The Celestials are some of the oldest and most powerful entities in the Marvel universe. They are often treated as literally godlike, with all the strength that comes with the title. The Celestials have incredible cosmic powers that allow them to shape and destroy universes, making their abilities almost limitless.
The Celestials are among the most incredible cosmic beings in the Marvel universe, but they're not the most powerful. Even the mighty Celestials have to bow to the bigger fish in the sea. Plenty of characters have proven to be more powerful than the Celestials with impressive feats and incredible displays of power.
Updated on August 11, 2022 by Scoot Allan: The arrival of a terrifying new Celestial threatened the Marvel universe and kicked off the A.X.E.: Judgment Day event. The most powerful heroes from the Avengers, X-Men, and Eternals pale in comparison to the Celestials. However, there are a few cosmic beings who are capable of putting the Celestials in their place when needed.
15 The Phoenix Force Is A Cosmic Entity Capable Of Consuming Stars And Rebuilding Worlds
First Appearance: Uncanny X-Men (Vol. 1) #101, by writer Chris Claremont, penciler Dave Cockrum, inker Frank Chiaramonte, colorist Bonnie Wilford, and letterer John Costanza
The Phoenix Force is actually one of the oldest known cosmic entities in the Marvel universe. It is the nexus of all psionic energy that currently exists, has existed, or will exist in all realities. Given all of the raw power at its disposal, it can destroy as well as create parts of the universe.
Notable Traits/Accomplishments:
- Immortal and indestructible as the universal manifestation of life
- Has powerful reality-warping abilities as White Phoenix of the Crown
- Reignited the mutant X-gene after the Avengers vs. X-Men event
The Phoenix Force has utilized hosts over the years, the most notable being Jean Grey. When she became the Dark Phoenix, it devoured the energies of the D'Bari star system and annihilated five billion inhabitants in the process. The Phoenix Force has held its own against other cosmic powerhouses like Galactus, meaning it could take down the Celestials as well.
14 Reed Richards Is A Brilliant Scientist Who Could Invent A Celestial-Killing Device
First Appearance: Fantastic Four (Vol. 1) #1, by Writer Stan Lee, penciler Jack Kirby, inkers George Klein & Christopher Rule, colorist Stan Goldberg, and letterer Artie Simek
Reed Richards is one of the smartest heroes on Earth. If an abstract entity intent on consuming the Earth is approaching at light speed, Mister Fantastic and the Fantastic Four are the ones to call. With enough prep time, Reed Richards could make a powerful invention to stop one or all of the Celestials.
Notable Traits/Accomplishments:
- Gained the cosmic ability to stretch and shape his body
- Formerly possessed the powerful Ultimate Nullifier
- Helped recreate the multiverse after Secret Wars
In one Fantastic Four arc, three alternate-reality Reed Richards came together and formed the Interdimensional Council of Reeds. They operated out of interdimensional space and fought the Celestials. The cosmic giants wanted the Council's technology. Richards could also use the Ultimate Nullifier to erase reality and the Celestials with the simple push of a button.
13 The Apocalypse Twins Used Thor's Axe Jarnborn To Slice Through A Few Celestials
First Appearance: Uncanny Avengers (Vol. 1) #5, by writer Rick Remender, penciler Olivier Coipel, inker Mark Morales, colorists Laura Martin & Larry Molinar, and letterer Chris Eliopoulos
The Apocalypse Twins are the children of Warren Worthington III/Archangel. After he became Dark Angel, he briefly took over as Apocalypse. Uriel and Eimin were taken after their birth and raised by Kang the Conqueror in the future. They both have the power of flight like their father, as well as limited time-manipulating abilities from Kang.
Notable Traits/Accomplishments:
- Uriel's wings were tipped with neural toxin while Eimin's could produce acid
- Uriel can freeze or accelerate pockets of time while Eimin can create temporal loops
- Kang took Eimin's eyes and gave her future visions using time-space synesthesia
The Twins stole the Asgardian axe Jarnbjorn which had been used by Thor in a fight with Apocalypse. He blessed Jarnbjorn with his own blood so it could pierce Apocalypse's Celestial armor. The Apocalypse Twins used it to take down Celestials and kick off a war against Earth and their adoptive father, Kang.
