthlessness: Darkseid
For how destructive both villains are, Darkseid is definitely the more ruthless of the two. While Apocalypse has still done some horrible things, he usually has a motive that goes beyond more than just world domination. Apocalypse, though misguided, typically clashes with the X-Men on an ideological standpoint between mutant and human interactions. Wile Darkseid certainly has goals of his own, he mostly just seeks to conquer and enslave all that he can. Because of this, Darkseid has gone to far greater lengths and put various individuals through all sorts of hells to get what he wants. With little regard to any life but his own, Darkseid is easily the more ruthless of the two characters, making him the victor in this regard.
5 Strength: Apocalypse
Theoretically, Apocalypse would prove to be stronger than Darkseid. Thanks to his ability to alter himself at the molecular level, there is technically no limit to how strong Apocalypse can become. With no way to accurately determine exactly how strong each character is, Apocalypse wins by theoretical advantage. His mutant power, combined with his technological enhancements, make it easy to see why he could be stronger than Darkseid. However, Darkseid’s own strength has been shown to match that of Superman’s. While specific examples can be provided from each, Apocalypse still has the advantage based solely on his mutant ability.
4 Durability: Darkseid
As mentioned previously, Darkseid is a much more recurring villain than Apocalypse. Likewise, Darkseid has never truly died like Apocalypse has. Though both have been able to bounce back in some pretty interesting and creative ways, Darkseid has proven to be one of the hardest foes for the Justice League to keep down. Going beyond the Justice League, other powerful forces within the DC Universe have all failed at putting a definitive end to Darkseid’s rule. Considering how many have tried, Darkseid seems the obvious winner as far as durability is concerned.
3 Equipment: Apocalypse
Of course, with celestial technology literally fused to his body, Apocalypse is the obvious winner in this category. Using this technology, Apocalypse is also able to absorb and redirect blasts of energy, making him immune to several forms of attack. However, Darkseid still uses technology of his own. Especially in regards to motherboxes, Darkseid is able to immediately transport to virtually any given location. While both may utilize tech to some degree at least, Apocalypse holds the advantage in having the more offensive/defensive technology, while Darkseid’s is more transportative.
2 Biggest Feat: Tie
As mentioned previously, both villains have accomplished an incredible amount in their respective universe. During the Age of Apocalypse storyline, Apocalypse managed to completely reshape the world in his image, leaving it up to only a few X-Men to change the world back. Darkseid, on the other hand, once obtained the Anti-Life equation and nearly succeeded not only in taking over the world, but also sinking it into the Dark Multiverse. Though both are massive feats in their own right, the two were still defeated in the end. Since both villains caused such a drastic change to their Earth, this round results in a tie.
1 Winner: Darkseid
While Apocalypse is still an incredibly powerful villain, Darkseid remains a much bigger threat. Overall, Apocalypse typically stand as a threat to the planet. Darkseid, on the other hand, stand as a threat to the entire universe. With all of the history, abilities, and armies at his disposal, Darkseid is undoubtedly a greater threat to the whole DC Universe than Apocalypse is to the Marvel Universe. Even though Apocalypse has taken on arguably bigger opponents, Darkseid’s drive and ruthlessness make him one of the greatest threats in all of comics. Because of this, Darkseid emerges as the victor.