QUICK FIX: WOLVERINE vs THE PROFESSOR
Weapon-X: Chapter Eleven (Marvel)
Where: Marvel Comics Presents #83 When: 1991
Why: Barry Windsor-Smith How: Barry Windsor-Smith

THE TAPE...
Strength: Wolverine 3 (Athlete)
Intelligence: Professor 5 (Professor)
Speed: Wolverine 3 (Athlete)
Stamina: Wolverine 6 (Generator)
Agility: Wolverine 3 (Acrobat)
Fighting: Wolverine 6 (Warrior)
Energy: Draw 1 (None)

Math: Wolverine
Ranking: Wolverine (#6)

THE FIX...
Whoa! Keep your hat on, true believer! Not that Professor!
Following on from our previous entry [X-Men (2000)] we're bouncing off of the cinematic release of X-Men Origins: Wolverine to induct the best there is at what he does into Season 2009 on the Infinite Wars! That means delving deeper into the mysterious past of one of comics' most popular and enduring heroes!

Previews of the Wolverine solo movie left me pretty cold, but all the X-citement at least spurred me to go back to issues of the early nineties Chris Claremont/Jim Lee comics, and the cartoon that they inspired, to relive some of the character's defining adventures. On reflection I could really appreciate just how much the Wolverine character has changed over the past decade. He's a little taller, a little prettier, and a lot more personable (at least to his friends).

Change in superheroes is a peculiar and lumbering beast.

Corporate dedication to characters who've endured decades of publishing has forced a shift in the perception of originality in this medium. Reactionary to even subtle and nuanced shifts of perspective; superheroes have found longevity and excitement in spite of their many cycles of variation and repetition.
Sometimes, as with Watchmen, this momentum comes from the manipulation of familiar ideas that prescribe to originality as an application of concept and method, rather than the invention of wholely unfamiliar material. When added to characters designed to occupy a shared fictional universe, this derivative practise can create a greater understanding of the versimilitude of storytelling, and contribute vast contexts to any and all small additions.

Wolverine entered the Marvel Universe as a fairly typical costumed character, albeit, as an opponent for the Hulk in late 1974. Once recruited by creator Len Wein for his 1975 "all-new" X-Men special, the character began a path toward a mythology that would redefine him as one of comics' great superheroes, but this was far from instantaneous success. The diminutive Canadian was selected for the revamped on-going series (written by Claremont), but was initially an effective supporting character to the many extravagant mutants featured.
It wasn't until John Byrne replaced Dave Cockrum and championed his cause as a Canadian (and creator of Alpha Flight), that the complexity of Wolverine's backstory and rebellious nature as an anti-hero, really began to shine.

During the eighties; Wolverine developed extensively as a character through Claremont's collaborations with Byrne as well as writer/artist, Frank Miller. By going back into the loveable loner's private past, new layers were built upon a gruff exterior that drew heavy inspiration from the honor-bound traditions of samurai. Though Wolverine became a creature of increasing complexity, he remained a fleshed out character with a history that was not completely his own.

The coming of the nineties would bring a new proliferation of anti-heroes born of the success of the grim 'n' gritty movement of the eighties. Wolverine was ready to be a headlining feature in a growing series of titles, including Marvel's mixed bag anthology, Marvel Comics Presents.
As the main feature to short stories and serials starring second-stringers and unlikely lead protagonists; the long awaited exploration of Wolvie's origins answered as many questions as it posed, building upon his original connections with shady government operations to create comics legend: Weapon X!

By now, the Weapon X project has become a household name through the mass media consumption of the concept through television and cinema.
Weapon X featured prominently in segments from the seminal X-Men cartoon series (produced by Saban Entertainment), and has since become a key piece of the film mythology, providing a throughline of mystery from Wolverine's first appearance in X-Men, to the adaptation of the story in X-Men Origins.

The cultivation of the Weapon X mythology spanned much of the 1990s, culminating in the 2000 reveal that the "X" was indicative of it's role as tenth incarnation of the Weapon Plus projects. As if the the vast conceptual adaptation of the idea hadn't already contributed enough, the convoluted secret government experimentation was granted one final connection, folding modern incarnations into an Ultimate-esque relation back to Weapon 1, Captain America. A reveal quite expertly crafted by Grant Morrison, who managed to avoid bogging himself down in the decades of confusion that had come before, opting instead to drop a single atomic bombshell in the course of his New X-Men run, which changed the way the last sixty years of Marvel Comics could be observed, if you were so inclined. Otherwise, it was just another chapter in the saga of mutants as guinea pigs and the war mongering contradictory madness of humanity.