12 Cosmic Aspirants Created The Huge Godkiller Armor To Destroy The Celestials
First Appearance: Iron Man (Vol. 5) #12, by writer Kieron Gillen, penciler/inker Dale Eaglesham, colorist Guru-eFX, and letterer Joe Caramagna
The Godkiller armor was created by a race called the Aspirants specifically to eradicate all of the Celestials. It was stored in a Dyson sphere for thousands of years. Iron Man learned about his true origin when he was thought to be the genetic match needed to pilot the Godkiller armor. But later, Tony's newfound brother Arno Stark was revealed to be the real genetic match.
Notable Traits/Accomplishments:
- Approximately five miles tall
- The Godkiller Armor was lost in another dimension
- Godkiller Mk II was powered by eight nuclear reactors
Arno had been genetically engineered by Howard Stark and a Rigellian robot known as Recorder 451. The Godkiller is as big as a Celestial and covered in black and gold adornments. Stark created one of his most powerful Iron Man armors based on the Godkiller that managed to stand up to the Dark Celestials.
11 Master Order And Lord Chaos Were Abstract Entities Who Represented The Unversal Balance
First Appearance: Marvel Two-In-One (Vol. 1) Annual #2 by writer/penciler Jim Starlin, inker Joe Rubinstein, colorist Petra Goldberg, and letterer Annette Kawecki
The Marvel universe is filled with abstract entities that represent universal concepts. Lord Chaos and Master Order embody the concepts that their names imply. They sought to maintain a universal balance. The two were born along with the other abstract cosmic entities during the Big Bang.
Notable Traits/Accomplishments:
- Worked alongside other cosmic entities to defeat Thanos during The Infinity Gauntlet
- Claimed to have manipulated cosmic events to give Spider-Man his radioactive abilities
- Killed The Living Tribunal before they joined together to become the powerful Logos
The duo often uses a cosmic servant by the name of the In-Betweener to manipulate events in the Marvel universe. Since they are the manifestations of Chaos and Order, this allows them to do almost anything they want on a galactic scale. They once even merged together to become Logos and killed a number of Celestials to further prove their power.
10 Abraxas Is A Powerful Multiversal Being Who Is The Embodiment Of Cosmic Destruction
First Appearance: Fantastic Four (Vol. 3) Annual 2001, by Jeph Loeb, penciler Kevin Maguire, inker Wade Von Grawbadger, colorist Chris Sotomayor, and letterers Richard Starkings & Comicraft
When Galactus died, planets were no longer in danger of being eaten by the Devourer of Worlds. However, he wasn't able to complete his secondary task of keeping the entity Abraxas in check. Abraxas had near-limitless cosmic power, which allowed him to travel to other dimensions to take out his fury on alternate reality versions of Galactus.
Notable Traits/Accomplishments:
- Abraxas is the cosmic antithesis to the being known as Eternity
- He is the multiversal embodiment of cosmic destruction
- Abraxas used an army of multiversal Novas (Frankie Raye)
To defeat Abraxas, the Fantastic Four had to resort to using their most powerful weapon, which even Galactus feared. They had to destroy and rebuild the entire universe just to take out the threat of Abraxas. While he didn't go up against Celestials when he appeared, his casual destruction of more than one Galactus definitely puts him on their level.
9 The Horde Is The Cosmic Opposite Of The Celestials Who Feeds On Deviant Energy
First Appearance: Eternals (Vol 3) #6, by writer Neil Gaiman, penciler John Romita Jr., inkers Danny Miki, Jesse Delperdang, Tom Palmer, & Klaus Janson, colorists Paul Mounts & Matt Hollingsworth, and letterer Todd Klein
The cosmic swarm known as The Horde are considered the opposite force to the Celestials. They are the instruments of a powerful entity known as The Fulcrum, who is one of the most powerful beings in the Marvel universe. The Horde feeds on planets that are overrun by Deviants, which meant the most powerful Eternals usually kept Earth safe from their presence.
Notable Traits/Accomplishments:
- The Horde can feed on the cosmic energy of the Celestials
- They infected and killed the Celestial Progenitor on Earth
- The Horde is capable of reanimating the bodies of dead Celestials
The Horde is better known as the "locusts" of the universe, and they even somewhat resemble giant space wasps. They were drawn to Earth because of a renegade Celestial named Tiamut, who was also known as the Dreaming Celestial. The Horde is one formidable swarm the Celestials should avoid.
