#ComicBytes: Strongest DC Comics characters ever created
What's the story
The DC Universe has no dearth of physically strong characters. While it is often believed that Superman is the strongest DC character ever, the myth has been busted on multiple occasions by multiple characters. DC has a number of characters including meta-humans, aliens, and androids, but only a few can boast of serious physical prowess. Read on to know some of them.
Superman
The benchmark for all strength competitions among superheroes
One of the first superheroes in the world, Superman is a benchmark when it comes to physical strength. The Kryptonian being gets his powers from the Earth's sun and can lift buildings, warships, airplanes, and in some forms, entire planets! What makes him such an icon is not his strength though. It is his morality and his unwavering commitment to being a 'good' person.
Power Girl
A woman more powerful than most
Power Girl could easily knock out Superman in a single punch! She is the cousin of Superman from an alternate universe and is by far the strongest female character (with the exception of Wonder Woman) in the DC Universe. She has led the Justice Society of America, beaten up the likes of Darkseid and Solomon Grundy, and could arguably beat Supergirl in a one-on-one.
Damage
Meet DC's version of The Hulk
He's a super soldier considered more powerful than Superman. Codenamed Damage, this character is DC's version of Marvel's Hulk. His powers include insurmountable strength and resilience to almost all physical attacks. The only downside to his powers is that Ethan Avery (his real name) can become Damage for exactly one hour. He has beaten Wonder Woman and decimated the Suicide Squad and Poison Ivy.
SHAZAM
The 'original' Captain Marvel from the DC Universe
Shazam is basically Superman but with an added ability to use magic. Initially called Captain Marvel, Shazam was created in 1940 and at one time surpassed Superman in terms of popularity. His strength is a no-brainer as he gets the wisdom of Solomon, the strength of Hercules, the stamina of Atlas, the power of Zeus, the courage of Achilles and the speed of Mercury.
The Spectre
God's spirit of vengeance is simply the strongest
The Spectre is the strongest magical being out there. An embodiment of God's spirit of vengeance, it can knock out any being, magical or otherwise in mere seconds. Spectre always needs the right host to manifest itself. Hosts like Hal Jordan and Jim Corrigan have taken its control on some occasions. He has often saved the universe, most notably during Crisis on Infinite Earths.