GHOST RIDER versus BLADE
Dead Man's Tale (Marvel)
Where: Ghost Rider/Blaze: Spirits of Vengeance #13 When: August 1993 Why: Howard Mackie How: Adam Kubert

The Story So Far...
When Blade receives a mysterious black envelope containing a page from the Darkhold book of magic, he unleashes a spell, once read, that embues him with the powers of a demogorge. So begins Blade's rampage on all things supernatural and occult.

Attracted like a moth to flame, Blade's powers to perceive and gravitate toward the supernatural only becomes greater as he absorbs the powers of all he kills. Hannibal King, John Blaze, Demogoblin, Werewolf by Night, Modred, Victoria Montesi, and Michael Morbius all contribute to Blade's amassing powers in their death.

Hellbent on the eradication of all things supernatural, Blade finally marches on the greatest source of mystic power in New York - Dr. Strange's Sanctum Sanctorum; home to the Darkhold! With time and opportunity fast running out, Ghost Rider must join the Nighstalkers and bring an end to the demogorge.

Tale of the Tape...
Strength: Ghost Rider 4 (Enhanced)
Intelligence: Blade 4 (Tactician)
Speed: Draw 3 (Athlete)
Stamina: Ghost Rider 6 (Generator)
Agility: Blade 3 (Acrobat)
Fighting Ability: Blade 5 (Martial Arts)
Energy Power: Ghost Rider 5 (Lasers)


- When a man and his girlfriend are attacked by gangsters, they unknowingly seek refuge in a scraplot containing a rare artifact. Upon touching the mystic symbol on a motorcycle's tank cap, Dan Ketch is transformed into the flaming spirit of vengeance, inheriting the curse of the hellborne Ghost Rider!

Like Johnny Blaze before him; Ketch's demon grants him fantastic powers that may be used in the pursuit of righteous vengeance. Powers that include; super strength, durability, speed, control over the hellcycle, hellfire, mystic chains, and the penance stare; capable of rendering a dark soul inert by forcing them to relive the wrongs they have commited on others.

- In a whorehouse in London, a child was born into the world, destined for greatness. When the vampire Deacon Frost was to feast on the woman in labour, he inadvertently passed along certain enzymes that would eventually grant Eric Roberts the strengths of a vampire, with none of their weaknesses. Thus the young boy grows into legend; the Daywalker -- Blade!

Blade lives up to his name, highly skilled with various forms of weaponry and munitions. A dedicated vampire hunter, Blade is skilled in the martial arts, and a thorough tactician with an arsenal of weapons that compliment his acquired enhanced strength, speed, senses, durability and reflexes.

Additional: Having taken a page of the Darkhold, Blade has become possessed by the power of the Demogorge. His ability to sense the supernatural is enhanced, and he now absorbs the powers of the mystics he kills. It was while possessed by the Demogorge that Blade had a runin with Ghost Rider and Frank Drake in a previous entry in the Infinite Wars [Ghost Rider #40].
Aided by Demogoblin, Blade was able to fend off the heroes, to later overcome Ghost Rider alone. The intervention of Frank Drake saved Ghost Rider.

History: Draw (0-0-1)
The Math: Blade Ranking: Blade (#177)

What Went Down...
Having effortlessly penetrated the powerful spells cast by Earth's Sorceror Supreme, Dr. Strange; Blade enters the Sanctum Sanctorum, only to find the good doctor absent. His growing awareness of the supernatural draws Blade deeper into the Sanctum where he discovers the only weapon capable of reversing his devolution into darkness - the Darkhold!

The second Blade removes the book from it's pedestal, powerful spells launch it through the building toward the night sky and an interdimensional portal designed to protect the book in Strange's absence. With the luxury of time working against them, Ghost Rider aids Blade in ahcoring the book to the Earth with the use of his mystic chains. The protection of the book allows Blade to finally turn his attentions to the elusive spirit of vengeance.

Ghost Rider's vengeful charge is abruptly ended, as Blade draws the shotgun weapon once held by John Blaze. The mystic gun spews hellfire through Ghost Rider's body, inflicting maximum damage as Blade lordes his powers.

Blade summons a mighty wind with the elemental powers of Modred, using them to hold the Nightstalkers back from the Darkhold, while he draws his own close-quarters weapons to finish Ghost Rider off.

Engulfed in flame, Blade impales the Ghost Rider with his namesake, feeling no resistance from the powerful demon. He pulls his foe in twain, before driving a blade through the sprit of vengeance's flaming skull! So begins the transfer...

Unfortunately for Blade, he fails to anticipate the nature of the Ghost Rider's power. Absorbing the hellacious abilities of the spirit of vengeance comes at a startling cost as the penance stare is turned inward, forcing Blade to relive the many murders committed in his recent past as a demogorge.

The searing pain of his penance distracts Blade enough to stem the winds he'd summoned to prevent access to the Darkhold. Louise Hastings, of the Redeemers, springs quickly into action, reading from the book so as to resurrect those killed, and return their powers to them from Blade. So ends the Midnight Massacre...

The Hammer...
Despite having his ungodly powers stripped, I think it's safe to say a bitter victory goes to Blade! Despite being killed by the powered-up slayer, Ghost Rider is among those resurrected by the Darkhold spell.

In a month supposedly dedicated to Iron Man, you might be wondering what brought on this unlikely Midnight Sons feature.
It was recent discussion on the Marvel.com message boards that posed the question of whether or not Blade could, or already had, defeated Ghost Rider as his Wikipedia entry claimed. Since contextually absent or poorly described events from Wikipedia style entries are exactly what the Infinite Wars intends to elaborate upon, it seemed like a great opportunity to contribute!

