Dr. Manhattan was the only person with actual superpowers and the most powerful being in Watchmen created by Alan Moore, Dave Gibbons, and John Higgins. Since the original Watchmen series, DC Comics expanded the world with story arcs like "The Button" and miniseries like Doomsday Clock by Geoff Johns, Gary Frank, and Brad Anderson that brought Manhattan and Watchmen characters into the mainstream DC universe.
Jon Osterman was a nuclear physicist caught in a radioactive particle test that turned him into an omniscient godlike being. He has nearly unlimited powers including cosmic awareness and matter manipulation. However, he has one major weakness: he cannot feel or understand humanity. There are beings from both DC and Marvel Comics, smart and powerful, who can beat Dr. Manhattan.
Updated On September, 27th, 2023 by David Harth: Dr. Manhattan has been built up into something massive over the years. His power to control matter is absolute and Doomsday Clock showed him trouncing DC's most powerful heroes. However, there are more characters than an anyone realizes in comics that could defeat him, their powers enough to stop Dr. Manhattan.
25 Dream
First Appearance: The Sandman #1 (1989) By Neil Gaiman, Sam Keith, Mike Dringenberg, Robbie Bousch, and Todd Klein
The Sandman is a legendary comic, right up there with Watchmen. One thing both comics have in common is having powerful characters. The Sandman stars Dream, a member of the Endless who is the anthropomorphic representation of the concept of dreams. This gives Dream complete power over the consciousnesses of anyone. Within dreams, he's the among the most powerful beings in the universe, but even outside of dreams, Dream is powerful than gods.
- Ruler Of The Dreaming
- Complete Control Of Dreams
- Third Oldest Of The Endless
Dr. Manhattan's powers give him complete control over matter and energy, but Dream isn't made of anything he can mess with. Even if Manhattan could destroy Dream's physical form, Dream would just come reincorporate. On the other hand, Dream can affect Manhattan, and while Dream doesn't like fighting, he would easily defeat Dr. Manhattan.
24 Lucifer Morningstar
First Appearance: The Sandman #4 (1989) By Neil Gaiman, Sam Kieth, Mike Dringenberg, Robbie Busch, and Todd Klein
Lucifer Morningstar is second only to the Presence in the DC Multiverse. His first appearance in The Sandman showed just how powerful he was in the scheme of things. Even Dream feared Lucifer and treated him with the utmost respect. Lucifer never lifted a finger against Dream, but the fear and menace of Lucifer's presence was obvious. Eventually, Lucifer would leave Hell behind and open up a nightclub.
- Former Ruler Of Hell
- Nightclub Owner
- Created His Own Universe
- Even The Endless Fear Him
Lucifer had many amazing adventures on his own, even creating his own universe. Lucifer isn't made of anything that Dr. Manhattan would understand, which would be his downfall. Dr. Manhattan has no defenses against the power of the first fallen.
23 Death
First Appearance: The Sandman #8 (1989) By Neil Gaiman, Mike Dringenberg, Malcolm Jones III, Robbie Busch, And Todd Klein
Death is the second oldest of the Endless. When the first living thing was born, the potential for death became a reality and Death awakened. Death has changed a lot over the eons. She was once as dour and frightening as everyone expects the personification of death to be. At some point, Death changed and became a perky goth, treating the souls she takes with love and respect as she brings them to the next world.
- The Anthropomorphic Personification Of Death
- Has Her Own Realm
- Will Be The Last Being In The Universe
- Even Gods And Forces Of Nature Fear Her
Death may not seem formidable, but she is destined to be the last being in the universe. Everyone is afraid of her. Even the Fates themselves backed down when she told them to. Dr. Manhattan is used to being the only true immortal in the room, but because Dr. Manhattan is alive, he can die. That gives Death ultimate power over him. With a touch, Death could end Dr. Manhattan.
22 Perpetua
First Appearance: Justice League #8 (2018) By James Tynion IV, Mikel Janin, Jeromy Cox, And Nick Napolitano
Perpetua is the creator of the DC Multiverse. She's one of the Hands, but she hated her fellow Hands. Perpetua weaponized her Multiverse, but the Hands defeated her and imprison her outside of the Source Wall. She broke back through in the modern day and trounced the Justice League, working with Lex Luthor and the Legion of Doom to persuade the people of the Multiverse to choose doom.
- Creator Of The Multiverse
- Nigh-Omnipotant Power
- Mother Of The Most Powerful Beings In The DC Multiverse
Perpetua is the mother of the Monitor, Anti-Monitor, and the World-Forger. Dr. Manhattan is powerful, but he doesn't have the imagination to use his power to hurt Perpetua. Perpetua could easily blink Dr. Manhattan out of existence if she wanted to. Manhattan is powerful, but Perpetua created him - she could destroy him.