For Wolverine; the legacy of Weapon X was one of violent context.
The details of his transformation from "Logan" to "Wolverine" were always known to have been shady, but the brutality of the project that bonded unbreakable adamantium to his skeleton and tampered with his mental state went far deeper than mere Canadian government superheroics. A precedent of understanding was retroactively achieved for a character whose very nature seems vicious and animalistic, but is in part forever reflective of the torture he endured.

Few scenes remind us that Wolverine isn't the fun loving Hugh Jackman we've all come to know than those in Marvel Comics Presents #83. Naked and bloody with tubes and machines sticking out of his body, Wolverine stands beneath the burning lights of a creator who intends to destroy him. The Professor, as he was then simply known, watches over the monster he created with utter contempt, intent on destroying it for all it's triumphs and discretions as something far greater than he had ever intended. Alongside his Weapon X, one of the staff whose misfortune will come as an incidental accompaniment to Wolverine's.

Wolverine - Weapon X - escapes a nuclear deconstruction beneath the Professor's purging fission-gate, resisting what seemed to be inevitable. While his own demented body heals the smouldering of his flesh and burning of his hair, Weapon X presses on through sheer force of purpose. A veritable human torch, he climbs from the pit that was to be his deathplace, and looms over his creator who describes him as a walking dead man. A fitting irony of symmetry.

Weapon X lunges through the glass of The Professor's observation chamber with the claws of his right hand already unsheathed. He pins the feeble Professor to the ground and struggles to break through the physical and psychological torture that has robbed him of his identity. Is he alive or dead? Man or animal? The Professor, with utter disregard for the man who is now "Weapon X," claims the latter, and deservedly seals his fate.

Logan plunges his claws into the Professor's gut furiously and tosses him across the control panel of his machines. Even as death stares him in the face, the Professor's disregard for the potential of Wolverine eludes him. He reaches desperately for a button to summon help, security, but they are already dead. As is he. With a wave of his claws, Weapon X brings an end to the futility, severing the hand that damned him and now desperately seeks salvation [pictured above].

Weapon X, becoming more human by the minute, returns his claws to their hiding place within his forearm and elaborates on his actions, "Now we both... got our paddles... bollixed. D'ythink... that makes... us... even?"

Unsatisfied, Weapon X gives in to the very human temptation of revenge, but he takes no discernable pleasure in the moment. In it's way, the act is as much a gesture of kindness, self-preservation, and condemnation, as it is vengeance.

Naked and alone, Weapon X looks forward to a future of pain and uncertainty as Wolverine. The time that follows leads Wolverine to discover, and rediscover, old and new enemies. Some come from within, others the symptom of an act of inhumanity that continued to create new creatures designed to be part of an inglorious whole assembled high above the Earth. That, however, is a story for another time, in a place of greater certainty than this version of a dark past.

To those who've embarked on the journey to cinemas (and put up with the lateness of this slightly rushed entry), I strongly recommend delving deeper into the character with some of these classic tales. The Miller/Claremont series, Weapon X, and maybe even Origin, all develop the character in ways the film mimicks but fails to live up to. Of particular disappointment, in my eyes, is the completely lack of style the Jackman vehicle shows, failing to differentiate itself from the core X-film franchise in any distinct way.

Personally, I had hoped for something steeped in the Japanese mythology that once stood at the core of the character, with a stylized visual simplicity to compliment it.

The Fight: 4 The Story: 4.5
Winner: Wolverine

Don't know who you are? Suffering from false memories implanted by evil government scientists? The Infinite Wars Secret Archives contain a host of stories to help catch you up on the past, with conviently located purchase points for collected editions of most stories, much like those embedded above. For a wider selection, the Gift Shoppe offers a wide catalogue of titles, including "Weapon X" and other Wolverine stories. By using purchase links, you help sponsor future entries on the Infinite Wars, and also claim back a shred of your humanity.
Stay tuned for more belated Infinite Wars!