Top 25 Devils/Mystics#1 Dhalsim (Capcom)
#2 Dr. Doom (Marvel)
#3 Zatanna (DC)
#4 The Demon (DC)
#5 Ghost Rider (Marvel)
#6 Morbius (Marvel)
#7 Hellcat (Marvel)
#8 The Spectre (DC)
#9 Dr. Strange (Marvel)
#10 Blazing Skull (Marvel)
#11 Mephisto (Marvel)
#12 Phantom Stranger (DC)
#13 Dr. Fate (DC)
#14 Deadman (DC)
#15 Dr. Occult (DC)
#16 The Hood (Marvel)
#17 Hellboy (Dark Horse)
#18 Jin Kazama (Namco)
#19 Dr. Fate (DC)
#20 Lyta (DC)
#21 Blade (Marvel)
#22 Captain Marvel (DC)
#23 Scarlet Witch (Marvel)
#24 Scorpion (Midway)
#25 Ghost Rider (Marvel)The gang was able to find their way to the Infinite Wars for the previous throwdown between these characters [Ghost Rider #40], where only the intervention of Frank Drake prevented a recorded loss. For the purposes of that discussion [BBS: Blade nearly won a fight against Ghost Rider?] you might argue that Blade did indeed defeat Ghost Rider in that issue, but it's here that the lethal victory described on Wikipedia occurs.

Unfortunately I can't elaborate much further than this encounter, but it's nice to be able to accomodate Infinite Wars readers even that far. If you're a member of the Marvel.com boards, be sure to let the lads know new information has emerged!

Last time we featured these characters, the recurring subject of Marvel's struggle to find a lasting treatment in comics for the characters was a hot topic. Speculation that the recently relaunched Blade and Ghost Rider titles were destined for cancellation proves, at this point, to be half true.

The Guggenheim/Chaykin Blade series fizzled to an end with issue twelve. Working against the title were painfully obvious factors like Chaykin's decidedly unattractive pencil work, inconsequential guest appearances, and uninvolving storylines. Like so many post-movie comics, this quite deliberately butted against the slick, modern urbana of the Stephen Norrington success, opting instead for an experience apparently unintentionally eighties-style in it's presentation and palette.

Despite steering gleefully toward it's seventies origins, Ghost Rider has fared much better. Stale story telling kept me away from early issues of the title, but while not terribly interested, I have to at least applaud the precedent for recent stories pandering to a grindhouse quality of horror.
The detached nature of buzz-writer Jason Aaron's take on the character is about to collide with more familiar topics. Fans can look forward to recognisable features such as, the hellfire shotgun, and former-Ghost Rider, Dan Ketch!

I couldn't possibly deny the affection I have for these nineties stories.
Though not typically looked upon with admiration, they represent a type of storytelling that allowed these characters to fill a very specific niche, while representing the Marvel Universe mentality of characters operating and clashing within a certain space. Though fond of the strong visual of this character, I can't say I've ever had a particular affection for the western/horror vibe of a desert wandering Ghost Rider.

I hope this coming return of Ketch (and the gun feature in our review) will offer more than just a familiar skull-face. I hope very much this can be the beginning of stories not necessarily designed to establish a universe, but to at least build on some of the recent traditions of these characters. Though not of a terribly high standard, I did get a thrill seeing Morbius in the illfated Blade series.

It's those characters, often identified for their supporting roles, that I enjoy seeing in this larger context. The versimilitude of Doppelganger, Demogoblin, Blade, Ghost Rider, Morbius, Dr. Strange, and various other occult heroes, all mingling in the same section, fills me with a comic book sensical joy.

Keep an eye on weekly shipping list updates for more on upcoming Ghost Rider, but in the mean time, I leave you with the promise of updates to come! Be sure also to stay tuned for the Monthly Punch-Up on the first of the month!

The Fight: 4.5 The Issue: 5

Alas, to the best of my knowledge, Midnight Massacre is not available in collected format. You can find plenty of other exciting reads, starring Ghost Rider and other, in the Infinite Wars Amazonian Gift Shoppe! Amazon has a wide range of Marvel titles, and every time you use purchase links from the Infinite Wars, you help sponsor future entries! While you're splashing around the cash, also be sure to take full advantage of the recent $1.99 price reduction on Mike Haseloff's The Kirby Martin Inquest! Available online; the series introduces the White Ghost, a vigilante seeking justice in an urban environment!

IN STORES: MAY 29, 2008
NOTE: The Memorial Day holiday will push purchasing back to Thursday for the US.
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.

The Infinite Wars now has a gift shop!
Now you'll find Amazon purchase links to hardcovers, trade paperbacks, and other collections, not only on regular entries -- but also new releases at the bottom of the Shipping List, and now a whole catalogue of potential purchases via the Infinite Wars: Amazonian Gift Shop. [Men are also welcome!] By shopping with Amazon via our purchase links, you not only find yourself a great deal, but also sponsor future entries on the Infinite Wars.

READ THE PREVIEW - VISIT THE SITE - BUY THE COMIC
Thin and Crispy...
MAR080158 ACTION COMICS #865 $2.99
MAR080157 ALL STAR SUPERMAN #11 $2.99
JAN082065 ASTOUNDING WOLF-MAN #6 $2.99
MAR080144 BATMAN #677 RIP $2.99
MAR080162 BLUE BEETLE #27 $2.99
MAR082174 DAREDEVIL #107 $2.99
MAR088191 DC UNIVERSE ZERO 2ND PTG $1.00
MAR080168 GREEN LANTERN #31 $2.99
MAR082178 IMMORTAL IRON FIST #15 $2.99
MAR080026 INDIANA JONES & KINGDOM O/T CRYSTAL SKULL #2 FLEMING CVR $5.99
MAR080027 INDIANA JONES & KINGDOM O/T CRYSTAL SKULL #2 STRUZAN CVR $5.99
MAR082195 MARVEL ADVENTURES FANTASTIC FOUR #36 $2.99
MAR082201 MARVEL COMICS PRESENTS #9 $3.99
MAR082208 NEW AVENGERS #41 SI $2.99
MAR083868 TALES OF TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES #46 $3.25
MAR080133 TEEN TITANS #59 $2.99

The Deep Dish...
- MAR080148 BATMAN GOTHAM AFTER MIDNITE #1 (OF 12) $2.99
Steven Niles doesn't do anything particular for me, but longtime readers will know I have a special affinity for anything that offers the chance to survey urban Gotham in an [un]natural state. After Midnite looks to serve up the darker side of Gotham and it's rogues, and while I don't expect anything special here, the book appears to offer a tour through popular villains like Scarecrow and Clayface.
Pointy pencils by Kelley Jones look completely at home on a Niles project, somewhere between the veiny exaggeration of the ninietes, and the stylized angles of Norm Breyfogle.

