Hero of the Week 2010 #10: Atom

ATOM (DC)
Real Name: Dr. Ray Palmer
First Appearance: Showcase #34 (September, 1961)
Group Affiliation: Justice League, Indigo Tribe, New Guardians
Gaming Credentials: DC Universe Online (TBR/2010); Batman: Brave and the Bold (TBA/2010)
Infinite Wars Ranking: #73


Since experiencing a boom period of mainstream relevance in the eighties and nineties, comic books and video games have shared a similar fate -- an aging population. There may still be people who associate these mediums with children, but the fact is, both have veered ever closer to an adult market as fans from previous decades have maintained their interests.

Video games have arguably done a much better job of staying in touch with the young'ns, so it makes plenty of sense that DC Comics and Warner Brothers would bring their successful cartoon take on the Dark Knight Detective over to the kid-friendly Nintendo Wii and DS!

It was just a couple of weeks ago now that 1UP reported announcement of Batman: The Brave and the Bold exclusive to the Nintendo platforms. Like Super Hero Squad before it, the game taps in to the brightly coloured mythology of a cartoon-based-on-a-comic, giving players of all ages the chance to co-op their way through the villains in a variety of team-up formations. Among the heroes that will no doubt find their way into the game is Atom -- a shrinking scientist who appeared on the show to not only save Batman from a deadly virus, but also teamed-up with Aquaman to do so!

Neo Classic: Brave and the Bold borrows it's distinct visual style in part from 1950s comic artists like Dick Sprang.

When it comes to Batman, I'm a fan of the super-serious Dark Knight like most others, but Brave and The Bold proves a refreshing take on the DC Universe, borrowing brilliantly from a variety of sources as diverse as the cringe-worthy post-Comics Code stories of the 1950s, the equally dismal 1960s live-action Adam West Batman, the 1990s feature films, and comics ranging from the original late '30s right up to present day. All of which makes for a whimsical and creatively intelligent depature from the confused continuity of other recent animated efforts, like the much-loved Bruce Timm-attribute series' of Justice League cartoons.

One of the most admirable qualities of Brave and the Bold is the way it reflects the traditions of it's classic comic book namesake, drawing upon not just familiar characters, but every unlikely ally to co-exist with Batman in the DC Universe. It's a quality that seems sure to create a new generation of readers who are less intimidated by the perception of volume that monthly comics present, helping create the kind of familiarity that four decades of Spider-man cartoons created for Marvel.

Among the long list of allies that could potentially find their way into the game, many for the first time, are: Aquaman, Red Tornado, Jonah Hex, Kamandi, The Demon, Green Arrow, Huntress, Adam Strange, Wildcat, and Blue Beetle [all pictured above].

Of course, there's much more to this week's HOTW than shrinking and appearing as a guest-star on a cartoon! Those comics, which have indeed loitered in slightly more adult subjects, have taken what was once a straight forward hero with the ability to shrink to the size of an atom, and made him an emotionally complex creature.

Over in the comics; Atom spent time in obscurity after his ex-wife was featured as an imbalanced killer in the much publicized 2004 story by novelist Brad Meltzer, Identity Crisis. He got back into the action recently, however, battling against the menace of rising dead that has swept across the entire DC Universe in the biggest story of 2009: Blackest Night!

Like previous featured heroes; Atom has taken possession of one of the power rings borne of the energies of the cosmic emotional spectrum. In other words, he's now an Indigo Lantern, powered by the light of compassion which was brought about as a result of encounters with those who suffered at the hand of his estranged wife, and indeed, the risen corpse of the mentally unstable woman herself. An event which has been used to redefine the moxxy of Atom as a hero, who not only uses the science of dwarf stars to travel in light particles and strike with the focused power of his natural size (in miniature), but also glows with the spirit of a super-human!

