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Best New Comic Book Battles This Week: 11/16/12

Venom and Carnage tear each other apart, Batgirl humiliates a few goons, and Deathstroke battles Hawkman!

Welcome back, action junkies! Every week I narrow down my favorite action scenes to my top 3 and last week Marvel had a clean sweep, earning all 3 spots. While the House of Ideas did have a few decent fights and one standout slugfest this round (the first on the list today), DC Comics wasn't going to stand idly by as Marvel tried to take over the list yet again. This week, The New 52 brought the fun and manages to snag 2 out of 3 spots. It wasn't easy limiting it to just 3 (it never is), so once again quite a few fights made it into the honorable mentions.

So without further ado, here are my 3 favorite battles this week. When all is said and done, don't forget to chime in with your 3 favorites, too!

Don't want spoilers? Don't proceed!

Venom vs Carnage (VENOM #27)

Another chapter of 'Minimum Carnage' can only mean one thing: another vicious fight between some of my favorite Spider-Man related characters. This week, Flash stepped up to the plate and tried to take down his symbiote's offspring, Carnage. Cletus is not only more powerful, but he also doesn't hold back or show any mercy. Because of this, Flash knew he had to go all out and the result was some absolutely phenomenal panels.

Hot damn!
Hot damn!

Flash might want to be just like Spider-Man, but here he proves he's not truly like him by attempting to cross that line. We've seen the symbiote used as blunt and sharp weapons plenty of times, but rarely have we seen such harsh symbiote on symbiote violence.

Whoa...
Whoa...

Here's where it gets confusing. Like a scene straight out of John Carpenter's The Thing, the symbiote head begins to regrow a body and the headless body regrows a head. I know the symbiote has a crazy healing factor, but what does this mean for the man under the red alien? I suppose we'll find out next issue, but until then, Scarlet Spider thrusts into the battle and dishes out even more brutality against the symbiote.

Here he comes to save the day!
Here he comes to save the day!

But unlike their second fight, Spider-Man's clone doesn't get a chance to pummel Carnage into the ground. Before he can do much, Carnage promptly places his hand around Kaine's head and makes him say "hello" to the floor. Ouch.

Or not.
Or not.

While in control of the Venom symbiote, Flash hasn't been especially impressive. Sure, he knocked Captain America out cold and has a few other good showings, but overall he's not really living up to his potential. However, when he lets Venom take control, he reaches a whole new level of raw physical might. Back in the day Carnage was clearly stronger, but now when Venom lets loose, he sends his offspring flying with a seemingly effortless toss.

This is too much awesome for one panel.
This is too much awesome for one panel.

Everyone should applaud Declan Shalvey for these panels.

Batgirl vs Unkind men (BATGIRL #14)

Break into my place and cripple me once, shame on you. Break into my place and get the better of me twice, shame on me. Barbara Gordon suffered a terrible tragedy and what came crashing through her door was a shocking reminder of the event, but she was able to overcome and you can't help but cheer for her as she violently does so.

A fluid knee to the face is always fun.
A fluid knee to the face is always fun.

These "unkind men" enter a whole new world of hurt after they kick down Babs's door. The knee to the right cheek is painful to think about and the beautiful coloring for the panel with the gut kick makes you feel a bit of sympathy for the guy -- even though he's a terrible dude working for the Clown Prince of Crime. Writer Gail Simone definitely deserves praise for how she handled sending Babs into an incredibly dark place. It's hard to believe she'd actually pull the trigger, but it's completely logical to think she'd really want to.

All those years in the batting cages didn't help, eh?
All those years in the batting cages didn't help, eh?

And then there's the kick to the kneecap. Oh my gooddness, that has to hurt. Yet again, I find myself oddly feeling a degree of sympathy for these goons. Their faces are filled with pain and suffering, meanwhile the Commissioner's daughter is filled with nothing but rage and aggression.

Yeah, he's down for the count.
Yeah, he's down for the count.

For their sake, I hope Joker provides a decent healthcare plan.

Deathstroke vs Hawkman (DEATHSTROKE #14)

I know this might come as a bit of a surprise but I'm kind of a noob when it comes to Hawkman. "What?! A street level character Katzman isn't an expert on?!" I know it sounds crazy, but it's true. Just giving this disclaimer because you may or may not agree with the following!

