Holy action overload, Batman! This week was filled with plenty of popcorn entertainment as the fictional characters we love decided to solve their issues with their fists (and feet and powers and weapons), not their words. Some encounters feel forced but still serve a solid dose of fun, meanwhile the pages of UNCANNY X-FORCE has a bloody bout that can potentially make you shed tears.
The honorable mentions section is pretty packed, but I'm happy with the 3 I decided to highlight this week. If a fight you loved isn't mentioned here, please feel free to share it and go the extra mile by including scans.
There's major spoilers here, so proceed with caution!
Wolverine vs Daken (UNCANNY X-FORCE 34)
This isn't the first time this father and son have sliced into one another, and to be brutally honest, this particular fight isn't really anything special... until it hits the emotional fan at 100 miles per hour. Daken pumps some pheromones into the air and goes to town on his dad, viciously clawing off half of his face and then smashing said face into a fire extinguisher. Honestly, if Daken decides to tactically use his pheromones and skill, he should have an immediate advantage over James. However in this case, Mr. Howlett is holding back and Wolverine Jr. calls him out on it. Unfortunately for his son, Wolverine decides to stop holding back and put an end to their relationship which is well beyond repair.
The X-Man swiftly turns the tide, clawing open Daken's chest. Realizing this is the end, Daken's previous speech haunts his mind as he realizes what he has to do... he has to kill his son. In a scene that legitimately gave me emotional chills, Wolverine horrifically drowns his son as he wonders how everything could have been so different if he was just there for him throughout his life.
Daken struggles and struggles, trying desperately to hold onto life, but James keeps a firm grip and sees the task through until the end. With his face crudely smashed into the dirty ground and a deep puddle of water, Daken's life eventually comes to an end. It's hard to believe a puddle is the weapon that eventually took his life (that'll be in rants & raves tomorrow!), but one thing's for sure, this was an immensely powerful moment.
The real twist? This was all part of Sabretooth's plan to hurt Wolverine more than ever before.
Deadpool vs Theodore Roosevelt (DEADPOOL #2)
FDR vs Deadpool was nothing compared to this. The Merc with a Mouth goes to the LA Zoo to take down the former President. It begins with a hysterical bullet to the head and Teddy promptly sends Deadpool soaring into the Elephant area with one hell of a punch. The large animal then decides to boldly enter the fray, impaling Wade on its massive tusk. There's a stunning splash page of this by Tony Moore, but instead of sharing it, I'll tease the image in hopes you go out and buy the comic!
Despite having his guts flowing from his stomach, Deadpool leaps into action, forcing the undead Commander-in-Chief to taste the bottom of his boot. Teddy gains some distance with a clean kick to Wilson's gut, but once again the angry Elephant steps into the battle and wraps its trunk around Teddy.
With the 26th President left vulnerable, Wade takes full advantage of the opening. Does he use his sword? Does he use his guns? No, sir! Deadpool uses the opportunity to give Teddy a solid strike to the junk. With Theodore incapacitated, Wade finally finds a way to fry his foe with a hefty dose of electricity. Tragically, the Elephant doesn't let go and ends up extra crispy.
I decided not to include an image of the burning Elephant just to protect Comic Vine from PETA's wrath.
Nightwing vs Lady Shiva (NIGHTWING #14 )
The time has finally come for Nightwing to face DC's deadliest assassin, Lady Shiva. As expected, it doesn't go too well for him. Dick Grayson is highly skilled, sporting some sweet weaponry and has exceptional agility, yet he's still quite outclassed by Lady Shiva's incredibly high degree of skill. Grayson can dance around all he wants, but eventually the assassin will gain ground and get her hits... and that's exactly what happens.
What's especially interesting is the two fought way back when Grayson was Robin (issue #0) and Shiva almost immediately recognizes him. It's unclear if it's because of his appearance or by reading his movements, but it's impressive regardless of the reason. The match widely consists of Dick trying to go toe-to-toe and utilize his agility, but it's a futile effort. He does manage to get a solid hit to the face in, but it's a very short lived advantage.
Shiva goes on to counter and overwhelm the hero, proving she is the clear superior. Her bland dialogue adds insult to injury as she flat-out states her superiority over him, too. Eventually, Shiva puts her foot down (literally) and ends the match on her terms, leaving a weakened and defeated Grayson in her dust.
Ultimately, this is a fight Nightwing can't win unless he decides to utilize his more advanced equipment. Sonics, explosives, or even electricity could turn the tide if used properly, but it truly is an uphill struggle for the first Robin and it's a fight he's very unlikely to win.
Don't feel bad, Nightwing, you were totally outclassed.
Honorable mentions:
- Superman vs Red Hood and the Outlaws
- Teddy Roosevelt vs a bear
- X-O Manowar vs Ninjak
- Venom/Kaine vs Carnage
- Hawkeye vs goons
- Hulk vs Mad Thinker
- Captain America vs Green Skull
- Cheetah vs Flash, Wonder Woman and Aquaman
- Kyle Rayner vs Arkillo
Want more action? Here's the previous Best Battles:
Gregg Katzman is a freelance writer for Comic Vine and IGN Entertainment. Follow him on Twitter if you share an unhealthy obsession with comic book fights and stats.