For more on the expansion of Lanterns, check out these previous HOTWs: Black Hand (black), Wonder Woman (violet), The Flash (blue), Lex Luthor (orange), Sinestro (yellow/white). The energies manifested from the various lanterns make up the white light of life and create an entire spectrum of emotion and would-be ring barers: Yellow (fear), Orange (avarice), Red (rage), Violet (love), Blue (hope), Indigo (compassion). A fact I'm sure you aren't sick of hearing about!

If you ask me, Atom is the superhero who just about has the greatest potential for innovation in a video game experience. Afterall, imagine what it would mean to gaming to not only battle alongside fellow heroes against villains in a fully developed overworld, but what if you could shrink to atomic size and reevaluate that space on a whole new level? It's a concept that exists, to some degree, in the zooming/rendering technologies that have come about in other games, like World of Warcraft, or Spider-man 2 (to use a superhero example). I can't wait to see what Brave and the Bold does with it -- but that might be a topic for another, less garbled blog, eh?

For those interested, you'll find Atom and the New Guardians battling Nekron and the Black Lanterns in the last couple of issues of Blackest Night, from DC Comics. Atom is also likely to feature regularly in the recently relaunched Justice League of America, and might put in a guest spot in the kid-friendly Johnny DC comic based on the cartoon, Batman: Brave and the Bold. You can find more information on these and other comics at DCcomics.com. Atom will also likely appear in the upcoming action MMO, DC Universe Online.

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Originally posted: http://www.1up.com/do/blogEntry?bId=9023554

QUICK FIX: ATOM & ATOM vs KILLER MOTH
The Beginning (DC)
Where: Justice League: Cry for Justice #1
When: September 2009 Why: James Robinson
How: Mauro Cascioli

THE TAPE...
Strength: Ray Palmer 2 (Average)
Intelligence: Ray Palmer 6 (Genius)
Speed: Ryan Choi 3 (Athlete)
Stamina: Ryan Choi 3 (Willpower)
Agility: Ray Palmer 3 (Acrobat)
Fighting: Ray Palmer 3 (Street Wise)
Energy: Killer Moth 3 (Explosives)

Math: Atom & Atom
Ranking: Atom [Ray Palmer] (#107)

THE FIX...
They're supposed to be the premiere team in modern superhero comics, but for the past few years, the Justice League of America haven't been the headlining collective you would customarily expect. The recent breakdown of the brand began with the internal conflict narrated by Identity Crisis, and although Brad Meltzer returned to the JLA in 2006 to lend his high selling status to a relaunch the series, it was here that the latest reign of mediocrity arguably set-in.

Under Dwayne McDuffie, the series became the subject of notorious internet discussion regarding the writer's disillusionment with his situation under stern editorial direction. The JLA, once fondly regarded as DC's highest selling title, fell secondary to the priorities of other major storylines occurring in the DC Universe, and failed to gain traction as the spotlight fell on secondary characters like; Black Canary, Vixen, Geo-Force, Red Arrow, Black Lightning, and Dr. Light.

Though the potential for defying the expectations of the JLA "big seven" was certainly present in the developing line-up; it's difficult to deny a deconstruction of more popular elements of the brand had impacted negatively on both the quality of reading, and the bouyancy of sales. Something clearly had to be done.

It seems the James Robinson revamp of the Justice League hasn't been without it's own hiccups. Rumors ran abound that the writer was on the verge of leaving DC as his relaunch was shunted out of the regular JLA title, but, as is evidenced by this release, any conflict that might have existed has been resolved. Even if there's some doubt as to the lasting effect of the changes initiated by the mini.

Addressing the issue of character line-up; Robinson is quick to inject marketable classics like Green Lantern and Green Arrow into prominent roles, putting them alongside a returned classic, Atom, and new additions like Captain Marvel.