WOLVERINE versus SABRETOOTH
Fireworks (Marvel/20th Century Fox)
Where: X-Men When: July 2000
Why: Bryan Singer, David Hayter, Tom DeSanto How: Hugh Jackman, Tyler Mane, James Marsden, Famke Janssen

The Story So Far...
For visionary progressives such as Charles Xavier and Erik Lehnsherr, the development of unique genetic mutations in individual humans inspires philosophy of social conscience. As humanity seeks to contain any threat an emerging sub-species might present, the ideals of these two powerful mutants diverge exponentially. For Xavier, the only future can be one of peaceful coexistence between humans and mutants, but in passionate disagreement stands Lehnsherr, whose childhood as a prisoner of WWII Nazi concentration camps leads him to defy a humanity he fears will repeat the past. To each cause are recruited other mutants, forming the X-Men and Brotherhood, respectively.

Standing between the two factions is Wolverine - a wandering loner whose act of kindness toward a hitchhiking girl, Rogue, drags him in to the secret war between the X-Men and Magneto's Brotherhood. Despite his sceptecism for the odds of their success, Wolverine joins the X-Men in their battle against Magneto and his zealous followers, including the mutant linked to his lost past, Sabretooth.

When Rogue is kidnapped by the Brotherhood; Wolverine and the X-Men pursue the villains to Liberty Island, where Magneto intends to use a radiation-based weapon to mutate the gathered leaders of the world on nearby Ellis Island. The X-Men find their counterparts well prepared for their arrival, forcing them into a pitched battle that leaves the X-Men in bondage and brings Wolverine into a long awaited rematch with Sabretooth high atop the Statue of Liberty.

Tale of the Tape...
Strength: Sabretooth 4 (Enhanced)
Intelligence: Draw 4 (Tactician)
Speed: Draw 3 (Athlete)
Stamina: Wolverine 6 (Generator)
Agility: Draw 3 (Acrobat)
Fighting: Draw 6 (Warrior)
Energy: Draw 1 (None)


- Born a mutant late in the 19th century, James Howlett's life would be a long and arduous one. Baptised by death, he would discover his latent mutant abilities during the traumatic murder of his parents during his adolescence.

As a subject of Weapon X, Howlett's mutant healing factor made him the perfect subject for a delicate procedure to brace his skeleton with the unbreakable metal called adamantium. The metal was even added to Howlett's retractable mutant claws, located in his wrists, making them far more effective offensive weapons than their previous bone state. Wolverine first became involved with Weapon X - a project with origins dating back to the 1940s creation of Captain America -

Code-named Wolverine, James "Logan" Howlett would eventually find more permanent station with an invitation into the paramilitary group, the X-Men.
Wolverine's keen tracking abilities, healing powers, fighting skills, and dedicated grit would make him one of the most active heroes in the superhero community, seen in his more recent admission into the Avengers.

- For the feral mutant known as Sabretooth, much of his past and present proves intertwined with that of his arch-nemesis, Wolverine.
Like his opponent; Victor Creed's history has been shrouded in mystery, partly by his own design, but also by the mind-altering interventions of the experimental military project, Weapon X. It was his role as a member of the CIA black ops operation, Team X, that brought both he and Wolverine into the tenth instalment of Weapon Plus, which began experimenting on mutant subjects.

Over the years Sabretooth has struggled far less successfully with his animalistic bloodlust than Wolverine. His penchant for murder and skills as a fighter, tracker, and mutant with healing powers and talons, earned him a long career as a hired mercenary. In later years, Creed flirted with heroic service again, at times joining incarnations of X-Factor and even the X-Men. Bitter tensions with Wolverine and his own dark desires, however, undermined each attempt, eventually culminating with his death by the Muramasa sword, at Wolverine's hand.

Additional: Despite being one of the most popular rivalries in modern superhero comics, the many confrontations between Wolverine and Sabretooth have gone largely unrepresented on the Infinite Wars.

The only previous encounter recorded, thus far, came from Wolverine #50 (2007), the beginning part of a final battle between the two.
The fight; which takes place after Wolverine pointedly storms the X-Mansion where Sabretooth was holding residence; culminated in Sabretooth's decapitation death via the mystic "Muramasa blade" which is supposedly one of the few weapons in the world capable of killing these near unstoppable rapid-healers. To-date, the death has remained intact, despite the much maligned tale.

History: Wolverine (1-0-0)
Math: Draw Ranking: Wolverine (#6)

What Went Down...
After a brief encounter with Magneto himself, the X-Men find themselves bound to the internal structure of the Statue of Liberty, their predicament exacerbated by their strategic positioning to endanger each other in any attempt to escape.
The master of magnetism leaves his grunt, Sabretooth, to stand guard over their foes, returning to the torch to further his sinister scheme.