21 Captain Adam
First Appearance: Final Crisis: Superman Beyond 3-D #1 (2008) By Grant Morrison, Doug Mahnke, Walden Wong, David Baron, and Steve Wands
Captain Adam is from Earth-4, which is more closely based on the Charlton Comics that inspired characters like Captain Atom and Dr. Manhattan. Captain Adam first appeared when Superman joined the crew of the Ultima Thule and fought to save the Bleed from Mandrakk. He possesses powers over quantum energies and can manipulate the building blocks of reality itself. Adam also knew about the comic book universes he lived in and could look beyond the panels to interact with the reader.
- The Most Powerful Being On Earth-4
- Reality-Altering Powers
- Knows That He Exists In Fictional Universes
Captain Adam is actually more powerful than Dr. Manhattan because of his reality altering ability. It would be an interesting battle between the two of them, but in the end, Captain Adam's greater power would allow him to win. Captain Adam would definitely find the whole situation quite amusing.
20 Spectre
First Appearance: More Fun Comics #52 (1940) By Jerry Siegel & Bernard Baily
Since he is now in the DC universe, Dr. Manhattan is an overpowered being in a world full of superpowered people. While Manhattan has the powers of a god — as he has shown in Doomsday Clock — the difference is that the Spectre is actually a god.
- The Spectre faster than Pre-Crisis Superman
- He travels between any realm of the living and dead
- Spectre possesses divine powers gifted by God
The Spectre is the vengeance of God, which is one of the most powerful beings in DC Comics. He is who God sends when he seeks anyone who has crossed him. Dr. Manhattan's frequent manipulation of reality could garner the wrath of God. The Spectre can manipulate reality like Manhattan and the two would try to blink each other out of existence.
19 Galactus
First Appearance: Fantastic Four #48 (1965) By Stan Lee, Jack Kirby & Joe Sinnott
Before DC Universe: Rebirth, Dr. Manhattan likely wouldn't hold a candle to Galactus. The biggest argument in favor of Manhattan in this fight is that he took out Pandora, a cosmic entity in DC Comics, so he could theoretically do the same with Galactus.
- Galactus devourers entire worlds for sustenance
- He creates Heralds by gifting them the Power Cosmic
- Galactus was created in a universe that existed before
However, Galactus can wipe out multiple star systems if he is hungry enough. Galactus was also created from the destruction of the universe. Manhattan was created in a lab accident, so there is much more energy flowing through the Eater of Worlds. Galactus can manipulate reality and molecules and could absorb Manhattan's energy. He may not be able to eliminate Manhattan, but he could beat him in a fight.
18 Molecule Man
First Appearance: Fantastic Four #20 (1963) By Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, Dick Ayers & Stan Goldberg
Dr. Manhattan can become godlike, a transcendent being that can see into the past, present and future. Molecule Man is a mutated human, but he can control all energy and matter and is the most dangerous threat on Earth who even rivaled a multiversal being like The Beyonder.
- He can warp reality and travel through hyperspace
- Molecule Man and Beyonder's battle nearly destroyed all reality
- If he dies, Molecule Man's body could explode, taking the universe with him
There was a retcon for Molecule Man that depowered him somewhat and could make this a closer fight. With that said, the most recent version of Molecule Man is nearly as strong as the Living Tribunal. Molecule Man, with the right focus, can do everything Manhattan can. They would throw no punches, but all reality would certainly feel the effects of their showdown.
17 Darkseid
First Appearance: Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen #134 (1970) By Jack Kirby & Vince Colletta
Manhattan manipulates particles, molecules and more to shape them how he chooses. However, Darkseid warps reality with the Omega Beams. While Manhattan can transform things using the laws of physics, Darkseid transcends those laws.
- Darkseid battled the Anti-Monitor one-on-one in "Darkseid War"
- Darkseid's Omega Beams can send people through time and space
- He controlled all life using the Anti-Life Equation in Final Crisis
In Doomsday Clock, Manhattan feared Superman would destroy him. If Superman possessed this power in the main DC Comics continuity, surely Darkseid, in his strongest form, would be powerful enough to destroy Dr. Manhattan, especially with the forces of Apokolips at his heels.
16 Dark Phoenix
First Appearance: X-Men #101 (1976) By Chris Claremont, Dave Cockrum, Frank Chiaramonte & Bonnie Wilford
Comparing Dr. Manhattan's power to the Dark Phoenix's is like comparing two nuclear bombs and wondering which one is stronger. While Manhattan recently proved that he could remake entire worlds at a whim in DC's Rebirth era, Phoenix can create new worlds and destroy them all when they served their purpose.