Still better than taking the bus.
Still better than taking the bus.

Deathstroke is a character that only a select few street levelers can compete with. Based on what I've read with Hawkman, he's quite a powerhouse, but doesn't have what it takes to beat a determined and focused Slade Wilson. Luckily for him, Slade wasn't going for the kill -- he was trying to talk.

Does this make anyone else really want to see a good Wolverine vs Deathstroke match?
Does this make anyone else really want to see a good Wolverine vs Deathstroke match?

Carter Hall experiences first hand why Deathstroke is one of the best around (nothing's gonna ever keep ya down! ...sorry, spur of the moment). Carter got his one lucky hit in, but then Slade demonstrates his talent as he swiftly and effectively brings Carter to the floor.

No Caption Provided

Just like many misunderstood fights, this one eventually ends in a stalemate and the promise of a team-up for the next issue. I won't lie; the story wasn't very good, but the pencils, coloring and fun action means I'm going to check out the next issue. I'm a kind of a sucker like that.

Honorable Mentions

Want more action? Here's the previous Best Battles

Gregg Katzman is a freelance writer for Comic Vine and IGN Entertainment. When he isn't day dreaming about comic book battles, odds are he's glued to Halo 4's multiplayer.

54 Comments

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Kesho_Ronin

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Edited By Kesho_Ronin

Batgirl kick some ass in #14

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zackattack529

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Edited By zackattack529

Venom& Scarlett Spider vs Carnage was top notch! :)

Cannot wait for Minimum Carnage: Omega, the conclusion! it should definitely be on the "essential Comics of the week list"

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Press Oblivion

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Edited By Press Oblivion

Great feature! I really liked the Deathstroke bits, I'll have to check this out!

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revbucky

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Edited By revbucky

It should be a great week ahead in comics.

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BatWatch

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Edited By BatWatch

Wonderful as always Katzman. While the others are good, nothing compares to that first battle though with Carnage and Venom. Wow! Very impressive.

Could it be that Cassidy died in that attack. Ugh, perhaps the symbiote is still living off his headless body in there. Or maybe, symbiotes can regrow hosts heads. Seems like a stretch, but this is comics we are talking about.

I also enjoyed Barbara's take down of Joker's thugs. It was somehow quite refreshing to see some out of costume action, and in some ways, you missed the best part because Barbara was in shock up until the clowns arrived, then she snapped out of it in the best possible way.

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ForeignLawns

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Edited By ForeignLawns

I'm glad they didn't forget how easily Deathstroke handled Hawkman, Flash, Green Lantern, Black Canary, the Atom and Zatanna before Green Arrow stopped him. Id be really disappointed if they depowered Deathstroke like that.

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bionder

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Edited By bionder

Carnage vs Venom was awesome.

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cloudzackvincent

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Edited By cloudzackvincent

babs really kicked some ass... deathstroke is doing great in the new 52 too..first taking on Lobo... now taking out Hawkman

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longbowhunter

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Edited By longbowhunter

I didn't read any of these. Glad to see Carl and is oversized assault rifle get an honorable mention though.

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Jonny_Anonymous

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Edited By Jonny_Anonymous

Carl Vs Assault Rifle Recoil

Archer Vs Green Dragon Lamas

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SoA

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Edited By SoA

@Jonny_Anonymous said:

Carl Vs Assault Rifle Recoil

Archer Vs Green Dragon Lamas

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Hiddensix

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Edited By Hiddensix

No Amazing spider-man ? :(

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k4tzm4n

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Edited By k4tzm4n  Moderator

@Hiddensix said:

No Amazing spider-man ? :(

It was a fun issue but I wasn't a big fan of the actual combat. If anything, I'd put goblinrang (seems like a fitting title) vs Max's force field!

But hey, like I say in the feature, you're more than welcome to sharing your own top 3 here in the comments :D

@BatWatch: @Press Oblivion: Thank you!

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powerhouse1122

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Edited By powerhouse1122

This was GREAT! :) awesome symbiote fight! And wow, i didnt like babs that much before until now :) oh yeah, deathstroke is still as awesome as ever :>

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Lvenger

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Edited By Lvenger

Nice picks. The Batgirl fight looks particularly awesome!

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Stormbox

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Edited By Stormbox

Cool!!

