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Best Battles in New Comics: 11/01/13

This week, we're taking a look at awesometastic fights from X-MEN: BATTLE OF THE ATOM, SCARLET SPIDER and TMNT: VILLAINS MICRO-SERIES.

It's Friday (huzzah!) and that means it's time to reflect on some of the most amazing battles this week had to offer. First, we'll observe the chaos from a safe distance as an X-Men event wraps up. Then, we'll witness the bloody return of two classic TMNT characters. Last but most definitely not least, we'll see one of Spider-Man's clones struggle in a fight to the death against of one Parker's most dangerous villains. Each of these fights rock in their own special ways, but keep in mind we're only showing you bits and pieces of each battle. This means if you want to see everything that goes down, you'll just have to go buy the comics.

Did your favorite melee not get a mention? Well, it's possible we didn't read that issue, so be sure to make suggestions in the official Best Battles Discussion Thread from now on. We review that before writing this weekly feature and do our best to get our hands on the issues suggested!

No Caption Provided

Xorn vs. X-Men (X-MEN: BATTLE OF THE ATOM #2)

If you've been following 'Battle of the Atom,' then you know it's basically about how time travel has brought numerous X-Men groups to the present and, to put it lightly, things aren't going that well. Naturally, they don't sit around and have a civilized debate over how to proceed. Instead, a bloodbath breaks out. Well, it turns out one of these groups is actually the Brotherhood and now everyone needs to stop a future version of Jean who isn't exactly all sunshine and flowers. Seeing as both men swoon over her, Cyclops and Wolverine are the first to try to stop her. Again, instead of talking it out, things escalate pretty quickly.

Amazingly powerful telepath vs. Mr. Pew Pew Lasers and Mr. Pointy claws? Yeah, my money's on Jean.
Amazingly powerful telepath vs. Mr. Pew Pew Lasers and Mr. Pointy claws? Yeah, my money's on Jean.

Scott Summers and James Howlett are two formidable dudes who have the ability to take down a wide range of threats. Scott's optic blast can take off part of a mountain if he doesn't hold back and he has phenomenal aim. Logan's healing factor, durability and claws have taken many lives and frightened many more. But against someone like Jean Grey? They're simply outclassed in a direct fight.

Yeah, I think we all knew who would win that one.
Yeah, I think we all knew who would win that one.

The two give it their all, but they're just no match for the powerful being. Not even an adamantium headbutt from Logan keeps her down for the count. It's clear she'll have no problem wiping the floor with them and things are beginning to look dire for the two famous X-Men. Could this be the end for one of them? Of course not, silly! The past X-Men are more than happy to jump in and strike a familiar pose.

Okay, that's kind of great.
Okay, that's kind of great.

What happens now that the X-Men from the past are joining the fray and how does it all wrap up? Well, you'll just have to read the comic to find out because we're definitely not going to spoil any endings in this feature.

Bebop & Rocksteady vs. Foot Ninjas (TMNT VILLAINS MICRO-SERIES #7)

Brace yourself, ridiculous awesomeness is coming! The mutated duo has finally emerged in the IDW universe and it was 100% worth the wait. You may remember them as big and dumb goofballs and... well, they're still all of those things, but now they're legitimately formidable, too. A foolish person is dangerous. But a superhuman foolish person who doesn't quite understand the level of their own strength yet? That's some scary stuff right there. Observe how their mutation has boosted their stats big time and they're oblivious to the power they now possess.

Bebop's a jerk.
Bebop's a jerk.

As you can tell by the image alone, a simple flick broke that dude's nose. Crazy, right? Oh, we forgot to tell you about the plot, didn't we? Long story short: Karai wants Bebop and Rocksteady to stand guard as she has a meeting with another gang's leader. Literally just stand around and look tough. Simple as that. Unfortunately for Karai, these two goons screw it up (see above image) and a fight breaks out. The opposing forces are no match for the powerful mutants and the gang's leader makes a break for it. Bebop and Rocksteady catch up and Bebop is the first to leap at her. The result is this glorious image.

This world needs more Bebop cosplayers.
This world needs more Bebop cosplayers.

I won't tell you what happens immediately after, but I will tell you that ultimately, Karai is less than pleased with Bebop and Rocksteady. In fact, she's so displeased she sends a swarm of ninjas after them. The Foot Ninjas pile on the two, but then the following happens. Prepare to see why you should no longer view Bebop and Rrocksteady as mere morons. They're now powerhouse morons.

Soak it all in, Viners.
Soak it all in, Viners.