In rebuilding Robinson appears to be taking a broad view of the League, looking at them more as a touchstone for the DCU, rather than the publisher's all-star series. Heroes and villains seem to be lined up for cameos, while references to events like Final Crisis are providing a fundamental motivation, behind the return of Prometheus as the story's chief villain. A preview of the goals of the series was offered by the Faces of Evil: Prometheus one-shot, which relegated later versions of the Grant Morrison villain to impostor status, reinstating the stature of threat posed by the "Anti-Batman" by eradicating secondary roles and defeat.

As a checklist of goals for reinventing the Justice League for the A-list spotlight, you couldn't fault James Robinson's choices in the slightest. One need only open the first page of the mini-series, however, to begin feeling reservations about the likelihood of success for what is to be a most bizarre series...

James Robinson is a well regarded writer for his work on series like The Golden Age and his prestigious nineties Starman run, which both rekindled interest in the heroes of the forties and helped spark the JSA revival still running today. He's been working in the industry for the best part of twenty years, but frankly, you'd never know it reading the first issue of Justice League: Cry for Justice.

I don't generally enjoy being too harsh here on the Infinite Wars, but it's hard to ignore the maddening awkwardness of a script supposed to return the JLA to a position of prominence. The agonising dialogue begins right away with a series of poorly worded overstatements that make up the opening scene.
You've got to give Robinson some credit for getting right to the point of the high concept behind Cry for Justice, but by issue's end, the intent to present a pro-active JLA is parodied by the book itself as the point is laboured upon repeatedly in a montage of character introductions. The necessity of superheroes declaring their desire for justice would be redundant at the best of times, let alone when four or more characters quite literally blurt the words out in bolded text.

There was a lot of fuss made about Frank Miller's verbose 2005 treatment of Batman in All-Star Batman and Robin. While that was clearly an interpretation that pushed the boundaries of Batman's stern grittiness, it never struck me as being overly insulting to one's intelligence, no matter how outrageous. The dialogue in Cry for Justice, however, reads like the unfiltered internal monologues of an idiot, inspiring some of the same infamous questions levelled by All-Star Batman to a baffled Boy Wonder. I don't know Robinson's style well enough to know if this is gross incompetence, or just a disrespect toward the readers IQ.

It's undeniably cool to see a character like the Ryan Choi Atom intergrated naturally into a fight scene with his predecessor. In a single page action sequence, we're treated to an exciting dash of miniaturized fisticuffs levelled at rogue gunmen and the garishly garbed super-villain, Killer Moth.
The duo disarm and defeat their opponents with relative ease, using only the misproportioned force channelled through dense shrunken fists to deal justice.

I don't especially care for the moustache-stroking dungeon master take on Prometheus that appears to be behind his convenient attack on loved ones of heroes, but for inspiring a classic Atom interrogation, it earns it's keep. Even if it inspires yet more of the same bland dialogue that describes the intent of scenes with all the charm and style of a brick to the face. It's a bit like an amateur production of a play, acknowledging the requirement of scenes like 'Killer Moth's denial of knowledge,' without injecting any life into it through performance.

Again, to Robinson's full credit, he avoids the pitfalls of so many modern first issues. Atom gets the name of his man and in doing so ensures that we know exactly where the objective of the series lies. We're also introduced to a good many of the key players, with a thorough introduction of Congo Bill being a feat worthy of particular note, even if the uniting of the team is an issue or two away.

There's a lot of conceptual talent and enthusiasm behind the pages of Cry for Justice, but if I can be so harsh, I really do wonder how a comic like this ever got published. There's nothing about the book to specifically suggest it's intended for adults, but I certainly never expected a children's story when I picked up the first issue. It speaks to the reader in a manner far more insulting than anything Smilin' Stan or the writers of the fifties and sixties ever gave us. Even if I were a child, I can't imagine not being frustrated with the simplitic overstatements and flat delivery of dialogue completely lacking flair. I don't think superheroes should ever be characterized as simpletons, even for the sake of young readers.

