In the world of comic featuring the two giants Marvel and DC, there are many characters with the title “doctor” in their names. Although not all of them are medical doctors or scientists in the traditional sense, the top 10 “doctors” listed below are sure to make many people wish they had a little more time in the hospital, or at least in the emergency room…
This ranking is based on their powers and overall strength, along with their significant impact on the main storyline in the Marvel and DC universes, as well as the general popularity of the characters.
10. Doctor Death | DC
You might not recognize this character immediately because Doctor Death has not appeared much in mainstream comics, but in reality, he is the first major villain Batman had to face. He first appeared in Detective Comics Vol. 1 #29 in 1939, with a sinister plot to poison the wealthy citizens of Gotham City using a deadly drug. After a chemical accident, he didn’t die but transformed into a monstrous creature. Doctor Death’s powers include superhuman intelligence, specializing in chemistry, and the ability to create dangerous biological weapons. In the New 52, he also possesses extraordinary physics abilities.
9. Doctor Psycho | DC
Doctor Psycho is one of Wonder Woman’s most dangerous foes, with powers that include mind control and telepathy. This psychopathic character often targets the Amazonian community and Themyscira. Doctor Psycho has been involved in many significant events in the universe, such as being one of the villains under the control of the Anti-Monitor in Crisis on Infinite Earths, joining Lex Luthor Jr.’s Secret Society of Supervillains alongside Deathstroke, Black Adam, Talia al Ghul, and The Calculator.
8. Doctor Polaris | DC
Considered the DC version of Magneto, Doctor Polaris was once a medical doctor but was overshadowed by a powerful magnetic force. He is a recurring villain of Green Lantern and the Justice League and has even appeared in the animated series Justice League Unlimited. In addition to his ability to manipulate magnetism, Doctor Polaris also possesses the IQ of a genius. This character currently has two different versions, with Neal Emerson’s Doctor Polaris being the more notable one.
7. Doctor Druid | Marvel
Doctor Druid is not a villain on our list—he is a doctor and a psychic healer who once helped the Ancient One free powerful Celtic magic hidden within him. Doctor Druid was a member of The Avengers and participated in many legendary adventures alongside Doctor Strange and The Defenders, even serving as the leader of this superhero group. He was killed by Hellstorm, the son of Satan, but was later resurrected by the dark entity Grim Reaper.
Doctor Druid possesses abilities such as telepathy, transmutation, clairvoyance, and the ability to manipulate and control life on Earth along with many other mystical powers.
6. Doctor Light | DC
One of the prominent villains of the Teen Titans and Justice League, Arthur Light/Doctor Light is a brilliant physicist with the ability to manipulate light. In the New 52, he is a scientist working for Amanda Waller and after transforming into Doctor Light, he joined the Justice League. However, Arthur is often remembered under his role as a villain, being a member of the Suicide Squad and the Secret Society of Supervillains.
Doctor Light appeared in the Teen Titans animated series on Cartoon Network, and there is also a female version of this character in The Flash series on The CW, played by actress Malese Jow.
5. Doctor Fate | DC
It can be said that Doctor Fate is the most famous “Doctor” in the DC universe, with the character’s mantle being worn by many throughout comic history, most notably Kent Nelson and Hector Hall. A person is given the title Doctor Fate when they don the Helmet of Nabu and connect with the spirit of the ancient sorcerer Nabu (although in JSA #80, Nabu can manifest himself as Doctor Fate without a host). Doctor Fate has been a member of both the Justice League and the Justice Society of America, possessing magical powers and abilities, including teleportation, time manipulation, and precognition…
Doctor Fate has appeared in numerous animated shows, live-action films, and video games such as Young Justice, Superman: The Animated Series, Justice League, and Injustice: Gods Among Us. In the popular CW series Smallville, this character was portrayed by actor Brent Strait.
4. Doctor Octopus | Marvel
Ranked among the most famous villains in Marvel, Otto Octavius and his four mechanical “tentacle” arms are one of the most dangerous and persistent foes that Peter Parker/Spider-Man has to face. He is a brilliant scientist specializing in nuclear physics and biological engineering. In the comics, Doctor Octopus has been a member of several villainous groups such as the Sinister Six, Masters of Evil, and Thunderbolts. In the series “The Superior Spider-Man,” spanning 33 issues, Octavius swaps his mind with Peter’s and becomes the new Spider-Man, although Peter eventually manages to return to his own body.
Doctor Octopus has also appeared in many animated shows, including the Spider-Man animated series in the 90s and Ultimate Spider-Man. Actor Alfred Molina portrayed this character in Sony’s Spider-Man 2 film.
3. Doctor Strange | Marvel
The most powerful sorcerer in the Marvel universe, Doctor Stephen Strange was once a renowned surgeon before losing his skills in a car accident. He discovered the mystic arts through the Ancient One’s guidance. Doctor Strange’s magical abilities are virtually limitless, and this is showcased through various comic events where he faces some of Marvel’s most formidable entities like Dormammu, The In-Betweener, and Galactus. Besides being a “master of the mystic arts,” Doctor Strange also possesses many artifacts to enhance his power, such as the Eye of Agamotto and the Cloak of Levitation.
At the end of this year, we will see actor Benedict Cumberbatch reprise his role as the Sorcerer Supreme in Marvel Studios’ next blockbuster—Doctor Strange, a significant expansion of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
2. Doctor Doom | Marvel
Ranked as the third most outstanding villain of our time by IGN, Victor von Doom has repeatedly proven to be a formidable threat in the Marvel universe. He is the primary antagonist of the superhero team Fantastic Four and has significantly influenced many notable events like Secret Wars 2015 (where he played the role of the Monarch of Battleworld) and Secret Wars 1984 (where he attempted to steal the powerful cosmic entity known as The Beyonder).
His powers include extraordinary physical strength, mastery of magic, scientific expertise, and genius-level intellect. He also rules his own nation—Latveria.
Doctor Doom has appeared in three films, portrayed by Julian McMahon in Fantastic Four (2005) and its sequel Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007), as well as in the 2015 reboot by actor Toby Kebbell.
1. Doctor Manhattan | DC
Ranked as number one is none other than Doctor Manhattan from Watchmen. This character is considered a god-like entity, with the ability to create and manipulate matter at will. Essentially, you could think of any superpower imaginable, and Doctor Manhattan could likely achieve it.
This superhero with blue skin exists outside of space and time, able to create life, and travels across the vast expanse of the universe with superhuman abilities.
His power was revealed in DC Rebirth #1, where it was revealed that Doctor Manhattan was the main force behind the emergence of the new universe known as New 52. Doctor Manhattan was portrayed by actor Billy Crudup in the 2009 film adaptation of Watchmen.
According to Moviepilot