With her ninjas down, Karai then steps up and attacks Rocksteady. Does share fare better than her allies? Get your hands on the issue (or your e-hands for digital crowd) to find out.

Having them square off against the Turtles in 'City Fall' is going to be beyond epic. Actually, you know what would make it even better? Throwing Slash into the mix. Oh man, the 'City Fall' finale needs to get here right now.

Scarlet Spider vs. Kraven (SCARLET SPIDER #23)

The moment we've all been waiting for is finally here: Kaine versus Kraven the Hunter! Sergei demands for the hero to end his life, and if not, his daughter, Ana, will kill one -- or even all -- of Kaine's friends (said friends are currently tied up behind Kraven). This is of course a huge shock for the clone and his first reaction is to save his friends. Sergei's no slow poke, though, and stops Kaine dead in his tracks. The classic villain then proceeds to put a major hurting on him.

Sergei doesn't wash his feet, either.
Sergei doesn't wash his feet, either.

Kaine now realizes Sergei isn't an obstacle he can easily leap over -- he's in a fight with a very dangerous fellow. Seeing as Kaine's trying to be a more traditional hero and going all non-lethal, he attempts to bring this fight to an end with some simple webbing. However, Kraven makes short work of that effort with his reflexes and a big ol' knife. From there, Kaine endures yet another beating. Seriously, Kaine is in need of a band-aid or two by now.

Kaine's seen better days.
Kaine's seen better days.

Kraven realizes Kaine needs more motivation to really let loose, so he orders Ana to kill one of Kaine's incapacitated friends. Despite the beating he's just endured, there's absolutely no way Kaine will just stay down as he watches Ana approach his friends with a knife. Our clone leaps into action, but by now, you've come to realize Kraven's a petty fast guy, right? In spite of Kaine's speed, Sergei still gets ahold of the good guy.

Kaine just can't catch a break, can he?
Kaine just can't catch a break, can he?

Does Kaine quickly recoverr and make sure the issue ends without the loss of life? Does he fail and at least one person is put 6 feet under? You know we're not going to tell you, and by now, you should know we're also going to tell you to buy the issue! The Ryan Stegman cover alone should reel you in.

Honorable Mentions

No Caption Provided

What are your top 3 fights from this week? Share them with us below! Also, don't forget to make nominations every week in the official thread or tell Gregg via Twitter.

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TDK_1997

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Edited By TDK_1997

@tdk_1997 said:

I am really disappointed that the Green Lantern fight got only to be an honorable mention.

Eh, all it really consisted of was the Lanterns pushing Relic into the Source Wall after he did his usual schtick of reflecting and absorbing their blasts. Anti-climactic ending, if you ask me.

It could've been better indeed but it was something that I enjoyed.

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MadeinBangladesh

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Lvenger

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@laflux: Oh yeah I remember those showings. And yeah he is one of the best Spidey villains thanks to those two infamous stories so he'll probably be kept around.

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Mrgreenlantern

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Edited By Mrgreenlantern

I was confused when Kaine struck Kraven did he pop out his stingers? or was it just a powerful palm strike directly to the heart? please dont let Wally call Shield on Kaine...although Kaine battling avengers would be awesome =)

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laflux

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@lvenger: Well Kraven has some really good durability showings,hence why I gave him the nod in the Batman vs section. If anything, his showings have improved since Grim Hunt, and besides, I don't think Kaine was going to be allowed to kill off one of Spider-Man's most iconic villians, don't you think :P

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funckygarcon

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Kraven has just got more respect out of me. I respected him before as a good fighter and hunter, and overall an alluring and good written character, but making short work out of Kaine is simply outstanding. I can now say that when I voted Kraven against Batman for his sheer skills and ferocity, I wasn't biased, Kraven is just that damn good.

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Lvenger

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Edited By Lvenger

@laflux said:

@dondave said:

Has Kraven always been faster than Spider-Man?

He isn't, nor ever has. Kaine was holding back. Kraven's curse was instigated when he was resurrected in Grim Hunt, so his stats are the same as it was when he faced Peter in Grim Hunt, who when not holding back, beat him fairly handily.

And once Kaine got serious he one shot killed him, with a Palm strike (though he brought him back using CPR).

Wait if he killed him with a palm strike, how would CPR bring him back? I'd have thought a hit like that from a 20+ tonner would have done more serious damage to Kraven.

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Lvenger

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@k4tzm4n: Thanks for posting that panel, the reference is hysterical!

