ROGUE versus AVENGERS
What if Rogue possessed the power of Thor? (Marvel)
Where: What If...? #66 When: October 1994
Why: Simon Furman How: John Royle

The Story so far...
It has long been theorized that for every defining decision made in life, there are infinite worlds where each possible and even improbable outcome is played out. This is truth, and the Watcher is pledged to observe and record the events on each, including a world where a woman stole the power of Thor, becoming a goddess unto herself!

Long before she was a charter member of the X-Men. the mutant called Rogue joined her mother, Mystique, in the formation of a new Brotherhood of Mutants. Disillusioned by the birth of her spirit stealing powers, Rogue willingly submits to the terrorist actions of Mystique's group, which eventually brings them into conflict with the Avengers!

In our world Rogue permanently absorbed superhuman traits from Ms. Marvel, granting her enhanced strength, speed, and flight, and the burden of living with actions that left Marvel comatose. In another world, however, events take a considerably different turn, and a remorseless Rogue crosses a line from which she will never be able to return, and neither will Thor...

Tale of the Tape...
Strength: Thor 6 (Invincible)
Intelligence: Beast 6 (Genius)
Speed: Beast 4 (Olympian)
Stamina: Thor 6 (Generator)
Agility: Beast 5 (Cat-Like)
Fighting Ability: Thor 6 (Warrior)
Energy Powers: Thor 5 (Lasers)


- The Avengers are: Thor, Spider-Woman, Vision, Hawkeye, Wonder Man, Beast, and Jocasta.

Plotting against his half-brother, the Norse god of mischief, Loki, uses illusions to manipulate the rages of the green goliath known as the Hulk!
The scheme is intended to draw Thor into a combative trap, but Loki's plans come unravelled when a distress call from Rick Jones is picked up not only by Thor, but also the Wasp, Ant-Man, and Iron Man! Despite initial misunderstandings, the unlikely team forms an alliance and easily defeats the god of mischief - thus, the Avengers are born!

Though their adventures would see the roster subject to change, the growing number of associated heroes would only lend credence to the claim that they are Earth's mightiest heroes! United, the many iterations of the Avengers would face foes of minor, or cosmic natures, always willing to put their lives on the line for the greater good, a philosophy embodied by charter members like iconic early recruit, Captain America.

Though the eventual issue of superhero registration would split the team on principle, both sides would ensure the Avengers name would live on.
In an official capacity, Tony Stark leads the team as officially registered operatives of SHIELD; while a collective of street level heroes, including the likes of Dr. Strange, Power Man, and Spider-Man, fight the good fight in secret.

- A tumultuous and unstable childhood in Mississippi masked a dark secret in the history of a girl named Anna Marie. Unbeknownst to her, a genetic time bomb was ticking away, destined to awaken during pubesence and the moment of her first, and last kiss. Upon discovering an innate mutant ability to drain the energy and mind of other living beings upon skin contact, this fragile young girl became the withdrawn woman known as Rogue.

Manipulated by her birth-mother, Mystique, Rogue would become a member of the Brotherhood of Mutants, and during this time undergo another transformation. Battle with Ms. Marvel would grant Rogue superhuman strength and the power of flight as a result of extended contact between the two.
This milestone occurance would leave a lasting guilt with Rogue, and help shape her into the woman she was destined to become, as a member of the X-Men.

The Math: Avengers Ranking: Thor (#17)

What Went Down...
This story actually omits the Watcher, instead revealing this tangent from the perspective of the precognitive mutant called Destiny, whose premonitions give her insights into the many likelihoods of any decision. It is she who foresees a dreadful future as Rogue does battle with Earth's mightiest heroes.

The battle already in progress, Spider-Woman blasts desperately at the grinning villain who keeps a palm to Thor's face. Like a superhuman leech, Rogue draws upon the godly energies of the Norse storm deity, gaining his invulnerability.

The Avengers rally their forces under the field leadership of Vision. The synthoid approaches Rogue, who is contemplating the dangers of holding on to her prey too long. Her focus remains unbroken as Vision phases his arm through her gut, increasing his density to near normal - a move that would render pain and unconsciousness on most ordinary adversaries, but not a god.

Suddenly Rogue recoils from Thor, screaming as raw energy beams from her eyes and mouth. Seeing an opening, Vision directs the Avengers to attack in her moment of weakness, but this serves only to snap Rogue out of her daze. She swats Vision with the super human strength of a god, whilst shrugging off the stinger blasts of Spider-Woman.

The Vision's synthetic body is reduced to spare parts as he hurtles through the Avengers perimeter, reaching a crash landing inside the headquarters mansion, much to the shock of his wife, Scarlet Witch.

Outside; Hawkeye, Spider-Woman and Wonder Man do their best to pool their powers, but it's a similar scene as Rogue turns the strength of the Avengers' powerhouse against them. With a mighty Norse blow, the villainness sends Wonder Man on a similar path to Vision. Merciless in her march, Rogue hoists a vehicle through which WM had crashed, and brings it crashing down upon him with interest!

Beast and Jocasta leap from within Avengers mansion.
In another world Beast and Rogue would be great friends and teammates with the X-Men, but here, the only contact between them is offensive. Rogue swats the bounding Beast, leaving him to crash across the battlefield.

Despite quipping in Thor's unique tongue, very little of the Avengers' thoughts penetrate Rogue's mind as she rampages against the heroes. In a single blow the superhuman southern belle brings her fists down upon the street, causing a quake that rattles the foundations of adjacent buildings, burying Hawkeye and Spider-Woman beneath a shower of rubble!

Jocasta next feels Rogue's wrath, as her energy blasts are easily shrugged off, and her metallic casing is penetrated by Rogue's invulnerable fist. In a frenzy, the mutant rips away at Jocasta's circuitry, revelling in her powers, until it clicks.
With the rush of combat and the absorption of power settling, Rogue begins to feel the weight of her actions.

As Wonder Man frees himself from his burial beneath a van, he bares witness to a terrifying sight. As Rogue struggles to formulate a plan of action, she reaches for Thor's hammer, and despite it's many enchantments against evil, she lifts it effortlessly...

The Hammer...
In true What If style, it's a devestating victory for the magnificent mutant, Rogue! For those who love their supet stock; though she leaves Thor technically in a coma, we're going to notch it up at a third kill stat (for Vision, Jocasta), making Rogue one lethal customer!