Mauro Cascioli's painted artwork isn't as interrupting as it could've been.
Unlike some others to apply the approach to monthly comics, Cascioli keeps a fluidity to his movement, and a sense of drama that would be admirable under different circumstances. Unfortunately, the seriousness of his artwork only makes the writing that much more difficult to swallow, contrasting astute figures with silly speeches. It feels like there might be an intention to set the story up as one of the must read collections through the art direction, ala; Alex Ross' Justice, but based on the first twenty-two pages, this is something DC should probably keep far from the hands of mainstream readers!

Where James Robinson defies the lowest expectations of superhero comics, and truly shines, is in his post-comic back matter. It's tough to justify the $3.99 price tag on this issue, but the text discussion in the back actually makes me wish Robinson were spending his time and energy blogging, so I could read that regularly. I don't know that it's inspiring enough to warrant paying a dollar, but it's nice to see DC making use of their history, providing panels and covers from Golden Age books that exciting and illuminating.

The return of two-page origin stories is a welcome inclusion, also.
The inclusion of Congo Bill (aka; Congorilla) seems unduly obtuse in the context of the JLA and the length at which his introduction is laboured upon, but it's a great subject for these quick origin shorts. This is the stuff that's made DC such a special brand of comics, and I hope if/when the material finds it's way to the DC website for free consumption, new readers get something out of it.

It's neat seeing post-Final Crisis ideas we discussed on the site earlier in the year actually play out [JL: America, Resistance], but it pains me to say this is one of the worst comics I've read in a very long time. Fingers crossed the situation improves now that the introductions are out of the way, otherwise this might be destined to be the biggest lemon of 2009 -- a stark contrast to the outstanding releases that have typified DC's output!

The Fight: 5 The Issue: 3
Winners: Atom & Atom

Justice League: Cry for Justice is currently available monthly from DC comics. You can pre-order the trade collection now through Amazon, or check out a range of other Justice League stories by visiting the Infinite Wars Online Store. Included are collected editions of almost every issue featured in the Secret Archives, and by using purchase links provided on the site, you help sponsor future entries in the Infinite Wars!

SUPERMAN versus BATMAN
Book One (DC comics)
Where: The Dark Knight Strikes Again #1 When: November 2001
Why: Frank Miller How: Frank Miller

The story so far...
After faking his own death, Bruce Wayne goes underground to train the army of SOBs who joined him after abandoning their Mutant leader to rally to his cause. With the aid of his new ward Carrie Kelly he makes this possible.

Using his personal army to break free some of his more willing peers from the past, Batman assembles a team that includes powerhouses in their respective fields including The Flash and The Atom, and prepares to go to war against the world.

In a world where superheroes are slowly beginning to again penetrate the shutdown public consciousness; Batman is bringing heroism back in a big way, and not a minute too soon. With threats from Lex Luthor and Brainiac lurking on the horizon, he'll need to have all his tools and freedoms at the ready. But what of the Superman? Where does he stand?...

Previous Form:
Superman (#6): Superman has victories over heroes like Wonder Woman, Uncle Sam & Hulk.
Batman (#2): Batman has a two-to-zip victory rate over Superman.

Tale of the tape...
Strength: Superman 6 (Invincible)
Intelligence: Batman 5 (Professor)
Speed: Superman 6 (Sound Speed)
Stamina: Superman 6 (Generator)
Agility: Batman 4 (Gymnast)
Fighting Ability: Batman 5 (Martial Artist)
Energy Powers: Superman 5 (Lasers)


We've featured Superman/Batman fights twice previously on Secret Earths [Dark Knight Returns #4, Batman #612], and you have to wonder if there's really much left to say about these two going head to head.

This modern era has provided the World's Finest with one of the most compelling relationships, turning what was once a kindred friendship, and turning it into a begrudging, tense alliance. It's this chemistry that has made those previous entries two of the most popular even today, and that was back when entries ran a lot less deep, too! Heck, we barely even had pictures on the site back then!

