There's an argument to be made for Spawn being one of the most powerful comic book characters of all time. He has the traditional strength, invulnerability and flight common to superheroes in addition to abilities like teleportation and telekinesis. His suit, K7-Leetha, is a living symbiotic costume that gives him special powers and abilities.

When he was alive as Al Simmons, he was trained in an impressive array of ways to kill people. Essentially, Spawn has an insane power set and the training to use those powers right. While he's a top dog in the Image Universe, one can't help but wonder how he'd stack up against some of Marvel's best.

Updated by Timothy Blake Donohoo on January 17, 2024: Spawn is still the reigning champ of independent comic books, and the franchise's revival has taken Al Simmons to new heights. Numerous new Spawn-related books have been released, and Spawn is once again popular among consumers. This saw renewed interest in the antihero, namely in terms of his power level. Thus, fans are wondering which characters from the Marvel Universe could stand against the might of Spawn and how strong Spawn is.

15 DESTROY: Venom's Alien Symbiote Isn't A Match For The Magic-Powered K7-Leetha

Creators

First Appearance

Alter Ego

David Michelinie and Todd McFarlane

The Amazing Spider-Man #300 (full appearance)

Eddie Brock (usual host)

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Every Time Kraven the Hunter Battled Venom in Marvel Comics (and Who Won)
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Venom is an interesting match-up with Spawn as they both have symbiotic relationships with living costumes that give them incredible powers. Likewise, they were also both created (co-created, in Venom's case) by Todd McFarlane, explaining their similar designs. However, that's where the similarities end. While Al Simmons was a soldier and mercenary before becoming Spawn, Eddie Brock is a reporter.

Venom's lack of training puts him at an immediate disadvantage. Venom is vulnerable to fire which Spawn has easy access to as an agent of Hell. Spawn would straight-up overpower Venom, possibly taking the symbiote for his own and further increasing his powerful abilities.

14 NEVER DEFEAT: Doctor Strange Has Enough Magical Knowledge To Exorcise Or Banish Spawn To Hell

Doctor Strange Fighting

Creators

First Appearance

Alter Ego

Steve Ditko

Strange Tales #110

Stephen Strange

This would be an interesting fight simply because both men have magic in their repertoires. Spawn's Hell-powered abilities are mystical in nature and no one knows the mystical realm quite like the magical Doctor Strange. While he might lack his military expertise, when it comes to magic and supernatural abilities, Doctor Strange simply has Spawn outclassed.

A living costume and military training simply don't give Spawn an edge over the Master of the Mystic Arts. For anything Spawn throws at him, Doctor Strange has the perfect counter. That being said, this is a fight between two powerful individuals who could level cities if left unchecked.

13 DESTROY: Spawn's Former Enemy/Ally Angela Is An Asgardian From The Marvel Universe

Angela with Thor and Loki behind her

Creators

First Appearance

Alter Ego

Neil Gaiman and Todd McFarlane

Spawn #9

Aldrif Odinsdottir

Spawn has already proven he can take on the warrior of Heaven known as Angela in the pages of Spawn comics. After all, she was originally created for his mythos and even appeared in an episode of the HBO animated series Todd McFarlane's Spawn. However, the character experienced a major change when Angela was sold to Marvel. She debuted in the Marvel universe at the end of the Age of Ultron event and was reimagined as the lost sister of Thor who was raised in the hidden realm of Heven.

Angela has incredible abilities that make her one of the most powerful Asgardians. She has worked with teams like the Guardians of the Galaxy and her own group, the Asgardians of the Galaxy. Unfortunately, Spawn has already proven capable of overwhelming her with his powerful magic and things likely wouldn't change if they meet again.

12 NEVER DEFEAT: Phoenix's Incredible Power And OMega-Level Telepathy Could Take Spawn Out

Phoenix on Fire

Creators

First Appearance

Alter Ego

Stan Lee and Jack Kirby

The X-Men #1

Jean Grey

On her own, Jean Grey is an omega-level mutant powerhouse. Imbued with the Phoenix Force as one of its best hosts, she is virtually unstoppable. The power level wielded by Phoenix is almost unmatched in the Marvel Universe. Despite the array of powers at his disposal, Spawn simply could not stand up to Jean Grey's raw might.

Spawn could make it interesting if he summoned backup from Hell to help in the battle. It might at least make the fight last longer than a few seconds, but it would ultimately be a squash in Jean's favor. Facing someone who can tear worlds apart, Spawn doesn't have much to combat Jean's power.

