User blog comment:BeastMan14/Legion Finale Battle: David Haller vs Doctor Strange/@comment-5795750-20180615103804

BG1's "The Marvel Crossover We Need Right Now!" Edge:

Instead of going into detailed edges and all that, I might as well try to outline my vote in one long paragraph - and basically in my mind, I think Doctor Stephen Strange might actually come out on top of this match but it will be close. I mean having looked at David Haller's abilities based on the videos you've given me, he is certainly one bad-ass reality warper. But to be fair, Strange as the Sorcerer Supreme is no stranger to travelling across various realities (e.g. visiting Dormammu's dark dimension as well as the Mirror Dimension) so even if Haller can send Doctor Strange out of his reality, it would be easy enough for Doctor Strange to try and come back. To truly be rid of Doctor Strange, you might need something that bit more powerful *nudge nudge*. When it comes to combat abilities as far as I can see, Haller is all about the long-distance game - I mean he may not be afraid to get his hands dirty but he would just simply use his warping or telekinetic abilities more than physical strength. Strange on the other hand is arguably more balanced - using physical attacks especially weapons conjured through magic as well as manipulating the battlefield to his specifications. I would think David would find it extremely hard to focus his telepathic or reality warping powers properly if he had something flying and striking at his face or he is swiftly swept off his feet. And need I also mention the Cloak of Levitation? It acts like Strange's fighting partner most of the time as well as a tactical aid (since it suggested to Strange to use that other magical device on Kaecilius instead of the one Strange was going after, for example) so I think David might not be able to anticipate that little bit of help - instead focusing on Strange himself.

In terms of the X-Factors, you yourself have shown that on paper, David is certainly the stronger of the two; but in practice, Strange has got him beat thanks to better training and experience on the Sorcerer's behalf. You have to remember that Strange has access to the Sanctorum's vast library of spells and other such stuff so its no stretch to conclude that he has spent a lot of time refining his abilities as Sorcerer. David has only faced off against human foes and the Shadow King may be one powerful enemy... but he is only one compared to the 5 powerful enemies that Strange has faced (A deity, a titan and 3 equally-powerful sorcerers).

All in all, David may be a powerful reality warper but given his limited experience and training, a tendency to be showy and brutal and abilities that are more passive, he is no match for the well-rounded Sorcerer Supreme who can come back again and again and again no matter what David does to him. Sure it will take some time for Strange to return to reality or use the Time Stone or come up with a really nifty plan but he will certainly look on David as a challenge worth taking down. And David? Well he will certainly underestimate Strange and try to use every trick in the book... only for the book (and other things) to be thrown back at him and hard.

Side note: I'm surprised that you say this takes place between Thor: Ragnarok and Infinity War... and yet some of the feats described happen in IW. Shouldn't this battle take place then between Avengers 4 and Doctor Strange 2? (I know both movies aren't out but since Strange is somewhat down for the count as of Infinity War, I think its fair to say that by the end of A4, the feats will still be about the same as what you described here - just a thought)