8 The Goblin Force Consumed Alternate Reality Versions Of Galactus, Beyonder, And The Phoenix Force
First Appearance: Mutant X #1, by writer Howard Mackie, penciler Tom Raney, inkers Andrew Pepoy & Walden Wong, colorist Gina Going, & letterer Chris Eliopoulos
The Goblin Force is very similar in power and concept to the Phoenix Force. The Celestials fought the Goblin Force in its respective reality, but could not defeat it. The Goblin Force has an insatiable hunger and can absorb cosmic energy to further strengthen itself. The cosmic energy-powered Celestials can't mount much of a defense against the Goblin Force
Notable Traits/Accomplishments:
- Madelyne Pryor could also call on demonic creatures from Limbo
- The Goblin Force is a magical being capable of great sorcery
- It killed nearly all of Earth-1298's heroes while possessing The Beyonder
The Goblin Force was able to defeat its cosmic opposite, the Phoenix Force. It consumed the Phoenix as well as other powerful beings like Galactus and the Beyonder to further add to its power. The Goblin Force chose a host named Madelyne Pryor, the clone of Jean Grey from the redesigned Mutant X reality. She became the Goblin Queen and tried to spread her evil to the multiverse.
7 Molecule Man Gained The Power To Manipulate All Forms Of Matter At Will By The Beyonders
First Appearance: Fantastic Four (Vol. 1) #20 by writer Stan Lee, penciler Jack Kirby, inker Dick Ayers, colorist Stan Goldberg, & letterer Artie Simek
Owen Reese started out as a villain known as the Molecule Man. At one point, he could only manipulate non-organic matter, but he eventually unlocked his limitless powers. Reese discovered that his powers to manipulate all matter were engineered by the race of Beyonders. They planned to use him as a living bomb that would destroy the known multiverse.
Notable Traits/Accomplishments:
- His power was originally focused through a possessive hand that once housed his psyche
- Molecule Man fell in love with the villain Volcana on Battleworld during the first Secret Wars
- Aspects of Molecule Man were seeded across the recreated multiverse after Secret Wars
Other versions of Molecule Man in other universes had the same destructive potential. Reese exists in each new universe now as a reality anchor. The Molecule Man's ability to recreate the matter around him at will means that the Celestials wouldn't have much chance of defeating him.
6 Franklin Richards Is A Reality Shaper Who Can Create Universes And Tap Into Cosmic Energy
First Appearance: Fantastic Four (Vol. 1) Annual #6, by writer Stan Lee, penciler Jack Kirby, inker Joe Sinnott, and Letterer Sam Rosen
The son of Reed Richards and Sue Storm, Franklin Richards was always expected to do great things. Franklin developed reality-shaping abilities that made him one of the most powerful kids in the Marvel universe. His powers have waxed and waned over the years, though he can still tap into incredible levels of cosmic energy when needed.
Notable Traits/Accomplishments:
- Sparingly uses the remains of his cosmic energy with the Fantastic Four as Powerhouse
- Used his abilities to help recreate the multiverse with his parents after Secret Wars
- A future version of Franklin Richards is so powerful that Galactus has become his herald
Franklin created a pocket universe and resurrected the heroes that died while fighting Onslaught. He even used his power to resurrect Galactus after he died. Ashema the Listener and Nezarr the Calculator evaluated Franklin to see if he could join them as a new Celestial. Franklin has beaten powerful Celestials a few times, both as a child and as an adult.
5 The Living Tribunal Holds Court As Marvel's Cosmic Personification Of Law And Justice
First Appearance: Strange Tales (Vol. 1) #158, by writer/penciler/inker Jim Steranko, and Letterer Sam Rosen
The Living Tribunal's main job is to safeguard the multiverse by maintaining balance. The Living Tribunal has three faces that represent equity, necessity, and revenge. All three voices must agree before the Tribunal can intervene. The Living Tribunal has a few OP moments in the Marvel universe that earned him his status as one of the most powerful cosmic beings.
Notable Traits/Accomplishments:
- The Living Tribunal is the personification of law in the Marvel multiverse
- He serves the One-Above-All and sits above his court of cosmic entities
- Adam Warlock was chosen to ascend and become the new Living Tribunal
The cyborg menace named Korvac devastated the Earth of an alternate future, so The Living Tribunal sealed that reality off. The Tribunal also decided that Adam Warlock could not possess the Infinity Gauntlet. The judgment forced him to split the gems amongst the members of the Infinity Watch. The Living Tribunal can be killed but will always be reborn to balance the universe.