Actually, the title here is a bit misleading.
By this time Batman has assembled a team of Justice Leaguers to aid him in his mission against the dystopian world presented in the Dark Knight books, and they seem all too pleased to help in the whipping of big boy blue.
It might have something to do with the fact that he let them get captured and tortured, but hey. Who's counting? At least he doesn't have a prat moustache like Stark!

Joining the Batman is Green Arrow, who aided him in his last encounter with Superman; as well as Silver Age versions of the Atom (Ray Palmer) and the Flash (Barry Allen).
When you factor those guys into the equation, Superman's four-to-three tape stats actually dwindle down to giving him only an edge in strength, as none of these other heroes have any real measure of super strength.

For Superman the keys to victory would come down to blunt force trauma. He would have to hit hard and fast, and throw everything he's got at these guys if he were to have any shot. Unfortunately, even in this grim future, Superman's still the type to ring the doorbell, so his chances aren't looking very good.

Batman built his house on planning, and his plans are ready and waiting for the day Superman comes to find him in his cave, knowing full well that he never truly died. With the Flash, Atom and GA at his side, and a collection fo synthetic and effective kryptonite, yeah. Let's hear it for the boy.

The Math: Batman (Total) / Superman (Average)
The Pick: Batman

What went down...
With a glowing red hatred in his eyes, Superman thunders down from the space station he's been relegated to by the puppeteers that control America.
He comes back down to Earth for a little chat with the man who's doing what he didn't feel he could, and he's pissed. The sonic boom of his reentry and speeding trajectory shatter windows across Gotham City. Such disregard is uncharacteristic.

By the time he's pound his way into the cave, The Batman and his team are ready and waiting. The split penny isn't much concern, but the giant dinosaur springs to life to greet the visitor from the stars. Bat says his name is Fido.

Superman slips through it's skull like it were an illusion, landing into a nightmare. A robotic Bizarro #12 leaps at the Kryptonian with the rabid enthusiasm of a crazed fan. It says he's his biggest.

Superman signs his head with his fist, and knocks his block off. The Bizarro grins sheepishly, revelling in it's destruction as it's head bobs upside down at the end of a coiled spring of a neck.

Now things get serious.
Allen slips onto the seen so fast he's there before anyone knows it. As his presence registers in Superman's alien brain, the thipping of explosive discs has already given way to their placement all over his super durable body.

They know he can take it. He's stronger than the pounding surf.

The massive amount of explosions do well to shake the man of steel.
Batman's disembodied voice rings through the cave, mocking him with bitter truths. Kal-El's birthgiven powers made him stupid. Batman is smart. Strategic.

"Pardon me while I drop ninety tons of planet Earth on you."

As chunks of rubble spray through the tiny space, Oliver Queen calls the Superman out. Sporting a brand new cybernetic arm (to replace the one Superman cost him), he cocks his bow with a bulky kryptonite arrow and spies his emerging target. Deja Vu.

The Superman sees it coming and heads it off with heat vision, but that only detonates the Kryptonite napalm head of it. All part of the act. He was always the straight man. For all his powers, he never had any real imagination. No creativity.

Reduced considerably by the radioactive remains of his home, it's Atom's turn this time.
Palmer emerges from the shadows and shrinks to a diminutive size and he launches himself through the air at relative dimensions to leaping a tall building.

He sneaks in to the fallen Superman's ear.
"Having a very little man bounding about your inner ear works hell on your equilibrium, doesn't it? I'd feel sorry for you, but I don't."

Palmer ignores Batman's facetious request to take it easy on the boyscout. "The man's having a bad day."

Feeble and defeated the great Superman plants his face into the dirt.
Batman calls off his little helper. He's ready to step into the light.
All sixty years of him.

"Bruce-- I just want to talk..."

Batman answers with his fists.
Giant green fists wrapped in Kryptonite gloves.

He knocks Superman off the ground with a left, and then swats him with a right.
He makes a crater with his face, pounding his head into the ground.
He doesn't stop until he hears a crunch.

