The "Big Three" of Marvel?

[Guest force_echo]

No, I'm not talking about Iron Man, Cap, and Thor, but the Big Three POWER wise. A guy named John Cimino (you should read his analysis on Wolverine vs. Captain America) who runs a blog named "Hero Envy" (and who knows quote a shit ton about comics, seeming to own and know like every one ever made) had this interesting tidbit to say:

 

To know the Marvel Universe you have to know about the "BIG 3". These 3 characters are at the top of the food-chain when it comes to levels of power for the greatest Marvel Heroes. These 3 characters strike the most fear and gain the most respect from opposing opposition. These 3 characters are without a doubt The Marvel hierarchy of ultimate power. They are The Incredible Hulk, The Mighty Thor and The Silver Surfer. Yup, these guys are the standard, and every other hero that wants to be deemed "super" is measured up against them to see how high up the ladder they are and regarded among peers. Here is how the "BIG 3" rank in certain categories between each other."

 

Strength and Durability: Hulk  Skill and Mindset: Thor  Overall Versatility: Silver Surfer

 

You can make an argument on who ranks second and third in each category between them, but there is no doubt that the character listed as number 1 is the rightful owner of that power-level. While Hulk has the edge over Thor in their battles, Silver Surfer has the edge over the Hulk, which leads me to this write up where Thor has the edge over Silver Surfer."

 

Thoughts?

[Guest force_echo]

I'm wondering, what if Silver Surfer was a warrior? As everyone knows, the guy's a scientist and a pacifist, and has little to no fighting ability whatsoever, but what if he was at his power level with a background like Thor's (been fighting for thousands of years)? He would obviously be a less interesting character, but what about power wise?

[Guest sirmethos]

1. There is a few things incorrect about what he had to say(in the original post).  Primarily Hulk as the big one in Strength and Durability.

 

As I've pointed out in other thread in the past, there is not, and can not be, a single "number 1" in terms of strength and durability, simply due to the fact that there are several characters who all, like Hulk, have "potentially limitless" power.

 

Apocalypse, for example, has no upper limit in how much he can increase his strength and durability.

Silver Surfer and Thanos, are both also capable of increasing their own strength and durability, with no known limit.

Meggan, is capable of taking the physical appearance(and powers) of anyone, which effectively gives her "potentially limitless" strength and durability as well(she has copied Silver Surfer's powers at one point, to give an example).

etc. etc. etc.

 

The same goes for Silver Surfer as the number one in Versatility.

 

2.

A. He would not necessarily be a less interesting character, that would depend on the writers.

B. He would most likely be like Thor and Mister Majestic, namely someone who "forgets" the majority of his capabilities most of the time.

[Guest bigballerju]

Yeah but if your probably asked a lot of people who represents strength and durability they would mention Hulk. That's probably why he said Hulk. People would say we have seen more from Hulk in that department then Apocalypse. Not saying that I believe this now. Also Silver Surfer for people doesn't actually represent the strongest strength and durability wise probably because he is on a cosmic level. Same for Thanos. From listening to comic fans all over throughout the years Hulk for them represents strength and durability for Marvel. Hell after World War Hulk their even more convinced now.

[Guest sirmethos]

What people think is true, and what is actually true, is not necessarily the same.  And just because the majority of people have an opinion, doesn't make it true.

[xLEGACYx]

What people think is true, and what is actually true, is not necessarily the same.  And just because the majority of people have an opinion, doesn't make it true.

Agreed.  Just because people think his exhibits the embodiment of strength doesnt make it so, he has been over powered and at some times slapped around.  Same goes for Thor and Surfer in each category.