JUSTICE LEAGUE versus DEMONS THREE
"Everybody Limbo!"
Where: Justice League Unlimited #14 When: December 2005
Why: Adam Beechen How: Carlo Barberi

The story so far...
Whenever an animated world finds itself in peril and the threat is too great for one hero, the collective forces of the Justice League are there to step in and save them!

When Wonder Woman starts checking herself out in the mirror, the League have cause for concern, but all is not as it seems! The Amazon warrior is possessed by the wandering spirit called - Deadman!

Deadman is in search of the League's help to combat the upstart menace of the demons three, but this isn't a job for Green Lantern or Flash. This special case calls for the collection of magically experienced heroes affectionately referred to as - the Trenchcoat Brigade!

Tale of the tape...
Generally the books derived from the animated series don't interest me. They tend to abstain from extended comic-related continuity, and are generally aimed at a younger audience, thus featuring simpler storylines. That said; this particular issue's solicitation piqued my interest, so I thought I'd at least give it a go.

Following the format of the Justice League Unlimited animated series, the issue features a rotating cast of DC JLU superheroes. Solicitations promised a Wonder Woman who was possessed by Deadman, and looking for help. While this is the opening premise, this only serves to collect an eclectic group of magicians and occultists.

While a casual fan of the TV series might be disappointed by the grouping of second and third tier characters, a more general DC comics fan probably gets a kick out of at least one of the 'trenchcoat brigade' characters.
Regardless of fandom, they are certainly a potent posse of supernatural superheroes: the Demon Etrigan, Zauriel, Doctor Fate, Zatanna, Deadman, Doctor Occult and the Phantom Stranger. Characters like Zatanna, Dr. Fate and Phantom Stranger have legitimate claims to being among the most powerful characters in their universe.

The antagonists of this story, 'the demons three', are alternatively quite weak. Disregarding the nature of the situation, you would have to consider this teaming to be little more than sheer overkill. This is probably attributed to the showcase nature of the series, but partially justified by the fact these three lesser demons are attempting a coup against both Heaven and Hell.

By any assessment, I think it's safe to say the Justice Leaguers are a shoe-in to win this, regardless of what problematic spin is put on the story. Where Deathstroke may have had argument to disarm a collection of top superheroes, the Demons three have very little going for them.

What went down...
As Deadman leads the group through mystic means toward their clogged destination, Etrigan's rhyming calls his allegiance into question for the already testy Zauriel. Demon retaliates to the angel's accusations with a belch of flames, but Zatanna is able to difuse the situation as the team reach Limbo.

The trapped denizens of Limbo cry out for help from the coloured costumes ones, as they scour the jaded courtyard for the demonic culprits.

Dr. Fate discovers the bricked up portals to Heaven and Hell, and declares to magic to be more complicated than expected. The backward speaking Zatanna scoffs Fate's claims of difficulty, but before she can utter her mystic backward command, pink infernal hands clasp around her face - the hands of Ghast!

Deadman warns the rest of the team to beware his companions, Abnegazar and Rath, but it's too late. Phantom Stranger and Dr. Occult are surprised from behind by Rath, who frys them with hellacious, crackling energy blasts.

Dr. Fate remains strong, calling Abnegazar out to face his fate!
Unfortunately for Dr. Fate and Nabu, the binding spells that make the Demons three masters of Limbo, also grant them superior power in their domain. Fate is felled by powerful eye beams from the pink demon.

Deadman does his best to fist fight one of the demons, but sadly his powers are relatively useless against the more versatile Rath. He reaches his hand through Deadman, and then incapacitates him with a powerful burst of energy.

Zauriel realises their apparent overconfidence in approaching the weaker demons, and calls for Etrigans help as the last men standing. Demon blurts flames at the angel, revealing himself as a double agent for the possessors of Limbo.
"I see brains were not given/To all but just some... How do you think/they knew we would come?"

The heroes are mystically bound, while Zatanna remains muzzled by the demons. They reveal their intentions to rip her incredible powers out of her, to claim them as their own. Using the souls of those trapped in Limbo, and the heroes themselves, the demons believe power strong enough to rebel against both Heaven and Hell will be theirs.

The Demon offers himself up as a wise choice for ripping Zatanna's power from her throat, brandishing clawed fingers.
Zauriel cries Etrigan's name in curse, as the Demon pulls his arm back to finish the job.

To the surprise of all, Etrigan instead rakes the fingers keeping Zatanna's mouth closed, revealing a second layer to his deception! Demon directs Zatanna to use her power to free their captive colleagues, setting the team up for a prepared strike against the foes.

The demons boast superior power in their realm, but Doctor Occult is glad to point out that although they outweigh any of them individually, the combined might of all their magicks is more than enough for them.

The powers of order, the afterlife, pure magic, mystery, heaven, the underworld, and the mystic symbol of the seven are too much for the upstarts. As their remains are replaced by smoke, the doorways to Heaven and Hell are again open to be travelled.
With that, the unlikely hero of the day, Etrigan, departs down the tunnel to the Underworld, but not before teaching Zauriel a lesson in his deceptive nature.

"Darkness shall rule/and make no mistake/but today's not that day/that power to take. Understand this/and you'll understand me. There are more things in heaven and Earth/than are dreamt of in your philosophy..."

The hammer...
Apologies to those who stopped by Friday looking for this week's update. I once again fell a little behind, being quite busy and a little unwell.

With their quite literally combined efforts, we can crown the Trenchcoat brigade entire, as victors in this particular battle.
Despite having a rather PC take on the story, and avoiding flat-out terms like Hell; this is still a surprisingly grim tale. Not to say darkness is the measure of a good story, but themes dealing with the afterlife damned to be trapped - in a comic that can't say Hell - is a pretty gutsy move, if you ask me.