- MAR080124 FINAL CRISIS #1 (OF 7) $3.99
As already documented in various other entries, I really have absolutely no idea what to expect from Final Crisis, but I've scraped together enough pennys to make sure I'm there for the first issue, at least. Previews for Grant Morrison's closing chapter to the Crisis Trilogy focus heavily on the Green Lanterns, but also foreshadows events with what seems to be a prophetic realisation by Orion that Darkseid has survived his destruction [Countdown #2]!
The event, already confirmed to feature New Gods and Libra in villainous roles, seems like another stroke of simple brilliance for DC. One's imagination could run wild with theories about how the Fourth World will play a part in this Crisis, but I'm sure I wouldn't even be close!

- MAR080171 JSA CLASSIFIED #38 $2.99
A new storyarc kicks off in the Classified book, but if you were looking for a change of pace after the recent Wildcat spotlights, think again! Don't get me wrong! I've got a real affection for Wildcat and the sluggers of the golden age, but it strikes me as something of a misstep to suffocate the variety of a title free to go anywhere, any time. It'll be very interesting to see how sales are affected by the run.

- MAR082181 KING SIZE HULK #1 $4.99
As is sure to become very evident in the next month, there's a poorly publicized Hulk movie on the way, and Marvel knows it! As if to pick up the eccentric slack of star Edward Norton, Marvel's pumping serious promotional iron to remind us all what's fun and fantastic about the Incredible Hulk! King-Size Hulk promises a plethora of reading materials including reprints of the infamous first appearance of Wolverine, and battles with She-Hulk and Wendigo!
Fun value buys like this have really instilled in me a confidence in Marvel's ability to utilize their mammoth back catalogue to entice and inform new readers, rather than pandering to the bloated wallets of forty-something nostalgia buffs.

- MAR082192 MARVEL 1985 #1 (OF 6) $3.99
It's been a long time coming, but finally Mark Millar's ill-fated fumetti project is here! The Scot famously announced the title some years ago in what was starting to seem like little more than an April Fool's joke. Originally intended to feature manipulated photographs, art chores were picked up by digital realist, Tommy Lee Edwards; the man responsible for art on the tragically underrated Question mini from 2005!
Previews feature a youngster diving into the tumultuous world of Marvel comics in the mid 1980's; a time of costume changes, major universe-spanning events, and a growing interest in the financial institution of comics collecting. Vaguely reminiscent of other everyman projects [ala; Marvel: Heroes & Legends #1], Marvel 1985 promises a reality blurring journey into an epic battle between the heroes and villains of the Marvel Universe!

- MAR082198 MARVEL ADVENTURES IRON MAN #13 $2.99
Wrapping up the week's offerings is the now obligatory Marvel Adventures throwdown. The imprint offers classic superhero battles the whole family can enjoy, delivering a good old message of good versus evil. This week it's the whip-cracking Blacklash throwing down the gauntlet to the invincible Iron Man! Rest assured, concerned parents, that this is strictly Blacklash-classic, and not the strapped and masked gimp pictured to the right.
Not that there's anything wrong with that...

- JUL073889 STREET FIGHTER II MANGA VOL 2 GN $12.95
With all the Mortal Kombat lately, you might have forgotten the Street Fighter love! Fortunately, UDON recently conducted interviews to confirm their continued commitment to the Street Fighter franchise, despite extensive scheduling delays and the recent acquiring of Capcom licenses by other companies. Fortunately the company of artists has been hard at work preparing upcoming series far in advance of hitting shelves to ensure a smooth release. Titles include a third twelve-issue core series, Street Fighter II Turbo, continuing the central story established by Ken Siu-Chong. Also on the way are mini-series dedicated to Chun-Li, star of the upcoming movie, and the controversial cast from Street Fighter III!

The manga features the original artwork of Masaomi Kanzaki reprinted faithfully without the colouring or flopping of previous Western prints; ala the original US Tokuma Comics prints.


Know Your Trade...
FEB080246 ALL NEW ATOM TP VOL 03 THE HUNT FOR RAY PALMER $14.99
FEB080237 BLACK ADAM THE DARK AGE TP $17.99
FEB080238 COUNTDOWN TO FINAL CRISIS TP VOL 01 $19.99
MAR082281 ESSENTIAL RAMPAGING HULK TP VOL 01 $16.99
MAR082278 EXCALIBUR CLASSIC TP VOL 5 $24.99
FEB080287 HEROES SC $19.99
MAR082259 IMMORTAL IRON FIST PREM HC VOL 02 CITIES OF HEAVEN $24.99
JAN080196 JACK KIRBYS OMAC ONE MAN ARMY CORPS HC $24.99
FEB080252 JUSTICE TP VOL 01 $14.99
DEC072064 NEARLY COMPLETE ESSENTIAL HEMBECK ARCHIVES OMNIBUS $24.99
JAN082060 SORROW TP $12.99
MAR083810 SPEED RACER TP VOL 05 $19.99
JAN080203 STARMAN OMNIBUS HC VOL 01 $49.99
JUL073889 STREET FIGHTER II MANGA VOL 2 GN $12.95
MAR082277 X-MEN TP VOL 02 COMPLETE ONSLAUGHT EPIC $29.99




Site Update...
You've got to be kidding me! I feel like I was doing this yesterday!
Regular readers will have noticed that we still haven't quite gotten around to making up for lost time in the reviews department. We'll be looking to turn that around in the lead up toward the ever-exciting Monthly Punch-Up, while also cooking plenty of cool things for June: the month of Hulk!

Be sure to spread the word about the site if we're touching on anything of relevance, and be sure to take full advantage of specials and already low prices in the Gift Shoppe, and also the $1.99 price tag on my own twenty-two page black and white comic, The Kirby Martin Inquest!

