THE CONTEST: FIRESTORM versus SHE-HULK

It had to happen! The Grandmaster has watched the Secret Wars on Infinite Earths for many years and now he comes with a challenge: I must select 12 heroes & villains from the DC Universe to do battle against his Champions of the Marvel Universe! Grandmaster's team competed in the first Contest of Champions and set an allowance of 5000pts based on fixed Fight Club Rankings. Each battle will be decided by you in fantasy fight polls held on Twitter, Facebook and Patreon!

Tale of the Tape...
Strength: She-Hulk 5 (Super-Human)
Intelligence: She-Hulk 3 (Straight A)
Speed: She-Hulk 3 (Athlete)
Stamina: She-Hulk 5 (Marathoner)
Agility: Firestorm 3 (Acrobat)
Fighting: She-Hulk 4 (Trained)
Energy: Firestorm 6 (Mass Destruction)
Total: Firestorm 24 (Champion)

The scores are tied as we head into the final four and The Grandmaster is making his move!  He has a 949pt spending advantage after relying on unranked characters in many of the earlier rounds, including the last. Now he's dropping a whopping 808pts on a powerhouse player with plenty of topical appeal!

She-Hulk brings considerable raw power to the fight: possessing similarly gamma irradiated muscle to her famous cousin The Hulk!

For a long time she was distinguished by her ability to transform at will, while also retaining the intellect of her law practicing alter-ego, Jennifer Walters. That helped her outwit and outfight Champion of the Universe in the now-classic boxing rematch seen in She-Hulk #8!

"Shulkie" was always double-tough, but these days she's looking even more like her brawny cousin -- with a bigger punch to boot! Of course, with great gamma power comes a volatile mental state, which has forced the likes of Iron Man to stop her savage rampages in battles like Avengers #501.

In today's battle I'm going to propose it doesn't matter which version of She-Hulk shows up!

I'm planning to turn her gamma strength into a weakness by calling upon a criminally under-valued hero who's only going to cost me 29pts: Firestorm!

The Nuclear Man in question is Ronnie Raymond, whose exploits on the site have been limited to battles with Brimstone in Legends #1 and #2. In those cases he shared the Firestorm Matrix with Professor Martin Stein, whose mentoring made Ronnie Raymond a formidable hero able to exploit his abilities to fire energy blasts, and transmute matter on a molecular level!

Traditionally Firestorm cannot use his transmutation powers on organic life, but he certainly can safely siphon off radiation -- which I'm proposing is the perfect skill to sap She-Hulk of her super-strength. He might weaken her enough to deliver a finishing blast, or even trigger her transformation back to an easily detained Jennifer Walters!

The Verdict...
It was another battle of two very different opponents who create an ambitious and complex chemical equation. I thought I'd found a clever way to solve it with the nuclear powers of Firestorm, but my argument didn't really come into play as opinions developed over the course of a wildly swinging vote.

Michael Wagner was one of the initial swell of voters who went with She-Hulk, citing recent developments in comics to speak succinctly to the unshakeable endurance of gamma-irradiated heroes: "Hulks are Immortal".

Nazar Talk Comics saw a complicated match-up, but ultimately came down in favour of She-Hulk as well: "Ahh this is really complicated. I don't think Firestorm has any chance if we take into account the Bryne feats/powers. She-Hulk would one shot." He added "Ronnie definitely has the speed thing covered, he does however lack the right power to defeat her. Although he could incapacitate her in something where she won't be able to fight back. That is quite possible too."

The Man in the Tan Jacket was an early supporter for Firestorm, going further with his speed, aerial agility, and transmutational powers: "Firestorm would win this with relative ease. While She-Hulk is stronger and tougher, Firestorm is way faster and can fly; Shulkie would never lay a finger on him. One transmutation turning the air around She-Hulk into either mercury or iron oxide, and she's K.O.'ed."

Firestorm Fan didn't need convincing, seeing a similar conclusion with range playing a major factor: "She-Hulk is a great character, but Firestorm can attack from a distance with Molecule Man like powers. Firestorm’s got this."

Lester Medina Lopez looked to the recent Doomsday Clock series to put Firestorm's potential power into perspective: "Even Dr. Manhattan said he was one of the most powerful characters in DC."

A late influx of Firestorm votes flipped the Twitter result mid-way, buoying Firestorm to a strong 62.5% win. Technical problems continue to prevent the creation of Facebook polls.

That means Round 9 goes to Secret Wars on Infinite Earths!

We'll be back for Round 10 sometime soon! Keep your eyes on The Contest for the latest fantasy fights and previous results. Be sure to visit Twitter, Facebook, and Patreon for even more updates & polling options. You can also weigh-in on this result, or share your thoughts right here in the comments.

