Surprising Marvel Characters Who Have Beaten Magneto

Surprising Marvel Characters Who Have Beaten Magneto

Key Takeaways

  • Wolverine has heroically defeated Magneto numerous times even though his skeleton is made of metal.
  • Psylocke’s betrayal led to her killing Magneto with a psychic knife after he incited a war.
  • Captain America outsmarted Magneto by disabling his powers with desert salt in a comic exclusive to 7/11 stores.

As a lifelong Marvel Comics enthusiast, I must say that the feats of these two extraordinary characters are truly awe-inspiring!


In the annals of Marvel Comics, there are scarcely any supervillains as renowned as Magneto. This mutant who can manipulate metal is most frequently at odds with the X-Men, yet his enmity extends to numerous characters within the Marvel universe. Remarkably similar to other villains, he has often suffered defeats in his confrontations with the heroes he challenges.

In many instances, Professor X has thwarted his old friend, but there are numerous other characters who have unexpectedly outmatched Magneto. This could be due to their powers being particularly vulnerable to his abilities or the unique way they managed to defeat him. Fans might find it astonishing to discover these heroes have triumphed over Magneto.

1 Wolverine

The Iconic X-Man Should Be Useless Against Magneto

Surprising Marvel Characters Who Have Beaten Magneto
AliasesJames Howlett, Logan, Weapon X
PowersAdamantium skeleton, retractable claws, healing factor, super-strength, super-speed
Team AffiliationsX-Men, Alpha Flight
Portrayed in the MCU ByHugh Jackman (X-Men-onward)
When They Defeated MagnetoUltimate X-Men Vol. 1, #6

It’s not too unexpected that Logan, being one of the well-known X-Men characters, has vanquished Magneto multiple times in the comics. Yet, there have been many discussions about Logan’s capacity to fight Magneto, considering that Wolverine’s entire skeleton is made of metal, which provides Magneto a clear advantage over the student of Professor Xavier.

Though he isn’t typically a team player, Logan has still collaborated with the X-Men to thwart Magneto. In the Ultimate X-Men narrative, Logan initially joined the X-Men under Magneto’s command but later switched sides. A What If…? tale also portrayed Wolverine serving Magneto before ultimately taking his life.

2 Psylocke

Magneto’s Fellow Evil Mutant Has Betrayed Him

Surprising Marvel Characters Who Have Beaten Magneto
AliasesBetsy Braddock, Captain Britain, Lady Mandarin
PowersTelepathy, telekinesis, mind control, psychic blasts, precognition
Team AffiliationsX-Men, X-Force, Excalibur, Hellfire Club, The Hand
Portrayed in the MCU ByOlivia Munn (X-Men: Apocalypse)
When They Defeated MagnetoUncanny X-Men Vol. 4, #19

In many instances, Psylocke stands as an ally of Magneto within his team of X-Men, which includes Polaris, Mystique, and Sabretooth. However, over the years, Psylocke harbored a lack of trust towards Magneto, viewing him as manipulative and with hidden agendas. She went so far as to vow to take his life if he ever turned against humanity. As one might expect, Magneto eventually did betray humankind.

In the 2017 version of the “Uncanny X-Men” comic series, Psylocke fatally wounds Magneto using a psychic blade following Magneto’s instigation of a conflict between the X-Men and the Inhumans. After this act, she decides that the X-Men would be better off without her and departs, but Magneto doesn’t stay deceased for long. He is subsequently resurrected by Exodus through the use of the Elixir.

3 Captain America

Not Even Magneto Can Stop Cap’s Shield

Surprising Marvel Characters Who Have Beaten Magneto
AliasesSteve Rogers, Nomad, Blue Devil
PowersSuper-soldier physiology, super-strength, ageless longevity
Team AffiliationsAvengers, S.H.I.E.L.D., Illuminati, Secret Avengers, New Avengers, Invaders
Portrayed in the MCU ByChris Evans (Captain America: The First AvengerAvengers: Endgame)
When They Defeated MagnetoCaptain America & The Incredible Hulk #1

As a diehard fan, I find it fascinating how Captain America, much like me when faced with the formidable foe Magneto, seems to be outgunned, given his primary weapon is a vibranium shield. But just as in that 1981 comic exclusively available at 7/11 stores, Cap wasn’t alone. In this tale, he teamed up with none other than the Hulk against Magneto, the X-Men’s arch nemesis. At first, it looked like Magneto had the upper hand against Cap, but then, just as I’d hope, the Hulk burst onto the scene to lend a helping hand.