FANTASY FIGHTS: MORTAL KOMBAT/DC UNIVERSE (ROUND 6)!
Top 25 MK/DC#1 Batman (DC)
#2 Superman (DC)
#3 Black Adam (DC)
#4 Catwoman (DC)
#5 Steel (DC)
#6 Green Lantern (DC)
#7 Green Arrow (DC)
#8 Flash (DC)
#9 Hawkman (DC)
#10 Noob Saibot (MK)
#11 Flash (DC)
#12 Martian Manhunter (DC)
#13 Aquaman (DC)
#14 Red Robin (DC)
#15 Wonder Woman (DC)
#16 Robin (DC)
#17 Zatanna (DC)
#18 The Demon (DC)
#19 Hawkgirl (DC)
#20 Nightwing (DC)
#21 Johnny Cage (MK)
#22 Spectre (DC)
#23 Green Lantern (DC)
#24 Goro (MK)
#25 Green Lantern (DC)They've faced innumerable otherworldy oddities and interdimensional interlopers, but for the heroes of the DC Universe, the cosmos conspires to bring them into conflict with a group of warriors whose very function is to battle it out in the name of their realm!
Mortal Kombat versus DC Universe marks Midway's first major forray into the 'next generation' with a franchise responsible for two major motion pictures, two TV series, a catalogue of comics, and over a dozen gaming titles.

Already confirmed and revealed are franchise icons; Batman, Sub-Zero, Superman, and Scorpion.

As a site with split affections, the Infinite Wars has raised an ambassadorial hand, to provide a gateway between universes, for fans of both camps.
Over the past five weeks we've been using gimmicks, themes, and commonalities to count down some of the heroes and villains you may be seeing in the cast of twenty-something, and some whom you won't!

This week Midway will reveal another character render from the game; likely Batman or Sub-Zero; but as yet, there's no news since last week's reveal of Superman, and the conceptual stages of Metropolis and Netherealm arenas.

We're at the halfway mark now, which means the steady trickle of headlining names should gradually widen to a stream! If you missed out, be sure to track back through our many MK/DC updates, including: Fantasy Fights week one, two, three, four, and five; C2C supplements on common themes, and secret fatalities; and our reviews of the Blood & Thunder comic series! In the mean time...

SOLOMON GRUNDY
[#527] :RANKING
[50%] :ODDS
Injustice League

SCORPION
RANKING: [#231]
ODDS: [100%]SCORPION versus SOLOMON GRUNDY
Strength: Solomon Grundy 6 (Invincible)
Intelligence: Scorpion 2 (Average)
Speed: Scorpion 3 (Athlete)
Stamina: Draw 6 (Generator)
Agility: Scorpion 3 (Acrobat)
Fighting: Scorpion 6 (Warrior)
Energy: Scorpion 4 (Arsenal)

The Battle...
He's one of the most recognisable characters in American gaming, and you might have expected to see him with the headlining names in our final entry. Hey, we're halfway through our one hundred-plus countdown of characters, I figured you deserved a bone! And what better bone would there be than ol' bonehead himself - Scorpion!

Despite being instantly recognised as the yellow counterpart to Sub-Zero's blue, it's fair to say Scorpion's story is far less recognised. The trimming are obvious: murdered by Sub-Zero, Scorpion returns from the dead a spectre to exact revenge on the warrior responsible for his death, and the extermination of his family and clan. So begins a rivalry that spanned... two games!

1997's Mortal Kombat Mythologies: Sub-Zero, a scrolling adventure spin-off, revealed the details of Scorpion's murder, along with the added responsibility of his clan's death, falling on the sorceror, Quan Chi. Thus explained is Scorpion's cursed return in MKII despite the reveal that Scorpion successfully avenged his death, and killed Sub-Zero, during the first tournament.

Like Solomon Grundy; Scorpion's tenure in the afterlife is rarely long.
While his story has failed to regain the gravitas of early exploits, the undead ninja's presence continues to be felt through his shifting alliances with everyone from the younger Sub-Zero; to Shao Kahn; to even the Elder Gods themselves! His rivalries and adventures have touched many in the MK universe, making him one of the most enduring characters in the line-up.

Though Grundy is certainly a physical mismatch for the lithe Scorpion; the ninja spectre's versatility of martial arts prowess, supernatural abilities, and swordplay, are sure to be more than an equaliser.

Though a formidable and well recognised brute, Grundy's in-game potential offers very little beyond thematic suitability. One typically tends to doubt the MK team's ability to properly develop physically strong characters, with a long list of disappointing, skilless bosses to their name. Still, I'm not sure I'd complain!

The Math: Scorpion Our Winner: Scorpion

GREEN ARROW
[#22] :RANKING
[55%] :ODDS
Justice League

NIGHTWOLF
RANKING: [NR]
ODDS: [40%]NIGHTWOLF versus GREEN ARROW
Strength: Nightwolf 3 (Athlete)
Intelligence: Green Arrow 4 (Tactician)
Speed: Nightwolf 3 (Athlete)
Stamina: Draw 4 (Athlete)
Agility: Draw 3 (Acrobat)
Fighting: Draw 5 (Martial Arts)
Energy: Green Arrow 4 (Arsenal)

The Battle...
When it comes to DC heroes deserving of the side-to-side fighting experience, Green Arrow certainly jumps to mind!
As if to prepare for the game, 2007 saw the archer take up the sword, adding to an already diverse arsenal of weapons characterized by, but not limited to, a quiver full of trick arrows.

Nightwolf is a powerful shaman whose mystic abilities allowed him to evade destruction during Shao Kahn's invasion of Earthrealm. Among his many spiritual attacks is the ability to generate a bow and arrow of pure energy. Thus we have the flimsy thematic connection deemed necessary for a showdown such as this.

Practically Nightwolf has many abilities that give him the edge against the infamously powerless archer. If you're to accept his in-game specials as literal measures of his ability, Nightwolf can use his spiritual energies to generate tomahawk weapons, summon lightning strikes, and deflect projectiles.

Given GA's penchant for the aforementioned attack, a character capable of deflecting incoming arrows could be a bit of a problem. That is, unless, you take into account the lengthy experience of the character, and his own vices as a martial artist, and more recently, swordsman. I'm fairly comfortable with the notion that, despite not having "powers," Green Arrow could rise to the occasion as he so often has during his sixty-plus years of publication.

Should weapons find their way into MKvsDC I'd be quite happy to see the sword transplanted into a product tailor made for it. If not, GA still has a selection of ready-made projectile attacks (seen in Justice League Task Force), and street pounding martial arts skills that should not be forgotten!

