When it comes to comic book superteams, two groups stand far above the rest. Marvel's Avengers and DC's Justice League are the best of the best. Each squad has its own strengths and weaknesses, but if the two teams ever did battle, who would come out victorious?
There's a lot of factors to consider when determining who would win in a fight between the Avengers and Justice League with the teams' various skills, powers and strengths. It's made all the more complex by the fact both teams have had so many iterations and spinoffs. Considering how many different versions of each group there is, this discussion will stick try to the core groups. For the Avengers: Thor, Iron Man, Ant-Man, Wasp, Hulk, Captain America, Scarlet Witch, Doctor Strange, Black Panther, Hawkeye, and Quicksilver. For the Justice League: Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, The Flash, Green Lantern, Aquaman, Martian Manhunter, Green Arrow, Hawkgirl, and Black Canary.
It's important to note the supergroups have faced off before, in 2003's crossover series JLA/Avengers by Kurt Busiek and George Perez. However, the battle was mostly even before the teams decided to work together. When it comes to a full-on brawl, we have to dig deeper.
The Justice League Is More Powerful Than The Avengers
From a pure strength perspective, the scale tips quite favorable to the Justice League. DC's roster has arguably the most powerful superhero with Superman. Armed with superstrength, heat vision, freeze breath and invulnerability, Supes is tough to take down. DC also features Wonder Woman who possesses a similar skill set. The Avengers' Hulk and Thor are definitely heavy hitters, with both having exceptional strength, but compared to their DC counterparts, it would be tough to see them come out with a win.
Need proof? Superman took down Thor in an epic fight during JLA/Avengers.
There are also DC heroes who are arguably more powerful than Superman. Good luck defeating them.
The Avengers Are Smarter Than The Justice League
While the Justice League might have the advantage when it comes to natural powers, the Avengers are savvier when it comes to developing technology for their heroes. Iron Man's technology turns a normal man into a powerful opponent and there are Marvel characters who are even smarter. Black Panther and Wakanda have been instrumental in creating and developing new tech for heroes and the improvement of the world. Hank Pym is also a genius-level inventor whose scientific work has shaped Marvel's universe in a big way. Bruce Banner is no slouch either in the brains department.
DC's heroes more rely on abilities derived from birth or gifted to them later in life. Batman is rich and is a masterclass detective, but when it comes to creating new tech, Iron Man is leaps and bounds ahead. Bruce Wayne needs Lucius Fox, Tony Stark just needs his brain. Batman does have an advantage when it comes to planning and tactical assaults, however.
The Justice League's Full Roster Would Beat The Avengers
When taking a look at the expanded rosters of The Avengers and Marvel, there is little competition. That's not to say Marvel's expanded roster is powerless, characters like Silver Surfer, Sentry, Captain Marvel and Hercules are uber-powered and can pack a wallop. However, DC's expanded roster features everything from Gods like Mister Miracle, Orion, and the New Gods, to powerful sorcerers like Dr. Fate and Zatanna, and thousands of Lanterns from the Green Lanterns Corps. From a quantity of heroes perspective, the Justice League dwarves the Avengers. The JLA's deep roster would give them a victory.
With heavier hitters, a more calculated approach and an expanded roster that seemingly never ends of incredibly powered heroes, the Justice League would beat the Avengers in a fight. The Avengers would definitely put up a good tussle, but with Superman, Wonder Woman and Batman leading the charge, it would tough for them to overcome the skillset of the JLA.