Now that Mephisto has entered theMCUinIronheart, it raises the pertinent question of whether the cinematic franchise’s newest villain is more powerful than Thanos. After all, Thanos has long been at the peak of power in the MCU, especially after acquiring the Infinity Stones and Gauntlet.
It took the combined might of nearlyevery superhero in the MCUto bring the Mad Titan down without the Infinity Gauntlet in hand. Thanos was additionally strong enough to overpower the Hulk at the beginning ofAvengers: Infinity War, culminating in his victory and success in wiping out half of all life in the universe.
Thanos' presence still lingers six years after his defeat.This is mostly thanks to the fact that the Multiverse Saga remains bereft of an Avengers movie andthe Avengers-level threatthat comes with it, leaving Thanos as the last prominent big bad of an MCU saga.
Yet Mephisto, who debuted in the final episode ofIronheart, might give Thanos a run for his money. A prolific dealer of devil’s bargains, Mephisto’s small yet consequential role inIronheartsaw him wield some interesting powers, and by assessing these, we can discern whether he isthe MCU’s next most powerful villain.
Mephisto’s Powers Explained
Mephisto’s Powers Are Godlike
Mephisto looms in the background throughout most ofIronheartas the demonic entitythat gives the Hood his powers. These include the ability to turn invisible when holding his breath and the ability to bend bullets. These powers are tied to an enchanted cloak given by Mephisto,suggesting Mephisto is himself the enchanter.
This exchange is depicted in a flashback, in which Mephisto manifests a door to the pizzeria that would later serve as the Hood’s headquarters, instantly transporting Parker Robbins out of immediate danger. In that pizzeria,Mephisto silences and immobilizes customers with a gaze before suggesting he could do the same for the whole of Chicago.
Ironheart then ends with Natalie’s resurrection, courtesy of Mephisto.
Mephisto torments Parker Robbins with visions and scars after their deal is struck. It is never overtly stated in their conversation, but it is heavily implied thatParker Robbins exchanged his soul for the cloak. Mephisto then shows that he can appear in Parker’s vicinity at will.
Later, when Mephisto meets with Riri Williams,he forces her out of her suit of armor with a simple wave of his hand. He then shows that he can read Riri’s thoughts as she ponders the question of what she could ask of him.Ironheartthen ends with Natalie’s resurrection, courtesy of Mephisto.
These powers are largely in line with the Mephisto of Marvel Comics. When within the pocket dimension of Hell (not to be confused with the biblical namesake), the realm he rules, Mephisto is nigh-omnipotent.These powers have limits, however, especially when Mephisto leaves his realm.
It is unclear whether the MCU’s Mephisto is subject to the same limitations. His ability to bend reality to his will could suggest that he transported both Parker and Riri to his pocket realm before demonstrating his powers. Nevertheless, in the absence of clarification,it’s fair to say that Mephisto is already among the most powerful charactersin the MCU.
Thanos’s Powers Explained
The Scale Of Thanos' Powers Depend On The Infinity Stones
Like Mephisto,Thanos' powers fluctuatedepending on external factors. In his case, the Infinity Stones. With them,Thanos' most impressive display of powerwas his successful decimation of half of all life in the universe. Without them,Thanos is able to withstand an onslaught from the Avengers' Big Three and overpower Hulkin a one-on-one brawl.
The only things proven to be effective in killing Thanos in live-action are the Uru-forged Stormbreaker (specifically forged as a “god-killer” weapon) and the Infinity Stonesthemselves. Later,Thanos is shown to have diedat the tip of his own double-bladed sword in Earth-838.
Still, when Thanos possesses even one Infinity Stone, his powers are tantamount to godhood.
The stones grant Thanos just about every power imaginable, thoughthese powers are presumably limited to his own dimension. Without the stones, Thanos is immensely strong and durable, though not invincible.
Mephisto Is More Powerful
Mephisto Doesn’t Need Infinity Stones
As is typically the case in Marvel Comics, comparing the power levels of the likes of Mephisto and Thanos depends on extraneous factors. Nevertheless, as the latest extradimensionalgodlike being in the MCU,Mephisto’s powers inherently trounce those of the distinctly mortal Thanos.
Mephisto is seen inIronheartflaunting his powers without the need for an external force like the Infinity Stones.His mastery over reality and death is inherent, and the ease with which he displays his powers suggests a higher ceiling to them.
This is also not to mention Mephisto’s cerebral capabilities.His ability to manipulate mortals is a charismatic trait that eludes Thanos, who instead relies on intimidation to enforce his will. The fact that Thanos was resolutely opposed by a vastly outmatched team of superheroes is indicative of his reliance on physical power alone.
Thankfully, it doesn’t seem as if Mephisto is concerned with using his powers for anything more destructive than striking deals for individual souls.
While it is uncertain whether Mephisto shares the same limitations as his comic book counterpart,his powers, taken at face value, suggest that he wields his godlike abilities outside his own dimension. Thankfully, it doesn’t seem as if Mephisto is concerned with using his powers for anything more destructive than striking deals for individual souls.
How Powerful Mephisto Is Compared To Other MCU Characters
Some Characters Might Be Able To Stand Up To Mephisto
Mephisto ranks amongthe MCU’s cosmic beingswith his power set. What has been seen of him thus far suggests amastery over reality manipulation, which is within the same wheelhouse as the Scarlet Witch and Wiccan. At least the Scarlet Witch at her most powerful, when in possession of the Darkhold, could be considered as powerful as Mephisto.
DID YOU KNOW:Franklin Richards, who will debut as a baby inThe Fantastic Four: First Steps, is also a powerful reality manipulator.
Mephisto is likely on a par with Aubrey Plaza’s Death, who was introduced inAgatha All Alongas the personification of death itself. Like Mephisto, Death is concerned only with one MO - keeping life and death in balance. It is unclear if Death’s powers would extend to other dimensions, however.
Although Sentry is one ofthe MCU’s most powerful new characters, it is hard to see how he would surpass the ability to manipulate reality itself.Sentry’s fractured mind is also a prime target for Mephisto’s manipulations, making Bob Reynolds especially vulnerable.
Doctor Strange’s proficiency with other dimensions could give him a unique upper handagainst Mephisto. This knowledge could extend to Strange gaining access to whatever eldritch tools may be available to best Mephisto. That’s not to mention how he technically defeated the ruler of the Dark Dimension, Dormammu.
Dormammu is the extradimensional entity that powers the Hood’s cloak in the comics.
Given Mephisto is concerned with striking deals, it would appear that his biggest foil would be someone with the mental capacity to outwit him. With that in mind,both Reed Richards and Doctor Doom would presumably be worthy contenders, though they are both yet to debut in the MCU to display the extent of their intelligence.
As for themost intelligent characters still living in the MCU, the likes of Bruce Banner and Peter Parker are clear contenders. Furthermore, withIronheart’s ending teasing the fact thatRiri Williams struck a deal with Mephisto, this seems to be setting up an arc in which she ultimately outsmarts and defeats him.