Winner: Firestorm
The Grandmaster: - 4 (2051pts)
Secret Wars on Infinite Earths: - 5 (1888pts)

[Home]    Contest: Killer Croc vs Talisman >>

DEADSHOT versus BLOODSPORT

World's Finest: Year Ten - War of the Worlds! (DC)
Where: Batman & Superman: World's Finest #10 When: January 2000 Why: Karl Kesel How: Dave Taylor & Tom Morgan

The Story So Far...
Simultaneous breakouts at Stryker's Island Prison and Arkham Asylum spell double trouble for Metropolis and Gotham City. Some of the deadliest super-criminals from both cities have been let loose -- and the twins responsible are inspiring a turf war that could tear Gotham apart!

Leading a first-wave assault on the Gotham City docks is the ultimate gunman whose arsenal will never run out of ammunition. Bloodsport is just one of the Metropolis super-powers who've come to take over, but little does he know he's stepped into the sights of Deadshot!

Tale of the Tape...
Strength: Draw 3 (Athlete)
Intelligence: Deadshot 4 (Tactician)
Speed: Deadshot 3 (Athlete)
Stamina: Deadshot 3 (Strong Willed)
Agility: Deadshot 3 (Acrobat)
Fighting: Deadshot 4 (Training)
Energy: Bloodsport 4 (Arsenal)
Total: Deadshot 23 (Champion)

They say Deadshot doesn't miss, but will the master marksman be able to make the perfect shot when his opponent is quicker on the draw? That's the challenge he faces against the man of a thousand weapons: Bloodsport!

Robert DuBois was plucked from obscurity by Lex Luthor, and outfitted with state of the art technology that allows him to teleport any weapon imaginable directly into his hands. This even included a gun that fires kryptonite needles when he was first deployed to hunt and destroy Superman!

In theory that means Bloodsport has a limitless arsenal and more firepower than Deadshot, but as The Tape stats show -- that's really his only clean advantage.

DuBois lacks Deadshot's finesse and expertise with arms. In Suicide Squad #6 we saw Deadshot's perfect aim when he creased the skull of an airborne Enchantress with a non-lethal shot fired from a significant distance!

That also shows Deadshot is cool under pressure, performing under immediate threat of Rick Flag and oncoming soldiers. The stakes were just as high in Legends #3 when he used a single-shot laser gun to bring down the rampaging Apokolips beast Brimstone.

Some of his cool nerve can be attributed to an apparent death wish, but Floyd Lawton's jaded outlook isn't nearly as volatile as Bloodsport's!

DuBois espouses the virtue of soldiers who've served their country, but he never actually went to war himself, despite verbiage to the contrary. In truth he was a "draft dodger" who fled to Canada, leaving his younger brother Mickey to take his place, and lose both arms & legs in action in Vietnam.

Suffering a psychotic breakdown that took him on several tours through Canadian psychiatric care; Bloodsport ultimately channeled his self-loathing into aggression towards perceived symbols of modern American apathy. The epitome of this was Superman, but he makes no bones about gunning down civilians, either.

There's a case to be made that speed might be used against Deadshot. He was admitted to the Suicide Squad only after The Flash took him down in Legends #1. On the other hand, fast shooting saved his neck when the Manticore had him pinned down in Suicide Squad #2.

Bloodsport's hopes really rely on coming in guns blazing. Otherwise, he appears to lack any real training or the combat skills necessary to outfight Deadshot.

The Tape: Deadshot Ranking: Deadshot (#72)

What Went Down...
Bloodsport shouts a warning of "incoming" as he unloads with a massive hi-tech blaster cannon on the Gotham West Side docks. It is a courtesy with a purpose -- the shot itself a warning of sorts, that "Metropolis Muscle" is taking over!

"GOT YOUR ATTENTION, PEOPLE? GOOD! 'CAUSE FROM NOW ON, THESE DOCKS ARE RUN BY METROPOLIS MUSCLE! WE CLEAR?"

The message is heard loud and clear, but Gotham's criminal underworld have been warned of the incursion and come prepared.

No sooner has Bloodsport finished his bold declaration of takeover, than Deadshot has a wrist-mounted gun barrel pointed at the back of his head.

He calmly orders Bloodsport to drop the massive cannon.

The Metropolis gunman complies, but for someone who can will any weapon into his hand with a mere thought -- disarming is a temporary predicament.

Bloodsport's hand begins to glow a familiar blue as he wonders which of them would be faster on the draw: He with his "arms-transporter" -- or Deadshot with his trademark wrist-mounted magnum?

The marksman either doesn't see it coming, or simply allows a futuristic pistol to materialize in Bloodsport's hand to indulge a shootout. Bloodsport twirls around as soon as the gun is in his hand and opens fire!

Bloodsport manages to get off three shots as he dives to his right, but Deadshot leans clear and aims true -- shattering the gun in Bloodsport's hand with a single crack shot!

In an instant Bloodsport fills his other hand with another gun and fires wildly. He may not have Deadshot's expert aim, but he reckons that toppling a brick wall directly behind him with superior firepower will finish him just fine.

Deadshot stands his ground and invites Bloodsport to join him in Hell.

Before the Gotham local can make good on his threat, two caped crusaders come swooping out of the blue to bring their deadly battle to an end!

