The original Ben 10 aliens have earned their place among the greatest in animated television. This beloved series, which debuted in the early 2000s, chronicles the adventures of a young boy named Ben Tennyson, who gains the ability to transform into various extraterrestrial forms using the Omnitrix, a powerful alien device. The balance and diversity of the initial ten aliens significantly contributed to the show’s enduring appeal and memorable storylines.
Since its inception in 2005, Ben 10 has expanded into numerous spin-offs and even a live-action movie. However, the original series continues to resonate with viewers for its iconic characters and unique storytelling. Although Ben acquires many additional forms throughout the franchise, the original aliens were uniquely crafted to provide versatile solutions to diverse challenges, without straying too far into absurdity. Among these characters, several stand out due to their exceptional powers, striking designs, and lasting impact on fans.
10. Ghostfreak
First Appearance: Season 1, Episode 4 “Permanent Retirement”
Initially, Ghostfreak proved to be one of Ben’s most formidable aliens, possessing a range of abilities such as flight, telekinesis, invisibility, and even possession. His potential for destruction, however, came with a significant danger: the consciousness of the malevolent warlord Zs’Skayr resided within the Omnitrix’s sample. Despite Ghostfreak’s formidable powers, Ben encountered significant challenges in controlling him, ultimately losing access to this form when Zs’Skayr escaped.
Although Ghostfreak could be a devastating weapon, he also posed risks to Ben, leading to a decision not to utilize him again after his initial exploits, especially given his vulnerabilities to electricity and specific substances.
9. Ripjaws
First Appearance: Season 1, Episode 3 “The Stool”
Ripjaws stands out as the quintessential aquatic alien among Ben’s original roster. Equipped with jaws capable of shredding steel, he embodies traits from various marine creatures, including sharks and eels. His debut in “The Krakken”illustrated his abilities, where Ripjaws aided in the retrieval of the Krakken’s eggs. However, his aquatic specialization limits his utility, as he becomes weak and dehydrated when out of water for too long.
Moreover, Ripjaws faces challenges from environmental hazards like ice and electric attacks, which restrict his effectiveness outside underwater settings.
8. Stinkfly
First Appearance: Season 1, Episode 2 “Washington B.C.”
Stinkfly, known for his unpleasant odor, showcases a range of abilities typical of insectoids, including a sticky slime capacity and the release of toxic gas. He was the first alien that Ben named on-screen, adding to his notoriety. Despite his unique powers, Stinkfly often falls short compared to other flyers, like Heatblast, making him less frequently utilized in critical battles.
Additionally, his reliance on flight leaves him vulnerable in combat situations where he cannot remain airborne, making him one of the least favored original aliens.
7. Upgrade
First Appearance: Season 1, Episode 4 “Permanent Retirement”
Characterized by his technological prowess, Upgrade is a collective swarm of nanomachines that can merge with machinery, enhancing its capabilities. His powers are most effective when interacting with technology or battling robots. Upgrade can also create makeshift weapons and fire energy-based attacks. Nonetheless, due to his limitations against sentient machines and energy absorbers, he might not always be the best choice for every combat scenario.
6. Heatblast
First Appearance: Season 1, Episode 1 “And Then There Were 10”
Heatblast, the first alien Ben ever transformed into, has become a staple choice throughout the series. With the ability to manipulate fire via pyrokinesis, he can create heat vortexes, hurl fireballs, and even generate fire tornadoes. While he can safely transport others via his flames, his fire-based powers are ineffective against diamond-based materials, and he risks being extinguished by water. Heatblast’s destructive tendencies and vulnerabilities often complicate his application in challenging scenarios.
5. Grey Matter
First Appearance: Season 1, Episode 2 “Washington B.C.”
At first glance, Grey Matter may appear unimpressive due to his small stature and lack of overt powers. However, this alien represents a species renowned for their intelligence, granting Ben unparalleled deductive abilities and technological skills. His skills in problem-solving frequently allow for creative solutions, although his size limits direct combat potential and makes him susceptible to common household pets. As clever as he is, Grey Matter is not infallible.