4 The Beyonder Is A Curious Member Of A Powerful Race Of Other-Dimensional Beings
First Appearance: Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars #1, by writer Jim Shooter, penciler Mike Zeck, inker John Beatty, colorist Christie Scheele, and letterer Joe Rosen
The Beyonder is the sum total of an entire multiverse. He is nearly omnipotent and can alter reality at his whim. In the first Secret Wars, The Beyonder teleported a variety of heroes and villains to a planet he made called Battleworld and had them fight it out. He hoped to determine the ultimate winner in a battle of good and evil while he studied other living beings.
Notable Traits/Accomplishments:
- His psionic abilities allowed him to scan Earth and take control of the entire planet
- The Beyonders are multiversal creators and destroyers also known as Ivory Kings
- He once merged with Molecule Man to become a Cosmic Cube called Maker
The Beyonder was revealed to be a young member of a powerful race of other-dimensional beings known as Beyonders. They can create whole universes at a whim, as well as destroy them. Creatures that plan the destructions of an entire multiverse should prove to be more than a match for the Celestials.
3 Emperor God Doom Wielded The Powers Of Molecule Man And The Beyonders To Create His Own World
First Appearance: Secret Wars (Vol. 1) #1, by writer Jonathan Hickman, penciler/inker Esad Ribić, colorist Ive Svorcina, and letterer Chris Eliopoulos
Doctor Doom wears a complex suit of armor and has a superior intellect and genius that rivals Reed Richards. He also utilizes magic and is a sorcerer of considerable power. Throughout his history, he has gone out of his way to steal powers and abilities from his rivals and even allies. He's robbed Silver Surfer and even the Beyonder of their significant cosmic abilities.
Notable Traits/Accomplishments:
- Doctor Doom first appeared at regular power levels in 1962's Fantastic Four #5
- Doctor Strange helped Doom manage his new power and construct Battleworld
- God Emperor Doom held Battleworld together with his power alone for eight years
Doom's biggest accomplishment resulted in a massive reboot of the entire Marvel Universe after a final battle with the Beyonders. Doom stole their power and reshaped Earth into his own personal paradise as God Emperor Doom. He was so strong that Black Panther barely held his own against God Emperor Doom for a few minutes while wearing the powerful Infinity Gauntlet.
2 Galactus Is A Devourer Of Worlds Whose Power Cosmic Allows Him To Manipulate Matter And Energy
First Appearance: Fantastic Four (Vol. 1) #48, by writer Stan Lee, penciler Jack Kirby, inker Joe Sinnott, and letterer Artie Simek
Galactus is known as the Devourer of Worlds because he eats whole planets. Galactus uses giant complex machinery to sap the energy from a planet before destroying it. Galactus devoured four planets to increase his strength so he could take on four Mad Celestials. He's faced Celestials quite a few times and always comes out on top.
Notable Traits/Accomplishments:
- He has empowered numerous heralds like Silver Surfer, Firelord and Terrax
- Galactus briefly became the Lifebringer and brought life to dead planets
- He uses a Mobius-strip-shaped vessel the size of a solar system called Taa II
Galactus's real name is Galan, and he hails from the planet Taa, which existed in a universe that predates the Big Bang. This makes him the first and oldest living entity in the Marvel universe. He imbues his heralds with the Power Cosmic so they can find consumable planets. There aren't many cosmic beings more powerful than Galactus, and the only thing he fears is The Ultimate Nullifier.
1 Thanos Became One Of The Most Powerful Beings In The Universe When He Wielded The Infinity Gauntlet
First Appearance: The Invincible Iron Man (Vol. 1) #55, by writer Mike Friedrich, writer/penciler Jim Starlin, inker Mike Esposito, and letterer John Costanza
The Mad Titan named Thanos collected the Soul, Time, Space, Mind, Reality, and Power Stones in order to win the favor of Marvel's personification of Death. Once in his possession, he created the Infinity Gauntlet which gave him control over virtually everything. With ultimate power at his disposal, Thanos killed off half the universe's population with a snap of his fingers.
Notable Traits/Accomplishments:
- Thanos is an Eternal from Titan who was born with the Deviant Syndrome
- He created the deadly Terraxia when Death ultimately rejected his dark gift
- Even without the Stones, Thanos can absorb and rechannel cosmic energy
Marvel's cosmic entities were all powerless to stop Thanos and a number of heroes died in The Infinity Gauntlet. Thanos ultimately lost the gauntlet and was defeated by his daughter Nebula. Thanos still has incredible cosmic power without the Gauntlet, though he couldn't hope to challenge the Celestials without it and win.