Superman grabs Deadshot and pulls him clear of the brick debris, while Batman swoops down from above to silence Bloodsport with an overhead kayo!

The Hammer...

If you were hoping for a definitive answer to who the superior gunman is: I'm afraid you'll have to keep wondering! This was an issue of World's Finest, and the title pairing of Superman & Batman swooped in to steal the win.

Although published with a cover date of 2000; the conceit of the World's Finest mini-series means it's set sometime in the past. The majority of each issue takes place in a different subsequent year, which means around sixty years of publication history was consolidated into an adjusted ten year timeline.

The penultimate issue touched upon the aftermath of Death of Superman and Knightfall, but it seems World's Finest #10 also might take place somewhere in what would've been the real-time publishing period of the early nineties. It's a little difficult to say for sure, and Bloodsport's presence is the primary reason.

Robert DuBois was gunned down violently in a 1995 issue of Adventures of Superman. He doesn't make any subsequent appearance before 2000, which seemed to reinforce his untimely death.

Steel also makes an appearance in World's Finest #10, wearing what looks like his original S shield armor, but might be a later version adopted around '97. The latter would sit better with the involvement of the villain Riot, who debuted in 1996, in Superman: Man of Steel. Either way, somebody clearly got confused.

Death being what it is in modern day comics: the permanence and status of Robert DuBois' death has been a little difficult to track ever since.

Another Bloodsport appeared on the scene in 1993 with significantly different prejudices. There may also in fact be a third unidentified Bloodsport who just happens to look almost identical to Robert DuBois.

It's difficult to know for sure if there actually is a lookalike, or if World's Finest #10 merely began a chain of confusion that continued with later creators, who presumably wanted to call back to the slightly obscure early post-Crisis villain, but didn't know or care that he was dead.

The line wide relaunch of the New 52 definitively restored Robert DuBois to the new canon, allowing him to make a couple of appearances in The Flash. It seems safe to assume he'll be sticking around now that Idris Elba has been revealed as a live-action Robert DuBois in next year's The Suicide Squad movie.

The fact that it was long rumored Elba would replace Will Smith as Deadshot made today's featured fight a particularly fun battle to dig up from obscurity.

I have to imagine the film will inspire DC Comics to utilize the character much more, possibly setting up for a future rematch with Floyd Lawton, assuming he returns from whatever nonsense has befallen him. It wouldn't surprise me if the comic follows the movie's lead and swaps Bloodsport in very soon. That tends to be the way things work, these days.

It actually strikes me that the relative obscurity of Bloodsport will work in favour of both the filmmakers and DC.

The choice offers a low risk way to reinvent a character, and potentially mint a new lasting icon in the process. It's also a much more pleasing and genuine way to address ethnic diversity in comic book films, as opposed to casting against type as they did for Deadshot.

Bloodsport may seem like a bit of a nothing character, but in the future we may take a closer look at his first appearance to uncover what is a surprisingly strong debut for an otherwise forgotten villain. I've certainly overlooked the character all these years, but it's probably no surprise the John Byrne introduction works. We'll talk more about the glaring Van Damme connection, too. I know you saw it!

In the mean time: Bloodsport becomes the 987th character added to the Fight Club Rankings!

You can check out adjusted ranks for all featured characters at the bottom of current updates. Follow links throughout this post to discover more from each combatant -- and many more!

Secret Wars on Infinite Earths has featured well over 650 comic book battles and you can find them all in the Secret Archive! Links are indexed by publisher, series, and issue number. Or subscribe on Twitter and Facebook to get daily links to superhero smackdown inspired by the topics of the day. Don't forget to like & share updates if you do!

If you'd like to read today's featured fight for yourself, you can check it out in the now out-of-print Batman * Superman: World's Finest collection. Using the Amazon link provided to shop will do a fine job of helping support the site.

If you like what Secret Wars on Infinite Earths is all about and would like to donate to help the cause you can now be a hero on Patreon. As a thank you for your generosity in supporting independent written content you'll gain access to additional updates, extra poll options, and custom articles.

Winners: Batman & Superman
#1 (--) Batman
#5 (--) Superman
#80 (-8) Deadshot
#933 (new) Bloodsport (Robert DuBois)

THOR versus THANOS

The Final Morning (Marvel)
Where: Thor #25 When: July 2000
Why: Dan Jurgens How: John Romita Jr

The Story So Far...
At the very dawn of time an alien sorcerer named X'Hoss foresaw the coming of The Designate and the elevation of all life to greatness.

To protect The Designate from those that would attempt to destroy her, he crafted three objects of immense power: The Illumination Stone, The Map of All-Ending, and The Chalice of Ruins.

These artifacts were soon corrupted by demonic forces so that their union with the tears of The Designate could command power over death itself. It is this knowledge that leads The Mad Titan, Thanos, on a new quest to indulge his obsession and flatter the attentions of Death herself.

In league with the loathsome Mangog; Thanos has brought the universe to the brink of Ragnarok. On a tiny ice planet, Thor lies beaten and broken, but across the gulf of space his poisoned father Odin conspires to arm him with one final reprieve. He need only survive long enough to receive it...