- The Phoenix Force controls all life forces in the universe
- Phoenix created a black hole that destroyed a solar system
- Phoenix can use host bodies and enhance their own abilities
Phoenix is pure life force and the entire sum of psionic energy in all existence. Because this is the Dark Phoenix –– a corrupted being who believes all life is expendable –– could wipe out the entire universe instantly, including Dr. Manhattan.
15 Superman Prime One Million
First Appearance: DC One Million #4 (1998) By Grant Morrison, Val Semeiks, Prentis Rollins, Pat Garrahy & Heroic Age
When it comes to the DC Comics universe, many readers consider Superman to be the strongest hero. As a matter of fact, the only thing holding Superman back from conquering the entire world is his morality, as the Injustice comic book series showed. Add on 15,000 years under the power-enhancing yellow sun and Superman Prime One Million is born.
- Superman Prime absorbed solar energy for thousands of years
- Superman cannot age thanks to the solar absorption
- He can gift portions of his godlike power to others
In the Doomsday Clock storyline, Dr. Manhattan is unsure about his recent actions as he has seen a future where a battle between himself and Superman could result in the end of everything. If Dr. Manhattan is worried about Rebirth Superman, he would be terrified of Superman Prime from DC One Million.
14 Anti-Monitor
First Appearance: Crisis On Infinite Earths #2 (1985) By Marv Wolfman, Len Wein, Robert Greenberger, George Pérez, Dick Giordano & Anthony Tollin
Dr. Manhattan changed everything in DC Rebirth. However, he isn't the only being to manipulate the DC universe. Flash and Reverse Flash created the New 52 after Flashpoint, and before that, the Anti-Monitor threatened the entire DC multiverse in Crisis on Infinite Earths. With antimatter energy, the Anti-Monitor reset DC Comics.
- The Anti-Monitor used his antimatter cannon to destroy whole universes
- Nekron used the Anti-Monitor as the Black Lanterns' Central Power Battery
- Anti-Monitor draws his unlimited power from the antimatter universe
Who would win a fight between Dr. Manhattan and the Anti-Monitor? For one thing, Anti-Monitor has reality warping power, which would hinder a lot of what Manhattan is capable of. The Anti-Monitor, with his antimatter cannon up and running, could destroy the multiverse and everyone in it, including Dr. Manhattan.
13 Odin The All-Father
First Appearance: Journey Into Mystery #85 (1962) By Stan Lee, Larry Lieber, Jack Kirby, Dick Ayers & Stan Goldberg
Dr. Manhattan has powers that basically make him a god. However, Odin is a god and therefore is at a level that some have only assumed that Manhattan has reached. Odin has all the powers of Norse Gods. However, his biggest power-up comes in the form of the Odinforce, which makes him one of the most powerful beings in existence.
- Odin enchanted Thor's hammer, Mjolnir
- Odin possesses godlike strength, speed, and magical invulnerability
- Odin prevented Ragnarok
At one time, Odin battled Seth, the brother of Osiris, and their battle shattered entire galaxies and even reignited dying suns. With this Odinforce, and weapons available in Asgard, Odin is a powerful, imposing physical fighter who could stand against Dr. Manhattan's nuclear powers.
12 Doctor Fate
First Appearance: More Fun Comics #55 (1940) By Gardner Fox & Howard Sherman
Dr. Manhattan's powers are based in science. What happens when Jon battles someone with magical powers? Manhattan proved he can deal with magical beings since he could manipulate things and help cause the imprisonment of Mr. Mxyzptlk using Jor-El. Doctor Fate is a different story.
- Nabu is the most powerful Lord of Order and Chaos
- Doctor Fate used magic to knock out a Silver Age Superman
- Fate can open portals between realms and banish demons
Doctor Fate can inhabit the astral form, and Manhattan has no powers to deal with that. Can magic harm Dr. Manhattan the same way it can Superman? Much about Manhattan's potential vulnerability to magic is unknown, but a powerful magic user like Doctor Fate could easily test Manhattan's limits.
11 Doctor Strange
First Appearance: Strange Tales #110 (1963) By Stan Lee, Steve Ditko & Stan Goldberg
While Doctor Fate is the master sorcerer from DC Comics, the equivalent at Marvel is Doctor Strange. He is the Sorcerer Supreme and has taken on beings of immense power like Ghost Rider, Mephisto, and Dormammu. Even The Beyonder admitted that Strange might even be more powerful than someone like the Molecule Man.