If you've been following this month's Cover to Cover, you'll already know we've been throwing the X-Men a bit of overdue goodwill in a month of good house keeping. A lot of overlooked items are getting checked, and this issue actually fullfils a few of them. I mean, sure, there's that X-Men connection, but there are a few other influences on this particular selection.

She-Hulk and She-Thing? Why, they're old friends of the Infinite Wars!
She-Thor on the other hand, was something that managed to completely stay below my otherwise marvelous Marvel radar! It was over on Comic by Comic that the loveable Rich Lovatt whipped this doozy onto the board in an unashamed celebration of the spin-off character currently appearing in The Initiative.

As much as I would have loved to meet his challenge to feature the lightning wielding lass, I haven't had any opportunity to pick up the Initiative title, nor was I reading Thor at the time. I suppose you could've surmised that already, given that I didn't even know who she was, but I digress... Because sure, I don't have that she-Thor, but I do have Rogue! Compromise!

It might disturb some readers to know that Thor actually has a bit of a history with gender-bending tales. At various times, including the post-apocalyptic future of Earth X, Thor has been transformed into a woman to learn humility. This action in itself has probably had sexist undertones, but no doubt it's a predicament some other folks might like to see handed down to the less considerate in the comics reading community. Lessons in humility could be learned by all, as fanboys worldwide discover an anthemic meaning in Madonna's, For a Girl.

Of course, this issue of What If features a tale about Thor becoming a woman in a much less literal sense. I had actually wanted to feature this issue the last time we hovered around Rogue, late last year [Ultimate X-Men #49].

With the exception of a period of bliss during Morrison's run, which was surrounded by other contributions by folks like Joe Casey and Brian K. Vaughan, the X-Men have been on a downward spiral into the creative bowl for a couple of decades. Incestuous storylines gave way to self-referencial nightmares, and constant revamps eventually gave way to a bland blue and yellow goop that darkened as it decayed in and around the already mentioned New X-Men.

During this period of foul characterisation and garbled plot, it was especially surprising to see the decision to cull the mutants to a rough-estimate of one hundred and ninety-eight, give or take a few astute fanboy observations. Editorial saw hope in minimizing the mutant menace, rather than using the palette of characters available to move forward with edicts to steer away from mistakes passed.

Somehow, amidst the chaos, Rogue was a character who managed to rise through the ranks. Hovering between fashion faux pas of the bland black and red outfit newer readers might recognise, and the daggy vintage of the white striped green cloak, Rogue took on a position of leadership in the X-Men that isn't unreasonable for a senior member. As the teams were fragmented by creative drafts, the favourite uncle of the X-verse was able to steer Rogue through some sort of progression, taking her beyond the timid swirl of frustrations and inadequacy that had characterized her in the recent past.

If you've jumped onto the X-Men with Messiah Complex, that last description might have you a little confused about timelines. Alas, it seems Rogue's inadequacies have again been pushed to the forefront. It's too soon to tell for sure if this will be a lasting tale of morose brooding, or a mcguffin in a much larger tale, but it's exasperation of the Nth degree.

Against all odds, the X-Men have come back to the forefront of a lot of readers' lists with Messiah Complex. The story, which for all intents, seemed to meander it's way through a messy conflict featuring some of the enduring, but thoroughly boring personalities still living in the X-Men Universe. Mystique, stripped of the good that came from her solo adventures under Vaughan, is again a thinly motivated mutant terrorist leading a band of evil mutants whose names I do not know, or want to know. As critical as I am of Joss Whedon's "Astonishing" X-Men contributions, you probably have to give him credit for using his moxy to remain removed from the mess of the core titles. Not that he isn't guilty of similar crimes, relying heavily on the past in equally frustrating, but much less unattractive ways.

Somewhere in the maelstrom of all this, Rogue has undergone some sort of transformation. Honestly, the ham-fisted Christ-allagory not even considered, this whole mutant-zero baby story just reminds me of everything that screwed the pooch. Without granting service to a story that seems to reboot the X-Men yet again, it sounds like Rogue will again become a character distanced from those around her, with motivations uncertain because of the influence of Mystique, who is now said to be the only remaining bank of memories absorbed.

I don't mean to be overly negative, and we've been coming down on a lot of topics a lot lately. It should be noted that the issue reviewed, though not perfect, is one of many great issues of the now classic series. In fact, the conclusion of the story, which is something I hope to revisit in the future, paints exactly the kind of contrasting picture I'd like to see of this character.

Rogue managed to work her way through the punkish rebellion of her earlier years, but the hurdle of brooding melodrama is a foe proving most worthy.
This roughly amounts to our discussion the last time we looked at Rogue, and I'm not sure I have an easy, or specific solve. Without even getting into the design innovations of soft-latex bodysuits, I want to say there's forward momentum to be granted to the character. I want to say there's some sort of momentary light at the end of her tunnel, even if on-going stories throw up new hurdles.

What about you, fearless reader?
What are your thoughts about the progress of one of Marvel's franchise mutants? Has the character's depiction in the feature films only hindered any chance of development, or is there still hope for Rogue when she returns in the rebuilding series, X-Men: Legacy, dedicated to a new team post-Professor X's shooting.
Make your feelings known by hitting up the comments, where all remarks are welcome!

The Fight: 5.5 The Issue: 4.5

Unfortunately neither this issue of What If, nor the story it's based upon, Rogue's first appearance in Avengers Annual #10, have been reprinted recently. If you're lucky, you might be able to hunt down a copy of "X-Men: Famous Firsts" or "The Greatest Battles of the Avengers" on Amazon. By utilizing links provided on the Infinite Wars for purchases, you help support your favourite comic book fight blog! Yay!

JSA versus SOLOMON GRUNDY
Out Of Time: Part 1 (DC)
Where: JSA #65 When: November 2004
Why: Geoff Johns How: Don Kramer

The Story so far...
During the Golden Age of superheroes in the forties, many of the heaviest hitting heroes united to form a powerful syndicate of heroism called the Justice Society.

While the team recovers from their defeat at the hands of former ally and new ruler of Khandaq, Black Adam; they enter into a battle against time as Rick Tyler lies dying in the Timepoint: A place in space that will exists for only an hour's worth of external reference.

While the android Hourman from the future does his best to aid the original Hourman, Rex Tyler, and Dr. Mid-Nite in saving Rex' son; the rest of the Justice Society must respond to another rampage by the undying creature called Solomon Grundy!

