The Marvel Cinematic Universe has introduced audiences to a wide array of powerful heroes, but the most powerful to date debuts in Thunderbolts* - Sentry. Known in the comics as one of Marvel’s most powerful beings, Sentry’s inclusion in the MCU timeline raises intriguing questions about how his abilities will stack up against the MCU heroes. Characters like Thor, Hulk, and Captain Marvel have been shown wielding incredible power, often tipping the scales in the most critical battles. However, with Sentry, the MCU's Thunderbolts* is about to introduce one of the most formidable characters yet.
Custom image by Richard Craig
Sentry’s introduction into the MCU as one of the team in Thunderbolts* is a significant event, marking the arrival of a character who, in the comics, possesses incredible powers. Sentry, whose real name is Robert Reynolds, is often referred to as Marvel's answer to Superman. He was first introduced in the comics in The Sentry #1 (2000), created by writer Paul Jenkins and artist Jae Lee. Sentry’s origin is steeped in tragedy and mystery, as Reynolds gains his powers after ingesting a serum that gives him the power of "a million exploding suns."
Sentry's Powers in Marvel Comics Explained
In Marvel Comics, Sentry's power set is vast and nearly limitless. His strength is often compared to that of Superman, capable of lifting enormous weights with relative ease. Sentry’s invulnerability is another key aspect of his power, rendering him almost impervious to harm. Bullets, extreme temperatures, and other physical attacks typically have no effect on him. Sentry also possesses the ability to fly at incredible speeds.
One of Sentry’s most dangerous powers is his energy manipulation. He can project energy blasts with devastating force, and his ability to absorb and emit energy makes him a walking nuclear reactor. This power, combined with his psychic abilities, which include telepathy and a limited form of telekinesis, makes him a formidable opponent against even the most powerful of foes. Sentry’s regeneration capabilities are also extraordinary, allowing him to recover from virtually any injury at an accelerated rate.
However, Sentry’s greatest weakness is his own mind. Sentry is plagued by a dark malevolent force within him known as The Void. The Void represents all of Sentry’s fears, doubts, and darkest thoughts manifested into a physical entity. The Void is often as powerful as Sentry himself, if not more so, making Sentry as much a threat to himself as to others. This duality adds a layer of complexity to Sentry’s character, as his immense power is constantly at odds with his unstable psyche.
We Already Know Sentry Will Be Huge in the MCU
The brief glimpse of Sentry in the Thunderbolts* trailer has already sparked considerable excitement and speculation. The bullet holes in his clothing serve as a clear indication of his invulnerability, one of the hallmarks of his comic book counterpart. If the MCU remains faithful to Sentry’s comic book origins, then audiences can expect a character whose power level dwarfs that of nearly every hero introduced so far.
Sentry’s introduction could have far-reaching implications for the MCU. His abilities, particularly his energy manipulation and near-invulnerability, could dramatically shift the balance of power among the heroes and villains. If the MCU chooses to explore the Void as well, Sentry could also serve as both a hero and a potential villain, depending on which side of his personality is in control. This duality could introduce a new level of complexity and unpredictability to the MCU’s narrative, making Sentry not just another powerhouse, but a wildcard with the potential to change the landscape of the MCU entirely.
How Sentry's Powers Compare to Each Original Avenger
When comparing Sentry to the original Avengers lineup, it becomes clear that his power far exceeds that of any single member. While Steve Rogers possesses enhanced physiology thanks to the Super Soldier Serum, his abilities are still human in scale. Sentry, on the other hand, operates on a far higher level, with strength and durability that could overpower Captain America with little effort. Equally, Tony Stark’s suits can take on gods and aliens alike, but even his most powerful armors would likely struggle against Sentry’s overwhelming might, energy projection abilities, and speed.
Thor, the God of Thunder, is perhaps the closest match to Sentry among the original Avengers. Thor’s strength, divine lightning, and durability are formidable, and he has faced beings of immense power, including Surtur and Hela. However, Sentry’s power, especially when factoring in the Void, could potentially surpass even Thor’s godly powers. Their battle would be one of epic proportions, but Sentry’s combination of physical power, energy manipulation, and psychic abilities might give him the edge.
Hulk, often considered the strongest Avenger, is known for his seemingly limitless strength that grows with his anger. Sentry, however, has been shown to go toe-to-toe with Hulk in the comics, matching him blow for blow. With his additional abilities, such as flight and energy projection, Sentry could outmaneuver and outlast the Hulk in a drawn-out battle. Meanwhile, Black Widow and Hawkeye, while incredibly skilled and resourceful, are distinctly human and therefore outclassed in terms of raw power when compared to Sentry. As such, Sentry’s arrival in the MCU could have incredible repercussions.