- Doctor Strange is a master of the mystic arts
- Strange can travel and manipulate the astral plane
- Strange erased the world's memory of Peter Parker's identity as Spider-Man in "One Moment in Time"
Strange is the master of all magic. Strange can manipulate time and space like Dr. Manhattan. While Jon achieves these manipulations through science, Stephen manipulates the universe through magical means. Manhattan needs to learn more about magic to stand a chance against Strange.
10 Professor Xavier
First Appearance: X-Men #1 (1963) By Stan Lee, Jack Kirby & Paul Reinman
Dr. Manhattan's biggest downfall is a mental uncertainty that often impedes his potential. In Watchmen, Ozymandias manipulated and coerced him to do what he needed. Manhattan's lack of humanity is a weakness that Charles Xavier, one of the most powerful telepaths in the Marvel universe, could easily exploit.
- Professor Xavier's existence prevented "The Age of Apocalypse"
- Xavier can copy, store, and reignite the minds of all mutants on Krakoa
- Xavier, using Cerebro, could kill everyone on Earth
House of X presented a Charles Xavier willing to do whatever it took to save mutantkind. Professor X completely shut down Magneto's mind and forced the Dark Phoenix back deep into Jean Grey's subconscious. He could shut down Manhattan quickly as long as Jon didn't see it coming.
9 Thanos
First Appearance: Iron Man #55 (1972) By Jim Starlin, Mike Friedrich & Mike Esposito
Assuming that Thanos has the possession of the Infinity Gauntlet, he could theoretically defeat Dr. Manhattan. Manhattan has a weakness to tachyons, and the Infinity Gauntlet offers access to similar faster-than-light particles that hypothetically exist outside the laws of physics.
- Thanos's natural strength is on par with the Hulk's
- Thanos, wielding the Infinity Gauntlet, manipulated reality
- In the "Thanos Wins" arc, a future Thanos defeated Marvel's heroes
Both men are personally responsible when they lose. In the Infinity Gauntlet comic, Thanos only lost because he did not believe he was worthy of the gauntlet's powers. In Watchmen, Dr. Manhattan lost because he was convinced that Ozymandias was right. If Manhattan believed losing was the right thing and Thanos believed that winning was needed, the Mad Titan could achieve that victory.
8 Adam Warlock
First Appearance: Fantastic Four #66 (1967) By Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, Joe Sinnott & Stan Goldberg
If Thanos could defeat Dr. Manhattan, then Adam Warlock could as well, since Warlock brought down the Mad Titan in the Infinity Gauntlet comic event. Adam Warlock is all about the soul, and Dr. Manhattan's weakness might be tied into his soul, or lack thereof.
- Adam Warlock controlled the Soul Gem
- Warlock can manipulate cosmic energy to enhance his physical traits
- Warlock helped the Avengers defeat Thanos in "Infinity Gauntlet"
Warlock once said that it is not the power or the strength of a person that matters in a battle with him; it is the soul that is the Achilles for a person. Dr. Manhattan is one of the most overpowered beings in the universe, so he should be able to beat just about anyone. However, Adam is the most powerful being the Soul Stone ever bonded with.
7 Beyonder
First Appearance: Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars #1 (1984) By Jim Shooter, Michael Zeck, John Beatty & Christie Scheele
When The Beyonder has full power, he could easily beat Dr. Manhattan. Everything that Beyonder proved he could accomplish — including destroying all multiverse — supersedes what Dr. Manhattan had even accomplished in DC's Rebirth.
- The Beyonder transported Earth's heroes in the first Secret Wars
- Beyonder controls the Beyond Realm
- The Beyonder evaded Death's touch by manipulating reality
Dr. Manhattan's powers are based on the laws of physics. As Beyonder proved time and time again, he is not held back by anything concerning physics. Even the Molecule Man — who was the closest equal of to Beyonder — couldn't fully defeat him. This means there is little chance Dr. Manhattan could hold a candle to him either. Perhaps the two godlike beings could solve their feud with a "contest of champions" or "secret war."
6 Sentry
First Appearance: Sentry #1 (2000) By Paul Jenkins, Jae Lee & Jose Villarrubia
Most readers believe that Dr. Manhattan is basically immortal, although there is nothing in the comics themselves that proves that. However, as Marvel Comics has shown, Sentry is not only immortal but also has unlimited power.
- Sentry defeated Thor in combat
- Sentry destroyed Asgard during the Siege event
- Sentry can survive within the center of the sun
Sentry gains powers whenever he needs them and powers up when facing stronger opponents. Like Dr. Manhattan, Sentry originally valued life and fought with optimism. Unfortunately, the Void, an evil, corrupting entity, tainted Sentry's mind. Sentry, when fully unleashed, is nearly unstoppable. Even the combined might of the Avengers and Dark Avengers barely defeated him.