The REAL cross-over...
By Ebony Bishop 4 Comments
Every few years, when the stars align and the money looks right, Marvel and DC put aside their differences, and put out a cross-over. Some are quite good, actually, including the neat experiment that was Amalgam. Some are less successful, especially when they decide to ignore the fact that the two worlds are SEPARATE, and pretends they've been living in the same world all along.
The most recent, and also the one I read the most recently, was the Avengers vs. JLA crossover that saw both teams come to each others dimensions, mock their way of life, fight it out for the Grandmaster (of course) and then come together to save both realities. And this pointed out something about crossovers that's always bothered me.
EVERY battle between rival companies' characters is predicated on the idea of either the characters being FORCED to fight each other (JLA vs. Avengers; Marvel vs. DC) or a "misunderstanding" (of which there are countless examples. But there is almost never a battle that is purely based on heroes not getting along; partly because neither side wants their heroes portrayed unheroically, and neither side wanting to see anyone lose.
There is one answer. A shining example of using one of the most powerful teams of heroes, which would be entertaining, a fan favourite, and completely believable without a hackneyed "cosmic character" forcing anyone's hand.
The Justice League vs...the Defenders.
Come on! Look at the possibilities! We have fan favourites like the Hulk, Silver Surfer and Dr. Strange! We have compatible powersets, what with Nighthawk being BASED on Batman, and Valkyrie keeping that whole Greeks/Romans rivalry going with Wonder Woman. Marvel would never feel the need to protect the dignity of the Defenders, since they've never been the example of "Sterling Heroes".
And there is one reason why you KNOW the fight would happen. One word: Namor.
Can't you picture it in all its comic glory? The two teams of heroes meet for the first time, they mill around, confused; maybe someone openly questions the other team -- who are you people, and why did you bring us here? Even if there was no accusations thrown, I'm sure Namor would angrily demand answers, and someone -- I'm thinking Superman, just for coolness -- might just advise Namor to calm down, and maybe rest a hand on his shoulder.
Can't you picture it? Beautiful.
Before you could possibly have anyone advise Supes it was a bad idea, Namor would have slugged him. I know he's not as powerful as Superman, but Namor's no slouch -- he should be able to at least knock him silly for a few seconds. Someone, maybe Martian Manhunter, would in turn belt Namor away to protect Superman, and that would be all the Hulk needed to go to town.
And they'd have some good, even matches! I'm talking classic League here, by the way -- none of this Black Lightning/Red Tornado stuff. Aquaman, GL, Wonder Woman, Jonn...and always, the Batman. I'd love to see Surfer against Green Lantern, or Namor getting offended at someone else claiming to be the King of Atlantis. Superman's invincibility would also become moot, as he's vulnerable to magic, and the Defenders just happen to have the Sorceror Supreme along with them.
Eventually, there would have to be a storyline to actually move things along, but wouldn't this fight kick all kinds of ass? Wouldn't it, in fact, be the coolest battle in comics history?
Just something to chew on. I would so pay to see Namor punch Aquaman in the face.
Right in the face.