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Caladorcp

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@ralfvdh said:

that first panel of Battle of the atom is really lazy drawn... Art looks terrible. Good thing the story is very interesting. :P I like the Bebop and Rocksteady part. They are whoopin' butt! Art looks also way better.

Scarlet Spider has a good fight there. Art of David Baldeon is bit so-so for me. Doesn't really excite me. Also never been a fan of that scarlet Spider costume. Should have used that Stealth suite.

Bebop and Rocksteady wins this for me.

Actually, it is the stealth suite. It's just in a different mode, as it apparently has the ability to change, as well as repair itself. They really never say what the difference is though between the red mode and the black striped neon mode....

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MisterNefarious

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@k4tzm4n: I'm with both of you. Read a few books that really changed my mind on him. His design could use tweaking, but kraven is awesome

Kravens last hunt blew my mind

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nickxh

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The art for Scarlet Spider looks atrocious.

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k4tzm4n

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k4tzm4n  Moderator

Beebop and Rocksteady are legit threats now. Im happy to see this. IDW is doing great things with the turtles. IDW done great things with Angel, Metal Gear solid, Re Printed Mirage TMNT Comics, and now doing great work on the current TMNTs. IDW is getting more and more respect from me.

Two thumbs WAY UP for Bebop and Rocksteady! :)

Yeah, it'll be interesting to see how the Turtles can handle them.

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Edited By jwalser3
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IndieComicsFTW

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Edited By IndieComicsFTW

Beebop and Rocksteady are legit threats now. Im happy to see this. IDW is doing great things with the turtles. IDW done great things with Angel, Metal Gear solid, Re Printed Mirage TMNT Comics, and now doing great work on the current TMNTs. IDW is getting more and more respect from me.

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RisingBean

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@k4tzm4n: Truthfull it is a swell enough weapon. And it could be worse. He could have been a cod piece taser. Criminy, Spider-Man as a mature readers book.

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Gracetrack

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Two thumbs WAY UP for Bebop and Rocksteady! :)

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k4tzm4n  Moderator

@k4tzm4n: Yeah. The nipple tasers are a bit of a turnoff.

To be fair, it does show off his intellect and it is a powerful weapon.

You just gotta ignore where he decided to put it... hah.

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Edited By RisingBean

@k4tzm4n: Yeah. The nipple tasers are a bit of a turnoff.

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Edited By k4tzm4n  Moderator

@k4tzm4n: Yeah, it comes down to his normal features I think. He isn't made up of sand, or a symbiote. He doesn't dress up like a monster and throw Halloween themed grenades. He's just so low key an eight year old doesn't really realize how awesome he is.

The costume certainly doesn't help, either :P

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RisingBean

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@k4tzm4n: Yeah, it comes down to his normal features I think. He isn't made up of sand, or a symbiote. He doesn't dress up like a monster and throw Halloween themed grenades. He's just so low key an eight year old doesn't really realize how awesome he is.

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k4tzm4n

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Edited By k4tzm4n  Moderator

Damn Greg a brotha trying to save some cash!! But any book that makes Bepop and Rocksteady look like bosses is a book I was read. Attn Rhino of Marvel...THAT IS HOW A GIANT RHINO MAN FIGHTS!!!

My apologies to your wallet, but they're worth the cash! :D

I recall playing Bebop and Rocksteady as formidable threats as a kid. I didn't buy action figures of cool looking baddies only to have them slipping on bananna peels and losing balance when hit in the face with pizza only to fall into dumpsters. They pretty much have evolved here to meet my vision.

Growing up, Kraven was one of my least favorite Spider-man villains. Now I am hoping he makes it into the films and actually like the guy. He's pretty boss.

You know, I wasn't a big fan of him when I was younger, either. He quickly became my favorite several years ago, though.

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Guardiandevil83

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Damn Greg a brotha trying to save some cash!! But any book that makes Bepop and Rocksteady look like bosses is a book I was read. Attn Rhino of Marvel...THAT IS HOW A GIANT RHINO MAN FIGHTS!!!

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I recall playing Bebop and Rocksteady as formidable threats as a kid. I didn't buy action figures of cool looking baddies only to have them slipping on bananna peels and losing balance when hit in the face with pizza only to fall into dumpsters. They pretty much have evolved here to meet my vision.

Growing up, Kraven was one of my least favorite Spider-man villains. Now I am hoping he makes it into the films and actually like the guy. He's pretty boss.

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@lvenger said:

What's with the Mark Waid vs MOS reference? My curiosity is piqued by that more than anything else. But seeing Bebop and Rocksteady gore a bunch of Foot Ninjas has given me a new respect for them.