Tale of the Tape...
Strength: Powergirl 6 (Invincible)
Intelligence: Mr. Terrific 5 (Professor)
Speed: Flash 7 (Lightspeed)
Stamina: Solomon Grundy 6 (Generator)
Agility: Sand 7 (Unlimited)
Fighting Ability: Hawkgirl 6 (Warrior)
Energy Powers: Green Lantern 7 (Cosmic)


- The Justice Society of America are: Green Lantern, Flash, Dr. Mid-Nite, Stargirl, Hawkwoman, Mr. Terrific, Sand, and Powergirl.

During the Golden Age of superheroes in the forties, many of the heaviest hitting heroes united to form a powerful syndicate of heroism called the Justice Society.
Among the well-known founding members were; Flash, Green Lantern, Hawkman, Sandman, the Spectre, Dr. Fate, Hourman, and the Atom.

Despite an ebb and flow through time that has seen the team maintain varying degrees of activity, they have endured to the modern day. Extending the JSA's lifespan is a new "legacy" policy which allows the inclusion of new members related to former members, by blood, or by inheretence of power.

- The true origins of Solomon Grundy are unclear, but it is widely believed he is the spirit of wealthy merchant, Cyrus Gold, who is said to have been murdered in the late 1800's and dumped in Slaughter Swamp. Rising from the marsh, Grundy becomes an undead force that would come to menace Batman, Green Lantern, and both the Justice Society and Justice League.

Grundy possesses superhuman strength and endurance, and a penchant for returning from even the most fatal of scenarios. His personality is seen to shift after many of these lethal experiences, usually with minimal higher brain functions, reducing him to a lumbering and disgruntled monster.

Due to his marshy origins at Slaughter Swamp, Solomon Grundy has been seen to possess the ability to negate the Green Lantern's ring by way of it's weakness for things made of wood. This is presumably due to the bark and debris from the bog that saw his formation.

The Math: Justice Society Ranking: Hawkwoman (#84)

What Went Down...
While Rex Tyler reunites with the android Hourman in order to save his son's life in the Timepoint, a majority of the rest of the team is in Central Park, New York, where Solmon Grundy has returned for another rampage.


Grundy's old foe, the Green Lantern, attempts to talk the rampaging monster down. Grundy responds by wrenching a tree from the ground, using it to capitalize on the Green Lantern ring's only weakness -- wood!

Having already flung the rest of the team around with his brute strength, Grundy grabs Stargirl by the ankle, taking her as a pleasant trinket for future use.
Sand emerges from the battlefield, coming to Stargirl's rescue with a harpoon gun, which he fires with expert marksmanship, shooting it into Grundy's open mouth.

With Grundy anchored, Sand stuffs his sleepgas gun in the monster's mouth, letting the paralyzing gas seep directly into his maw. The notoriously powerful Solomon retaliates quickly with an overhand blow that sends a quake through the earth.

Sand recovers swiftly, turning his own earth-manipulating powers to a similar offensive, sending a focused tremor into Grundy's immediate vicinity. The move is sufficient to level Solomon Grundy, putting an end to his warpath.

The Hammer...
We come into this fight with the action already underway, so I'm going to give the benefit of the doubt to the rest of the team and assume they were of some assistance, but Sand gets full credit for another Solomon Grundy defeat. One of many that have been sitting in my go-to pile for quite some time.

It's just now dawning on me that this is going to be a very short entry. That's maybe a convenience since I'm trying to maintain daily updates through February, and that can get tiring, but on the other hand, I like to draw some sort of quantity-based distinction between normal entries, and quick fixes.

I'm not sure it really matters. DC coverage has been something that's demanded attention here on the Infinite Wars, and the JSA characters were among the most glaring omissions from the first two years.

Over the past five years I've probably enjoyed DC's creative directions far more than Marvel alternatives, despite some historic sense of loyalty to the House of Ideas [showing up in the Marvel bias on the Infinite Wars].

He appears quite regularly in our DC representation and it takes but a glance at the top ten creators to recognise that Geoff Johns is one of the most dominant writers to contribute to the big two over the past few years. His work on titles like Hawkman, Flash, and of course, JSA, made up a sizable portion of my conversion to the DC Universe, making good use of a wide variety of historical references in each.

If One More Day is the current measure of the very worst possibility; then Johns' talent for appreciating and utilizing characters that might otherwise be dismissed, succeeds in ever way OMD didn't. Likewise, new characters, particularly extensions to the JSA legacy, are a very positive feature of Johns' crafting of the brand even in current 2008 issues.

It sounds like naive arrogance to say I have an "affinity" for the Golden Age characters, but there are certainly a lot of characters I'm very fond of. Sandy Hawkins, featured here as the uber-Sandman successor, is one of those great I wish we could see more of, because if there's a flaw in the JSA model, it's the sheer number of characters!

I haven't had an opportunity to check out JSA: Classified, but without estimating the quality of the stories, it's a great opportunity to showcase these fantastic characters! I wouldn't want to call them under appreciated, given the success the JSA title attained around this issue, and the core influence the characters have had in the DC Universe. That might have cooled off a little as books like 52 push the successes of more modern characters, but that influence is still there.

I've really enjoy the intergration of these characters into other well associated corners of the DC Universe. Characters have mentored others in combinations both obvious, and inspired. Jay Garrick joins the speesters of the Flash; Alan Scott's association with the Green Lantern has grown, despite being notable for not being part of the Corps; Mr. Terrific succeeded Alan Scott as a leader in Checkmate; and Wildcat has been intergrated into Catwoman's corner.

JSA, even more so now, sort of embodies DC's great strength.
They've killed Superman and they've broken Batman's back, but a few black times aside, DC are the company that don't throw anything away. The company and it's properties seem endear that respect, and even if it's commanded by over zealous editorial edicts known for their interruptions, it's worked in the long run.

This reverence is seen throughout Johns' growing catalogue, and I suppose his relationship with DC is a big part of what's made him an industry powerhouse.
I've just remembered that there was another reason I wanted to talk about this issue, and it actually connects with Johns' current work on Booster Gold.

We've seen in the past that resonance between projects is not only possible, but likely. Johns maintains a consistency throughout his work that contributes a sense of reality to the universe in which he works, and JSA establishes a lot of rules and conceits of the way he treats time travel. That's not to say Booster Gold won't form it's own thesis dependent on the requirements of a story, but here, dealing with the Timepoint created to give Rick Tyler one hour with his father before he dies fighting the villain, Extant.

