Warning! Spoilers ahead for Avengers #41 from Jason Aaron and Javier Garrón
Marvel Comics has their own version of DC's Superman, and just like the Man of Steel, Hyperion is one of the most powerful superheroes in his respective universe. Having been chosen by the Phoenix Force along with a wide range of contenders to potentially become its new host in Marvel's Avengers series, Hyperion's strength was amplified by the Phoenix when his turn came to fight in the tournament. However, he was unprepared for what else the Phoenix would do within him, which led to his comical defeat.
The Phoenix Force has returned to Earth quite recently, and this time it's not just looking for mutants to serve as its new host. Along with Hyperion, several other heroes were selected, having no real choice in the matter as they've been forced to fight in its tournament of one-on-one battles, each wielding a portion of the Phoenix power. While Avengers #40 depicted the first match between Doctor Doom and Captain America, the battles have now begun in earnest with Avengers #41 - from writer Jason Aaron with art by Javier Garrón - seeing Black Panther defeat Man-Thing before facing Hyperion's fellow teammate Nighthawk. Other match-ups included in the issue feature Luke Cage taking on American Eagle, Shanna the She-Devil against Devil Dinosaur, Red Widow vs. Howard the Duck, and more.
Eventually, the time came for Hyperion to fight, and he welcomed the power the Phoenix granted him, amplifying his physical strength and powers beyond what they already were. He relished in his super-senses expanding to infinity and the cosmos coursing through his veins. However, Hyperion was unprepared for the expansion of his mind. He soon realized that the power of the Phoenix was changing his very mental state, making him more cosmically aware and open-minded. This was something the superhero refused to allow, apparently unable to handle it. As a result, Hyperion yielded the fight in desperation to make it stop, all while his opponent Shang-Chi continued to meditate, fully prepared to accept the Phoenix's power into his mind which allowed him to win without throwing a single punch.
It's just as well that Hyperion is out of the running to be the new host of the Phoenix Force. Recent issues in Marvel Comics have revealed that Hyperion and his fellow teammates in the Squadron Supreme of America have all been brainwashed by their government handler Phil Coulson, who himself is secretly dark and corrupt. Coulson is in service to the demon lord Mephisto, which means Marvel's devil now has his own super team at his beck and call. The last thing Mephisto should have access to is the kind of potentially destructive energy found in the Phoenix.
In any case, the fact that the super-strong Hyperion and the Master of Martial Arts Shang-Chi didn't engage in a physical fight is hilarious. It also showed how capable of a warrior and hero Shang-Chi truly is, as he was just as suited for a battle of the minds as he would have been for a physical confrontation. Hyperion, on the other hand, was definitely not. As the Tournament of the Phoenix continues in Jason Aaron's Avengers, it will be interesting to see what other unique duels might come into play like the one seen in here.