The Math: Draw Our Winner: Green Arrow

RA'S AL GHUL
[#425] :RANKING
[60%] :ODDS
League of
Assassins

REIKO
RANKING: [NR]
ODDS: [20%]
Outworld ArmyREIKO versus RA'S AL GHUL
Strength: Reiko 5 (Superhuman)
Intelligence: Ra's Al Ghul 4 (Tactician)
Speed: Draw 3 (Athlete)
Stamina: Draw 5 (Marathon)
Agility: Ra's Al Ghul 3 (Acrobat)
Fighting: Draw 6 (Warrior)
Energy: Reiko 2 (Projectile)

The Battle...
At this point I suppose we could just do away with themes, and fully commit to this as a catalogue of characters, varied in status and likelihood for a game appearance, but I feel committed!

Here we have two men whose lives have been defined by their leadership over armies, and their undying dedication to battle. Their world views may differ considerably, as do their methods, but there's a tenuous connection.

Reiko originally appeared in 1997's MK4, where he replaced Noob Saibot in a sweep to refresh the series cast in their first "3D" Kombat experience.
Retroactively defined as a mercenary General interested only in leading an army; Reiko caused a stir within the fanbase with an ending that revealed the character donning the helmet of then-believed dead, Shao Kahn. The event sparked debate within the fanbase until Kahn's return, and the eventual confirmation that Reiko was little more than an admirer of Kahn and his fashions.

A similar scenario of identity confusion surrounded Ra's Al Ghul in his most mainstream appearance as the lead villain in 2005's, Batman Begins. Drawing upon the veiled mythology of the character, Begins casts Liam Neeson as Ra's Al Ghul, initially posing as his own trusted servant, Ducard.
Japanese actor, Ken Watanabe, provides a Academy Award-nominated distraction for movie-goers, some who continue to be confused by the film's eventual reveal of Ducard's true identity at the top of the third act.

While Reiko's motivations are typically self-serving, pandering to his eventual aspirations to become an all powerful Emperor; Ra's Al Ghul takes a more planetary tact in his warmaking, believing environmental longevity to require the mass extermination and purification of sizable portions of humanity.
Though they both represent very different ideals, they are both mysterious characters whose goals are as epic as their armies are incalculable.

With the boost of starring in one of the most revered comic book adaptations, and one of DC's few successful films, Ra's Al Ghul would have to be up for consideration for the crossover game. Context of events and story may be what works against the ambiguous villain, but as another master swordsman and proficient fighter, he's a potentially flash addition to texture physics in the game!

The Math: Reiko Our Winner: Reiko

DEATHSTROKE
[#83] :RANKING
[55%] :ODDS
Injustice League

KENSHI
RANKING: [NR]
ODDS: [30%]
Outerworld
Investigation
AgencyKENSHI versus DEATHSTROKE
Strength: Deathstroke 3 (Athlete)
Intelligence: Deathstroke 4 (Tactician)
Speed: Draw 3 (Athlete)
Stamina: Draw 4 (Athlete)
Agility: Draw 3 (Acrobat)
Fight: Deathstroke 7 (Inherent)
Energy: Kenshi 3 (Explosives)

The Battle...
I'm starting to sense a theme of themes, here!
Once again, swords are front and centre, as we cast our sights on a character irrevocably identified by his mastery of the blade!

Kenshi was once a wandering warrior whose skill as a swordsman made him arrogant in his pursuit of battle. It was the deception of a disguised Shang Tsung that saw Kenshi lured into a plot to steal the souls of the warrior's ancestors, a plot that left the pride-filled fighter literally blinded!

After obtaining an ancient sword hidden within his family crypt, Kenshi began the path to retraining his senses to allow him to fight on as a blind master. It was a lesson in humility that only improved his fighting skill, which eventually developed to awaken to certain extra-senses, and the power of telekinesis.

Slade Wilson's enhancements were far less natural, attained as part of experimental development by the US military to create super-soldiers. As Deathstroke [the Terimator], Wilson's brain capacity and physical prowess was drastically increased. After abandoning the military to work as a mercenary, Wilson's enhancement remained a secret from his wife until his son was kidnapped by a rival. Though she attempted to kill him for endangering their child, a gunshot to the head left Wilson merely blind in one eye.

Versed in various fighting techniques; Deathstroke is a highly efficient fighter capable of executing and anticipating attacks through his heightened brain capacity. Among the many weapons carried in his arsenal a sword remains one of the most prominent, a weapon that reflects his confidence.

While both characters are defined by their expertise in fighting, it's Deathstroke that again has far more tangible evidence supporting his capabilities. Much like the other characters listed, translating Deathstroke into the game would require attention to fighting techniques, as much as options to utilize swordplay.

The Math: Deathstroke Our Winner: Deathstroke

HEAT WAVE
[NR] :RANKING
[10%] :ODDS
The Rogues

NO FACE
RANKING: [NR]
ODDS: [0%]
Black DragonNO FACE versus HEAT WAVE
Strength: Draw 2 (Average)
Intelligence: Heat Wave 3 (Straight A)
Speed: Draw 2 (Average)
Stamina: Draw 3 (Strong Will)
Agility: Draw 2 (Average)
Fighting: Draw 3 (Streetwise)
Energy: Draw 3 (Explosives)

The Battle...
That's right! You read correctly! No Face!
Yessir! Even though this is only Round 6, we're dropping the big guns on you early!

Alright, this might not be the most auspicious of showdowns, but we've got more than one hundred characters to go through, and a list like this wouldn't be complete without some of the fun stuff. Then again, if you've played Special Forces, fun might be the last word to describe this scenario...

Originally designed to be a story-heavy two player adventure game, 2000's Mortal Kombat: Special Forces proved much less thrilling than builds previewed some four years earlier. It was the well known departure of series co-creator, John Tobias, that's said to have resulted in what is considered by many to be one of the worst Mortal Kombat games released, if not among the worst on the PSX (Playstation).

The premise of the game, a solo vehicle for Jax come release, was a simple third-person clash between the established agencies of the US Special Forces, and the Black Dragon clan. Designed to pit the likes of Sonya, Kano, and Kabal against one and other, the final product ultimately provides little more than fanboy thrills for it's occasional inclusion of vaguely memorable, but retired, boss characters.