"I'm done talking."

"Get out of my cave."

The hammer...
The winner and still champion, Batman!
Due to their vital role in the victory, the other heroes may as well be counted for full victories too. If you're playing along at home, remember to scratch that in.

Y'know, this book [and series] is a bit like when they inject radioactive goop into you, to follow it through the bloodstream, and highlight certain areas during an internal scan. Only, this is radioactive goop for the internet as a working life system of trends, herd mentalities and a desire for unique opinions in counter culture.

Despite reading comics for roughly twenty years, I fully submit the fact that I did so in a vaccum. It wasn't really until the beginning of this decade that I made any real connection with other comics fans, and that was only through the internet. This was a medium I was introduced to as a child, and have arrived at through my own means. So, many must read titles to this day remain unseen by my peepers, and I like to think that makes me some kind of impartial.

A book like All-Star Batman & Robin, which has suffered heavy criticism and consistent trashing online could fool you into thinking the machine of internet fanboys is all about the negative. Which is why I highlight DK2 as a great radioactive indicator, because in my experience, it's gone from being quite loathed, to becoming geek-chic.

Unlike an ASB&R, which I don't think will ever escape the quagmire of criticism, and probably partially because it's justified, DK2 was able to escape the clutches of the perpetuated opinion to start finding pockets of resistence. Which in turn seems to had gradually crated an reverse wave that's making it cool again.

For me, as I said, I didn't read DKR until only fairly recently.
I didn't have fifteen years to ponder the prospects of a Dark Knigt Returns sequel. I read them in succession, and so, from my perspective, this just read like the next logical step in what was a really enjoyable take on Batman.

In some ways I read with a naivety, being surrounded by an industry that was already well into the swing of benefitting from this take on the character.
For me, I read it, and almost acknowledge with bemusement that, yes. This is approximately what I want to see from a Batman story. It's context allows it greater lengths, but yes. Why wouldn't Batman slap Superman silly? That's what Batman does.

I'm simplifying, but my roundabout point is that perhaps somewhere along the lines the longterm fans got carried away with anticipation for DK2, and when it came it couldn't possibly live up to that hype. And with the glory of the internet, their gospel was carried across the information superhighway to be absorbed by the sponge-like masses of newer readers unconfident with their placement in a medium three or four times old as they.

Not that I mean to paint a picture of myself as anti-internet.
The irony of that would not be lost even on I who have not yet read Watchmen.

I just think it's very interesting the way the mass exchange of opinion has helped shape this current visage of an industry. Interesting that a new reader absorbs basic knowledge of this life like a newborn from sources like message boards and Wikipedia, and instantly learns these opinions as fact.

'DC is just capes. You must relate to characters. Only Marvel has relatable characters' is somehow dwarfed by the progressive life lessons of things like, 'smoking causes lung cancer' and 'unsafe sex leads to mortgages and assault charges'.

And if you're just joining us to see Batman punch Superman with a novelty sized boxing glove. Hey, it's Frank Miller! If you don't read the Hollywood Press online, when it's Miller, it's got to be about big issues!

Oh, the parody!

The Fight: 7 The Issue: 7

THE JUSTICE LEAGUE versus DEATHSTROKE
Where: Identity Crisis #3 When: October 2004
Writer: Brad Meltzer Artist: Rags Morales

The story so far...
Sue Dibny has been murdered, and this single death is sending shockwaves that touch each and every hero in the DC Universe.

With the most analytical and tuned heroes turning up no evidence, and a hyper technological security system showing no signs of forced entry, most of the League begin investigating the obvious suspects; teleporters, magicians, shape shifters, but one group has a different theory.

This is the event that changed the playing field, making it clear that the innocence of the past was nothing but a sham. These select few go in search of Dr. Light, a now-bumbling villain that had found his way to the Justice League satellite and raped Dibny years earlier.

