Captain Marvel? Since her debut, Captain Marvel has been considered the MCU’s top powerhouse, so how do these two compare?

At first glance, both Sentry and Captain Marvel appear to be on equal footing when it comes to raw strength and cosmic power. Each possesses extraordinary abilities that make them two of the most formidable beings in the Marvel Universe.

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However, some distinguishing factors can be used to determine who's the strongest. While Sentry may be one of the strongest characters in the MCU, his immense power comes with unique limitations that someone with Danver's experience could easily capitalize on, but would that be enough to overcome Sentry's raw power?

Marvel's Most Powerful Punches

How They Compare in Speed and Strength

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Sentry’s strength is often considered one of the most formidable in the Marvel Universe, with power comparable to that of Superman. His raw strength is described as being equivalent to “a million exploding suns,” giving him the ability to overwhelm nearly any foe. In addition to his physical might, Sentry’s speed plays a crucial role in his dominance. He has been shown to move faster than light, bending space and time to suit his needs. This speed advantage allows him to outpace even other powerful beings like the Hulk, who has long been considered one of the strongest heroes in the universe.

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When Sentry taps into the Celestial Death Seed, his power escalates dramatically. Not only does his physical strength increase, but his speed reaches a level where he can manipulate space-time itself. This ability to move faster than light places him in a category far beyond typical speedsters like Quicksilver, who is the best that Captain Marvel has matched in of speed. In their respective encounters, Sentry’s speed has been so overwhelming that even the likes of Thor have itted that he is the fastest they've ever encountered. This makes Sentry a nearly unstoppable force on both a physical and speed-based level.

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Sentry's massive feats highlight his clear superiority over Carol in of raw power. While Sentry was able to prove his strength against the Hulk, Kevin Feige is too scared to even match Captain Marvel against the green Goliath in the MCU, despite her own considerable power. Though Captain Marvel is undeniably powerful, Sentry’s physical might and godlike abilities make him the stronger hero when it comes to pure strength and destructive potential, but that isn't always the deciding factor in a head-to-head fight.

The True Nature of Sentry’s Powers

Reality-Manipulating Abilities Beyond Super Strength

Bob Robert Reynolds is left with The Hulk's limp body after The Void attacks him in Sentry #3

While Sentry is often compared to Superman for his physical abilities, his true power lies in his control over reality. Sentry can manipulate molecules, alter space-time, and even resurrect the dead. This makes him a nearly godlike figure, as he can essentially create or destroy at will, and is only limited by his own mind. While Sentry’s reality-manipulation powers are extraordinary, they come with inherent risks. His powers are largely driven by his perception of what is possible, and the unstable nature of his mind means that he doesn’t always have full control over them.

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When Sentry is overwhelmed by his dark alter ego, the Void, his powers can become catastrophic. This makes him an unpredictable weapon, as reality itself can become a weapon against him. His mental state is critical in how effectively he can use them. While Captain Marvel has demonstrated immense control over her abilities, Sentry is often a ticking time bomb, unable to harness the power at his disposal fully. This vulnerability makes him a riskier option in combat, as the potential for self-destruction matches his strength.

Captain Marvel’s Advantages

Control, Experience, and Cosmic Energy Mastery

ms marvel aka captain marvel with the new avengers

Unlike Sentry, Captain Marvel’s powers are tied to her control over cosmic energy. As a human-Kree hybrid, Carol Danvers has access to an immense power source, allowing her to manipulate energy for a variety of effects, including flight, super strength, and energy blasts. Her powers are significantly enhanced when in her Binary form, allowing her to obliterate entire fleets of enemies. While Sentry’s strength is vast, Captain Marvel’s control over her energy gives her a level of consistency that he lacks. Captain Marvel has years of battle experience, both as a member of the Avengers and as a leader in space.

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Her time fighting alien threats and cosmic entities has honed her combat skills and tactical thinking. She can read her opponents, anticipate their moves, and adapt on the fly, giving her a strategic advantage in most battles. This makes her not only a powerful force but also a highly skilled combatant, able to take on even the most overwhelming of foes. If that wasn't enough, Captain Marvel also has the unique ability to absorb and discharge energy, making her a tactical powerhouse who can adapt to virtually any situation.

So Who Would Win?

Power vs. Control in the Battle for Supremacy

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Sentry undeniably possesses some of the most overwhelming raw power in the Marvel Universe, with abilities capable of crushing nearly any opponent in his path. His immense strength, incredible speed, and reality-warping capabilities make him a nearly unstoppable force when at his peak. However, Sentry's power is intricately tied to his mental state, so the character's darker side causes his abilities to fluctuate wildly. This unpredictability makes him a dangerous wildcard, where his potential for destruction can often outweigh his ability to maintain control, turning what should be an advantage into a significant vulnerability in battle.

In a fight, her reliable powers and battle-hardened mindset would likely allow her to counter Sentry’s power, making her the more effective combatant when all is said and done.

Captain Marvel, on the other hand, has a significant advantage when it comes to control. While she may not have the sheer destructive force of Sentry, her ability to harness and consistently use cosmic energy with precision is a testament to her skill and discipline. Carol Danvers’ tactical experience and steady hand in combat allow her to adapt quickly to changing situations, giving her the ability to outmaneuver her opponents. In a fight, her reliable powers and battle-hardened mindset would likely allow her to counter Sentry’s power, making her the more effective combatant when all is said and done.

  • captain marvel
    Alias
    Carol Danvers
    Created By
    Roy Thomas, Gene Colan
    Franchise
    Marvel, Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU)
    Race
    Human/Kree hybrid
    Video Games
    Marvel SNAP, Marvel's Midnight Suns (dupe), Marvel vs. Capcom
    Movies
    Captain Marvel, Avengers: Endgame, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings

    United States air force officer Carol Danvers gains superpowers after an explosion fuses her DNA with a superhero colleague. With her super strength, speed, flight, and other abilities, Captain Marvel (also known as Ms. Marvel) has fought alongside the Avengers, S.H.I.E.L.D., and the Guardians of the Galaxy. She also appears in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, ing the films' other heroes to fight evil.

  • 01685606_poster_w780.jpg

    Your Rating

    Thunderbolts*
    Release Date
    May 2, 2025
    Runtime
    127 minutes
    Director
    Jake Schreier
    Writers
    Eric Pearson, Joanna Calo
    Producers
    Kevin Feige

    Thunderbolts follows seven disillusioned individuals who find themselves trapped in a perilous situation. Tasked with a daunting mission, they must face the most shadowy aspects of their histories in order to survive and achieve their goals.