Who is More Powerful: HOTU Thanos or Regulator Thanos?

The question of who is more powerful, HOTU Thanos or Regulator Thanos, hinges on a deep understanding of their respective mythologies and powers within the Marvel Universe. Both versions of Thanos represent different stages and facets of one of the universe's most formidable anti-heroes. Let's delve into their powers and explore why one might be considered more powerful than the other.

HOTU Thanos: The God-like Power

In the storyline where Thanos possesses the Heart of the Universe (HOTU), he gains god-like powers that allow him to manipulate reality on a cosmic scale. This powerful artifact gives him the ability to alter existence, control time and space, and effectively makes him omnipotent. This version of Thanos is often considered one of the most powerful beings in the Marvel Universe due to his ability to reshape reality itself.

Regulator Thanos: The Overlord of the Universe

Regulator Thanos is a version of Thanos that arises from a more complex and powerful stage within his mythology. This version is not merely a reflection of Thanos' inner darkness but a manifestation of a higher, more profound power. In some narratives, Regulator Thanos defeats both the Living Tribunal and the One Above All, taking his place as the new entity known as the One Above All.

The Regulator is described as a fragmentary glimpse of Above-All-Others power, a perception and motivation that can overwhelm even the Living Tribunal. This version of Thanos not only defeats powerful entities like the Living Tribunal but also overcomes the One Above All, which implies an even greater level of power and dominance.

Conclusion: Comparing the Power Dynamics

When comparing the two, HOTU Thanos is generally regarded as more powerful because of his near-omnipotence and the ability to manipulate reality on a cosmic scale. However, the narrative of Regulator Thanos, particularly in his defeat of the Living Tribunal and the One Above All, suggests that he possesses a more profound and more complete form of power. While HOTU Thanos has god-like abilities, Regulator Thanos seems to represent an even higher tier of cosmic influence, making him a potentially more formidable character.

Moreover, the fact that HOTU Thanos absorbed the Living Tribunal but did not become the new Above-All-Others, while Regulator Thanos did, further indicates that the Regulator form of Thanos is more powerful. This implies that Regulator Thanos had a more complete and greater power, which allowed him to achieve a status that HOTU Thanos could not.

Ultimately, the power of Regulator Thanos lies in his ability to overcome and control entities that are beyond the reach of even the most powerful cosmic entities.