Terrified by her role as Magneto's surrogate in the machine that could kill him; Rogue's desperate cries echo into the chamber below. Heroically, Wolverine defies the the agony of Magneto's trap, unsheathing his claws directly into his own body in an effort to free himself of his manipulated copper shackles.

Successful, Wolverine falls limp, only to heal rapidly by way of his mutant power. When Sabretooth investigates, he finds not the helpless corpse of his feral foe, but rather the kiss of adamantium plunged into his gut!

Possessing remarkable healing abilities of his own, Sabretooth tosses the smaller mutant through a hole in the Statue's head. The move leaves Wolverine clinging precariously to one of the spikes of the Statue's crown, high above the Hudson.
Sabretooth joins him, clumsily clutching at his ankle to toss him across the top of the statue. Wolverine rolls with it, able to regain a vertical stance.

Wolverine lunges at his enemy, his wild claw swipe a poor leading attack against the intuitive retort of even the seemingly deminished Sabretooth. Despite his silent stupor, the larger of the two fends off rapid close quarters strikes with ease, breaking the deadlock with an uppercut that turns Wolvie inside out!

Growing increasingly angry, Wolverine leaps back at his opponent, again unleashing a series of strikes that are deflected and matched. A break in the exchange offers him a chance to reclaim his stolen dogtags, but the distraction grants Sabretooth a chance to utilize his superior strength. With Wolverine by the throat, Sabretooth launches him toward the edge of the Statue's head!

Hurtling toward certain doom, Logan tosses his arm outstretched toward the Statue's crown for a second time, this time catching the edge with his razor sharp adamantium-laced claws. Their bite on the copper and steel allow him to defy gravity, swinging in an unlikely circular revolution to twist his body back on top of the structure, at the cost of the crown's tip.

Perched atop the thorn, Wolverine points his six metallic claws in the direction of Sabretooth and uses the station to propel himself like a human torpedo!

Despite successfully ramming his claws into Sabretooth's upper chest, the blow fails to slow the beastly mutant. When Rogue; in the process of absorbing Magneto's powers and becoming part of his nefarios machine, lets out a scream; Wolverine is distracted enough to be swatted aside!

He slows his descent buy driving his claws into the head of the Statue, narrowly missing the still bound X-Men inside, Cyclops and Jean Grey.

When Sabretooth peers cautiously over the edge where Logan fell, he assumes the absence of his opponent signals his defeat. Little does he realise, Wolverine has slid down to the ear, hidden beneath the crest of the Statue's crown. Logan claws his way back to the top, while Sabretooth returns to his post to harass a helpless Storm in a reprisal of a previous encounter.

Just as Magneto's machine shatters the Statue's torch and begins to draw from the magnetic energy absorbed by Rogue; Wolverine drops into the internal cavity to challenge Sabretooth anew. This time he has a plan, possessing the visor stolen from Cyclops to prevent him controlling his optic energy blasts.

Using her powers of telekinesis, Jean returns the visor to Cyclops, allowing the beams of his opening eyes to be channeled in the direction of Sabretooth!

The blast sends Sabretooth hurtling through the copper of the Statue's head, toward a hundred foot fall into the Brotherhood's boat, below. The victory allows the X-Men to turn their attentions toward the drastically weakened Magneto, and their endangered teammate trapped in his mutation machine!

The Hammer...
Jean Grey provides the vital assist to Wolverine's plan to allow Cyclops the winning shot in a shared victory for the X-Men!

As you might have guessed based on the date of this post [made a month later]; this week's review is a direct reference to the cinematic release of X-Men Origins: Wolverine.

Hugh Jackman reprises the titular role he made famous in the X-Men trilogy of films, joined this time around by a host of guest characters, including most prominently; Liev Schreiber as Sabretooth, Taylor Kitsch as Gambit, and Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool. As the name suggests, the film delves into Wolverine's mysterious past, casting light on the Weapon X project, and his early life in the 19th century via scenes inspired by the Bill Jemas instigated series, Origin.
[Which was ironically written after the first X-Men movie in order to prevent film stealing or failing this vital moment in comics history].

While the newest X-film does well to draw upon key references from the popular character's comics history, it ultimately falters under similar stresses placed upon the previous instalment in the franchise (X-Men 3: The Last Stand), and bold deviations associated with negative filmic adaptations.