Tale of the Tape...
Strength: Draw 6 (Invincible)
Intelligence: Thanos 5 (Professor)
Speed: Thor 3 (Athlete)
Stamina: Thanos 7 (Unstoppable)
Agility: Thor 2 (Average)
Fighting: Thor 6 (Warrior)
Energy: Thanos 6 (Mass Destruction)
Total: Thanos 34 (Super)

Everyone knows Thor is one of the most powerful Avengers -- but even a God of Thunder is given grave pause by the cosmic malice of Thanos!

For a time it was thought Thanos could not die: true after he was rejected by Death herself. The notion was temporarily challenged however when Drax had his long awaited revenge by removing Thanos' heart in Annihilation #4. It took a cosmic cube to put him back down after being briefly resurrected in Guardians of the Galaxy #25. A more lasting return soon followed.

In today's battle Thanos has become a bringer of death. He has collected fabled artifacts of grim power and potential: The Chalice of Ruins, The Map of All-Ending, The Illumination Stone, and even the tears of Tarene The Designate. From this collection his will now becomes a vast coda to life itself!

All hope seems lost, but this isn't the first time Thanos has brought the universe to the brink of extinction. In his most famous quest The Mad Titan achieved nigh omnipotence by assembling the cosmic infinity stones into the Infinity Gauntlet.

Eric Masterson was in command of Mjolnir, and the might of Thor, at that time, lending his hammer to a fruitless first wave which convinced Thanos to indulge in a fairer form of combat. Thor's godly strength was then used to batter Thanos convincingly until he put distance between them by flinging the erstwhile Thor into space. When the stand-in Thor returned to fight by the side of Spider-Man, he was turned to glass and shattered for his trouble.

This time it's the one true Odinson going into battle -- but there may be some doubts about the nature of the Thanos he faces.

It's alleged in the 2002 Infinity Abyss mini-series that Thanos created a series of duplicates intended to test potential enemies and allies. These "Thanosi" clones were deemed imperfect, carrying out lesser visions of his plan. This basically seems like a device for explaining away inconsistent portrayals of Thanos.

The genocidal Titan that Thor's facing today clearly lives up to Thanos' most terrifying potential. His scheme and its destructive threat is not dissimilar from Infinity Gauntlet and you should not look upon this version as greatly inferior.

Thor has confronted many cosmic adversaries over the years, finding mixed results. The supposed daughter of Thanos, Nebula, proved capable of holding him at bay in Avengers #315, while Drax fought a mad Thor to an inconclusive result in Warlock and The Infinity Watch #21. An Ego-powered Ronan The Accuser went one better, swatting him aside in Maximum Security #3!

The potential for cosmic adversaries to subvert Thor's enchanted hammer is an eventuality that cannot be overlooked. Champion of the Universe was able to move Mjolnir by manipulating space around it in Marvel Two-In-One Annual #7. The most famous example remains Beta Ray Bill, who proved worthy of wielding Mjolnir and turning its power against its master in Thor #337.

Thanos seems unlikely to lift Mjolnir any time soon, but The Mad Titan has enhanced himself with considerable magic and cosmic power. The odds seem very much stacked against Thor, having already been beaten severely, and forced to battle Thanos' ally Mangog. Let's see how he does...

The Tape: Thanos Ranking: Thanos (#11)

What Went Down...
Thanos romanticizes the embrace of death as a dazzling wave of destructive energy erupts directly from his hand and out into the cosmos.

Thor makes his grim approach from behind, stomping determinedly through snow with Mjolnir twirling at his side. He shouts indignant condemnation for Thanos' unthinkable disregard for life -- and pays dearly for his passion.

Thanos engulfs Thor in a punishing shower of excess energy. As he does, the first wave of death exterminates 41 billion lives on the planet Parsikon IV!

Only the Mad Titan and a badly damaged Rigellian Recorder are witness to the breadth of carnage now unleashed. The robot Recorder is without emotion but experiences something approximating regret. Thanos delights at his handiwork.

Racked with agony: Thor defiantly endures the spillover of energies and vows to stop Thanos. The Thunderer's bravery is true, but Recorder knows he is unlikely to escape the devastating forces acting against him.

Though pledged to record all events: the legless machine drags itself towards peril, preferring to offer what little assistance it might than survive to bear witness to the end of sentient life itself. It reaches out and is consumed.

Thor honors Recorder's sacrifice, shouting his name into the night and swearing to avenge him. His passionate cries grate on the ears of the traitor Tarakis.

The former Grand Vizier to Odin asks permission to end Thor's life. A final irony as an unseen stream of cosmic flame shatters his very existence!

The destruction of Tarakis signals the arrival of an emissary of Odin: Firelord!

The Xandarian herald carries armor infused with the blessings of Odinforce. He knows he is not powerful enough to enter Thanos' energies, but a cosmic blast may free Thor from its deadly embrace -- at the risk of killing him.