11 DESTROY: The Punisher Has Equal Training But Can't Compete With Spawn's Other Powerful Abilities

The Punisher holding weapons while it rains in Marvel Comics

Creators

First Appearance

Alter Ego

Gerry Conway, John Romita Sr. and Ross Andru

The Amazing Spider-Man #129

Frank Castle

Spawn's hesitance to use the limited magic granted to him by Hell resulted in his reliance on his training as a soldier and mercenary. Spawn outfitted himself with an entire arsenal of deadly firearms and weaponry that allowed him to extend the life of his magic.

Marvel's Frank Castle receives similar training as a Special Forces soldier, and he likewise relies on heavy firepower to carry out his one-man war against crime as The Punisher. While they are fairly evenly matched in their skills and training, Spawn's ability to call on his magic paired with the abilities of his symbiote costume means The Punisher won't even have a chance to reload.

10 NEVER DEFEAT: Scarlet Witch Is A Reality-Altering Avenger With A Connection To Dark Chaos Magic

Creators

First Appearance

Alter Ego

Stan Lee and Jack Kirby

The X-Men #4

Wanda Maximoff

The Scarlet Witch is so powerful, that even Marvel's Sorcerer Supreme has problems containing her. She's a mutant with the ability to manipulate chaos magic which means almost anything is possible for her. While her abilities have more mundane manifestations like hex bolts and teleportation, she's capable of altering and re-writing reality.

Spawn may have his own mystical abilities, but he simply can't stand up to the level of power Scarlet Witch is capable of unleashing on him. It's hard to win a fight against someone who can change the world one is fighting in, especially when she occasionally loses control of those abilities.

9 DESTROY: Wolverine's Healing Factor Isn't Enough To Keep Up With Spawn's Numerous Abilities

Creators

First Appearance

Alter Ego

Roy Thomas, Len Wein, John Romita Sr. and Herb Trimpe

The Incredible Hulk #181 (full appearance)

Logan (born James Howlett)

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Wolverine is the best there is at what he does, and what he does isn't very nice. Spawn is just as good at the same kinds of tactics. Both men have reputations as highly trained, experienced killers. They even have a match-up in their respective powers, as Wolverine has one of the best healing factors in Marvel Comics.

Spawn might be one of the few comic book characters with a healing factor as robust as Wolverine's. However, Spawn outpowers Logan in every other way. For all of his abilities, Wolverine doesn't have the depth of abilities to take down someone like Spawn — even when he had his short-lived "heat-up" claws.

8 NEVER DEFEAT: The Sentry And His Dark Opposite The Void Have Enough Power To Kill Spawn

Sentry taken over by the Void

Creators

First Appearance

Alter Ego

Paul Jenkins, Rick Veitch and Jae Lee

The Sentry #1

Robert Reynolds

When Bob Reynolds drank an experimental formula hoping to find his next fix, he was granted the incredible power of a million exploding suns and became The Sentry. However, his fractured mind created a dark opposite known as The Void. Sentry was one of Marvel's deadliest and most powerful characters who literally ripped his opponents in half.

While The Sentry might have difficulty dealing with Spawn's incredible abilities, if The Void is unleashed it will spell the end for Spawn. The merged form of The Void and The Sentry would likewise have more than enough power to rip Al Simmons' necroplasmatic body into tiny pieces.

7 DESTROY: Daimon Hellstrom Is The Son Of Satan Who Spawn Already Defeated In His Own Universe

Daiman Hellstrom Ready to Fight

Creators

First Appearance

Alter Ego

Roy Thomas, Gary Friedrich and Roy Trimpe

Ghost Rider #1

Daimon Hellstrom

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Demons have been a staple of the magical world since the very beginning as devils like Mephisto fought against possessed heroes like Ghost Rider.

The son of Satan and a human woman, Daimon Hellstrom rules a dimension of Hell. This gives him access to mystical abilities and weapons most mortals could never dream of, making him a worthy opponent for pretty much anyone.

Daimon Hellstrom would certainly give Spawn a run for his money in a fight, but Daimon would ultimately lose the fight. For all of his abilities, Daimon is powered by Hell and if there's one thing Spawn knows how to do, it's using his Spawn powers to take down things powered by Hell.

6 NEVER DEFEAT: Ghost Rider Is Hell's Spirit Of Vengeance Whose Penance Stare Could Defeat Spawn

Creators

First Appearance

Alter Ego

Gary Friedrich, Roy Thomas and Mike Ploog

Ghost Rider #1

Johnny Blaze

Even next to the powers of Spawn, the Spirit of Vengeance is a force to be reckoned with in the Marvel Universe. Ghost Rider is drawn to the sins people have committed, looking to bring vengeance upon them. Spawn is one of the world's biggest sinners, which led to him becoming Spawn in the first place.