Revealing their dark past, Green Arrow admits that the League had used Zatanna's magic to erase portions of the villain's minds pertaining to the secret identities of the heroes. The heroes did only what they needed to, until Dr. Light, when they crossed the line, and altered his personality forever.

Tale of the tape...
Deathstroke is really quite a scary villain for a lot of reasons, one of those being that controlling 90% of his brain function makes him pretty difficult to define. I'm not sure anyone could tell me exactly what potential 90% brain function would unlock. As it is, it just seems to make him an incredible tactician and fighter, which I guess means he's more in tune with his body and mind.

Intelligence: 4 (Tactician)
Fighting Ability: 7 (Born fighter)

Deathstroke is officially the first character to rank a seven on the Haseloff system for fighting ability. This is purely based on the determination of the advantage of his brain power, which is poorly reflected by his intelligence rating.
Though perhaps vaguely ill-defined, Deathstroke's powers must be recognised as making him an extremely impressive foe.

This particular arrangement of the Justice League roughly consists of; Hawkman, Green Arrow, the Flash, Black Canary, Atom, Green Lantern, Zatanna and Elongated Man. Not the most impressive line-up we've seen of the JL, but without a doubt still a competent mix of seasoned veterans, and incredible powers.

Even on his best day, one has to question the odds for Deathstroke to defeat that collection of heroes. The sheer strength of numbers tends to lend itself to someone getting the jump on him, while he tries to eliminate them.

This is an opinion, of course, that has particular relevence for the way they fight is choreographed.

What went down...
This really is the ultimate in fights as far as breaking it down for this particular section. It's so easily disected into neat little pieces that I can literally deliver a beat by beat account of what occured, without missing a pip. Of course, this approach is also one of the most glaring criticisms.

Having already taken care of Elongated Man at the end of the previous issue, Deathstroke is pretty keen to make sure everyone understands it is his fight, as per the terms of his agreement with Dr. Light. Terms involving a hefty sum of money.

The Flash, quite naturally, is the first to act.
Deathstroke's 90% function doesn't outdo Batman in the anticipation department, but it's still impressive. He sets off a series of C-5 plastique charges infront of him, prompting Flash to attack from behind. Of course, this move leaves Flash skewered on Deathstroke's rather ample sword.

Attacking the next biggest perceived threat, Deathstroke goes straight for Zatanna, tapping her liver with a well placed shot, drowning her reversed incantations in vomit. Not terribly pretty, but damn effective.

Hawkman and his long-range threat is the next targeted, and naturally Hawkman meets it with a suitable amount of controlled aggression. Apparently he was ready to fight, but not ready to have his wing harness cut from his chest.

Why Hawkman wouldn't be ready for such an attack, absolutely baffles, and this is no doubt where the fight starts to break down.

Continuing down the line, he flows into an attack against Green Arrow, with bow cocked the entire time, as he tracks his high speed target. Deathstroke's greater reflexes allow him to swat the incoming arrow away, before taking a swing at the archer himself. As Green Arrow ducks the swing, he realises that the projected target was the tails of his arrows.
As the feathers fly, Green Arrow's stock in the fight plummets, his arrows now rendered relatively useless. (Or are they?)

Black Canary prepares to unleash a sonic scream, but Deathstroke is a man who thinks of everything, coming prepared with an airtight rubber mask. He bags the Canary's head, tying it tight around the neck, and cuffs her arms behind her back for good measure.

With the backstory of Dr. Light's rape on Sue Dibney, there's actually a very disturbing potential to this panel, where he is seen lurking in the background, with Canary's bikini-fishnet clad buttocks taking precedence in the foreground.
I've read that the themes of interpreted misogynism caused a minor outcry from fans, but I think finding an objectification of women in comics is both dramatically late, and in this case, perhaps a little faceitous.