To the latter concern is Deadpool, whose character remains barely intact as a drastically altered variation of the popular anti-hero by the film's close.
Clumsy attempts to reference details familiar to the character -- such as his well known comic book design -- served only to highlight problems fundamental to a series that once pioneered the possibility of comics on film, but has since fallen drastically behind as standards continue to rise.

Mutant Top 25 Playlist
(Site Rank with Debut)
#1 Wolverine (1974)
#2 Sub-Mariner (1939)
#3 Storm (1975)
#4 Beast (1963)
#5 Rogue (1981)
#6 Archangel (1963)
#7 Kitty Pryde (1980)
#8 Cable (1990)
#9 Phoenix (1963)
#10 Cyclops (1963)
#11 Ice Man (1963)
#12 Boomer (1985)
#13 Mimic (2001)
#14 Magik (1975)
#15 Nocturne (2000)
#16 Forge (1984)
#17 Sunspot (1982)
#18 Banshee (1967)
#19 F. Richards (1968)
#20 Apocalypse (1986)
#21 Sunfire (1979)
#22 Morph (1992)
#23 Colossus (1975)
#24 Gambit (1990)
#25 Wondra (1989)Going back to the X-Men films has been a lot of fun!
Despite the surprise success of sleeper hit, Blade (1998); it was this first X-Men film that earned credit for beginning the wave of superheroes on film that has since come to dominate the modern box office. Deservedly so, too.

Though the first couple of Batman and Superman films had earned massive critical and financial acclaim, the prospect of superheroes on film was hardly a proven formula. In fact, by the time X-Men was slated for filming, the industry had already suffered the indignity of the much maligned 1997 disaster, Batman & Robin. Prior to that was also the bizarre mini-reneissance of The Shadow (1994) and The Phantom (1996), neither of which was successful enough to elevate the niche above smaller ventures, ie; Steel (1997).

It's difficult not to look back upon this period of time without seeing the long shadow cast by The Matrix (1999).

As much as Blade and X-Men were defining moments in the modern cinematic movement of comic films, it's impossible to deny the vital role Matrix played in procuring the goodwill of audiences and distributors of this time.

While Matrix earned acclaim for it's overt references to Hong Kong action films, Japanese animation, and science-fiction philosophy; it was still in effect a post-modern superhero origin film, utilizing large contemporary ideas to tell the tale of the birth of a modern superhero.
It's hyper-stylized action sequences and technological feats all spoke a similar language to superheroes, suddenly embuing previously optioned comcis licenses with an increased value, by the broad genre association, and the increasing accessibility of film techniques and technologies to make it all possible.

While it in no way was a pioneer of the design sense, the Matrix built upon the trend of the nineties that had reaffirmed black's status as 'the new black.'
Above the technical difficulties posed by superhuman abilities, was X-Men's most obvious Hollywood hurdle -- adapting the yellow spandex of the time, to film.

Details like costumes were where the parabola of the first X-Men arguably began to dip. To establish the pseudo-realism of superheroes in cinema, one does find it difficult to imagine anything more viable than the black pleather catsuits worn by the X-Men in the eventual film.
Spider-man in 2002; like Superman before him; proved to be the globally iconic exception to the rule, bursting boldly on to the screen in vibrant primary colours as a crucial moment in the on-screen discussion of costume design in superhero films. The beloved hero's undeniable look confused the issue for some who followed. The cast of Daredevil comes to mind, their looks straddling an awkward line between X-Men scale deviation, and Spider-man inspired iconography.

These facts go the long way round to accept and acknowledge the predicament the X-Men film was put in, and how important it was on an evolutionary scale of superhero films. Of course, 2000 is ancient history in a decade that's been busily advancing under the guidance of some exceptionally talented film makers!

Wolverine lumbered into cinemas like an antiquated machine from a bygone era, buckling under the dated notions of gratuitous cameos, a generic visual style, and a fear of intelligence sensical storytelling. The fate of films like this was sealed with last year's blockbuster classics, Iron Man and The Dark Knight.

Iron Man marched boldly into the cinematic arena to join Spider-man in proving just how high a standard comic book designs can be achieved to, in live-action. It also had it's say on the matter of intelligent and mature storytelling techniques, undercut however by the remarkable follow-up to Christopher Nolan's acclaimed Batman Begins, which built on the tone of good and evil in ways that have changed the way superhero movies are observed forever.