Nevertheless, Captain America manages to subdue Magneto by tossing desert salt into his eyes. Since salt is a non-magnetic substance, it temporarily disables Magneto’s powers, allowing Captain America to overpower and apprehend him. Fortunately, Captain America’s intellect proved crucial in this encounter as he found an effective strategy despite being physically weaker than the mutant.

4 Iron Man

Tony Needed A Cheat Code To Defeat This Mutant

Surprising Marvel Characters Who Have Beaten Magneto
AliasesTony Stark, Mark One
PowersIron Man armor, genius intellect
Team AffiliationsAvengers, S.H.I.E.L.D., Illuminati, Guardians of the Galaxy, Hellfire Club, New Avengers, West Coast Avengers
Portrayed in the MCU ByRobert Downey Jr. (Iron ManAvengers: Endgame)
When They Defeated MagnetoAvengers vs X-Men #2

Readers of Marvel Comics eagerly awaited the clash between Iron Man and Magneto prior to the unveiling of Avengers vs. X-Men. On paper, it might seem that Magneto could effortlessly crush Iron Man with a casual flick of his wrist. However, Stark managed to outsmart Magneto, the mutant genius, beforehand. The narrative in Issue #2 unfolds after a massive conflict between the Avengers and X-Men.

Instead of donning his usual metallic armor for combat, Stark has constructed an Iron Man suit made from carbon nanotubes, making it resistant not just to Magneto’s metal manipulation but also psychic attacks from characters like Emma Frost. For their subsequent encounter, Magneto appeared with a replica of the Iron Man suit, but he was ultimately defeated due to distractions.

5 Namor

The First Mutant Doesn’t Play Nice With Others

Surprising Marvel Characters Who Have Beaten Magneto
AliasesNamor McKenzie, Sub-Mariner, The First Mutant, Prince of Atlantis, King Namor
PowersMutant physiology, aquatic healing, aquatic telepathy, underwater breathing, flight, super-strength, super-speed
Team AffiliationsAvengers, X-Men, Illuminati, Phoenix Five, Defenders
Portrayed in the MCU ByTenoch Huerta (Black Panther: Wakanda Forever)
When They Defeated MagnetoFantastic Four Vol. 1, #104

In Marvel Comics, Namor’s loyalties have been questionable, switching between friend and foe over his history. Yet, in an early issue of the Fantastic Four, the First Mutant found himself working alongside Marvel’s original family, the Fantastic Four. This occurred when Magneto seized control of Namor’s Atlantean army. At first, Namor chose to pretend to support Magneto, following the counsel of Reed Richards.

In the end, Namor deceives Magneto by luring him into a trap, cornering the mutant antagonist in Central Park. It isn’t until Namor betrays Magneto that the villain realizes he’s been tricked. In response, The Fantastic Four (alongside Crystal) swiftly subdue him, allowing Namor to regain command over his Atlantean forces once more.

6 Mockingbird

She’s Pretty Strong For A S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent

Surprising Marvel Characters Who Have Beaten Magneto
AliasesBobbi Morse, Agent 19, Huntress, Birdie
PowersSuper-soldier physiology, healing factor, immortality, telepathy
Team AffiliationsS.H.I.E.L.D., New Avengers, West Coast Avengers, Agents of Wakanda, Daughters of Liberty, Secret Avengers
Portrayed in the MCU ByAdrianne Palicki (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D), Linda Cardellini (Avengers: Age of Ultron-onward)
When They Defeated MagnetoBig Town Vol. 1, #4

In the unexpected turn of events, Mockingbird outshines Magneto as a victor, a fact that belies her often underestimated heroic abilities. Despite possessing super-soldier powers and serving effectively as a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent, she is frequently overlooked. In the universe of Earth-110, Mockingbird finds herself allied with both the Avengers and Fantastic Four, facing off against an alliance of villains that includes Magneto and Dr. Doom.

Following her husband’s death in battle at the hands of Magneto, an angry Mockingbird managed to overpower the mutant antagonist. This victory over Magneto prevented his gang of villains, including Ultron and Namor, from capturing Manhattan. As a result, this defeat of the supervillain is considered one of the most impactful in Marvel Comics history.

7 Kingpin

This Kingpin Variant Waited Until Erik Was Weak

Surprising Marvel Characters Who Have Beaten Magneto
AliasesWilson Fisk, White King, The Undertaker
PowersSuper-strength, martial arts
Team AffiliationsThe Hand, Power Elite, Hellfire Club, Hydra, Assassins Guild
Portrayed in the MCU ByVincent D’Onofrio (Daredevil series-onward), Michael Clarke Duncan (Daredevil), Liev Schreiber (Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse)
When They Defeated MagnetoWolverine Vol. 3, #68

As a devoted Marvel fan, I’ve come across the iconic Wilson Fisk portrayal of Kingpin, but the multiverse has unveiled other bearers of this title who have truly made their mark. For instance, in the “Old Man Logan” saga set on Earth-807128, there exists a Kingpin infamous for slaying Magneto and seizing his throne.