4. XLR8
First Appearance: Season 1, Episode 1 “And Then There Were 10”
XLR8, the embodiment of speed among Ben’s transformations, can not only run at astonishing velocities but also manipulate friction to halt and accelerate instantaneously. His enhanced reflexes and natural visor provide significant advantages in high-stakes situations. However, XLR8 faces challenges when navigating around magnets and charged energy pulses, as these can disrupt his control and momentum.
3. Four Arms
First Appearance: Season 1, Episode 2 “Washington B.C.”
Four Arms is widely considered one of Ben’s most reliable transformation options, possessing unmatched physical strength and durability. His massive build allows him to withstand considerable damage while delivering powerful attacks against foes. Although his brute strength makes him a formidable opponent, his size can be a disadvantage, making him easier to target in combat and limiting his mobility in confined spaces. Additionally, he has specific weaknesses, especially to electrical attacks.
2. Wildmutt
First Appearance: Season 1, Episode 1 “And Then There Were 10”
Despite his potential, Wildmutt often goes underutilized in the series. With exceptional strength and agility, he serves as a jack-of-all-trades, leveraging his acute senses of sound and smell to compensate for his lack of sight. This unique perspective allows Ben to navigate complex environments and detect hidden threats. Nonetheless, Wildmutt’s inability to speak poses challenges during group efforts, and he remains vulnerable to specific attack types, particularly fire.
1. Diamondhead
First Appearance: Season 1, Episode 1 “And Then There Were 10”
A standout transformation within the franchise, Diamondhead combines strength with extraordinary durability, making him one of the most powerful aliens in Ben’s original lineup. His crystalline body not only offers protection against most physical harm but also provides offensive capabilities through the manipulation and projection of diamond shards. This versatility enables Diamondhead to navigate various environments while tackling formidable enemies effectively. The character’s resonance with fans solidifies his status as a pinnacle of the Ben 10 legacy.
Which Ben 10 Original Alien Is The Strongest?
Among the original aliens, Four Arms undoubtedly emerges as the strongest, exhibiting versatility in various scenarios. He made a remarkable appearance in 78 episodes, showcasing his dominance as a key player in the franchise. In the overall landscape of Ben 10, he was second only to Ben 10,000’s Humungosaur, who had 89 appearances. Even in the future timeline, Four Arms continued to be a favored choice for Ben 10,000, demonstrating consistent strength and utility.
| IMDB’s Highest Rated Episodes of Ben 10 (2005-2008) | ||
| Episode Number | Title | IMDB Score |
| S4.E13 | Secret of the Omnitrix, Part 3 | 9.4 |
| S2.E12 | Back with a Vengeance | 9.1 |
| S1.E13 | Secrets | 8.9 |
| S4.E11 | Secret of the Omnitrix, Part 1 | 8.9 |
| S3.E1 | Ben 10,000 | 8.8 |
While Four Arms maintains a strong presence, he does exhibit vulnerabilities such as sensitivity to electricity and sedative substances. Additionally, Ben’s health conditions can significantly impact the effectiveness of this form. Nevertheless, with strengths shared among his peers, he remains the go-to option for various challenges, proving time and time again that he’s the best choice under numerous circumstances.
What About The Later Aliens?
The original Ben 10 aliens laid the foundation for the show’s success upon its debut on Cartoon Network. However, the franchise has evolved over time, introducing new iterations like Ben 10: Alien Force, Ben 10: Ultimate Alien, and Ben 10: Omniverse. These updates brought forth a plethora of new alien characters while reimagining beloved originals.
It’s essential to note that later alien characters such as Whampire and Ampfibian have their own charm and fan following yet differ markedly in tone and design from earlier works. While such aliens worked well within the newer iterations, they may have felt out of place in the original series that catered to a younger audience.
Nevertheless, many fans regard new additions from later series as iconic. Characters like Juryrigg, Rath, and Atomix, introduced in the updated shows, have garnered their own shares of admiration. Ultimately, the question of which Ben 10 alien holds the most significance for each fan remains subjective. Each series contributed to the evolving mythology of the Ben 10 universe, showcasing that the original aliens are undoubtedly a classic, yet the continuing evolution of the franchise has also cemented its legacy.
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