Tremor, a bulky mustard variation on the classic ninja swap, is regularly cited by fans as a cult favourite eagerly anticipated for any new game. No Face is decidedly less popular, perhaps because the average MK fan can only remember colours, or perhaps because he just isn't that special. Either way, I have a soft spot for him!

Heat Wave's credentials as a flame throwing villain include regular clashes with his arch-nemesis, the Flash, as well as the occasional heated debate with his counterpart in the Rogues, Captain Cold. A zealous pyromaniac, Mick Rory became a far more glamorous villain than his MK counterpart, developing a fireproof suit, and flame spewing weapons of his own design.

No Face exhibits very little in the way of fighting ability, amounting to little more than a facially scarred man with a flame thrower. One might mockingly speculate his disfigurements were of his own doing, but very little explanation or depth is offered for these peripheral characters. In fact, that's why only concept art, taken from the game's opening intro, was availble for the mugshot.

Though unlikely to appear in the game, Heat Wave certainly has a variety of fairly obvious elemental attacks. One might assume such abilities might be retained by Scorpion, and thus, would not be much of a justification for such a comparatively obscure villain.

The Math: Heat Wave Our Winner: Heat Wave

M. GUARDIAN
[NR] :RANKING
[15%] :ODDS
Seven Soldiers
of Victory

K. STRYKER
RANKING: [NR]
ODDS: [35%]STRYKER versus MANHATTAN GUARDIAN
Strength: Draw 3 (Athlete)
Intelligence: Draw 3 (Straight A)
Speed: Stryker 3 (Athlete)
Stamina: Draw 4 (Athlete)
Agility: Draw 3 (Acrobat)
Fighting: Stryker 5 (Martial Arts)
Energy: Stryker 4 (Arsenal)

The Battle...
I've mentioned before some of the issues I have with measuring Mortal Kombat characters against their comic book counterparts. Infinite Wars readers will be well conditioned to recognising the measure of characters on certain theoretical stats, as well as the tangible depictions of these abilities as laid out through years of publication.

Stryker is just such a character.
Despite being among the chosen warriors who survived Shao Kahn's genocide as part of the premise for Mortal Kombat 3; Stryker has very little to show for his fighting ability. Revamps to the character in 2006's Armageddon attempted to infuse the character with a fighting credibility previously not seen, accompanied by a design overhaul more fitting of a serious competitor.

Initially much maligned by fans for his bland appearance, Stryker's claim to fame was high-tier combination moves, and a flashy arsenal of weapons that include; a taser, baton, stun grenades, and automatic pistol.

Like many MK characters, there's little tangible evidence to draw conclusions on the extent of Stryker's ability. Manhattan Guardian, however, has amassed a few worthwhile credits in his short career since first appearing in Grant Morrison's 2005 mini-series, Seven Soldiers: Manhattan Guardian.

After shooting a man mistaken for his partner's killer, Jake Jordan retires from the police force disgraced. After responding to job searches from tabloid magazine, the Manhattan Guardian, Jordan finds himself the chosen inheritor of the superhero mantle formerly championed by Jim Harper in the 1940s.

Jordan remains in the employ of a surviving member of the original Guardian's junior troop, the Newsboy Legion, eventually leading to appearances in major events in recent DC history. Among his exploits, a brave stand against Doomsday, and participation in the battle for Metropolis, events debatably comparable to Stryker's implied survival of Kahn's extermination squads.

Despite substantial improvements, I'm deeply inclined to describe Stryker as the bottom of the MK pack. Going against the grain of most of our previous picks, I do actually think this time we've picked a reasonably fair fight, and despite arguments both way, I'd be comfortable enough to say hand-to-hand skill gives Stryker the edge here. I'd certainly entertain arguments both ways, though.

Suffice to say the somewhat obscure Manhattan Guardian is highly unlikely to appear in the game, but if it he were to, you could logically expect a lot of shield based attacks. With the original Guardian heavily inspired by a prior Simon/Kirby creation, you could imagine a lot of Captain America styled attacks, just for kicks. Y'know, if they didn't want to steal Kung Lao's thunder...

The Math: Stryker Our Winner: Stryker

COVER TO COVER: INVINCIBLE IRON MONTH (ROUND 4)!
Well, it's been real, but this fourth Sunday means we must conclude our month of flashbacks to the issues that have made Iron Man a top ranked character in the Infinite Wars!

If you blinked, you probably missed our 'celebration' of the much anticipated release of the feature film. Alas, the best of plans were mislaid heading into new content, but you can track back through our many themed entries detailing the superhero, the Avenger, and the secret life of Stark!

This week we finish up with a theme very close to the heart of a website dedicated to superhero smackdown. 'With friends like these...' is a C2C entry sure to popup in the next couple of months' film features. Hulk and Batman have storied histories of in-fighting with their allies, but neither has ever eached the heights of distained garnered by Iron Man's pro-registration march across the Marvel Universe! For your teeth-grinding pleasure, all the clashes that bring back that slowly dissipating hatred you had for the moustached master mind; Tony Stark...

Captain America Annual #9 (1990)
"You are What you Eat" Thomas/Thomas/Valentino
Long before the superhero Civil War tore the Avengers, nay, the superhero community, apart, there was this little ditty pencilled by Image Comics founder, Jim 'not Jay London' Valentino!

The offspring of a cosmic being called Terminus is about to be reborn on Earth in an evolutionary rampage that will turn animals into nightmares, monsters into titans, and friends into an enemies. The first step begins here when Captain America unwittingly pilots an experimental craft into the volcano incubating the Terminii egg!

When Terminus goop works it's way into the local water supply, it's barbecue madness when man, animal, and mineral goes berzerk after ingesting the water -- including Cap's pal and fellow Avenger, Iron Man!

Avengers #501 (October 2004)
"Chaos" Bendis/Finch
Love it, or hate it; Brian Michael Bendis' first arc on the Avengers has reshaped the definitive image of the team and brand. As the keeper of the Avengers name four years later, Bendis has led the team(s) through the adversity of the Civil War and House of M, and now continues into the oncoming invasion of the Skrulls!