Though not pertinent to the feature fight, I have to lament on the central story, which sees a concession granted to time travel that references writing in fiction. Because, as Rick and Rex Tyler soon learn, an Hourman dies fighting Extant, but much like a well written retcon, it depends only on dressings and appearances.
Just to spoil the story for you, Rex Tyler returns to active duty with the JSA when he is replaced by an alternate who only appears to be Hourman. Food for thought for those reading Booster Gold, where Booster has been told he cannot save Blue Beetle due to the inevitabilities of time and space.

We talked a lot at the end of 2007 about the importance of reflecting contemporary movements on the Infinite Wars. The tenuous connection this issue has is the current issues of the relaunched Justice Society of America, which currently sees Johns reaching the epitomy of his use of history, drawing upon the alternate Earth from the Kingdom Come universe! Featuring those issues, or reviews of Kingdom Come, would be the obvious thing to do, but as a cash strapped reviewer, that isn't very likely.

Actually, y'know, I don't want to cast aspersions about the status of our humble blogsite, but you know what would be cool? Imagine if DC and Marvel were to get behind the notion of a fighting sports league of their characters and added me to the 'review copylist' to deliberately sponsor their characters. I'M JUST SAYING -- that would be cool. And it's not like I'm not doing my part to sell the stuff... DC, Marvel... Come and find me!...

I had a looong night, readers. This post is hitting turbulence that threatens to throw it completely off the rails, and self-referencial claims to review copies are probably the epitomy of that. I should probably wrap things up before I start weeping about lost loves!

The Fight: 4 The Issue: 5

Finding yourself looking for a jumping on point? JSA is available in a wide series of trade paperback collections, and while this might not be the ideal starter, it's going to give you a crash course introduction to the Hourmen! I'd be very surprised if you didn't find yourself attached to them after this story! The trade contains this, and the following story.
Head over to Amazon where you can buy this, and many other trades, all while supporting Secret Wars on Infinite Earths (if you use the provided links to PURCHASE)! Amazon: it's not just for the ladies! Yay!

COVER TO COVER: ENDANGERED SPECIES - Round 2!
It's a brand marred by a long and complicated history, but as indulgent as it's been, the recent Messiah Complex storyline has reinvigorated the interests of fans old and... older. In an effort to pander to this obsessive-compulsive audience, the geniuses in the Secret Earths labs have cooked up an all X-Men month of Cover to Cover specials!

The X-Men aren't favourites on the Infinite Wars, but even after the mass culling of Decimation, it's very difficult to represent Marvel comics without touching upon their merry mutant community. Having solidifed the brand's dominance through the 1990's, Wolverine remains one the industry's leading modern icons.

Despite the questionable decision to contain mutant characters, they manage to continue to spread their influence in other titles. Wolverine appears as one of the group in New Avengers; Colossus will join a motley crew in The Last Defenders in March; and Storm raised her stock after marrying into Black Panther, which then led to a brief starring role as a member of the Fantastic Four!

What if...? #24 (April 1991)
"What if... Wolverine had become Lord of Vampires?" Thomas/Lofficer/Morgan
In their many adventures the X-Men have faced many an opponent, including the fabled lord of vampires, Dracula! The X-Men were successful, but across the omniverse exist alternate worlds where different outcomes are reality!

One such world reveals the domination of the vampires under the leadership of an unfeeling and indomitable vampire lord called Wolverine!
Having turned his fellow X-Men, Wolverine marches his undead army across New York, assimilating the weak, and destroying the wrong. Dr. Strange works to stop this mystic menace, but if he fails, who will stand to punish the wicked?

X-Men #25 (October 1993)
"Dreams Fade" Nicieza/Kubert
For decades Professor Xavier's dream of peaceful human-mutant coexistence has been splintered by the rival philosophies of his one-time ally, Magneto!

The opposition between X-Men and Brotherhood members leads to many great battles, but while an honor has long existed between the mutant factions, Magneto is about to grow tired of humanity's insolence.

Earth's Magneto Protocol insights the master of magnetism's wrath, and on the eve of an X-Man funeral, sparks the final march in the battle between Magneto and the X-Men's dream of peace.

Marvel versus DC #3 (April 1996)
"Showdown of the Century!" Marz/Jurgens
Two cosmic entities have noticed each other, and in doing so, thrown the Marvel and DC universes into chaos as they become pawns in a reality threatening cosmic showdown!

The X-Men are inevitably dragged into the battle and Storm is among those called upon to represent the Marvel Universe as one of it's greatest champions! The African mutant goddess finds herself pitted against a true Amazonian, one of DC's greatest heroes, Wonder Woman!

Just to complicate the situation, Wonder Woman has come into possession of Thor's legendary hammer, Mjolnir, granting her weather altering powers!

Adventures of the X-Men #7 (October 1996)
"Rites of Passage" Macchio/Kuhn
Recalling one of the great stories of the Claremont & Byrne era of X-Men, this issue inspired by the successful X-Men cartoon series places the new student, Jubilee, in peril that will lead to her destruction, or ultimate graduation!

Sabretooth has returned from a battle with Wolverine, and he's furious about this new chapter in their lengthy and bitter history. Unfortunately for the Professor and Jubilee, when Sabretooth arrives at the mansion, the team has already left on a mission!

Jubilee must use the mansion as Sabretooth invasion stretches her training in the ultimate test of survival!

Marvel: Heroes & Legends #1 (October 1996)
"For Better and For Worse!" Lee/Nicieza/Severin
Marvel's first family, the Fantastic Four, are about to celebrate the long awaited wedding of Reed Richards and Susan Storm, better known to the world as Mr. Fantastic and Invisible Woman!

Alas, this moment of great joy is counter-balanced by a tragic uniting of evil to a degree never before seen! Earth's worst villains have attacked New York, orchestrated by the tyranny of the FF's greatest enemy, Dr. Victor Von Doom!

The FF are joined by Earth's greatest heroes, as the streets are beseiged by violence. Professor X's first class X-Men are on hand to take care of the Asgardian ax-wielding menace: Executioner!

COVER TO COVER: BEAT 'EM UP!
If I love martial arts video games so much, why don't I marry them?
If I lived in Utah that might just work, because it's no secret: As much as I'm a loyalist to some of these brands, I gladly play the field with many rival properties. Case in point -- comic adaptations reviewed on the Infinite Wars!