Firelord tosses Thor an enchanted belt to increase his resolve -- then dares to fire upon the beleaguered Odinson.

The explosion of colliding energies successfully throws Thor's body clear of the relentless fire holding him in place. For a moment his mighty body lies in the snow - smoldering and motionless. Then the Odinson begins to stir!

Firelord hands over the special armaments forged by blacksmith Jagrfelm at special order of Odin himself!

The strength doubling belt of power wraps around Thor's body, while a barbed gauntlet extends all the way up to his bicep, and a great spiked shield obscures his torso from sight. Even Mjolnir's might is enhanced with additional Odinforce!

Reinvigorated by the power of his new armaments: Thor immediately launches his assault -- hurling Mjolnir at a disinterested Thanos.

The hammer bounces against the unfathomable forces surrounding Thanos. It is enough to regain the Mad Titan's attention. He turns -- unleashing a maelstrom of power that radiates across the icy planet with violent consequence!

Firelord does his best to protect himself and Tarene, while Thor relies on his new shield to bear the brunt of the incredible onslaught. The impact pushes him across the battlefield -- driving his body into a frozen cliff side!

The God of Thunder emerges from the mountain depression and challenges Thanos to settle the battle, not with distant shots, but with their own fists -- as gods and warriors would do. Thanos refuses!

Again the enchanted shield protects Thor from the awesome force of Thanos' mystically enhanced power! The thunder god presses against his eye beams, striding slowly but steadily towards their source.

The shield begins to fray at the edges and crack, but still it holds as Thor wills himself and the metal disc forward. It begins to shatter, sending devastating shards around him, but Thor is unshaken in his mission to defend all life!

Soon, the shield is no more -- but Thor has reached his target!

With a warrior's decree he swings wildly with Mjolnir! The spectacular blow demands the attention of Thanos once more, but still the Mad Titan refuses to fall!

Thanos throws an all mighty right hook, but Thor returns fire with a staggering left that allows him to slip behind and strike the back. Thanos throws massive fists like clubs as Thor moves back in front. He connects with Thor's jaw!

The Mad Titan compares his godly adversary to a mere insect. Thor steels himself to be an insect that bites: reaching with his enchanted gauntlet to clutch the Illumination Stone that's hung around Thanos' neck.

The Titan's demeanor changes from arrogance to desperation, but there is nothing he can do to stop Thor crushing the gem in his armored fist.

The artifact explodes with a final roar of power as Thanos' grip on death suddenly ends! This time it's Thanos who yells into the night. Thor orders he be silent -- issued with the full brunt of Mjolnir's enchanted uru.

First a direct blow to the body softens Thanos up. Then an uppercut staggers him, before the might of Mjolnir is brought crashing down upon his head with the righteous indignation and fury of a warrior god defending life itself!

Thanos lands facedown in the snow, still smoldering with power, while Thor stands hunched beyond him in grim vigil, prepared to smith him again and again if needs demand it. The Mad Titan doesn't stir -- until an amazed Tarene steps forward with tears in her eyes.

The billions across space who lost their lives weigh heavily on Thor, and inspire The Designate to weep. It is said without the protection of The Stone of Illumination her tears will burn evil as if it was cast to the fires of Hell. She wipes her tear sand allows them to fall to Thanos who is consumed in flame.

The Hammer...

There was a certain grandeur when the final chapter of Death of Superman went to full and double-page spreads, but I dare say Thor #25 just might be the most epic thing Dan Jurgens has ever written!

It certainly doesn't hurt that John Romita Jr is absolutely drawing his arse off, as well! This is the JRjr you remember from World War Hulk, but today's fight, and the drama leading up to it, is laden with such beautiful poetry and glorious crescendo -- it's on a whole other level!

The sense of rising hopelessness as Thor struggles to return from a previous bitter defeat, and his allies become little more than spectators, reminds me of the saga-defining cosmic battles from Akira Toriyama's Dragon Ball Z.

Even the way allies continue to make small but vital contributions, such as Firelord delivering Odin's armor and killing Tarakis, seems very in keeping with DBZ. It was a pop culture phenomenon around this time, but I'm not sure it was a deliberate reference. Even if it was, the manga (or anime) never felt quite so heavy with epic Nordic tragedy. This issue is really something else!

Which makes it seem such a shame to undercut the battle's legitimacy by later reframing Thanos as an imperfect clone [as defined in The Infinity Abyss].

His motivations might be slightly regressive, but the only real incongruity is probably Thanos' apparent destruction when the fight is over. Otherwise, the epic battle and its intergalactic stakes feel very worthy of the one true Thanos! This certainly isn't the fall to Earth of his earlier appearances opposing Ka-Zar.

Not that I'm doubting the wisdom of Jim Starlin, mind you. If anything, this is probably another indictment on the assassination of a popular character. It isn't explicitly stated that Thanos died, but it certainly wasn't his usual graceful exit.