Ghost Rider derives his powers from Hell which might give Spawn an edge, but the Ghost Rider has a relentless intensity to everything he does. Ghost Rider would just keep coming at Spawn until he was finished, but Spawn vs. Ghost Rider isn't a battle that would go in the former's favor. Ghost Rider's penance stare alone could potentially drown Spawn in all of his sins.

5 DESTROY: Magneto's Powerful Mastery Of Magnetism Couldn't Compete With Spawn's Hell-Based Abilities

Magneto's Power

Creators

First Appearance

Alter Ego

Stan Lee and Jack Kirby

The X-Men #1

Erik Lehnsherr/Magnus/Max Eisenhardt

The Master of Magnetism is one of the most powerful omega-level mutants in the entire world. His abilities afford him several nuanced tricks, allowing him to do the impossible. This has made him a thorn in the side of several X-Men, including the adamantium-laden mutant Wolverine. However, Spawn could be the one opponent Magneto can't handle.

Keeping in mind that Spawn's necroplasmatic body most likely has some metal in it, Magneto might be able to manipulate that metal in addition to controlling aspects of the world around him. However, Spawn has too many confusing powers for Magneto to overcome. He has abilities that defy the powers Magneto harnesses, making this a likely victory for Spawn.

4 NEVER DEFEAT: Thor's Powerful Asgardian Abilities And Enchanted Hammer Could Take The Win

Creators

First Appearance

Alter Ego

Stan Lee, Larry Lieber and Jack Kirby

Journey Into Mystery #83

Thor Odinson

While Spawn might have a better shot with Angela, her older brother Thor is another matter entirely. Powerful Asgardian runes have enhanced Thor's strength and powers over the years. However, his connection to the enchanted hammer Mjolnir gives him an edge in battle.

Spawn could pull out all the magic of Hell against Thor, who would use his own powerful control of the Odinforce to smack it back down to Hell. Thor's experiences dealing with his own version of Hel and the monsters that exist there give him the knowledge to deal with a Hellspawn, while his role as God of Thunder gives him the power.

3 DESTROY: Blade Is Excellent At Hunting Vampires But Would Be Outpowered By The Undead Warrior From Hell

Blade Fights Evil

Creators

First Appearance

Alter Ego

Marv Wolfman and Gene Colan

The Tomb of Dracula #10

Eric Brooks

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Blade kills vampires and hunts the undead. Spawn is certainly that, but he's no vampire. The Daywalker is proficient with guns, swords, and his fists, allowing Blade to take on powerful villains. He also possesses a range of superhuman abilities which make him a formidable opponent.

Unfortunately, Spawn isn't going to be put down by a well-placed wooden stake or a kick to the face. Blade would certainly be up for the fight. Unfortunately, Spawn has Blade beat on almost any front. However, Blade would make Spawn earn his victory.

2 NEVER DEFEAT: Thanos The Mad Titan Is A Brilliant Villain With Incredible Power Who Would Likely Outsmart Spawn

Thanos Stares

Creators

First Appearance

Alter Ego

Jim Starlin and Mike Friedrich

The Invincible Iron Man #55

Thanos the Mad Titan

It's not his power that makes Thanos a threat to Spawn, although that power is formidable. It's Thanos' mind that makes him such a threat. He's brilliant, devious, and Machiavellian on a level Spawn has never experienced. That's without even his wielding the Infinity Gauntlet. Thus for all of Spawn's abilities, defeating Thanos would be challenging if not impossible.

Spawn's only hope would be to take him by surprise in a Spawn vs. Thanos battle before the Mad Titan could work out any sort of strategy. If Spawn failed, Thanos would develop plans within plans that would give him the upper hand. Given Thanos' raw power, it's unlikely Spawn would defeat him.

1 DESTROY: Mephisto Is Marvel's Ruler Of Hell Which Makes Him An Easy Target For Spawn

Mephisto in Marvel Comics

Creators

First Appearance

Alter Ego

Stan Lee and John Buscema

Silver Surfer #3

N/A

Spawn wouldn't be able to spend too much time in the Marvel Universe before he encounters the demon lord of Hell, Mephisto. Spawn's connection to Hell and his powerful magic would likely call out to Mephisto, who would immediately try to trick Spawn into his service or out of his powers through a hellish deal.

However, Spawn is no stranger to dealing with demonic rulers of Hell. He previously took the fight to his own creator, Malebolgia, who he decapitated with an angelic sword, before taking over as the ruler of his hellish dimension. Mephisto would likely fare just as well as Malebolgia, meaning Spawn's powers would allow him to add a new crown to his collection.