We all love a good story, but what's the point of having characters with such awe-inspiring power and skill if they don't get to use them every now and then? Thankfully for us, these characters often choose to solve their problems with their fists and abilities instead of their words, and every Friday we highlight our three favorite non-peaceful scenes. This week, Deadpool, Captain America and Wolverine lay waste to a prison camp in North Korea, the Foot Clan declares war against the Savate Ninjas, and Ana pushes Kaine to his limit. They're all great in their own way and we're only providing bits and pieces of each one, so if you want all the details, be sure to buy 'em!
Did your favorite melee not get a mention? Well, it's possible we didn't read that issue, so be sure to make suggestions in the official Best Battles Discussion Thread from now on. We review that before writing this weekly feature and do our best to get our hands on the issues suggested!
Deadpool, Wolverine, Captain America & Faux X-Men vs. North Korean Guards (DEADPOOL #17)
Thanks to some experimenting with Deadpool, The Butler has been able to create an imitation version of various X-men. Despite the formidable powers they possess, these faux X-Men haven't tried to escape because if they do, their families -- who are being held at another camp -- will be killed. Luckily for them, Deadpool, Wolverine AND Captain America are there to save the day (buy the issue if you want to know how the two A-listers are there with Wade). The three decide there's no way they'll let these people be held in a prison camp, so their assault begins. They have one simple objective: take out the guards before they can contact the other camp. Wade and Kim (aka North Korean Nightcrawler) literally throw the first punch.
Wade then picks up an assault rifle and takes out guards in other towers. The merc only uses one bullet per enemy, and considering the distance and time between shots, it's a rather awesome accuracy feat for the character. Now the "new X-Men" conduct their attack and Wolverine tells faux Colossus and faux Wolverine they should do a fastball special. What happens next is just too good for words and we'll leave that surprise for when you read the issue. After that, it's time for this version of Cyclops take action.
Two guards observing the frenetic scene realize they're totally outclassed and have no chance of survival against these characters. However, they have syringes on them and they're under the belief it'll instill "temporary changes." Hoping it'll even the odds and not just kill them, the two inject themselves and turn into bulking rock creatures which look like Rockslide. The duo rush out and are bombarded by fire from the experimental version of Sunfire. One of the guards grabs him by the ankle and throws him into the distance. For a moment, it seems like he's just being flung out of the camp, but then he violently crashes against the barbed wire fence and the panel is absolutely vicious.
Imitation Warpath leaps into action but he doesn't fare much better. Before he gets ripped in half, the very awesome trio of Cap, Deadpool and Wolverine show up and save the day. Rogers goes to work against one of them, but despite smashing the guy's face with his shield numerous times, he's also trying to convince the guard to stand down. Wolverine and Deadpool aren't so kind to the other one and they show off some truly effective teamwork.
Again, these are just three small highlights from what was a phenomenal issue. You'll have to check out the full issue if you want to appreciate all of the goodness it has to offer. And, if you've been looking to get into the book, #15 is the ideal jumping on spot -- that's where this story ('The Good, The Bad & The Ugly') begins.
The Foot vs. Savate Ninjas / Splinter vs. Stockgen Security (TMNT #26)
Manhattan's a big place and Shredder wants it all. The only problem is there are some pesky other gangs living in the area, too. So, he's going to solve that little problem by taking them out. The funny thing is the leader of the Savate, Victor, is having a meeting and telling his allies they're going to strike at Shredder when he least expects it. Moments later, Shredder, Dark Leo and a whole bunch of Foot ninjas come crashing through the windows. Let the villain-on-villain fun commence!
As chaos unfolds between everyone, Dark Leo and Victor wind up in a separate room and it is absolutely go time. Leo throws a smoke bomb, swipes Victor's gun before he can react and then shatters one of his opponent's wrists. Even though one hand is disabled, Victor refuses to surrender and the two clash in a short but very sweet melee. Victor's struggle is futile and it's not long before Dark Leo takes control of the fight, though.
While all of that villain-on-villain violence goes down in the city, Splinter proves he's a rat man of his word and agrees to help Old Hob on one mission. In exchange, Old Hob and Slash say will help him in his effort to save Leonardo. Old Hob's mission is straightforward: break into Stockgen and steal some mutagen. This would be impossible for some, but for Splinter, it's a cakewalk.
Does Shredder finally have Dark Leo cross the line and Victor's his first victim? Does Old Hob betray Splinter? If you want to find out -- or if you just want to read a fantastic story --- then it's strongly recommended you pick up this issue. In the event you've been meaning to jump on board, City Fall started with issue #22. Honestly, can't recommend it enough.
Scarlet Spider vs. Ana Kravinoff (SCARLET SPIDER #22)
Last time these two met, Ana got a few hits in before Kaine made it more than clear he's her superior. However, this time around Ana has prep and a home field advantage (Houston Zoo) on her side. The fact Kaine isn't exactly at 100% doesn't hurt her chances, either.
Things kick off when Ana surprise attacks Kaine with a slash to the back and then flees. She then fatally injures a security guard and uses him as bait. Kaine of course goes to the injured man's aid, but it's a trap and the two swooped up in a net. The guard dies from his injuries and naturally, Kaine doesn't take too kindly to this. Quite pissed off, Kaine busts out of the net and tries to attack Ana. However, her speed and skill grant her an immediate advantage against his reckless attacks.
Even though she lands the first few hits, it's safe to assume we all know Ana doesn't have what it takes to hang with Kaine for too long. She's very impressive, sure, but the anti-hero has a massive physical edge. It's not long before that physical edge truly shows and Kaine is able to grab her ankle. Scarlet Spider then brutally slams her against the ground, making it more than clear her lucky has run out.
Kaine gets close to let her know he's done toying around with her, but he then realizes she's stabbed him with something. That something turns out to be a police badge belonging to his close friend. Kaine's been trying to do the right thing and be a good man, but now that someone he cares about is in danger, he begins reverting to his villainous ways. The super-strong character begins to lash out at Kraven's daughter, demanding to know what she's done with his friend.
As if that wasn't bad enough, Ana then says she's killed all of Kaine's supporting cast except for Aracely, but promises she'll die next. Understandably livid over this development, Kaine pops one of his stingers and then...
Wait, you didn't think we'd actually reveal what happens next, did you? It's a big moment for Kaine -- one that totally deserves reading in its entirety.
Honorable Mentions
- Angela vs. Guardians of the Galaxy (GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY #6)
- Jubilee & Captain America vs. Nazi vampires (A+X #12)
- Sheldon and Grace Sampson vs. Various Superheroes (JUPITER'S LEGACY #3)
- Captain America, Havok and Wasp vs. Banshee (UNCANNY AVENGERS #12)
- Superman vs. Parasite (SUPERMAN #23.4)
- Bane vs. Goons on venom (BATMAN #23.4)
- G.C.P.D. vs. Killer Croc (BATMAN AND ROBIN #23.4)
- Metallo vs. Metal-2.0 (ACTION COMICS #23.4)
- Chloe vs. Traffic (JUPITER'S LEGACY #3)
- BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT #23.4 JOKER'S DAUGHTER vs. Reviews
What are your top 3 fights from this week? Also, don't forget to make nominations every week in the official thread or tell Gregg via Twitter.