Lunno. Comixology are having a Mark Waid sale though.....

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@dondave said:

Has Kraven always been faster than Spider-Man?

He isn't, nor ever has. Kaine was holding back. Kraven's curse was instigated when he was resurrected in Grim Hunt, so his stats are the same as it was when he faced Peter in Grim Hunt, who when not holding back, beat him fairly handily.

And once Kaine got serious he one shot killed him, with a Palm strike (though he brought him back using CPR).

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Edited By k4tzm4n  Moderator

@tparks said:

I'm so glad Bebop and Rocksteady made the list. I was pretty confident they would, but this was really deserving. They are my two new favorite characters.

Dude, how could I not include that?! It's two powerhouses versus a swarm of ninjas! haha.

@captainhoopla said:

@k4tzm4n: oh man, that MOS reference is hysterical. Thanks for posting that panel.

You're welcome :D

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I'm so glad Bebop and Rocksteady made the list. I was pretty confident they would, but this was really deserving. They are my two new favorite characters.

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CaptainHoopla

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@k4tzm4n: oh man, that MOS reference is hysterical. Thanks for posting that panel.

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Mrgreenlantern

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@dcwarfan73: read a few comments above its explained why that match-up has been left out

@k4tzm4n said:
@redqueen said:

That Scarlet Spider battle was just too awesome; I may have to go and check out TMNT villains #7...it looks great :D Great feature as always!

Thanks!

@jwalser3 said:

No Varan vs Rodan?!?!

No nomination in the discussion thread which is plugged every single week?!?!? If you were new, I'd understand, but... you're not. Start nominating stuff which you know I'm clearly not reading, otherwise it'll continue to get overlooked.

@lvenger said:

What's with the Mark Waid vs MOS reference? My curiosity is piqued by that more than anything else. But seeing Bebop and Rocksteady gore a bunch of Foot Ninjas has given me a new respect for them.

No Caption Provided

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Mrgreenlantern

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@master_thief: it ended with officer Wally Layton doing a crime database lookup on Kaine , it looks like Kaine's past is going to catch up with him sooner rather than later

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The_Vein

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No nipple laser usage by Kraven. Fight shouldn't be here.

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xorn is a chick?

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Edited By Mrgreenlantern

Thor bless you Kaine! is it just me or is Kaine /Scarlet Spider just a shoe in for Best Battles ? I mean head over to the Kaine page and see for yourself =p If CV had a yearly best battle winner Kaine would be it hands down


Edit: @dondave I'm not sure if you could say Kraven was 100% faster I think it came down to Kaine was REALLY holding back up until Kraven told Ana to kill Dr.Meland.
I love this supporting cast ! it really is a shame the book is ending

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Has Kraven always been faster than Spider-Man?

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TDK_1997

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Edited By TDK_1997

I am really disappointed that the Green Lantern fight got only to be an honorable mention.

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k4tzm4n

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Edited By k4tzm4n  Moderator
@redqueen said:

That Scarlet Spider battle was just too awesome; I may have to go and check out TMNT villains #7...it looks great :D Great feature as always!

Thanks!

@jwalser3 said:

No Varan vs Rodan?!?!

No nomination in the discussion thread which is plugged every single week?!?!? If you were new, I'd understand, but... you're not. Start nominating stuff which you know I'm clearly not reading, otherwise it'll continue to get overlooked.

@lvenger said:

What's with the Mark Waid vs MOS reference? My curiosity is piqued by that more than anything else. But seeing Bebop and Rocksteady gore a bunch of Foot Ninjas has given me a new respect for them.

No Caption Provided

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Lvenger

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What's with the Mark Waid vs MOS reference? My curiosity is piqued by that more than anything else. But seeing Bebop and Rocksteady gore a bunch of Foot Ninjas has given me a new respect for them.

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RalfvdH

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that first panel of Battle of the atom is really lazy drawn... Art looks terrible. Good thing the story is very interesting. :P I like the Bebop and Rocksteady part. They are whoopin' butt! Art looks also way better.

Scarlet Spider has a good fight there. Art of David Baldeon is bit so-so for me. Doesn't really excite me. Also never been a fan of that scarlet Spider costume. Should have used that Stealth suite.
Bebop and Rocksteady wins this for me.

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jwalser3

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Edited By jwalser3

No Varan vs Rodan?!?!

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RedQueen

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Edited By RedQueen

That Scarlet Spider battle was just too awesome; I may have to go and check out TMNT villains #7...it looks great :D Great feature as always!