The hype surrounding a fourth core installment for the world warriors has made Street Fighter one of the most successful attractions on the site. Actually, Zangief grabbing R. Mika's ample posterior [Street Fighter Legends #2] has fast replaced our DC vs Marvel round-up as the most lasting highlight of the site.

Street Fighter isn't the only beat 'em up to transcend the medium, and it's not the only comic series you'll find in the Infinite Archives, either. Here are but a couple of examples of the cream of the crop, for you the fans, and even for those of you who are grumbling about wanting to see superheroes instead.

Street Fighter II #1 (July 1994)
"Battle 02: Little Las Vegas" Masaomi Kanzaki
The man-made island of Shad has seen a new challenger stroll into it's midst with the power to change everything in the lawless metropolis. Ryu, a wandering warrior hailing from Japan, has come to enter the street fighting tournament, and before long finds himself an opponent as he steps in to protect a brother and sister pair of orphans who are being harassed by criminals.

Their boss, the former boxing champion, Balrog, will step up to face Ryu in one-on-one combat. In his day Balrog was one of the greatest and most brutal fighters on the circuit, but will ring rust get the better of the cocky American? And what secret power lies behind Ryu's fist?

Mortal Kombat: Blood & Thunder #4
(October 1994) Marshall/Rolo
Earthrealm has defended itself, as it has for centuries, in the fighting tournament known as Mortal Kombat. Though the sanctity of the tournament rules protects Earth from Shao Kahn's Outworld invasion armies, various entities seek power to tip the balance in the on-going war.

An ancient book of riddles called the Tao Te Zhan is an artifact containing seven timeless riddles. The book promises untold power to the one who can solve the final riddle, and unlock the secrets held within.

The MK warriors are locked in a scrambling melee to possess the book, and two old rivals are about to come to blows for it: it's Scorpion versus Sub-Zero!

Mortal Kombat: Blood & Thunder #5
(November 1994) Marshall/Chansomone
Mortal Kombat has been one, but the various kombatants still seek victory as they pursue the sacred book of riddles called the Tao Te Zhan! The book promises the possessor untold powers should they unlock seven riddles.

The undead ninja, Scorpion, has pursued the book across the wastelands of Outworld. He easily solves the next riddle, but a previous conflict with his murderer, Sub-Zero, and Earthrealm's protector, Raiden; has brought his spectral presence to their attentions.

Raiden's back to finish the job Sub-Zero started as he challenges Scorpion for the book in a battle of God vs Ghost!

Tekken Forever #1 (December 2001)
"What's This Life For?" Chi/Diaz
For generations the Mishima bloodline has been cursed, but with the influence of Kazama blood, it seems possible that the circle of violence may end with the noble warrior that is Jin. Revolted by his father's actions, he confronts him on the battlefield where he has already defeated some of the greatest fighters on the planet.

Disinterested, Kazuya sets his henchmen Ganryu and Bruce Irvin, fallen sumo and kickboxer respectively, with the license to kill his son if they believe they truly can.

Though he fights on the side of angels, this young man has a devil inside him, and it's waiting to come out. Will it?

Street Fighter #1 (September 2003)
"Stage 01" Siu-Chong/Lee
For Interpol recruit and US Air Force Captain, Guile, the battle to bring down the International crime syndicate called Shadaloo is a personal mission. Disgusted by their habits from the lowliest thug, to their mysterious boss, Guile mercilessly brings them to justice in the name of his murdered best friend, Charlie Nash.

Guile comes face-to-face with Shadaloo's street presence as the British punk and Shadaloo wannabe, Birdie, raises hell in a small diner. The wandering fighter Ryu just happens to be present, but Guile proves capable and willing of delivering a beat down Birdie won't soon forget!
And who's that femme fatale waiting in the wings?...

COLOSSUS versus ORD
(Marvel)
Where: Astonishing X-Men #5 When: November 2004
Why: Joss Whedon How: John Cassaday

The Story so far...
The mutants are once again confronted with question of their existance when an biological process is announced that claims to be able to reverse human mutations. While the X-Men grapple with the implications of weaponization of the so-called "cure", and the immoral means by which it's devised, another menace lurks in the background.

Coming from across the stars, an allien warrior called Ord has a mission to prevented the foretold destruction of his planet, the Breakworld, at the hands of a human mutant. Ord's machinations are soon revealed to be far deeper, tying him to the sacrificial death of an X-Man, Colossus, and the creation of the cure, an ultimate tool of genocide.

While the X-Men attempt to infiltrate the company making the cure, Benetech; Kitty Pryde goes deeper into the company compound where she makes a shocking discovery -- her former lover Peter Rasputin, aka; Colossus, is alive...

Tale of the Tape...
Strength: Colossus 6 (Invincible)
Intelligence: Ord 4 (Tactician)
Speed: Draw 3 (Athlete)
Stamina: Ord 6 (Generator)
Agility: Draw 2 (Average)
Fighting Ability: Ord 4 (Trained Fighter)
Energy Powers: Draw 1 (None)


- A humble farmer growing up in his native Russia, Piotr Rasputin harbored a powerful secret deep within his adolescent body. When an out of control tractor threatened the life of his little sister Illyana, Piotr transforms from loving brother, to steely mutant capable of crushing the machine in it's wake.

Recruited by Professor Charles Xavier, Rasputin travels to America, where he becomes part of a new collective of International recruits into the secretive paramilitants, the X-Men. His mutant ability to transform himself into a powerful being of organic steel grants him super human strength and durability.

When Beast discovered a cure for the deadly Legacy Virus, Colossus voluntarily sacrificed himself to enable the airborne dispersal of the antigen. Motivated by the prior death of his sister, Colossus' ashes were taken to his native Russia to be strewn per his request before his heroic sacrifice. The cremated body would soon be revealed to be a duplicate placed by the villain, Ord.

- Ord is a warrior from an alien race hailing from a planet called the Breakworld, where advanced technologies have conquered death and fate. He travels to Earth when the people of the Breakworld discover their future will come to an end by the hand of a human mutant, possibly a member of the X-Men.

Ord confronts the X-Men head-on, utilizing superior strength, speed, durability, senses, and an advanced healing ability. Combined with these natural talents are weapons and armor made of impossibly strong alien materials, and extensive training in combat, including the use of a razor-edged disc weapon.

Ord is also able to subversively utilize human science to influence the development of a mutant cure, based on the genetics of select mutants themselves. The volunteer and weaponization prospects of the cure are presumably part of Ord's agenda to engineer the self-destruction of the mutant species.

