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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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
- Batman & Robin vs "zombies"
- Angel vs Mystique & Silver Samurai
- Carl vs an assault rifle's recoil
- Guy Gardner & various GLs vs The Third Army
- Archer vs Green Dragon Lamas
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