Some of Marvel‘s best feats of power and skill defy the laws of physics, and some of them are simply hardcore. Marvel’s ever-expanding universe of heroes and villains often pushes characters to staggering levels of power. As their abilities grow, so do their incredible displays of strength, skill, and resilience.

Some of these moments have become iconic cornerstones of comic book history. For instance, Spider-Man lifting tons of rubble and God Emperor Doom rewriting the multiverse are events most fans instantly associate with the characters. But many of Marvel’s best feats aren’t necessarily the most famous.

Thanos Brushes Off Black Bolt’s Scream

Infinity #4 (2013)

In Jonathan Hickman’s Infinity, Thanos personally invades Attilan during his search for Thane. There, the Mad Titan faces off against Black Bolt, who unleashes his hypersonic scream point-blank in Thanos’ face. Although Black Bolt’s voice is capable of tearing planets apart, Thanos withstands it effortlessly before pummeling Black Bolt.

This breathtaking feat of durability places Thanos among the absolute top-tier beings of Marvel. Technically, it proves Thanos’ body is on par with Celestials or Galactus-level entities. While Black Bolt’s opponents often rely on clever tactics or plot devices to endure his voice, Thanos simply tanks it raw.

Hulk Pulls Himself Out Of A Dimension With Infinite Gravity

Incredible Hulk #370 (1990)

In Incredible Hulk #370, Hulk is trapped in a bizarre dimension with infinite density. In theory, it should be impossible for any motion to happen inside this dimension. Yet, Hulk challenges the laws of physics by forcing his way through sheer will and raw power. Hulk manages to claw himself out of the crushing dimension and continues fighting outside.

Hulk’s power transcends raw strength, as this feat technically requires an infinite amount of force to be pulled off, which is scientifically impossible. Infinite gravity should be a paradox no one could ever break free from, regardless of strength. What’s more, this is Gray Hulk, who carries less strength than Bruce Banner’s traditional alter ego.

Hyperion Slows Down Two Colliding Universes Barehanded

Avengers #4 (2013)

In Jonathan Hickman’s Avengers run, Hyperion attempts to stop two universes from colliding with each other. Using only his bare hands, Hyperion presses against the mass of an entire Earth barreling toward his own, momentarily holding back a full multiversal collapse. Even though the collision is inevitable, the fact that Hyperion delays it at all is nothing short of astonishing.

This feat elevates Hyperion’s status from Superman pastiche to one of Marvel’s most powerful beings. Stopping two universes colliding is pure power on a multiversal scale. Few Marvel heroes can even register against that kind of destruction. Compared to other powerhouses like Thor and Sentry, Hyperion’s barehanded defiance of multiversal physics ranks remains unmatched.

Magneto Keeps His Own Blood Pumping Without A Heart

X-Men Red #5 (2022)

In X-Men Red #5, Magneto is dealt what should be a mortal wound when his heart is torn out during battle. Instead of collapsing, Magneto focuses his mastery over magnetism on his own body, manipulating the iron in his blood to keep it circulating. Besides his mastery over magnetism and his own body, this feat displays the villain’s sheer willpower.

Magneto’s most iconic moments normally involve manipulating massive objects like satellites, cities, or even entire planets. But here, Magneto turns his powers on himself with surgical precision in an improbable act of self-preservation. Very few characters could survive such a wound without a healing factor, let alone keep fighting.

Spider-Man Punches A Rampaging Hulk Into Orbit

Amazing Spider-Man #328 (1989)

In Amazing Spider-Man #328, a temporarily supercharged Spider-Man unleashes a single, devastating punch that sends Hulk flying straight into orbit. Granted, this is Gray Hulk, who isn’t nearly as strong as his Savage counterpart. However, the fact that Spidey only needs one punch to launch Gray Hulk into space illustrates why Peter Parker is almost always holding back.

Knocking Hulk into space is the type of showing reserved for beings like Thor, Sentry, or Gladiator, yet Spider-Man achieves it in one blow. Even if it’s thanks to the Enigma Force, the fact that he could channel it through his own body and deliver such focused power emphasizes his hidden potential. Spider-Man is certainly one of the select few street-level heroes who can go toe to toe with the Hulk.

