Strength Levels of Marvel Characters
This has been a hotly debated topic in many battle threads and postings.
We have the official published Marvel figures that typically have most characters ranging from normal human strength to being able to lift up to 100 tonnes. There are many notable characters that exceed this 100 tonne threshold.
However, hundreds of published occasions have shown characters perform actions that are well beyond a ‘100 tonnes’ limit. As mentioned, there are far too many occasions to name in full but here are some examples that briefly detail the action, the character and their strength level according to a later version of the published Official Marvel Handbooks.
Sasquatch (70 tonnes) lifting up one end of a destroyer out of the water it was floating on. A loaded destroyer weights in at roughly 20,000 – 60,000 tonnes, although
Sentry (over 100 tonnes) struggling to slow a falling helicarrier. The helicarrier would appear to be similar in size and weight to a destroyer (so between 20,000 – 60,000 tonnes again).
Gladiator (over 100 tonnes) lifting the Baxter Building. The building should weight in between 60,000 – 100,000 tonnes. I use this example even though Reed Richards theorised that Gladiator was having his strength boosted by Sh’iar technology because this strength level seems to gel with others on this list.
Hulk (reasonably enraged – functionally calm 85 tonnes, at this level of anger, well over 100 tonnes) rupturing a 6 inch thick plate of carbon steel with a single punch. Through calculation, based on the strength of standard tempered medium carbon steel, and the size of the Hulk’s fists contact area being very large, he would require strength in excess of 100,000 tonnes, to deliver the needed tonnage to rupture the plate.
- Many other characters have performed similar destructive feats.
Thor (more than 100 tonnes) lifting the tail of the Midgard Serpent. He appeared to be lifting at least a 300 feet length of the tail, that was approx 50 feet in diameter. The weight of the tail (based on a nominal 1g/cm cubed figure) would be roughly 17,000 tonnes. As with many other Asgardian beings, this figure could be 2 – 3 times greater as the density of the flesh of these beings is 2 – 3 times higher.
Thor (more than 100 tonnes) lifting and throwing the Odin sword. The sword is at least 300 feet long. Using nominal dimensions and basing the material used on normal mild steel, the weight of the sword would be roughly 35,000 tonnes. To meaningfully throw it as well would require strength greater than 80,000 tonnes.
As you see, the published figures fall far short of the depicted events. However, the use of the official ratings can be used to provide some guidance and relationship between the various strength levels of the characters. For instance, Thor (lift over 100 tonnes – but lets say 110 tonnes) being perhaps 30% stronger than the Thing (lift 85 tonnes).
Do these strength levels fit in better with the powerhouses ?



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