As I mentioned, it was the solicitation for this issue that caught my eye.
I have to say I was a little disappointed that it focused on Deadman possessing Wonder Woman, neglecting to mention that the Justice League regulars would not be featured.

I find it difficult to be any more critical than that, as this is really just a book that is what it is. It hides very little beyond the surface, serving as a vehicle for an interesting group of Justice League heroes, often not featured prominently.
That said, it still served up a pretty fun read which I hope reflects the overall approach to the [formerly known as] Johnny DC line.

The Fight: 2 The Issue: 3.5

NEXT: The burglar, Catwoman versus the assassin, Elektra!

ZATANNA versus ZOR
"Zor!"
Where: Seven Soldiers: Zatanna #4 When: December 2005
Writer: Grant Morrison Artist: Ryan Sook

The story so far...
In this Seven Soldiers mini-series, Zatanna has been adventuring within herself, and the world of magic, as she comes to terms with all that she is, and all she can be.

With her powers failing her, Zatanna travels with a mysterious new apprentice called Misty, who exhibits great magical potential, and has a little magic die that seems to serve her every whim.

Encountering the legendary Ali-Ka-Zoom, Zatanna learns more about her own past, and the history of her young friend, on her way to find council with seven unknown men. What she finds, is Zor.

Tale of the tape...
Like previous entries, Zatanna is a character that has been proclaimed as potentially one of the most powerful heroes in comics. Unlike a Mr. Fantastic, whose abilities rely on his special skills, and execution -- Zatanna's formula is very simple. Say it, and it happens.

Granted, it's not that simple. She has to say it backward, but over the years I can't say I've ever seen her struggle with this. As a novelty act, there are actually people in the world who do phonetically speak backward. So, with a lengthy history behind her, Zatanna really is bound by her own will and imagination.

Intelligence: 2 (Normal human)
Stamina: 3 (Strong willed)
Energy powers: 4 (Arsenal)

For a character with such unlimited potential, it's tough to nail down any kind of rating on each individual stat. Based on her tame interpretations, I have hopefully adequately represented her strengths.
Again, her magic isn't terribly well represented by the typical stats, and therefore her potential is quite a bit higher.

On the flip side, my sources tell me Zor has never appeared prior to this issue, so he enters as an unknown equation. It is quite obvious that he is of greatly significant power, and with Zatanna a little less than certain of herself, he could potentially defeat her.

As we saw in the Justice League's fight with Deathstroke, Zatanna can be swiftly eliminated by an able foe through a silencing maneuver. That said, against the unknown quantity, you'd still surely have to put your money on Zee.

What went down...
Initially Zatanna is surprised. The silhouette emerging through the fog resembles that of her deceased father, the great magician Zatara. It is, of course, not Zatara.

You'd probably never guess it, but FYI, his name is Zor!

Apparently amused by Zatanna's hopeful mistake, Zor shoots her with a couple of eye-bullets (as you do), and remarks that in her world he can make her his daughter, or do anything else he can imagine.

Zor reimagines Zatanna as though she was raised by his own hand. Perverse and spiteful. Dark and venomous. He creates Zorina, dark (and sexy) daughter of Zor.
Of course, the gag is, being a Bizarro-Zatanna of sorts, Zorina rebels against her father, "Erotser annataz ot yonna yddad!"

The formerly captured Shapeless Being serving "the new architect of the universe" is Zatanna's instrument of counter measure, using him to ensure she becomes whatsoever Zor becomes.

The two magical beings exit the physical realm, doing battle in another place. A place where reality is meaningless, and will becomes absolute.
Zor plucks a satellite from orbit and hurls it at Zatanna, only to see it caught and spat out by the heckling Justice Leaguer. She makes fun of his beard.

"Liar! It's a magnificent beard and I know you want one! Hahahaha!"

Zor hurls comets at Zatanna, and she breaks the jar that contains the Shapeless One. Reality slips farther from Zatanna's grasp, and the fight leaves the page, taking a trademark Morrison trip through the fourth wall.

Zatanna and Zor begin to battle with the very reality we're reading.
Zor tears through the panel on the page, as Zatanna struggles and falls.
The two magicians race through the very fabric of reality, and somehow Zatanna manages to get one step ahead of Zor. For a moment they wrestle as two people, in the oily scum of Slaughter Swamp.

Then Zatanna reaches out. She extends her arm toward us, and she realises she couldn't find the seven unknown men because they were there, on the outside, all along. She stands before "the time tailors".

Zor lies on a table, disected by the Time Tailors for manipulating reality beyond boundaries deemed acceptable. Zatanna is granted access to their information, and victorious, this soldier is granted one last moment with her father. The real one.

The Hammer...
I have to admit, this looked like a much better idea after Christmas when I read the mini-series and got very excited about it. My interests have waned a little with time, but it's still a fantastic book, with a fantastic character.

I think it's pretty safe to say Zatanna is unanimously victorious, being that she's the character who managed to continue her existence. Call me old fashioned, but I think existing is always a pretty good indicator of someone's status.

While my interests may have waned over time, I have to absolutely sing the praises of this mini-series. Grant Morrison needs no further introduction, but Ryan Sook is proving to be a name I'm slowly coming to recognise. His pencil work on Seven Soldiers: Zatanna is truly phenomenal, and further complimented by the inks of Mick Gray and Nathan Eyring on colours.

Of the Seven Soldiers collection of series it was only this, and Mister Miracle, so far, that caught my attentions. Without a doubt I imagine Zatanna was the most interesting of the lot. Great read!

The Fight: 3 The Issue: 6.5

NEXT WEEK: The monthly punch-up, with all the information you'll need for the upcoming DC versus Marvel/Marvel versus DC super event! Plus, the newly popular top five! Be here!

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.