The Math: Ord Ranking: Colossus (#217)

What Went Down...
Confronting human Benetech scientist, Dr. Kavita Rao, the X-Men suddenly find themselves under siege from the alien powerhouse, and architect of their turmoil; Ord. The warrior challenges Wolverine, Beast, and Emma Frost, drawing a circular blade he warns is capable of cutting through even Frost's diamond form.

An unlikely ally presents behind the threatening Breakworlder, as Kitty Pryde struggles to phase Colossus, who has just been freed from years of imprisonment, from the lower depths of the Benetech facility. Unawares; Ord doesn't see his retribution coming for his involvement in Colossus' resurrection...

Colossus is reenergized as he vengefully drives his steel fist into the spine of the alien, Ord. The Breakworld warrior retaliates, swinging around with a backhanded swat that Colossus blocks with a spray of sparks.

Metal meets metal once more, again spraying sparks as the gauntleted fist of the alien attacked clashes with Colossus' metallic face. The blow comes with taunting insults, which serves only to provoke, as Colossus punctuates his attacks.

He begins by snatching Ord in a wrist lock, which gives him leverage to swing the alien invader around like a ragdoll, first into the floor, and then the facility wall. Then, with one final exclamation, Colossus drives his fists into Ord's defeated body...

KNOCKOUT!!!
The Hammer...
Alive and made of rage, your winner, Colossus!

If you thought you heard an echo just now, it might be the sound of knock-out blows being struck around the entire comics blogosphere!
Each Friday while we continue to bring you the best and worst of comics canonical clashes, Bahlactus unites the blogosphere in cosmic war as per the power meme, Friday Night Fights! Get a taste of the Infinite Wars, and then head over to the big-B for more prize-fights!

You might be intrigued and delighted by our decision to dive into the Eisner-Award undermining series, Astonishing X-Men. I've got to be honest, the first of our weekly Cover to Cover features [Endangered Species Round 1] was facetious about the status of Marvel's merry mutants, but my contempt for Astonishing might be a little more on the genuine side. Pause for gasps.

Here's the perfect thing about the Astonishing X-Men audience: the newbies are getting in on a reasonably safe jump-on point. It's not what I would recommend, but even I would have to admit that as far as transitioning from the movie theatre to the comic shop, Astonishing makes for decent training wheels.

Then you've got the two pre-existing fanbases flocking to the title. For the Whedon fans, it's more of Whedon's vaguely characteristic writing, complete with cutesy exchanges and self-aware exchanges of the meaningless. Likewise, for the X-Fans, it's a rote exercise in repetition as Whedon regurgitates a highlight reel of character exchanges, plot point, and conflicts from X-Men stories passed.
Needless to say, I find neither fandom terribly admirable.

For me, the first six issues were an unfortunate blip on a very big Christmas of comics. I was otherwise quite happy swimming in issues of JSA, Hawkman, Detective Comics, and Daredevil. It was a very good time for comics, a great time to be assimilating into the DC universe, and particularly, a good time for Batman [a topic for another time]. Astonishing X-Men was an interest in testing the water that was unfortunately extended by over zealous giftors to the monetary waste of four extra issues. Bummer.

I'm reluctant to refer to myself as an X-Fan, because I honestly believe there's very likely a group of folks googling "X-Fan" for the sole purpose of accosting anyone claiming the title. There's no chance I'm going to lock horns with an avid X-Fan, for reasons both of a knowledge and hygene based nature. [Cheap!]

That said, I have a passing knowledge of the garbled X-history, and a passing interest in those characters. Like a good many; the intertwining devolution of crossover stories starring dull peripheral characters led to my distance, at least until the blessing of Grant Morrison's stellar run [New X-Men #124, #150].

Morrison's take on the X-Men features, what I believe, was the logical succession of the X-Men legacy. Stories featured the moving foward of human-mutant relations to feature more diversity in opinionated factions, the beginning of acceptance of mutants, and a variety of other stories that managed to move the franchise forward in ways not really seen since the 1970's.
Merging design conecpts from the feature films, and the comics, the series arguably presented a happy medium between both, and I know of examples where that enabled very happy introductions to the comics version of the characters.

A sticking point for me is death and the X-Men.
Despite having the ring of a European arc of X-stentialism, I'm one of those guys that grows increasingly despondent and dissatisfied by the use of death as a device in modern comics.

I'm not jaded enough to throw my hands in the air in an act of dismissal, but it's undoubtedly one of the lasting undermining qualities of children's fiction.

Obviously companies place great weight in the use of franchise characters, and are unlikely to properly service those that aren't existant within the central canon of the shared universe, but then, that's my point. As much as I have always been a big fan of Colossus as a character, the severity of death outweighs my regret for the decision to kill him.

Thus, if I wasn't already pre-destined to bare a grudge against the content of Whedon's work, the resurrection of Colossus was sure to seal the deal. Honestly, part of me still holds out a hope that the Skrull invasion will reveal this Colossus to be part of the infestation [of the mutant community]. That seems unlikely.

Top 25 Mutants
#1 Wolverine
#2 Sub-Mariner
#3 Beast
#4 Storm
#5 Kitty Pryde
#6 Rogue
#7 Jean Grey
#8 Angel
#9 Ice Man
#10 Cable
#11 Cyclops
#12 Gambit
#13 Tabitha Stevens
#14 Gorgon
#15 Cannonball
#16 Forge
#17 Sunspot
#18 Banshee
#19 Franklin Richards
#20 Jubilee
#21 Unus
#22 Professor X
#23 Scarlet Witch
#24 Colossus
#25 Rachel SummersAt the risk of going through this entire diatribe without justifying my distain for this incarnation of Astonishing; it's worth diving into our two years worth of cumulative stats to measure the top twenty-five mutants. We did this in October [Power Man & Iron Fist #90], and if you're inclined to compare lists, you'll note that not much has changed.

Messiah Complex has been a multi-title crossover that's stirred the interests of many lost X-fans not already convinced by creative shifts in the core X-Men titles [such as Brubaker].

I can't say I've been likewise inclined, but consider this entry a little bit of Infinite Wars housekeeping. We've had the opportunity to make a very diverse start to the year, and a current lull in major events gives us a chance to play catch-up on properties not acknowledged through late 2007.

This issue has actually been on the request list since the beginning, too. When I first started seriously floating the concept of a site like this [2004], Ord battles were among the most recommended contemporary examples. So, I guess this is not only an attempt to represent zeitgeist, but also fullfil a shred of the design of the fanbase.

