Bam Smack Pow comic book fighting tournament: Supervillains tier 1

The Bam Smack Pow comic book fighting tournament continues. The first set of fights were all superheroes. The bracket ends with some expected winners and unexpected losses.

Superman was taken out in the first round by Doctor Strange. The Man of Steel was winning early, but people voted more for Doctor Strange towards the end. Wonder Woman beating Zatanna wasn’t a surprise. The Amazonian is among the best in the universe. Thor dominated the voting against Invincible (no surprise there) as did Wanda Maximoff over the Silver Surfer. Carol Danvers beats Jon Stewart in a battle of space cops while Magento pulls out a win over the Hulk. Storm gets an upset victory over Wally West and Jean Grey destroys Hal Jordan in votes.

Now it’s time for the villains.

How were the brackets created?

Think of this like sports tournaments. The hero at the No. 1 spot fights the person in the last, No. 2 fights second to last, etc. Just because you’re in last place doesn’t mean you’re the worst. Things like major victories, power sets, and popularity are considered.

If you're wondering why popularity is a reason for 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 storyline. Not only is she one of the strongest and best fighters in comics, she’s beloved. Now, take someone like Invincible. He grows into a great hero and one of the strongest in comics. But he hasn’t been around as long as most people on this list. 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 Dr. Strange? Probably not, but he’s willing to fight dirty and use other people to win. That has to be considered.

1. Doomsday vs 16. Homelander

When Doomsday came to Earth, he destroyed everyone who got in his way (Justice League America No. 69). It’s not shocking that he’s number one on this list. Is the comic book version of Homelander strong enough to take down the guy who took out Superman?

3. Thanos vs 14. Sinestro

Thanos has beaten everyone from Thor to the Hulk. The problem here is Sinestro isn’t them. With his fear-powered Lantern Ring, Sinestro has overcome insurmountable odds. Now voters will decide if Sinestro’s power ring is too much for the Mad Titan.

5. Lobo vs  12. Loki

The Main Man can heal from anything and regularly takes Superman to the limit. However, he’s never faced anyone with the cunning and magical skills of Loki. This should come down to brains over brawn.

7. Black Adam vs 10. Sentry/The Void

The Void once killed two gods in one day (Ares and later Loki during Marvel Comics Siege). Black Adam has centuries of experience and was ripping people in half long before The Void did it to Carnage (New Avengers No. 2). Which feat is more important here?

8. En Sabah Nur vs 9. Omni-Man

En Sabah Nur can take on all of the X-Men and win. Omni-Man once killed Earth's premiere superteam before they knew what happened. En Sabah Nur can heal from whatever Omni-Man throws at him, but will he underestimate the Viltrumite warrior?

This will be the closest fight in this round.

6. Thragg (Invincible) vs 11. Gorr the God Butcher

Gorr was seconds away from killing every god in the past, present, and future (Thor: God of Thunder: God Bomb). Thraag ruled dozens of planets throughout the galaxy with fear and incredible planning. This will come down to who’s willing to take the most punishment. My money is on Thragg.

4. Injustice Superman vs 13. Brainiac

Injustice Superman is everything that people fear about the Man of Steel. Brainiac could be the smartest being in the galaxy. He’s beaten Superman before, but never one that’s not afraid to kill. However, is that enough?

2. Darkseid vs 15. Anissa (Invincible)

Anissa doesn’t have an experience advantage over Darkseid. The Lord of Apokolips is one of the few people who can say that. Darkseid also isn’t someone who takes anyone lightly. The one thing Anissa has is speed and the ability to do whatever it takes. Is that enough?

Who do you think will win these fights? Do who you’re voting and rooting for and contradict? Let us know on the Bam Smack Pow Instagram and Twitter.