It all began in 2005's Avengers Disassembled -- a major Marvel event that saw bizarre and personal phenomena strike at the heart of Earth's mightiest heroes. Scarlet Witch would eventually be revealed as the unwitting perpetrator of the mystic crimes, but first Iron Man would have to battle demons of a drunken past, and the rampage of a fellow teammate - the sensatonal She-Hulk!


Marvel Zombies #5 (June 2006)
"Marvel Zombies" Kirkman/Philips
When you're slowly decaying, are apparently immortal, and have an insatiable hunger for human flesh, friendships have a way of going out the window. Such is the situation when the greatest heroes and villains of an alternate Marvel universe succumb to a weird zombie plague!

Having chewed their way through Earth's population, the marvel zombies face the daunting prospect of a food shortage, at least until a giant-size slice of cosmic irony descends upon their unsuspecting planet. The Silver Surfer is but the foil wrapping, to be peeled and chewed aside in anticipation of the coming of the main meal - Galactus, the great devoured!



Civil War #3 (September 2006)
"Civil War" Millar/McNiven
In the wake of a reckless battle waged by the New Warriors; hundreds of school children become the innocent victims of a super-villain explosion, and the catalysts for a superhuman registration act destined to cause a seemingly unrepairable rift in the superhero community!

Championing the demand for proper policing and training of super powers is one of their own, the politically and socially conscious Avenger, Iron Man. Capitalizing on his past as a United States Secretary of Defense; Stark again reveals his identity to the masses, and begins a campaign that brings him into bitter confrontation with one of his oldest allies -- Captain America!

Perhaps the most bitter of Stark's internal rivalries!

Marvel Adventures: Avengers #9 (March 2007)
"A Not-So-Beautiful Mind" Parker/Santacruz
When the Avengers descend on a secret AIM headquarters, none of them could have expected to be fighting amongst themselves, let alone in the name of Advanced Idea Mechanics!

Alas; this is exactly what happens when MODOK is quickly able to turn the tables on his attackers, using their own powers to dismantle and reassemble Earth's mightiest heroes in his own image!

As the MODvengers; Iron Man, Captain Ameirca, Hulk, and the gang are designed only for conquest! When the armies of Atlantis make their latest march to the surface, this fact becomes all too evident, as the Avengers turn the tides of war back on the undersea kingdom, using their sardonic brilliance to strike with supreme efficiency!

SMASH HITS: SLY AND ROBBIE


Sly and Robbie - Superthruster (1999)

Pulsing 1999 R&B single; not technically comic related, but a perfect follow-up to last week's grinding baseline in George Michael's Freeek!

Riding the mainstream animé boom of the time, this sleeper hit highlights the successful marriage of soundtrack and video. Sly and Robbie's tandem pursuit of a hi-tech harlequin automaton boasts slick graphics, showcasing early cell shading, and chic armor complimentary to the Invincible Iron Month theme!

As Smash Hits slowly devolves into an excuse to pull favourite film clips; I take comfort in the fact that if robbie were an adjective, this video would undoubtedly be that and sly.
Infectious beat with subtlty to spare!

CHEETAH versus CATWOMAN
The Long Road Home: Part 1 (DC)
Where: Catwoman #78 When: June 2008
Why: Will Pfeifer How: David López

The Story So Far...
After a spate of especially violent superhuman crimes, the secreted United Nations agency called Checkmate set about plans to 'relocate' the world's super powered criminals on a distant planet called, Salvation.

Amanda Waller leads the initiative with her group of reformed and controlled criminals, the Suicide Squad, in an effort to round-up the powers, and redistribute them with the use of Apokoliptian Boom Tube technology.

Catwoman finds herself among those trapped on the hell planet, which is actually a training ground for the New Gods. Populated by deadly and malicious creatures designed to harden those trained there, Catwoman has much to contend with, not only the wildlife, but also arch enemies like Hammer and Sickle...

Tale of the Tape...
Strength: Cheetah 4 (Enhanced)
Intelligence: Catwoman 3 (Professor)
Speed: Cheetah 4 (Olympian)
Stamina: Draw 4 (Athlete)
Agility: Cheetah 5 (Cat-like)
Fighting Ability: Catwoman 4 (Trained)
Energy Power: Draw 1 (None)


- Dr. Barbara Ann Minerva was an anthropologist who travelled to Africa to seek out the secrets of a tribe whose guardian is said to possess the powers of a cheetah.

When this guardian is killed by marauders, Minerva steps up to the mantle, but details of the mystic process mean the recipient must be a virgin, which she is not. The irregularity means the mystic powers of the Cheetah become a curse, as Minerva finds herself wracked with pain, and bloodthirsty when in the form of a human-cat.

As Cheetah, Minerva possesses strength, speed, agility surpassing any ordinary human, approaching the levels of the creature from which she takes her name. Her senses are also heightened to comparable levels to the animal.

- Selina Kyle lives a life on the streets, coming to be known as a notorious thief. Her escapades garner much attention, and eventually force the burglar to lay low, where she continues her career in crime as a dominatrix extracting information from potential victims.

Kyle gains extensive training in the martial arts, and inspired by the mysterious vigilante called Batman, adopts her own leather mask and catsuit ensemble to become Catwoman.
As Catwoman, she embarks on a career as an ambiguous entity in the Gotham City landscape. Though regularly acting as a professional burglar and occasional mercenary, Catwoman also comes to be known as a protector of Gotham's East End. She is also known to be romantically involved with Batman.

Catwoman is a highly skilled fighter at peak physical condition, with impressive physical strength, agility, and speed. Catwoman also utilizes weapons including a whip, cat o' nine tails variation, and claws contained within her gloves.

History: Catwoman (1-0-0)
The Math: Cheetah Ranking: Catwoman (#21)

What Went Down...
Alone on a planet populated by murderers and madmen, Catwoman finds herself face-to-face with her Russian arch-enemies, Hammer and Sickle. Ever the survivalist, Catwoman convinces them her alliance with Lex Luthor can get them off the planet, but only if she can convince the All-American Luthor to aid the tandem of Russian super-soldiers.

The Russians prove less than invested in their role as Catwoman's super-muscle when Cheetah descends on the trio while they overlook Lex Luthor's camp. Tensions between the feline-themed ladies had built over previous encounters.

