Bam Smack Pow comic book tournament: Strength and power!

We're onto the next phase of the Bam Smack Pow comic book tournament. The most recent battle was all about people with “phenomenal” power. It looked at the characters whose abilities are too strong to be in other fights, but maybe not strong enough to be with either the heroes or villains bracket. Some of the results were shocking.

Let's take a look at them:

• John Constantine over Johnny Storm (79% to 21%)
• Charles Xavier over Shazam (82% to 18%)
• Iceman over Hyperion (73% to 27%)
• Reverse Flash over Emma Frost (64% to 36%)
• Kang The Conqueror over the Invisible Woman (58% to 42%)
• Starfire over Vision (65% to 44%)
• Doctor Fate over Spawn (62% to 38%)
• Martian Manhunter over Atom Eve (61% to 39%)

We’ve seen round 1 of the superheroes, supervillains, superhero and supervillain fighters, and geniuses. This bracket is full of people whose abilities are powerful, but they’re so random that it was difficult to find where to put them.

Breaking down the battles

1. Rogue vs 16. Blue Beetle (Jaime Reyes)

Rogue is the most popular person in this tournament by a mile. However, popularity doesn’t always win these fights. With Blue Beetle’s abilities, Jaime Reyes could defeat Rogue. 

2. Aquaman vs 15. Doctor Voodoo

Aquaman is underrated because people assume all he does is talk to fish. Meanwhile, he’s among the strongest members of the Justice League. However, Brother Voodoo was powerful enough to be Sorcerer Supreme. It'll be interesting to see who gets the votes.

3. Marvel Hercules vs 14. Marvel or DC Comics' Ares

Hercules has overpowered the Hulk, so there is no doubt of his strength. Ares of the DC Universe has the potential to beat Superman if the war conditions are strong enough. So who could come out on top here?

Initially, this was going to be Marvel Comics’ Ares, but DC’ is a better match.

4. The Thing vs 13. Carnage

Are Carnage’s tendrils and weapons made from his symbiote powerful enough to break Ben Grimm’s skin? What happens if Ben gets close and grabs him? Is the fight over or can Carnage escape The Thing’s grasp?

This battle could truly go any way.

5. Poison Ivy vs 12. Venom

Poison Ivy once controlled everyone worldwide except Batman (he had a contingency plan in place because he's Batman). Would that same powerset work on Venom or can his nearly cosmic body resist her control?

Even if Venom can resist her mind control, it’s far from Ivy’s only trick. She has enough control over plants to overpower him.

6. Ghost Rider (Johnny Blaze) vs 11. Luke Cage

Honestly, this is slightly unfair. Ghost Rider’s abilities put him on the the Hulk’s level. That said, Luke Cage has gone up against Count Nefaria and he brags about being a god. If you’re wondering about the Penance Stare, Luke Cage’s soul is one of the pureest in Marvel Comics. Who knows if it will work?

7. Colossus vs 10. Juggernaut

Colossus and Juggernaut have fought a lot throughout their decades in Marvel Comics. Usually, Cain Marko comes out on top. Has Colossus learned enough from their many fights to win this, is Juggernaut still unstoppable, or will Colossus win votes because he’s beloved?

8. Dracula vs 9. Miles Morales

Dracula’s retcon (of sorts) has shown that his powers and abilities are incalculable. Miles Morales’ venom moves have become something that seems like a cheat code. He’s even used them to form a sword. However, is that enough to beat the Lord of the Vampires?

How were the brackets created?

If you're wondering how we come up with each of the showdowns listed above, we'll say this: Think of this like a sports tournament. The character in the top spot fights the character in the bottom one, second takes on second-to-last, and so forth. Even if you’re in last place, that doesn’t automatically mean you’re the worst. Factors such as major victories, power sets, and popularity are considered.

Why is popularity a deciding factor in the ranking? It’s simple. A less-than-popular character doesn’t get the same exposure as others. That’s why Wonder Woman is always involved in a major DC storyline. Not only is she one of the strongest and best fighters in comics, she’s beloved by fans. Take someone like Invincible, then, who grows into a great hero and one of the strongest in all comics; he hasn’t been around as long as most people on this list so even though he's very popular, he isn't as visible to general audiences. That matters.

Then, and this could be the most important, there’s personality. A character is more than their powerset. Victor von Doom is a genius who should’ve been the Sorcerer Supreme years ago. The problem is his arrogance. That personality trait is why he continues to lose Reed Richards. There are also heroes and anti-heroes like John Constantine. Is he a better magician than Doctor Strange? Probably not, but he’s willing to fight dirty and use other people to win. That has to be considered.

Happy voting, readers!

Who are you voting for? Are you rooting for the best fighters or your favorites? Let us know on the Bam Smack Pow Instagram and Twitter.