The immortal firebird of legend, the Phoenix is the ultimate expression of death and rebirth—when slain, it erupts into divine flame and rises from its own ashes, reborn and more powerful than before. Its feathers burn at temperatures that rival the sun, and its tears possess miraculous healing properties. You cannot kill what refuses to stay dead.

The Mad Titan of Marvel's cosmic hierarchy, Thanos is obsessed with universal balance and willing to snap half of existence out of reality to achieve it. Even without the Infinity Gauntlet, he can trade blows with the Hulk and outthink Reed Richards. With it, he is essentially God—capital G—with a chin that could cut diamonds.