The Marvel Cinematic Universe features a whole universe of rocks and minerals that are still being uncovered. With each revelation, more doors open to the constantly growing universe. The first example of this is Vibranium in Captain America: The First Avenger. Considered the strongest metal in the world, Vibranium has many properties that make it powerful. Another example is Uru, which is used to create both Mjolnir and Stormbreaker. However, the latest addition is The Ten Rings from Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, which features a metal that could be even stronger than Wakanda's prized Vibranium.
Beyond the MCU, the comics feature even more metals such as Dargonite, Adamantium and Adamantite. While not confirmed, these metals could also be the source of the strengths within The Ten Rings. However, it's hard to decipher since the rings are quite similar to Vibranium. For example, both the rings and Vibranium are capable of withstanding powerful strikes. In addition, the two metals can also create and expel energy in multiple forms. However, within their similarities, their differences also show why the rings are more powerful than Vibranium.
What Are The Ten Ring's Properties
Introduced in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Wenwu's rings of power have useful strength that also benefits the user. For example, those who wield the rings, like Wenwu, gain immortality and never physically age. The rings also respond through the user's thoughts, and depending on the person, they can emit either a blue or yellow glow.
Like Vibranium, the rings also use its energy offensively. However, instead of firing blasts, it stays with the rings and turns them into super-fast projectiles. After centuries, the metal also shows no sign of aging and doesn't have any noticeable weaknesses. Ultimately, its only real weakness in the film is when the user isn't focused, like when Wenwu fights Ying Li early in the movie, losing some of his rings mid fight.
What Are Vibranium's Properties?
Unlike The Ten Rings, Vibranium is an incredibly strong metal that is also versatile. It can be used to make outfits, weapons, ships and accessories. It has the power to absorb and store kinetic energy. Like the rings, it can use its stored energy as a projectile -- in this case, as a percussive blast. Because of its properties, hardly anything can destroy it.
That being said, it still has weaknesses. Aside from sound, certain metals can overpower Vibranium and destroy it. One example is Thanos' sword, which nearly destroys Captain America's shield in Avengers: Endgame. While it seems that vibranium isn't as powerful a metal, it is still incredibly durable and a force to be reckoned with in the galaxy.
Why the Ten Rings Are Stronger Than Vibranium?
The Ten Rings are still very mysterious in their origin, but their properties make them stand out amongst other metals in the MCU. Even when used by Wenwu, it's clear that their full potential has yet to be reached. Whether made of Dargonite or Adamntite, these ageless rings carry a history that goes far beyond Wenwu's time with them. As a result of its potential and feats, like being used to kill the Dweller in Darkness, The Ten Rings seem far more formidable than Vibranium.
While durable, Vibranium's limits hold the metal back, and, in a fight, this could prove detrimental against The Ten Rings. Vibranium is also unpredictable as a hard enough hit can cause its stored kinetic energy to discharge involuntarily, but the rings remain firmly under the user's control. While there's more to control, it's clear The Ten Rings have no equal in terms of strength.
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is streaming now on Disney+.