If you're reading this, then congratulations on surviving the apocalypse! I knew you had it in you, and as a reward for your uncanny survival abilities, I present to you the latest (and hopefully most awesome) edition of Best Battles.
It's the last one of the year (don't worry, I'll have 'Best Battles of 2012' sometime soon), so I figured I'd apply that silly saying "go big or go home." I've narrowed this week's stack down to 3 fights and provided quite a few huge scans for your visual pleasure. As always, please feel free to share your own top 3. And of course, happy holidays!
Iron Man vs Hulk
"You wouldn't like me when I'm happy." Something tells me Tony Stark likes you more when you're happy, Bruce. Because when you're angry, you're smacking him around like a ping pong ball, and THE INDESTRUCTIBLE HULK #2 is the latest example of this. Banner takes Stark out to help with his gamma-fracking, but the real reason he's there is for an opportunity to vent. It just so happens he wants to release some steam with his green fists on Stark's armored face. You see, Bruce feels like Stark's an arrogant know-it-all, and this was the perfect moment for him to express it in the most sophisticated way: smashing.
Without a specialized or more advanced armor, Tony isn't exactly in an ideal position against the Green Goliath. Despite the sucker punch, the Avenger manages to keep Hulk at bay for some time being. But his resistance is only temporary and before long, Hulk gets in close range.
== TEASER ==
Banner wanted to release some steam and I'd say he's successfully doing so. Those blasts were mere annoyances to Hulk and the massive powerhouse quickly gets too close for comfort. Tony's armor pretty much looks like a punching bag in the next panel.
These two powerhouses throwing down on a snowy mountain range isn't the brightest idea, and as expected, an avalanche soon consumes them. Iron Man breaks free and tries to finish his adjustments to the gamma-fracker but Hulk (represented amazingly as a green blur) gives Iron Man a bro-hug and the two go soaring away from the device. It just so happens that the device then causes a massive explosion. Yup, that's right, Hulk saved Iron Man. After taking a moment to relax and soak in the sun (they're superficial like that), the two then go get some food. After all, who doesn't grab some chow after a mountainside battle?
As if that wasn't enough, Bruce then verbally owns Tony as well. At least he's still rich, right?
Ninjak/X-O Manowar vs The Vine
"What's a Ninjak?" That's something I imagine some of you are saying right about now. Well, the best way to describe him is "badass ninja assassin." He was after Aric (warrior from the past now wearing an army that would make Iron Man look outdated), but after realizing he was hired by some shady aliens, Ninjak and X-O have formed a temporary alliance... and that's all kinds of terrible news for their enemies.
The Vine have some sweet energy weapons and a huge numbers advantage. Still, they pose no threat whatsoever to X-O. Throw in Ninjak and they're really screwed. Enjoy the following wonderful pages and hopefully they'll motivate you to finally give this great title a chance!
Want more? Of course you do!
Considering 'Planet Death' is around the corner, I imagine this is nothing compared to what's coming.
Scarlet Spider's entire issue! (Seriously, it was action packed)
SCARLET SPIDER #12.1 was ridiculously good and stuffed with displays of Kaine kicking all kinds of ass. Kaine's more brutal than your everyday hero, but these targets are more than deserving of some extra punishment. They're all connected to human trafficking and Scarlet Spider wants to put an end to it. This poor fellow was Kaine's first victim. It really gives "got your nose" a whole new meaning.
After smacking around a few pimps and gang members, Kaine encounters who's really behind it all: The Hand. Prepare for epciness in 3...2...1...
Leading Huston's Hand is a dude called 'The Mark.' Scarlet Spider's "mark of Kaine" definitely pales in comparison to what this guy can do with his hands. Kaine puts his noggin to good use, but it's not long before he's taken down. It should take more to bring Kaine to the floor, but I'll cut him some slack after taking those hits from The Hand.
Ready for a twist? The Kingpin isn't pleased with The Mark's way of running things, so he sends Bruiser to clean up the place. Despite The Mark being developed into a twisted and interesting baddie, Bruiser ends his reign and swiftly Steven Seagal's him (snaps his neck). Kaine immediately reacts and tries to take down Bruiser, although the new villain turns out to be far too durable for him. Before the fight can continue, they end up going their separate ways.
While it's cool seeing a physical threat for Kaine, it completely contradicts Bruiser's initial showings over in DAREDEVIL. Even Matt Murdock could draw blood with a kick to his jaw and stun him with a strike to the head. Yet here, he goes totally unfazed by a strike by Kaine and the anti-hero even remarks that he 'thinks he broke his hand.' It would be nice to get a reason for Bruiser's upgrade, but even if we don't, I'm just happy to see Kaine facing a formidable opponent.
Honorable Mentions
- Venom vs U-Foes
- Joker vs Jason Todd
- Hawkeye vs Bros
- FF vs Mole Man
- Birds of Prey vs Dagger Clan
- Colossus vs Cable
- Zola vs Hera for the remote control
- Flamingo vs Huxley's crotch
Want more action? Here's the previous Best Battles
- 8/29/12
- 9/07/12
- 9/21/12
- 9/28/12
- 10/05/12
- 10/19/12
- 10/26/12
- 11/09/12
- 11/16/12
- 11/23/12
- 11/30/12
- 12/07/12
- 12/14/12
Gregg Katzman is a freelance writer for Comic Vine & IGN Entertainment. This holiday, give him the gift of a follow on Twitter.
41 Comments