The situation reminds me ever so slightly of Mysterio's death a year prior in Daredevil #9. Thanos wasn't nearly the same subject of ridicule, but this was nearly a decade on from the highs of Infinity Gauntlet. Marvel cosmic was on the decline in general, and Thanos might've started to feel a little played out by 2000. Killing the character would be a mistake, but a big sendoff makes sense.

Whether he meant to kill off, or just sideline Thanos, I do greatly appreciate that Dan Jurgens put something back into the Marvel Universe.

The mythology of The Designate, and the artifacts used in this battle, were put into place very abruptly - just a few issues before this - but I think they worked reasonably well within their context. The grandiose opera of these issues do a lot to accelerating the meaning and credibility of everything involved, while expanding the theo-cosmic world of Thor and the Asgardians.

It's always cool to see Firelord get in the mix, and he's a very natural guest as a well established adversary to Thanos. We'll remember his team-up with Eric Masterson during Infinity Gauntlet, and role as a regular supporting character in Thanos adjacent issues of Silver Surfer. As a matter of housekeeping: he'll share the win with Thor for slaying Tarakis during the battle.

I rather like Tarene in these early issues, as well. There's something about the simplicity of her whitish attire that rather appeals to me. It seems like a bit of a shame that she was quickly remodeled as "Thor Girl" -- a female version of the main title hero -- when she had her own ambiguous, but otherworldly qualities here in these first appearances. It might've been nice to retain that, even while expanding her beyond a weeping Pariah/Harbinger type.

Before we wrap this massive entry, I should also note that by an act of pure serendipity, I happening to be listening to Jocelyn Pook album Untold Things while writing this entry. I don't usually soundtrack reading comics, but it turned out to be a very inspiring compliment to the super-sized issue. If you give it a listen, you might understand what I'm getting at.

If you want to get more of this type of Thor you can check out entries for Thor (Vol.2) #1 and Thorion of the New Asgods #1. Both feature big godly action by John Romita Jr. You can also discover more by following other links throughout this post, or by diving into the Secret Archive!

Secret Wars on Infinite Earths has featured more than 650 battles and ranked well over 900 characters! If you like what it's all about and want to support the project you can be hero and donate via Patreon. As a thank you you'll receive special acknowledgement, extra updates, voting polls, and custom articles.

You can experience today's featured fight for yourself by checking out one of the collected editions of Thor: Heroes Return Omnibus or Thor by Dan Jurgens & John Romita Jr Vol.4.

Using Amazon purchase links provided for any of your online shopping will not only net you a great deal, but also help support the site in the process.

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Winner: Thor & Firelord (w/ The Designate)
#21 (+11) Thor
#403 (+528) Firelord [+1 kill]
#471 (new) Tarene [+1 kill] [+1 assist]
#596 (new) Rigellian Recorder [+1 assist]
#11 (--) Thanos [+41,000,000,000 kills]
#932 (new) Tarakis

BLACK PANTHER & DAREDEVIL versus KLAW & ERIK KILLMONGER

Of Kings... And Bright, Shiny Things... (Marvel)
Where: Over The Edge #6 When: April 1996
Why: Ralph Macchio How: Robert Brown

The Story So Far...
Notorious super-criminal Ulysses Klaw has been taken into custody pending the result of an extradition hearing for his role in the murder of Wakandan King T'Chaka.

Representing the interests of King T'Challa is presiding attorney Foggy Nelson, but even the watchful vigilance of his daring (and believed deceased) partner Matt Murdock cannot prevent Klaw staging an explosive escape from the court room!

Klaw has found an ally in Killmonger, who has returned from the grave to haunt Black Panther and claim the Wakanda throne for himself. Conspiring to infiltrate the Wakandan Embassy; Killmonger helps Klaw and his mercenaries kill their guards and leave T'Challa strapped to a bomb, but Black Panther has already found an ally of his own: the man without fear -- Daredevil!

Tale of the Tape...
Strength: Klaw 4 (Enhanced)
Intelligence: Black Panther 5 (Professor)
Speed: Black Panther 4 (Olympian)
Stamina: Klaw 5 (Marathoner)
Agility: Daredevil 4 (Gymnast)
Fighting: Killmonger 6 (Warrior)
Energy: Klaw 5 (Lasers)
Total: Killmonger 28 (Metahuman)

Black Panther and Daredevil are old acquaintances, but only one of the villains they're facing together is known to both of them.

Klaw debuted as Black Panther's arch-nemesis in Fantastic Four #53, where he succumbed to his own inventions when The Panther avenged the assassination of his father, King T'Chaka. The event transformed Ulysses Klaw into a being made of living sound, which DD met and defeated in Daredevil #237!

You might think a man controlling sound would be a problem for Daredevil and his radar senses, but there were really no issues in their previous spontaneous encounter. Which makes Erik Killmonger the wild card!

The man called Killmonger was once N'Jadaka: A Wakandan who was exiled to New York after his father's death. In Harlem he honed his brilliant mind and a hatred for the Black Panther. Upon returning to Wakanda, Killmonger began a traitorous path that brought him into direct conflict with King T'Challa.

