Marvel superheroes have captured the imagination of fans around the world with their incredible powers and heroic feats. But as their stories have evolved over time, so too have their abilities and capabilities. From power boosts and technological upgrades to new weapons and costumes, Marvel superheroes have undergone some of the most impressive upgrades in comic book history. In this article, we’ll take a look at the top 10 most impressive upgrades of Marvel superheroes in comics, exploring how these changes have elevated their powers and transformed their characters.
10 Most Impressive Upgrades Of Marvel Superheroes in Comics
The Immortal Hulk
Several versions of the Hulk exist, but they are not all equal in strength. While the most potent Hulks have virtually limitless strength, which is proportionate to their level of anger, none of them are as hazardous as the Immortal Hulk when he was at the height of his power. True to his name, the Immortal Hulk lived up to his reputation. Even if he was killed, he would resurrect the next night and quickly establish himself as the most cunning Hulk.
Even in his less intelligent forms, his immortality gave him an upper hand. Even if he was dismembered, his body parts would regenerate overnight. This ability grants him an advantage over both the Savage Hulk and the Worldbreaker Hulk.
Captain America With Unimaginable Strength
Captain America is widely admired for his lack of traditional superpowers. Instead, he owes his physical prowess to the super soldier serum and Vita-Rays, which elevated him to the peak of human ability. This made him all the more impressive in combat as he faced off against enemies with superhuman abilities, forcing him to rely on his wits and hard work. If Captain America were to possess actual superpowers, he would become an even more formidable force. Although he has wielded Mjolnir and gained temporary powers from it, he has also experienced superhuman strength in the past.
Following his clash with the Secret Empire, where he witnessed the President’s involvement with the group and his subsequent suicide, Captain America gained extraordinary strength. This newfound power made him an even more effective fighter, especially when he was summoned from his own timeline to participate in the conflict against Immortus and the Timekeepers in the first volume of Avengers Forever.
Cosmic Spider-Man
Despite possessing some impressive abilities, Spider-Man isn’t typically considered one of the most formidable heroes. However, there was a time when he experienced a significant boost in power. Through the gift of the Uni-Force, Spider-Man was transformed into Captain Universe, a being with unparalleled strength and the ability to serve as a universal antibody.
During this time, Spider-Man became known as Cosmic Spider-Man, and he was able to achieve feats that were previously impossible for him. He defeated Firelord, who was serving as Herald of Galactus, and easily overpowered the Hulk. His strength was increased exponentially, and he gained the ability to control energy, becoming virtually invincible in the process.
Thor As Herald Of Galactus
Thor is widely regarded as the most powerful warrior in the Marvel universe. As the Asgardian God of Thunder, he has always been a formidable force to be reckoned with. However, his power level skyrocketed after he was appointed as the All-Father of Asgard following the war against the Dark Elves. But that was just the beginning of his ascension to even greater power.
When Galactus, the planet-devouring entity, sought Asgard’s aid in facing the Black Winter, Thor was chosen to be one of his heralds. This bestowed upon him not only the might of the All-Father but also the incredible Power Cosmic. Despite Galactus having recently consumed five planets that had amplified his already immense power, Thor was able to engage in battle with him and even subdue him. In a feat that had never been accomplished before, Thor drained Galactus’s power and ultimately defeated him, an achievement typically reserved for those in possession of a Cosmic Cube or the Infinity Gauntlet.
She-Hulk Post-Civil War II
Although She-Hulk is capable of surpassing the Hulk in terms of power, her self-control often limits her potential. However, after the events of Civil War II, in which she was almost killed by Thanos and the Hulk was killed, She-Hulk underwent a transformation into a more feral and ruthless version of herself. Despite losing her intelligence, she gained a significant increase in physical strength and size.
During this period, she joined the Avengers and proved to be an invaluable asset to the team due to her enhanced strength and power. However, her newfound savagery also made her more prone to anger, causing her strength to escalate even further. As a result, she established herself as one of the most formidable heavy-hitters among Earth’s Mightiest Heroes.
Wolverine As The Phoenix Force’s Host
Several X-Men characters have taken on the role of Phoenix hosts in various storylines. However, the portrayal of Wolverine as a Phoenix host has been perceived as the most absurd. This depiction first occurred in The Astonishing Spider-Man And Wolverine, a comic book series authored by Jason Aaron and illustrated by Adam Kubert. In the series, Wolverine came into possession of a Phoenix Gun, which eventually led to him being controlled by the Phoenix Force. Fortunately, Spider-Man was able to intervene and prevent a catastrophe.
The character of Phoenix Wolverine resurfaced in Aaron’s significant Thor run, where readers witnessed Wolverine as a long-term host of the Phoenix Force. This depiction is undeniably impressive, but it is not entirely consistent with Wolverine’s grounded character. Unlike other heroes who revel in godlike abilities, Logan has always preferred to rely on his natural strengths.
Iceman
The X-Men have a group of mutants called Omega-level, who possess immense powers that can affect the entire world. Some of these mutants did not start off with such great abilities, but gradually grew stronger as they learned to harness their powers. Iceman, an already formidable X-Men member, was holding himself back unconsciously. However, he experienced a significant power surge when Emma Frost’s consciousness took over his mind and unlocked his full potential.
After Emma left his mind, Iceman’s powers have grown exponentially as he discovered his true capabilities. He has now become one of the most dominant members of the X-Men and sits at the top of the mutant hierarchy. His feats include freezing the fires of Hell, an astounding feat that was once unimaginable when he looked like a snowman.
Scarlet Witch Post-Avengers Vs. X-Men Episode
Scarlet Witch, a former member of the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants, has been one of the most controversial members of The Avengers. Despite her redemption after joining the team, she has also been involved in several conflicts with them. Her actions have included killing three Avengers, rewriting reality, and depowering the mutant race, which resulted in a massive genocide.
Although Scarlet Witch had a tumultuous past, she made a triumphant return during the battle against the Phoenix Five, thanks to her involvement with Doctor Doom and the Young Avengers. Her integral role in the fight allowed her to use the Phoenix Force’s power alongside Hope Summers to repower the mutants. As a result, she has become extremely powerful and has remained so since that time.
Cable
Cable is a powerful warrior who has been a member of numerous superhero teams throughout his career. During the initial years of his existence, Cable’s powers were unclear and nebulous. He relied heavily on his guns and cybernetic arm, with his glowing eye being the only indication of any potential powers, which were commonly believed to be cybernetic as well.
It’s intriguing to read the early Cable stories since his powers were undefined and unpredictable. Later on, it was revealed that Cable is the son of Cyclops and Madelyne Pryor, which bestowed upon him incredible telepathic and telekinetic abilities. Unfortunately, Cable’s powers were restricted by his techno-organic virus, but he demonstrated far greater power than anyone could have anticipated.
Iron Man’s Godkiller Armor
For a considerable time, Iron Man has been regarded as one of the top superheroes, thanks to Tony Stark’s constant tinkering and enhancement of his armor. Furthermore, he is recognized for his expertise in creating specialized suits that are specifically designed to counter certain adversaries. Although these armors are impressive, none can compare to the sheer might of his Godkiller armor.
The Godkiller armor is specifically tailored to combat Celestials, which is why it is much larger than his usual armor. This powerful suit boasts an arsenal of weapons that are capable of taking on some of the most formidable creatures in the universe. It can withstand immense damage that would obliterate any other armor he has.
Also Read: 10 of Marvel’s Best Corruption Arcs Where Heroes Turned Villain