On with the fight, Deathstroke scans the battlefield for the Atom, who I must say has the nifty trick of getting forgotten. If I were the opponent to the Justice League reading this issue, I would have the little bugger bouncing around in my eardrum by now.

Again, that incredible capacity for anticipation and execution is on display, as Slade anticipates Atom's microscopic attack, and using his advanced vision blasts him with electrons and protons in a beam of a laser pointer's light.
The Atom 're-bigulates' just in time to knock Hawkman right between the eyes, as he was rising to his feet after his previous fall.

By now, there's a very real argument that it's been far too easy to take each JLer one by one. No matter how fast Deathstroke's reflexes are, and how advanced his planning, it's tough to believe the Green Lantern could have been standing idle for this long.
Granted, Kyle Rayner doesn't have the experience of the other heroes, but he's no kid anymore.

Slade locks up with Rayner, who foolishly decides it's suddenly a good idea to become a fist fighter, and gets four broken fingers for his trouble.

One assumes ninety percent brain function must give Deathstroke a pretty impressive will power, as he grips the broken hand and tries to wrestle control of the Green Lantern's ring away from him.
Of course, on previous occasions Rayner's ring has been shown to only respond to himself, and a select few of his fellows, but the injuries sustained, and Deathstroke's incredible willpower make for a feasible argument for the deadlock.
Green Arrow attempts to make some of his own luck, and shows that he's more than a one-trick pony. With his arrows no longer viable projectiles, ol' Ollie goes the low tech approach, and stabs Deathstroke in the eye.

Sent into a murderous rage, Deathstroke loses his cool, calculating advantage, intent simply on killing Green Arrow. Let's face it, with that goatee, and pathetic disguise, it's a place we've all been.

Getting the snot beat out of him long enough to let League pull themselve's together, Green Arrow buys the time necessary for the heroes to finally make a joint attack. They each grab a limb, and wrestle for it. Of course, this scene prompts a flashback for the previously mindwiped Dr. Light, where he recalls a similar instance involving himself.

The mind wiped villain has something of a meltdown, bursting into a blazing light of rage.
When the heroes come-to, they're on their arses, infront of Superman no less. Faux pas!

The Hammer...
When I first gauged potential interest in some of the greatest fights in comics of all time, this was actually the fight mentioned the most. Hopefully the few reading this website will be pleased that it made the list promptly.

As mentioned earlier, my biggest criticism would have to undoubtedly be the delivery of the fight, which suggests that no Justice League hero was able to intervene during the systematic elimination of member after member. Perhaps the toughest pill to swallow is the fact that Green Lantern, a hero who quite regularly scoops villains up in bubbles, could be left as an oversight until the very end. The neglect shown is only further exasperated by the decision to have Green Lantern, posessor of anything he can imagine, enter into a fistfight with a quite obviously dangerous threat.

Maybe the ball falls on Morales, whose art seems shakey in places, or maybe Meltzer isn't the world's greatest fight writer. Hey, they can't all be Mark Millars.

As far as calling the fight, I'd have to say I think this result was inconclusive.
Deathstroke definitely had the battle in his hand, but Green Arrow did enough to redeem the Justice League, and snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.
In light of that, I'm going to have to call this the first draw.

If you have any dispute, feel free to drop a comment.
Stay tuned next week for a showdown of blockbusting proportions, not Christmas themed, but truly a gift worthy of the holidays. Until then, some stats. Ciao!

The Fight: 6.5 The Issue: 5.5 [July 17, 2006]

Stats:
Deathstroke - Severe injury inflicted by sword. (The Flash)
Deathstroke - Critical pressure point blow. (Zatanna)
Deathstroke - Subdued with bag and cuffs. (Black Canary)
Deathstroke - Critical blow with laser pointer. (Atom)
Deathstroke - Severe injury; four broken fingers. (Green Lantern)
Green Arrow - Severe injury; stabbed eye with arrow. (Deathstroke)
Dr. Light - Present, but did absolutely nothing but watch.