If I really had to crack down and observe the content, I couldn't say I hate these issues. I like them enough to slot them neatly behind the rest of the X-Men comics I've owned over the years, and there's a chance that; as the X-titles dig themselves into a new hole with boring characters, dodgy crossovers, and various other typical mistakes; I might come to like these issues. Although, like Skrull-Colossus, that seems unlikely.

I admit to being slightly reactionary to the insanely dedicated and fawning audience that follows Whedon from cutesy niche project, to cutesy niche project. I've never been terribly interested in the reference heavy fast talking of his characters, nor the genre influenced antics of his TV projects like Buffy and Firefly. Much of that disinterest carries through to the comics, but that base familiarity with the X-Men inspires venom at the sight of issues I could only describe at the time as irrelevant and/or twenty-years redundant.

Reprints of back issues should probably be stealing from this top ten title, but it isn't. Given the critical acclaim, (including several years of increasingly dubious success at the Eisner Awards), I know this won't be a popular opinion.
I suppose that's just another issue for which the title becomes a posterboy; referring, of course, to the sheep herding that has become the modern comics fanbase, typified by X-Fans. I've got to be honest, too. Cassaday just doesn't impress me like some. Not on this, at least.

Then again, maybe I'm wrong.
For certain, I am tired, and I'm going to have to cut the discussion here. If you're one of those vocal X-Fans, head down to the comments and lodge your own opinions! It won't be anything I haven't heard before, but go for it, guys!

The Fight: 4 The Issue: 3.5

Want to spite me by voting with your dollar? Like what you've seen and want to investigate further? You can play catch-up by heading over to Amazon and picking up the trade! I might not like it, but lord knows I'm not above selling it to you! By using the provided Amazon links you help sponsor future entries in the Infinite Wars. The story's called Gifted, so, y'know, maybe you could even buy it as a gift! Although, to avoid my situation, maybe check with the recipient before they use it as fodder to bitch on the internet about.

JACK STAFF versus HURRICANE
(Image)
Where: Jack Staff #1 When: February 2003
Why: Paul Grist How: Paul Grist

The Story so far...
During the Second World War a group of heroes called the Freedom Fighters represent the Allies of the United States and United Kingdom in battles of a super powered nature.
Among their numbers the iconic heroes; Sergeant States, of the United States and Jack Staff, Britain's greatest hero!

After the War Jack Staff returns to the United Kingdom where he continues as a costumed superhero operating in conjunction with a secret group called Unit D. By the 1980s he and the group came into conflict with an out of control super powered soldier called Hurricane! This would be Jack's last outing as a costumed hero.

Jack Staff will eventually reemerge on the eve of peril, but before then, comes the secret story of his final mission. Battle with the Hurricane!...

Tale of the Tape...
Strength: Hurricane 5 (Super Strength)
Intelligence: Jack Staff 2 (Average)
Speed: Jack Staff 3 (Athlete)
Stamina: Hurricane 5 (Marathon)
Agility: Jack Staff 3 (Acrobat)
Fighting Ability: Draw 3 (Street Wise)
Energy Powers: Draw 1 (None)


- During the Second World War the British hero, Jack Staff, rose to prominance with the team of allied superheroes called the Freedom Fighters.
Jack Staff is touted as Britain's greatest hero, but unbeknownst to the general public he lives in relative anonymity as construction worker, John Smith.

Jack Staff has the ability to transfer kinetic energy, granting him brief bursts of focused strength capable of levelling a building wall. Though the extent of his lifespan is unknown, Jack Staff has been alive since the Victorian era.

- Captain Gust was a soldier suffering from intense rages which began manifesting themselves as he increased in size and strength. During experimentation by the secretive military group, Department H, Gust's rages reached a new high, reducing him to a rampaging unintelligable hulk called Hurricane. As the Hurricane, Gust's chief powers are superhuman strength.

The Math: Hurricane Ranking: Draw (NR)

What Went Down...
At some point in the 1980s, Jack Staff embarks on what would become his final mission. With portions of Castletown reduced to rubble, he launches his attack against the rampaging monster that is -- Hurricane!

Jack Staff finds himself grossly mismatched against the far stronger opponent, but the greatest hero in Britain shows no fear in opposing Gust's drooling stampede. His efforts garner results less than desirable...

Jack utilizes his namesake, a staff, to swat and bat at the jibbering villain, but this proves only to further provoke anger from the furious Hurricane.
Gust turns the tables, snatching to the staff from it's offensive end to hurl Jack across the battlefield. The flag-garbed hero comes to a harsh collision with a brickwall, finding himself partially buried by the rubble, and apparently no longer a point of interest for the raging Hurricane.

Jack recovers and channels energy into his staff, looking to score a sneak attack on the leaving Hurricane -- a decision he's made to pay for by the devestating super powered palm of the hulking menace!

With that, Jack Staff is knocked out cold and left in the rubble of Castletown's destruction. With that defeat, Jack Staff appears finished -- but is he?...

The Hammer...
Is this the running theme of 2008? Are the feature heroes destined to suffer defeat to the likes of Hurricane? If this entry is anything to go by, yes. Yes it is. Another early indicator by these entry might be a very wooden post, as opposed to our usually stiff but shiney gloss!

I had the crazy idea to try to fill the entire week with features to not only try to utilize all the issues I've been wanting to review lately, but also make up for some of the lull in action we've experienced from December through January. Of course, as great as it might be to squeeze four feature fights around the trimmings, do not expect this... ever again! I'm buggered!

So, anyway, I would've liked to dedicate more focus to Jack Staff, because it's such a fantastic series! We've been talking a little bit about these characters in the Shipping List features [January 23, February 06] and the series' connection to a cast of diverse and vivid characters that came out of the UK in the 1960s.
I like to think every now and then some of the features we show you can help englighten your perspective, rather than just frustrate you with my obsessions removed from mainstream comics reading. This seems like a great example.

I mean sure, you've got the wonderful reflective perspective of these characters' role in Paul Grist's nationalistic march through superhero/sci-fi/fantasy comics, but that's not the only well known modern march through the history of these characters. There's Albion, a series deriving it's name from the ancient reference to Britain, and featuring most of these forgotten characters which have since been acquired by DC Comics. That process of acquisition is, in itself, an interesting tale, as indicative by the always controversial involvement of Todd McFarlane, who for a time thought he had ownership. That, however, is a story I'm ill informed on, and not all that interested in discussing.