Even Singer's own work, it should be said, far surpassed what he achieved with X-Men. The 2003 sequel felt like the film the first wished it was, showcasing the merry mutants in a way that felt much more comfortable and natural. X2 stripped away the dead weight of peripheral villains (Sabretooth, Toad) and enfused the threat of evil with an even greater plausible modus of motivation and tactic.

Ultimately, the films have an opportunity to draw upon the very best seventy years of comics have to offer. The X-Men franchise has been heavily weighted by decades of sub-par storytelling, but the rolling dice of the comics industry offers an ethic to their cinematic cousins of doing as we say, but not always as we do.
Considering the possibility of more stylized, unique, and grounded stories offered by the Wolverine catalogue, anything else becomes difficult to accept.

With it's bloated cast of rejects from the previous X-Men films, utter fear of walking a deliberate conceptual path, and non-commitment to the characters it sourced; X-Men Origins: Wolverine feels like a film that has come from a franchise that helped define the role of superheroes in movies, but has been far surpassed by the projects it opened the door to.

The prospect of seeing Jackman's Wolverine bring to life the samurai monologue of Wolverine's operatic past remains delicious, but tainted by the expectation of an uninspired exercise in familiarity. With these spin-off films, much like good comics themselves, it would be nice to see a more individual tact taken.

Today we looked back at X-Men.
While I don't doubt the significance of the movie to the era, I find it hard to believe that anyone would argue that it hasn't been made obselete by the evolution of more advanced films. It is a product of it's time, but of that time it should remain.

The Fight: 3 The Film: 4

If somehow you haven't seen X-Men, then it's still well worth the investigation, if only for a little cinematic history. X-Men is available on Blu-Ray and standard DVD, as are all the films in the X-Men Trilogy. By using purchase links provided on the Infinite Wars, you help sponsor future entries, while also taking advantage of the price and convenience of Amazon Online. You'll find more films and comics like these in the Infinite Wars Gift Shoppe!

MONTHLY PUNCH-UP #41 (May 2009)
Here on the Infinite Wars we like to be internationally minded.
With all their jingoistic flag waving and WWII-era origins, Americans actually have something resembling a good reason to forget the global significance of their characters. While many insulated readers might be unaware of the trends and interests of the rest of the world, even the most casual reader knows all about the influence of creators like Alan Moore, Grant Morrison, Dave Gibbons, Adi Granov, Ben Templesmith, and Warren Ellis, to name just a few.

In the search for simple site content we look abroad, toward mid-May, when the pop shenanigans will fly in the search for a song for all of Europe!

At the merest mention of the Eurovision Song Contest, global tongues might hit cheeks faster than you can say "Azerbaijan," but like Communism, it's a model only as flawed as the politics determining the outcomes!

Here on the Infinite Wars we're all about the spirit of competition!
So, just like our 2008 Infinite Wars Olympics, it seems only logical that we introduce our own method of celebrating the tenuous European union. Thus, if you turn your gaze to the right (during May/June), you'll notice twelve options confronting you as part of the first annual Infinite Wars: Eurohero Contest!

Representatives of the top twelve ranking European nations have been selected to be submitted to your discretion. Like Eurovision itself; we encourage you to indulge in any ancient prejudices or shady deals with the only criteria being that you make sure your vote does indeed register. If you have means of corrupting the system to vote again -- please, feel encouraged to do so!

In the interest of giving you the option of being well informed, we offer a Street Fighter style character select! Clicking the mugshots will take you to all the recorded battles featuring selected characters, and where possible, something resembling information about them. Use these links to better inform yourself on the characters and nations (fictional, or real) that are represented.



For the countries and characters not represented, there's always next year.
Voting will end whenever it is we actually get around to posting the Punch-Up for June, so there should be plenty of time on top of voting that's been going on throughout the middle of May. [Yes, future readers, we were still behind!]

May, of course, also marks the release of X-Men Origins: Wolverine in theatres worldwide. As you might imagine, our May line-up of feature fights will kick off sometime after this post with a thematically suitable showing by Wolverine!
Also on the cards of what hopes to be an ambitious month of competition is the prospect of stopping in with Wolvie's cinematic co-star, Deadpool!