Forced to fend for herself; Catwoman finds herself physically overwhelmed by her stronger opponent, who pins her to the ground before slamming her head into the stone underfoot. Cheetah prepares to toss her foe to the villains below, but the incredibly agile Catwoman is able to swing out of the press position, using her momentum to drive Cheetah's arm into a jarring slam.

Suffering a broken wing, Cheetah is too distracted to defend herself from Catwoman's preemptive assault. A rock serves as a makeshift equaliser, Catwoman wielding it as a weapon she breaks across Cheetah's face, before toppling her with a roundhouse kick.

The rush attack hurts Cheetah, making her increasingly desperate.
Catwoman reaches for the whip, wrapping it around Cheetah's head with a violent crack. Unwilling to go down so easy, Cheetah yanks on the whip, flicking Catwoman over the edge of the cliff. The whip drags both women down, but only one of them is in condition enough to maneuver in the air...

Catwoman rides her attacker to the ground, but the impact fails to put an end to Cheetah's vengeful desires. Catwoman paws at her belt, revealing a cigar marked "J" just as the feline villainess launches herself.

"Any of you *koff* guys see the Joker tell him I said thanks for the cigar."

The explosion puts a punctuated end to the latest installment in the growing rivalry between vixens. The war, however, is but beginning, as Luthor and Catwoman look to the night sky to witness a boom tube open...

The Hammer...
Ladies and gentlemen, Catwoman officially smoked Cheetah. Oh, come on! What would victory-by-Joker cigar be without a bad joke to close the deal? Ah, to hell with you guys!...

Needless to say, it wasn't the pun that delayed yet another entry in the Infinite Wars. Suffice to say my time's been pretty well booked lately, but I was too excited about the prospect of getting another entry from 2008 up on the Wars, that I just had to push on! What a trooper.

Earlier in the year we featured a previous encounter between these two characters; from the Loeb/Sale mini, Catwoman: When in Rome; as a direct response to the release of this issue that caused a minor stir. It's nice to be able to follow up, because the issue delivers exactly the kind of whip cracking throwdown I had hoped for.

For those who missed it; it was the salacious reception of the Adam Hughes coverart that had many interpreting the lip-biting cover as the latest in a long line of covers that are gratuitous.
While I would accept Hughes has a reputation for provocative artwork, and Catwoman covers have certainly pushed that line; I felt, and feel, this was more fantasy than fact when describing the feral ferociousness of this cover. Suffice to say, it proves an accurate representative of internal materials now detailed.

That's not to say I'm stupid or blind, mind you.
My threshold for embarassment and arousal might be a bit more relaxed than our friends from the United States, but my thoughts did turn to the Comics Fairplay regular feature when spying what is to be the second-to-last cover for this series of the book [Catwoman #81].


Top 25 Ladies#1 Invisible Woman (Marvel)
#2 Catwoman (DC)
#3 Storm (Marvel)
#4 Rogue (Marvel)
#5 Wonder Woman (DC)
#6 Wasp (Marvel)
#7 Zatanna (DC)
#8 Elektra (Marvel)
#9 Kitty Pryde (Marvel)
#10 Hawkgirl (DC)
#11 Tara (Marvel)
#12 Spitfire (Marvel)
#13 Hellcat (Marvel)
#14 R. Mika (Capcom)
#15 Phoenix (Marvel)
#16 Black Cat (Marvel)
#17 Black Canary (DC)
#18 Black Widow (Marvel)
#19 Lyja (Marvel)
#20 Tabitha Stevens (Marvel)
#21 She-Thing (Marvel)
#22 Powergirl (DC)
#23 Stargirl (DC)
#24 Sayd (DC)
#25 Sakura (Capcom)I'm no wowser, but if a scene depicting the catsuit clad heroine bent over infront of spotlights isn't gratuitous, I do not know what is! Yeesh!

Food for thought, though that may be, it's actually the impending cancellation of the title that's the real talking point. Upcoming issues bring Selina Kyle back to her stomping grounds of Gotham, but it looks like her return from Salvation will only bring her into conflict with the villains of Gotham, and former-flame, Batman.

Admittedly, between being busy and distracted by other sources, I'm a bit out of the loop, but I just don't know what to expect from the coming months at DC!

Final Crisis has thrown all kinds of theories at the wall! The final chapter of the so-called "Crisis Trilogy" has me feeling everything I've mocked others for. After scoffing notions that Identity or Infinite Crisis were building to a line-wide reboot or fragmented multiverse; I find myself dreading the potential of exactly that.

Catwoman has been confirmed for post-cancellation appearances in Detective Comics, but for a title that's held such a consistent standard for over eighty issues, it seems like a bitter consolation for Will Pfeifer, David Lopez, and fans of the series. It also begs the question of what the future holds for the character.

I have to admit, thoughone of Wonder Woman's few readily identifiable adversaries, I liked the notion of seeing Cheetah and Catwoman continue their acquaintance as rivals. As a supporting character herself, that might be a little too much to ask for, but the baggage Catwoman has accumulated in her solo adventures may yet find it's way to pages inhabited by the Dark Knight, which could make for some very interesting material.

Continuing the theme that seems to have trumped Invincible Iron Month; Cheetah and Catwoman are also prime examples of characters it might be nice to see in the upcoming Mortal Kombat versus DC Universe. The modern Cheetah certainly has qualities sure to appease certain expectations of MK fans.
I'd love to elaborate, but I'm absolutely zonked, so I'll take my leave satisfied with just getting an entry done! Make sure you stay tuned for the various things going on around the site, and keep rocking! More soon!

The Fight: 4.5 The Issue: 5

You'll have to wait a while before preordering the collected edition of this Catwoman story, but there's plenty of other Catwoman goodness on offer in the Infinite Wars: Amazonian Gift Shoppe! Titles reviewed, and recommended, are all available at low prices thanks to Amazon, and by using purchase links provided, you help sponsor future entries in the Infinite Wars! Show your support, check out the many titles on offer, including the series, Salvation Run! Be sure to also check out the urban adventures of the White Ghost in our very own, The Kirby Martin Inquest. At the special price of $1.99 for twenty-two pages of full-size story, it's the perfect time to show your support for resident fledgling (and exhausted) talent, Mike Haseloff!