A sizable portion of the Infinite Wars readership is casual comics fans, which by extension of exposure means nine times out of ten, you're a Marvel fan.
Even casual fans are well trained enough to identify Stan Lee, and note his involvement in co-creating some of Marvel's biggest and definitive icons throughout the same period as the birth of these littleknown icons.

Jack Staff was, perhaps ironically, borne out of a pitch by creator Paul Grist for a Marvel project starring mid 1970's character, Union Jack. The pitch, which was ultimately turned down by Marvel editorial, became retooled and eventually grew into a mythology playing on Marvel's Invaders culture, and this broad mythology of the British comics characters familiar to Grist's home.

I became acquainted with these characters through inhereted reprints through the 1970's series, Vulcan. The anthology book made use of a back catalogue of stories from Lion and Valiant, featuring characters like; The Spider, The Steel Claw, The Trigan Empire, ARCHIE, Kelly's Eye, and Mytek the Mighty.

Stories featured both black and white, and colour art, such as the painted science fiction adventure series, Trigan Empire. Curiously enough, even at a young age, the strong atmospheric use of the black and white attracted me most to characters like the Shadow pulp styled, Spider.
A prototypical anti-hero who originally appears as a Namor-esque looking elf-eared gadget wielder, whose goals were to become the king of thieves. Battles with creepy sci-fi rival villains would eventually lead to the Spider's role as an anti-hero, and you'll find him as an aged non-descript Spider living under the alias Alfred Chinard in Jack Staff. Like The Shadow, this Spider's identity is never made explicitly clear, despite the occasional teased alias.

Hurricane owes his origins to Captain Hurricane, although his role as a rampaging behemoth draws popular comparison to Hulk, accredited with accompaniment of Hulkbuster style organization, Project H.

The history of these characters probably won't engender a response of Watchmen proportions, but I'd love it if this can engender some sort of interest from those of you more typically interested in the historic Marvel and DC characters.
Thanks to the brilliant folks at Image Comics, and the handsome Paul Grist, you can actually preview the issue reviewed here, and the first issue of the original black and white series, at Image.com!

I'm dying on my feet here, so I'm going to have auto-biograph and run. There's every chance, like so many other tangential topics of discussion, Jack Staff and the British icons will come up again in future entries.
Until then, stay tuned for Friday classic!

The Fight: 4 The Issue: 5

If you've read the previews and find your fancys piqued, why not head over to Amazon and whet your apetite? The first volume collects the black and white original series from Grist's own Dancing Elephant Press, repackaged and collected by the good folks at Image Comics! And hey, by using Amazon purchase links provided here on the Infinite Wars, you help fund more enlightening and super fun entries on Secret Wars on Infinite Earths. Like, maybe I could catch up on Jack Staff, because I'm horribly behind and poor. Yay capitalism!

IN STORES: February 06, 2008
You can probably find complete shipping list updates on most major comics sites. Consider this an opportunity to either do all your info-shopping in the one place, or get a speculative perspective on what might be worth checking out. These are untested reads. Secret Wars on Infinite Earths can offer no guarantee or endorsement of quality. These are simply titles that may be of potential interest. Some items may ship late.

Thin and Crispy...
DEC072171 ANNIHILATION CONQUEST #4 (OF 6) $2.99
OCT070154 BATMAN CONFIDENTIAL #12 $2.99
DEC073537 BOYS #15 (MR) $2.99
DEC070183 COUNTDOWN TO FINAL CRISIS 12 $2.99
SEP070088 GUNSMITH CATS BURST TP VOL 03$10.95
NOV070209 JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA #12 $2.99
DEC072204 MOON KNIGHT #15 $2.99
NOV073733 PHANTOM #21 $3.99
DEC072049 SCUD THE DISPOSABLE ASSASSIN #21 $3.50
AUG072028 SPAWN #175 $2.95
NOV070238 SUPERMAN CHRONICLES TP VOL 04$14.99
DEC072105 TRUE STORY SWEAR TO GOD IMAGE ED #10 $3.50
DEC072215 TWELVE #2 (OF 12) $2.99
DEC070305 VINYL UNDERGROUND #5 (MR) $2.99

The Deep Dish...
- DEC070022 ABE SAPIEN THE DROWNING #1 (OF 5) $2.99
The only tragedy about Dark Horse releasing Hellboy related series more often, is that my store inevitably orders too few copies, and the best I can ever do is pick up issues one, two, and four six or seven months later. We finally cracked the vault on Hellboy, and really, I wish there were more overt fight scenes in BPRD so it would make sense to talk about them here.

- AUG073978 ALBION ORIGINS VOL 1 HC $19.95
A fortnight ago [January 23] we mentioned the Jack Staff Special from Image, showcasing a rollicking tale starring Paul Grist's Union Jack homage, and a cast of characters derived from some of Britain's fictional finest. In Albion Originsthe much revered Alan Moore does his own take on these heroes, settling for nothing less than the real deal, as opposed to Grist's letigiously minded analogous copies. Probably not Moore's best known work in the United Sates because it features British characters and is only plotted by the legend, but well worth a look, I'd imagine.

- DEC070207 DETECTIVE COMICS #841 $2.99
Freed from the villainous clutches of the Ra's Al Ghul Resurrection crossover, Detective finally has a chance to be worth reading again. Or does it? I'll be honest, as exciting as the announcement of Grant Morrison and Paul Dini on the Bat-books should have been, it never quite lived up to the hype. This issue is set to bring back the new Ventriloquist who's a character I'm yet to warm to, but with Dustin Nguyen's associated cool palette and confident dark inks, I might finally come around to it.

- DEC070262 JUSTICE LEAGUE UNLIMITED #42 $2.25
A good seventy cents cheaper, and by the look of things, continuing to pack some pretty decent stories. Really, I can't think of any reason not to care about the kid-friendly Unlimited book at this point. Between this and Marvel's Adventures titles -- it's like living in Bizarro-world!

- NOV073524 SNK VS CAPCOM TP VOL 08 SVC CHAOS $15.95
Given the Street Fighter-fest that's been going on around here for the last half a year, it's probably no shock to see this on the list. I think it's worth clarifying that these SNK/Capcom volumes are nothing to do with UDON, instead published by Dr. Master Productions Inc.
As much as that sounds like a front for an evil boss villain's operations, I'm actually pretty interested in trying to catch up with these books, which I have not yet had any experience with. If you've read one, stop by the comments and drop your thoughts!