WARNING: The following contains spoilers for Loki Episode 5, "Journey Into Mystery," streaming now on Disney+.
With the Marvel Cinematic Universe unveiling so many Variants of the God of Mischief in Loki, it was just a matter of time before fans started to argue about which one is the best. Of course, Tom Hiddleston's Loki may vouch that he's the best, but Kid Loki killing Thor is a feat that stands on its own and Alligator Loki is in a class all his own. However, as Episode 5 reveals, none of them hold the title of most powerful -- that belongs to Richard E. Grant's Classic Loki.
This version of Loki has unparalleled mystical powers, admitting he prefers not to wield a blade because it stunts his abilities. That expertise was how he was able to conjure a copy that Thanos killed, turning himself into space debris and escaping the Mad Titan's wrath. Sadly, that landed him in the Void because it broke the rules of the Sacred Timeline, but it still shows just how powerful he is.
And from how Sylvie talks about the exertion it takes to be an expert with these abilities, it's clear Classic Loki stands above the rest. A major of that is his quick-thinking as well, as seen when President Loki's goons raid. Classic Loki quickly shoots out duplicates for him and his allies, and as the villains fight, the group is able to slip away through a portal he creates into the wasteland.
The ability to conjure portals means that, even in his regular reality, he might not even need the Bifrost. And given he loves touting himself up as a survivor and, it's clear why he wants to have such a diverse arsenal -- it makes him a better warrior. However, despite all these things going in his favor, it isn't until the episode's finale when he faces off against Alioth that Classic Loki shows how much of a tour de force he really is.
Classic Loki returns to help while Loki and Sylvie are attempting to enchant the beast, throwing up a magnificent illusion of Asgard. He literally constructs the entire kingdom, drawing the monster out to attack, and as it begins to disappear, he rebuilds instantly to distract the behemoth. This feat is a testament to his cunning nature and overall brilliance, but sadly, his heroism ends when the cloud monster eats him alive. Fortunately, his act of bravery inspires Loki and Sylvie to unlock more of their internal power and finally enchant Alioth, putting them on the path to take down the TVA once and for all.
Loki stars Tom Hiddleston, Owen Wilson, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Wunmi Mosaku, Sophia Di Martino, Richard E. Grant, Sasha Lane, and Eugene Cordero. The Season 1 finale arrives Wednesday on Disney+.