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Necrotic_Lycanthrope

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All these symbiotic brawlings is really tempting me to finally pick up Minimum Carnage.

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Spideycap

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Edited By Spideycap

That Venom art is really nice. Im really liking Flash as Venom a lot.

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Decept-O

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Edited By Decept-O

Like Batman, Deathstroke is given too much cred for his abilities. He is intense and skilled but I don't know, I think Hawkman would seriously lay the smack down and not give any quarter. Just my opinion, but still a good battle depicted here.

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BatteredArmor

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Edited By BatteredArmor

Deathstroke once took Hawkman along with like 5 other Justice Leagers pre new52, as awesome as he was in this fight compared to that it's kind of disapointing

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Onemoreposter

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Edited By Onemoreposter

Anyone else hear Arnold's voice when Hawkman's on the ground yelling, "do it, kill me, what what are you waiting for! GET TO THE CHOPPAH!!"

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Queso6p4

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Edited By Queso6p4

"Still better than taking the bus" had me cracking up. Also the setup at the end is pretty sweet too.

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cameron83

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Edited By cameron83

That batgirl thing was awesome

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Mezmero

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Edited By Mezmero

Daeemn! Barbara has got legs and she knows how to use em'.

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Yai_Inn

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Edited By Yai_Inn

Honorable mention to The Yancy $tr33t Boys vs. The Thing. lol

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k4tzm4n

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Edited By k4tzm4n  Moderator

@Yai_Inn: Also, The Thing vs Youtube.

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RazzaTazz

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Edited By RazzaTazz

@k4tzm4n: I thought we agreed on Betty and Veronica vs. Deadpool?

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k4tzm4n

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Edited By k4tzm4n  Moderator

Viners, this is the most views Best Battles has had on a Friday so far. Thanks :D

@RazzaTazz: But.... that didn't happen :(

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deactivated-5c6600594117e

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Battle of the week: My stomach vs that Hawkman dialogue. "Prepare for landing!" UGH.

Nice work as always though buddy.

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k4tzm4n

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Edited By k4tzm4n  Moderator

@Jake Fury said:

Battle of the week: My stomach vs that Hawkman dialogue. "Prepare for landing!" UGH.

Nice work as always though buddy.

LOL! Thanks.

@Queso6p4: heh, thank you.

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WWAJfan

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Edited By WWAJfan

the Venom vs Carnage Battle was SICK!!!, gotta give Kaine credit so far in this event, not only has he fought Carnage (3 times) but also a Loosed out Venom, poor guy. Still Just awesome how the Venom vs Carnage fight went on. Kudos to Bunn n Shalvey for their great job in this issue.

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WWAJfan

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Edited By WWAJfan

@zackattack529: agreed

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Yai_Inn

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Edited By Yai_Inn
@k4tzm4n said:

@Yai_Inn: Also, The Thing vs Youtube.

Yes. But it was New Tube. Thanks for the links in op, this segment is awesome, already looking forward to next weeks.  
I am entertained... where'd shatterstar go? 
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entropy_aegis

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Edited By entropy_aegis

@Decept-O said:

Like Batman, Deathstroke is given too much cred for his abilities. He is intense and skilled but I don't know, I think Hawkman would seriously lay the smack down and not give any quarter. Just my opinion, but still a good battle depicted here.

Nah,Deathstroke has bested Hawkman previously as well.

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Decept-O

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Edited By Decept-O

@entropy_aegis: Even so just my opinion I think Hawkman would be able to best Deathstroke. Yes Deathstroke has taken down several heroes single-handed but I think, like Batman, it is an exaggeration that he'd be able to accomplish such a feat.

Unlike most of the other heroes, Hawkman usually goes full bore and I doubt he'd ask Deathstroke, "How did you get to be so fast?". That isn't Hawkman, at least for me.

We will disagree, like others will, and that's about all I have to say.

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TrueIlluminatus

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Edited By TrueIlluminatus

And we are reminded today how much of an abject loser Hawkman is.

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entropy_aegis

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Edited By entropy_aegis

@Illuminatus said:

And we are reminded today how much of an abject loser Hawkman is.

lol@Decept-O said:

@entropy_aegis: Even so just my opinion I think Hawkman would be able to best Deathstroke. Yes Deathstroke has taken down several heroes single-handed but I think, like Batman, it is an exaggeration that he'd be able to accomplish such a feat.