Killmonger was ultimately defeated by T'Challa in a fatal struggle, but The Mandarin helped facilitate his first resurrection. This return was seemingly brief, but Killmonger secretly conspired to survive, returning these many years later to forge an unlikely alliance with Klaw to catch Black Panther in a trap!

Killmonger is Black Panther's equal in a great many ways, possessing a similarly keen intellect and acumen for engineering, a lust for battle that transcends his extensive training, and phenomenal natural strength later enhanced with many of the same herbs and treatments guarded by the Black Panther.

In Fantastic Four #52 we saw Black Panther use skill and technique to mititgate The Thing's strength, while in Tales of Suspense #98 he matched the hand-to-hand prowess of Captain America. However, in Killmonger he finds an opponent that possesses aspects of both -- with a passionate hatred fuelling him!

In theory, Killmonger and Klaw have the edge against both heroes. It's unclear if Klaw understands the innate vulnerability of Daredevil's radar senses. If he can figure that out, and resist conflict with his reluctant ally, it could be over!

The Tape: Klaw & Killmonger Ranking: Daredevil (#9)

What Went Down...
A high frequency blast bursts the eardrums of two guards stationed to watch King T'Challa's personal catamaran. Killmonger and Klaw are now free to board, but not before the aspiring conqueror admonishes his junior co-conspirator, a Wakandan student named N'Banu, for questioning his ruthlessness.

Better teachers present themselves as Black Panther and Daredevil vault over a stack of packing crates and launch themselves onto the Lower West Side dock!

The Panther leads with his fist cracking against the jaw of one of Klaw's mercenaries, while his boot catches another with a devastating kick to the body.

One of the soldiers manages to get a single shot off, but Daredevil contorts himself around it, delivering a flying kick to another mercenary, while smacking still another on the back of the head with his trusty billy club!

Killmonger grabs N'Banu and orders Klaw & his men to swiftly deal with the heroes -- or risk being left behind. He uses his sonic tuning device to conjure a towering monster forged from pure sound.

True to his reputation as a man without fear: Daredevil fly kicks a mercenary and faces down the huge creature with stone cold confidence. He urges Black Panther to go after Killmonger -- a wish the Wakandan King is glad to grant.

The Panther prowls his docked vessel while Erik Killmonger struggles to start its engines. It is all the time T'Challa needs to seize upon his prey and pounce!

The Black Panther smashes through a window and topples Killmonger with his momentum, but the conqueror is able to roll with the attack and use his leg to turn the diving assault against the attacker!

Outside: Daredevil uses his extending club to vault into a flying kick against the large, toothy monster conjured by Klaw's sound device. The villain attempts to conjure more, but Daredevil banters while making their defeat look easy!

On the boat: Black Panther reveals he learned of Killmonger's resurrection from his own covert agents and saw that he received fake plans for the catamaran and its starting procedures. A gambit driven home with a vicious lunging punch!

Remarkably, Killmonger weathers the blow and answers with the rising of his own indignant rage! He hooks his arm under the King's legs, driving the back of his head through the boat's wooden deck! An act of physical punctuation as he challenges T'Challa for all his inherited wealth and power.

Black Panther is buoyed by the righteousness of his loyal subject's love. It is a respect he earned through the acts of a worthy king -- even as he acts as a warrior, pressing the floor to aid in thrusting his feet into Killmonger's face!He put his whole body into the kick, but still Killmonger fights!

Embracing Black Panther and the violence accused of him: Killmonger literally wraps his powerful arms around T'Challa's waist and squeezes. A bear hug intended to shatter the spine of Wakanda's virile monarch!

T'Challa grimaces for a moment and then slams his hands together around Killmonger's head. He strikes again - hitting his nose. Then buries a jumping knee deep into Killmonger's gut. The blows at last rob him of air and power.

Killmonger collapses into unconsciousness -- but the toll of battle has sapped Black Panther of his strength as well.

He secures a protective vibranium pendant from Killmonger's neck, but is too exhausted to deliver it to Daredevil. Despite DD's best efforts, T'Challa senses he too has begun to feel the toll of battle with the sound-wielding Klaw. In an act of redemption, N'Banu offers to carry it for his once and future ruler.

Daredevil and Klaw both see the boy making his approach, but it's Klaw that understands the sound-absorbing properties of Killmonger's pendant. He charges his sonic converter and blasts, catching both N'Banu and Daredevil as the man without fear desperately dives to protect the boy!

For a moment their fate is unclear, but the vibranium talisman was successful in protecting them both. N'Banu explains its purpose, allowing Daredevil to deliver a knock-out uppercut to Klaw with total impunity!

While Daredevil pummels his sound-casting foe, Black Panther fails to notice Killmonger rising from the shadows behind him. He has recovered and will fight until dead to claim the Wakandan throne as his own!

A twist of fate unfolds to answer Killmonger's wish. Daredevil's punches resonate through the boat and its contents, tipping an already unstable mast to breaking point. The massive column snaps -- collapsing onto Killmonger!

