The Ultimate Death Battle: Superboy's Best Matchup Outside the DC Universe

In the realm of comic book death battles, the question of who Superboy's best matchup would be looms large. While the Green Lantern, The Hulk, and others have been proposed, one character stands out as the most intriguing: Sentry. This article explores why Sentry is the perfect candidate for a death battle with Superboy, and what such a clash would entail.

The Case for The Hulk as a Matchup

The Hulk may seem like a strong contender for a death battle with Superboy, given that they are both powerful in their own right. The Hulk's strength is nearly equal to Superboy's, though, lacking the additional powers that would make for a truly even match. Despite his immense strength, the Hulk's lack of other powers makes him a less-than-ideal choice. Outside of the DC universe, he still seems to be the closest to an equal match for Superboy.

A Dream Battle: Pre-Crisis Superman vs. Alan Moore's Supreme

But the true dream matchup for many comic book fanboys lies in a battle between two of the most powerful and formidable characters in their universes: Pre-Crisis Superman (Golden/Silver Age) and Alan Moore's Supreme.

Both these characters were so incredibly powerful that they eventually had to be de-powered to regain reader interest. Pre-Crisis Superman could cause massive planetary-scale collateral damage, while Alan Moore's Supreme was less inclined to worry about the consequences of his actions, making both characters nearly unstoppable. In a battle of this magnitude, the contest would be epic, with both combatants willing to use all their inconceivable powers and abilities in an all-out fight to the death. This would undoubtedly bring about the end of times and satisfy the dreams of many long-time fans who have debated this fight for decades.

The Unlikely but Fascinating Sentry Matchup

For those eager to see a battle with a truly unique twist, Sentry is the character to watch. Sentry's powers, while based on Superboy's, are taken to the next level with universal-level matter and energy manipulation and advanced psionic powers. Sentry's character also shares a ruthless murderous streak with Superboy, making them both formidable opponents. However, one significant difference is that Sentry cannot die, thus negating the death battle element. His ability to re-integrate after being disintegrated is a unique and game-changing dynamic.

If the goal is to see a permanent defeat for Sentry, this would be less likely to happen, but it would certainly make for an exciting and memorable matchup. Personally, I would love to see a scenario where Superboy manages to successfully take down Sentry permanently, perhaps through some McGuffin or plot device, thus ending his reign of power and satisfying a long-standing fan fantasy.

Conclusion

With the vast array of characters with whom Superboy could face off, the Sentry remains the most intriguing candidate for a death battle. His powers, while closely mirroring Superboy's, take them to a whole new level, and his indestructible nature adds a unique twist. While the battle with Pre-Crisis Superman and Alan Moore's Supreme would be the ultimate power showdown, the Sentry matchup offers a unique blend of power and unpredictability, making it a compelling and exciting option.