Unlike most of the other heroes, Hawkman usually goes full bore and I doubt he'd ask Deathstroke, "How did you get to be so fast?". That isn't Hawkman, at least for me.

We will disagree, like others will, and that's about all I have to say.

Ok,but like I said beating Hawkman is consistent for him but I do agree with you on him besting teams singlehandedly.

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SmoothJammin

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Edited By SmoothJammin

I want to like Hawkman so bad.

I really do.

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fullmetaladam

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Edited By fullmetaladam

So is Deathstroke a pastiche of Deadpool or is it the other way around?

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fullmetaladam

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Edited By fullmetaladam

and since when is it "Hawkman" and not "Hawkgirl". I only know of her because of the Justice League Cartoon as I've only ever got into Marvel.

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0n1zuka

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Edited By 0n1zuka

@fullmetaladam said:

So is Deathstroke a pastiche of Deadpool or is it the other way around?

It's the other way around. Deathstroke had been around a little over a decade before Deadpool was created.

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k4tzm4n

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Edited By k4tzm4n  Moderator

@Yai_Inn said:

@k4tzm4n said:

@Yai_Inn: Also, The Thing vs Youtube.

Yes. But it was New Tube. Thanks for the links in op, this segment is awesome, already looking forward to next weeks. I am entertained... where'd shatterstar go?

You're very welcome, it was a good suggestion.

I figured the bottom was clustered enough now and no one seemed to mind his absence.

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Mrfuzzynutz

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Edited By Mrfuzzynutz

@fullmetaladam: Deathstroke has been around since the original run of the Teen Titans, figure early 1980's or so. Deadpool came along in the 90's with during X-force vol 1. As far as the Hawk's go, Hawkman was first and then Hawkgirl came further down the road. In essence Hawkgirl was merely the sidekick while Hawkman was always a JLA member

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MadeinBangladesh

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Edited By MadeinBangladesh

Anything realted to Rob Liefeld shouldn't be in here.

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tomtomiii

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Edited By tomtomiii

Hmm ... while a good fight visual between Deathstroke and Hawkman, Shouldn't Hawkman have an advantage in the air? Granted I'm not too familiar with New 52 Deathstroke, but he still doesn't fly right? Deathstroke could shoot him out the sky, and I'm SURE the old Deathstroke could easily take Hawkman on the ground ... But in the air Hawkman should have an advantage. I still don't know if I like the "new" Slade Wilson. Deathstroke doesn't seem like Deathstroke since the New Teen Titans never existed. But maybe Team 7 will help that.

Barbara Gordan can sure kick some butt ... granted she doesn't hold a candle to the old Babs (especially pre-Killing Joke).

Great Column BTW!

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fullmetaladam

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Edited By fullmetaladam
  1. @0n1zuka: Thanks for clearing that up. I am a massive fan of Deadpool but only discovered in the last 5 years or so. So I was sketchy about his origins besides being a part of Weapon X.
  2. @Mrfuzzynutz: I've always been apprehensive about checking out DC comics because I love the cartoons based on their comics so much that I wouldn't be able to see past the differences.

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charlieboy

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Edited By charlieboy

I am glad that they are finally treating Batgirl as a competent fighter. She was pretty badass there.

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k4tzm4n

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Edited By k4tzm4n  Moderator

@tomtomiii said:

Great Column BTW!

Thanks :D

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Mrfuzzynutz

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Edited By Mrfuzzynutz

@fullmetaladam: I feel ya on that, as I have kids, I enjoy the fact they get into the shows as much as I do, but I learned my lesson when they seen a image of comics Starfire, and literally see their lil heads explode because she was nothing like their Starfire on Titans Go. For me, it is a nice frame of reference to compare the two, but wish their where more examples of true to comic shows available.

I would suggest you watch their animated movies and dc comics showcase movies as they seem to be the most like the comics compared to the tv shows.

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reignmaker

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Edited By reignmaker

@charlieboy said:

I am glad that they are finally treating Batgirl as a competent fighter. She was pretty badass there.

Did Batgirl ever struggle taking down henchmen before? Frankly, I'm surprised this one made the list. I read the issue and all, but it must have been a slow week.

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