Ray vs Havok: Energy Wielders Clash in Our Latest Simulation Duel

Who Are Ray and Havok?

This episode of the Dynamic Duel Podcast dives into a battle between two powerful energy-based characters: DC’s Ray and Marvel’s Havok. Havok, the younger brother of Cyclops, is a long-standing member of the X-Men and X-Factor teams, known for his ability to absorb and release plasma blasts. Ray, on the other hand, is a light-powered hero affiliated with the Freedom Fighters. Though less frequently seen in comics today, he was prominent in the 1990s and recently reemerged in post-Flashpoint continuity.

Why This Matchup?

This duel serves as a prelude to a larger team battle between the Freedom Fighters and X-Factor, scheduled for next month. Both characters have comparable energy emission abilities, although with different applications — Havok’s plasma output is rooted in cosmic radiation, while Ray manipulates photonic energy. The episode offered background on each character, covering their publication histories, narrative developments, and power sets.

Peacemaker Season 2 Trailer Breakdown

Before the duel, the hosts reviewed the Peacemaker Season 2 teaser trailer. While expressing excitement, they admitted the trailer raised more questions than it answered — especially concerning the show's placement within James Gunn’s rebooted DC Universe. The teaser introduced the new Justice League lineup and brought back familiar faces like Vigilante and Harcourt. Comedic moments, such as Tim Meadows’ insults and Sean Gunn’s dual roles, highlighted James Gunn’s signature tone.

No-Prize Question Results

The No-Prize of the week asked listeners who should be on Deadpool’s team in a rumored MCU team-up film. Listeners submitted rosters ranging from classic mutants like Cyclops and Jean Grey to deeper cuts like Forge. The winning answer by Gavin Troyer proposed Forge as Deadpool’s new tech support, also introducing a fresh Wolverine played by Tom Hardy. The answer stood out for blending familiar faces with new live-action opportunities for underutilized characters.

Duel Speculation and Simulation Results

The speculative battle between Ray and Havok was full of imaginative twists. Jonathan argued that Ray’s intangibility, illusions, and light-speed movement made him virtually untouchable. Joe countered with Havok’s heat-based plasma, claiming that it could essentially cook Ray from the inside out. The exchange included humorous metaphors, like comparing Havok to a plasma comet and Ray phasing through a “giant oven.”

Despite Havok’s notable strength — including surviving a sun — the simulation revealed that Ray's versatility, speed, and regenerative light form proved superior. Out of 1,000 Monte Carlo simulations, Ray won 891 matches to Havok’s 109, giving Ray an overwhelming 89.1% win rate. The hosts admitted they were surprised by the result, with Joe calling Ray “a cheater character” and joking that the match should be forgotten. Nevertheless, the victory stands as one of the most lopsided in podcast history.

Listen to the full episode here: Ray vs Havok.