Over the years, Superman has faced numerous challenges from the fearsome Doomsday. In response to Doomsday’s growing popularity, DC has introduced various iterations of this formidable foe, reflecting the character’s evolution. Just as there are countless versions of Batman, Doomsday has also undergone numerous transformations, demonstrating the creativity and depth of the DC Universe.
As one of Superman’s most powerful adversaries, Doomsday has demonstrated extraordinary strength and resilience. However, the version of Doomsday frequently encountered by Superman is not necessarily the most potent. The concept of the Multiverse introduces a plethora of Doomsday variants, each with its own unique strength levels—some weaker, and others extraordinarily formidable.
10 Doomsday’s Youngest Variant: Doomsdame
Adventures of the Super Sons #10 by Peter J. Tomasi et al.
Doomsday’s signature trait is his adaptive evolution, which takes time to fully develop. Consequently, younger versions of Doomsday, such as Doomsdame—a teenager infected with the Doomsday virus—are less formidable. This particular version was created by Rex Luthor, an extraterrestrial admirer of Lex Luthor, and while she may appear intimidating, her power pales in comparison to older variants due to her age. In a confrontation with Robin and Superboy, Doomsdame showcases limited strength, notably being pushed back by a single kick from Damian Wayne.
This young version of Doomsday may possess potential for growth in strength and skill over time, but she presently lacks the raw power of her predecessors.
9 Doomed: A Heroic Twist on Doomsday
Convergence: Superman #2 by Dan Jurgens et al.
Doomsday is undoubtedly one of the deadliest beings in the DC Universe. His notoriety has attracted numerous inquiries into his nature. During a period when Doomsday was deceased, S.T.A.R. Labs attempted to analyze his remains. A young intern, Reiser, inadvertently became the next iteration of Doomsday—Doomed—after being exposed to Doomsday’s spores. While Doomed’s powers are not yet on par with Doomsday’s, he exhibits advantages over Doomsdame due to unique abilities like energy projection and teleportation.
8 The Original Doomsday: The Ultimate Fighter
Superman: The Man of Steel #18 by Louise Simonson et al.
The various iterations of Doomsday reveal a common theme—while they may draw from the original concept, many lack certain competitive advantages. The original Doomsday is a creature of raw power but remains vulnerable to the evolution of subsequent variations. With each defeat, Doomsday becomes stronger, eventually reaching a threshold where he could rival a god, gaining powers even beyond comprehension over time. This ongoing evolution affirms that while vulnerable in his basic form, Doomsday’s potential is limitless.
7 All-American Boy: A Doomsday Experiment
Superman / Batman #47 by Michael Green et al.
Amanda Waller’s machinations led to the creation of All-American Boy, a tragic figure whose dream of serving his country was twisted into a nightmare. Once known as Josh Walker, he became part of a sinister military project that fused his DNA with that of Doomsday. As a result, All-American Boy became an uncontrollable beast designed for destruction, equipped with deadly Kryptonite spikes—a testament to Waller’s cruel designs. Despite his formidable power, the absence of intelligence made him vulnerable, and Batman easily subdued him.
6 The Devastator: Batman’s Dark Transformation
Dark Nights: Metal #2 by Scott Snyder et al.
In a darker realm of the Multiverse, a version of Superman succumbs to madness. Following a tragic turn of events, Batman must become The Devastator, fusing himself with the Doomsday virus to confront the fallen hero. This iteration brings unique abilities, including Kryptonite breath and the power to conjure spikes at will, enhancing his combat prowess. Although Batman loses some intellectual edge, his tactical skills combined with Doomsday’s destructive capabilities create a nearly unstoppable force.
5 Doombreaker: The Evolving Threat
“The Life of Superman”from The Death of Superman 30th Anniversary Special #1
What sets Doomsday apart is his evolutionary capacity to adapt and become stronger with each defeat. Whenever he is killed, he emerges immune to the cause of his demise. However, this strength comes with a significant drawback: he must perish to evolve. In contrast, Doombreaker, created from exposure to Doomsday’s remnants, can evolve in real-time depending on the threats around him, allowing for faster and more adaptive growth.
4 Doomslayer: The Hunter of All Doomsdays
Action Comics #901 by Paul Cornell et al.
The Doomslayer, with a misguided sense of purpose, sought to annihilate Earth due to the presence of numerous Doomsday variants. This dark crusade led him into direct conflict with superheroes, escalating tensions beyond previous encounters with Doomsday. While ultimately defeated, Doomslayer represented an unprecedented and greater threat than his origins suggested.
Doctor Doomsday: The Amalgamation
The fusion of Doomsday with Doctor Doom results in one of the most potent variations. Doctor Doomsday combines raw physical might with genre-defining intelligence and sorcery, making it a unique embodiment of terror. Brief as this version may be, it stands out as one of the most formidable interpretations of the character.
3 Superdoom: When Superman Becomes the Virus
Superman: Doomed #1 by Scott Lobdell et al.
With countless encounters over the years, Superman ultimately succumbs to the Doomsday Virus, transforming him into Superdoom—a new iteration infused with Doomsday’s destructive instincts and unbound rage. This combination of Kryptonian powers and the primal force of Doomsday leads to a dangerously overwhelming force that alters the power dynamics within the DC Universe.
1 Doomsday’s Ultimate Form: A Near-Deity
Superman #19 by Joshua Williamson et al.
Recent narratives have explored the zenith of Doomsday’s evolution, culminating in a chilling revelation. After ages of conflict with Superman, Doomsday evolves into the Time Trapper, proclaiming the potential to transcend into a godlike entity. This advanced form grants Doomsday the capacity for speech and the ability to easily overpower Superman, showcasing an evolution that elevates him beyond mere brute force.
This transformation reveals a slimmer, yet undeniably potent version of Doomsday, hinting at the threshold between formidable strength and divine power. The Time Trapper symbolizes the pinnacle of Doomsday’s evolution—one that captures the imagination and poses a severe threat to Superman and the entire universe.
Leave a Reply