Mysterio Kills The X-Men Without Throwing A Single Punch

Wolverine #70 (2009)

Old Man Logan‘s most shocking reveal is that Mysterio is the one responsible for the X-Men’s deaths. Using nothing but his illusions, Mysterio tricks Wolverine into believing that the X-Men are a horde of villains. Convinced that he’s defending the mansion from a surprise attack, Logan slaughters his own teammates. Mysterio doesn’t lift a finger in combat, but his mastery of illusion leads to one of the darkest massacres in Marvel history.

Mysterio is often dismissed as a gimmicky villain. But unlike heavy hitters who rely on brute force, Mysterio proves he can dismantle the most powerful mutant team ever assembled by pure deception. Compared to villains like Magneto or Apocalypse, Mysterio shouldn’t stand a chance against the X-Men, yet he wipes them out.

She-Hulk Bites Through Dark Celestial Armor

Avengers #6 (2018)

During Jason Aaron’s 2018 Avengers run, Earth’s mightiest heroes face the Dark Celestials, towering cosmic beings clad in impenetrable armor. In the middle of this potentially apocalyptic battle, a powered-up She-Hulk enters a berserker state of raw gamma power. Shockingly, Jennifer Walters manages to literally bite through the Dark Celestial’s armor, something even the combined strength of other Avengers can’t replicate.

Celestials are nigh-indestructible, with armor resistant to cosmic forces that rival gods, Galactus, and Eternity. For She-Hulk to pierce their armor using only her jaws highlights just how absurd her strength and savagery can be. Although She-Hulk doesn’t usually showcase the same strength as Hulk, this moment proves she holds the potential to reach his power.

A Depowered Storm Defeats A Horde Of Demons

Uncanny X-Men #224 (1987)

Storm is stripped of her mutant abilities during the Fall of the Mutants storyline. At one point, Ororo Munroe faces down an entire horde of demons as she climbs up a mountain without gear and without her weather-controlling powers. Armed only with her combat training, Storm cuts through the monsters and reaches the summit. Not everything is real in this adventure, but Storm’s combat skills are still impressive.

Storm is known for her godlike command over the weather, but when depowered, she can be just as dangerous to her enemies. Losing her powers allows Storm to showcase her raw physical skills and endurance. Few heroes could endure such odds without powers, yet Storm not only survives but wins.

Captain America Casually Knocks Out The Hulk

Fallen Son: The Death of Captain America #4 (2007)

In the wake of Steve Rogers’ death, Spider-Man recalls his first adventures alongside the Sentinel of Liberty. In a flashback, Spider-Man witnesses Captain America dodge a rampaging Hulk’s attacks and land perfectly placed attacks on the Green Goliath. Cap’s quick victory is so unexpected that it leaves Spider-Man stunned, as Hulk collapses like any regular opponent.

Hulk is widely regarded as one of Marvel’s most physically unstoppable beings, capable of tanking cosmic-level attacks, and well, defying the laws of physics through sheer physical power. Despite his Super Soldier enhancements, Captain America shouldn’t be strong enough to do any significant damage to a Gamma monster. Captain America’s skill and precision serves as a reminder that not all combat feats rely on strength.

Luke Cage Punches Doctor Doom Into Submission

Hero for Hire #8 (1973)

In the early 1970s, Luke Cage travels to Latveria after Doctor Doom hires him for a job but refuses to pay the $200 fee. Outraged, Cage storms Doom’s castle and overwhelms the monarch with nothing but punches. Despite Doom’s armor and technological advantages, Luke Cage beats him down in his own throne room, which humiliates Doom and forces him to settle his debt.

Doctor Doom is one of Marvel’s most brilliant and durable villains, not to mention the most prideful. Luke Cage, at the time still a street-level hero, thrashes him without any further motivation than claiming what he’s owed. This story hasn’t aged well due to Luke Cage’s insensitive blaxploitation origins, but it’s worth a mention as an underrated “street hero vs. A-tier villain” feat.