Instead, this version of Kingpin chose to eliminate Magneto when he was no longer strong, and during his first appearance, he was overthrown by characters such as the Punisher, Daredevil, and Spider-Woman. However, in comparison to the Earth-616 Kingpin, this is a greater achievement, as he had never previously managed to unseat a villain of Magneto’s caliber.

8 Scarlet Witch

Even Magneto’s Own Family Have Defeated Him

Surprising Marvel Characters Who Have Beaten Magneto
AliasesWanda Maximoff, Living Darkhold, Redeemer, Emperor of Magic
PowersWitchcraft, Chaos magic, clairvoyance, energy manipulation, flight, reality warping, resurrection
Team AffiliationsAvengers, West Coast Avengers, Defenders, X-Men, Brotherhood of Evil Mutants, Secret Defenders
Portrayed in the MCU ByElizabeth Olsen (Captain America: The Winter Soldier-onward)
When They Defeated MagnetoX-Men Vol. 1, #5

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but notice the profound bond between Scarlet Witch and Magneto, as some narratives portray her as his daughter. Nevertheless, it’s hard to forget the pivotal moment when she and her brother Quicksilver chose to turn against Magneto in the X-Men comic series. This decision came after we found ourselves at odds with Magneto’s plans to eliminate the X-Men, a choice that was difficult but ultimately necessary for us.

In a turn of events, Wanda employs her unique abilities to neutralize Magneto’s magnetic prowess. However, Wanda and Quicksilver don’t find an immediate welcome within the X-Men ranks. Instead, Wanda is often at odds with the X-Men, particularly after Quicksilver falls into their custody. Yet, her early success in disarming Magneto hints at the mighty powers that would eventually unfold for Wanda.

9 Mr. Fantastic

Only A Genius Like Reed Richards Could Trap Magneto

Surprising Marvel Characters Who Have Beaten Magneto
AliasesReed Richards, Rubber Man, Scion
PowersPlasticity, shape changing, elongation, genius intellect
Team AffiliationsFantastic Four, Avengers, Defenders, Illuminati
Portrayed in the MCU ByJohn Krasinski (Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness), Pedro Pascal (The Fantastic Four: First Steps)
When They Defeated MagnetoFantastic Four vs. the X-Men Vol. 1, #1

Readers have previously witnessed Reed Richards outwit Magneto while teaming up with Namor. Yet, the comic book saga titled “Fantastic Four vs. the X-Men” offers another instance where Mr. Fantastic emerges victorious over Magneto. Interestingly, their first encounter is friendly, as Magneto reaches out to Richards seeking a device to cure Kitty Pryde of a life-threatening illness.

The Fantastic Four are divided over whether to assist Magneto or not, but in the end, Richards makes the choice to help him. This decision isn’t unexpected when, after the device is constructed and Richards hesitates to activate it on a living being, Magneto attempts to take it, leading to a confrontation. Although Magneto loses this fight, his actions ultimately persuade Richards to effectively heal Shadowcat.

10 She-Hulk

Jen Walters Beat Two Supervillains With One Throw

Surprising Marvel Characters Who Have Beaten Magneto
AliasesJennifer Walters, Hulkette, Greenie, Shulk
PowersGamma physiology, transformation, super-strength, super-speed, body-switching
Team AffiliationsAvengers, Fantastic Four, Defenders, S.H.I.E.L.D., Heroes for Hire, Hulkbusters
Portrayed in the MCU ByTatiana Maslany (She-Hulk: Attorney-at-Law)
When They Defeated MagnetoMarvel Comics Presents #18

She-Hulk has engaged in numerous extraordinary exploits throughout Marvel Comics, but the tale found in “Marvel Comics Presents” stands out as the most remarkable. In the comic titled “X-Mas Tease…,” Walters finds herself spending Christmas Eve on her own, only to be attacked by a character purporting to be Doctor Doom. However, it isn’t long before she discerns that this supposed Doom is actually a robot, which Magneto then discloses as his plot mastermind.

Regrettably, in this particular storyline, Magneto doesn’t appear to be his usual cunning self after Hank Pym (Walters) hurls the robot Doom at him. Despite its lighter tone and satirical elements, this comic strip suggests that She-Hulk could outmatch Magneto effortlessly in a fight – one can only imagine what might transpire if they were to engage in a full-blown battle!

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2024-10-01 21:05