The Black Panther's flag drifts gently from above, coming to rest over Erik Killmonger's broken body. The resurrected villain now returned to death.

The Hammer...
What happens when Marvel Comics removes Tom DeFalco as Editor-in-Chief, and divides EIC responsibilities between a handful of different brand-based offices and imprints? One of the coolest forgotten series of the mid-nineties, apparently!

Over The Edge was a ten issue curio conceived by Bobbie Chase and the "Marvel Edge" office in 1995.

The series led with another Daredevil story for its first issue, but featured a rotating cast of characters under the auspices of Marvel Edge.

DD was a flagship, but the hodgepodge imprint also featured surviving Midnight Sons series starring Ghost Rider and Doctor Strange, Hulk, and the launch of a third volume for The Punisher, who is perhaps the character I most associate with Marvel Edge. To clarify: this was Punisher's infamous ponytail period.

Marvel Edge dipped its toe into a vaguely mature slant of the Marvel Universe, with obvious focus on its urban heroes. Punisher connected the core series through a crossover event also called Over The Edge, which sent him on a crazed tour in pursuit of Nick Fury. A pair of Double Edge specials tied into the event, but the Over The Edge series itself remained separate, giving it a hidden gem, anthology appeal with slightly weightier significance than the average issue of Marvel Comics Presents.

Sadly, Marvel Edge didn't even last a full year before the Onslaught event and Heroes Reborn precipitated an editorial reorganizing. It did seem to have a lasting legacy, though. It's really impossible to look back upon its weird collection of characters & series without seeing an obvious forerunner to the enduring Marvel Knights imprint -- which launched just two years later.

Marvel Knights had its own massively successful Daredevil flagship (by Kevin Smith and Joe Quesada), and also touted mature series starring all of the major Marvel Edge characters within the first few years. Even Incredible Hulk received a Marvel Knights arc in 2004, despite always seeming slightly out of place.

Marvel Knights differentiated itself in a few ways, most notably launching with one of Marvel Edge's guests in a Black Panther on-going series.

Under seasoned writer Christopher Priest; the critically acclaimed run helped establish the definitive modern iconography for Black Panther and his world.

Marvel Knights was fittingly also where Erik Killmonger made his next appearance, remaining dead for three years in real time, after today's featured battle with Black Panther & Daredevil.

That might sound like a while, but it's really nothing. It had taken 14 years for Over The Edge to dig the character up after he'd fought Black Panther and Iron Man in 1982. Killmonger had originally died in 1975's Jungle Action #17 before that, but in Iron Man Annual #5 he was briefly reanimated by The Mandarin.

Usually I'd bristle at a character who's haphazardly resurrected, but Over the Edge #6 attempts to address the issue by retconning his previous demise as the expiration of a "simalicrum". A slightly pointless exercise, given his apparent death at the end of the battle, but standard practice for a comic book return.

Christopher Priest would further reevaluate Killmonger's recurring mortality with his third revival, making cheating death an integral part of Killmonger's legend, and the mythology of Wakandan tradition. It actually works quite well, elevating previous appearances by emphasizing a grip on life, rather than the expectation he will always meet an ironic end. South Park's Kenny, he is not.

Reintroducing Killmonger to nineties readers is just one of the cool things Over The Edge #6 managed to achieve. It also provided a follow-up to Daredevil's previously discussed battle with Klaw in Daredevil #237.

I hadn't been entirely satisfied that Klaw's sound-based attacks were properly explored against Daredevil's radar senses, but it seems Ralph Macchio largely took his cues from that previous encounter.

DD does show greater signs of weathering from this fight, but that stems more from the physical toll of facing Klaw's relentless creations, rather than their unique ability to interfere with, or capitalize upon, his heightened senses.

As in the previous battle: Klaw's solid sound body and constructs simply seem to give Daredevil a more vivid target to interact with. Which is actually fair enough, if you presume Klaw is ignorant to how uniquely suited he is to otherwise do Daredevil harm. Potential that may yet be explored in at least one more battle! I'm sure we'll take a look at that one some time in the future.

In the mean time: I must express sadness at this week's news of the passing of Chadwick Boseman.

The youthful 43 year old actor became instantly beloved to Marvel movie fans for his portrayal of T'Challa in Captain America: Civil War and 2018's Black Panther. I would argue his career transcended the comic book role with memorable performances in 42 and Da 5 Bloods, where he was an intriguing screen presence who seemed to just be getting started.

The revelation that he was receiving treatment for Stage III colon cancer while filming the majority of his Black Panther appearances has shocked and humbled us all. If you would like to make a charitable donation in his memory, you can find the St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, where he visited sick kids.

Secret Wars on Infinite Earths has featured more than 650 battles and ranked more than 950 characters! You can find them all in the Secret Archive indexed in order of publisher, series, and issue number. You can also discover much more by following links included throughout posts.

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Winners: Daredevil & Black Panther
#7 (+2) Daredevil
#33 (+5) Black Panther
#593 (new) N'Banu
#928 (new) Killmonger
#970 (-28) Klaw