Hey, if we're going to get all this done, I can't stand around here talking!
Things are heating up in the 2009 Top Five, we've got developments including new teams in the Fantasy League, and the induction of new characters has the Cumulative Super Stock offering mixed returns for the 700+ ranked heroes and villains documented here on the Infinite Wars. So scroll to check it all out!

---

Wall Street War Journal: Market Analysis...
"Amazing" Sales Fig.
November 2007:
#545 124481 (-1.2%)
December 2008:
#581 64961 (-47.81%)
January 2009:
#582 59932 (-7.74%)
#583 352953 (+588.92%)
#584 63754 (-81.954%)
February 2009:
[#583 148805 #1/300]
#585 60286 (-5.44%)
#586 59521 (-1.27%)
#587 60118 (+1.00%)
March 2009:
[#583 20073 #96/300]
#588 61334 (+2.02%)
#589 58832 (-4.08%)
Month End: (-2.14%)The memorabilia swell provided by the much publicized "Obama" issue(s) of Amazing Spider-man (#583) are fast becoming a distant memory as the semi-weekly series continues it's consistent sales decline.

While the book failed to poll a top ten position [arriving at #12 and #13], it's worth recognising that estimated sales figures failed to break 100k in the month of March.

These figures are lows not matched since 2001, but aren't exactly worth worrying about just yet. One would look to the villainous Global Financial Crisis for some explanation, while the summer cycle of comics blockbusters will also have attentions looking beyond the current crop of monthly titles, toward bigger events starting in July.

Upcoming storylines bringing Norman Osborn back to the title, (now in a position of authority as Director of HAMMER and the Iron Patriot), promise to invite increased numbers in future months. American Son turns the spotlight back to BND's resurrected Harry Osborn, offering a new spin on the role of legacy that once led Harry to become the second Green Goblin.

New goblin-themed villain, Menace, also proved some power as a draw during previous months. The sporadic on-going role of the character might again provide sturdy filler between stories seen to be more significant. The big payday should come with #600, following up other popular appearances with the return of Dr. Octopus.

None of this should overshadow the recently publicized storyline finally declaring J. Jonah Jameson as Mayor of New York.
While the storyline inadvertently tarnishes the popular misconception that Marvel exclusively reflects political movements of the realworld, it's a classical plotline grounded so deeply in the precedent of the series, it's sure to appease most critics. From a business perspective, exposure in mainstream press, and the groundwork laid by three successful films (and JK Simmons), could see the fictional political development reap some of the rewards of the Obama stunt.

... Who Watches the Watchmen?
Proving the pen is still up to the task of challenging the sword; Watchmen topped sales for collected editions (and graphic novels) in March, boasting an estimated 18,000 units more than it's nearest rival. The cinematic release has earned the series a new generation of fans, nearly twenty years after it's original publication.

A July date has been announced for the eagerly anticipated DVD release of the film, but details have been thus far unclear on the status of a much discussed 'ultimate' edition of the movie, said to include scenes from the animated tie-in, Tales of the Black Freighter, along with other classic scenes from the comic not included in the cinematic release. Like the complete cut of Kill Bill, fans might have a wait ahead of them for the advanced epic.

... Mortal Kombat versus DC Universe: Resolution Pending?
Over the past few months we've been documenting developments in the much publicized fall of gaming publisher, Midway Entertainment.
The latest twist in the saga builds on the previously reported interest of Warner Brothers, solidifying the rumor with reports of an alleged offer amounting to thirty-three million dollars.

The deal, designs to take control of most of Midway's US interests, would include the Mortal Kombat franchise which recently crossed over with Warner Brother's subsidiary, DC comics.

One can't help but flashback to interviews that referenced the briefly considered prospect of treating the MK universe as an extension of the DCU itself. If WB were to take ownership of the brand, it could potentially be a simple hop, skip, and jump for the vast properties to be incorporated in much the same way DC absorbed Wildstorm's properties into their 52 Earths concept, after purchase.

While hardly the juggernaut of gaming it once was, MK continued to prove it's worth despite Midway's struggles. Theories applicable to MKvsDCU, such as the notion of WB attempting to engender goodwill in gaming circles, might also be considered of the buy-out.

... X-Men Origins: Is there a plural for Origins?
A Magneto picture has seemingly been on the cards ever since the first X-Men film gave us a dramatic glimpse of a young Jewish boy's realisation of power to the chagrin of Nazi soldiers. The Master of Magnetism might have to go to the back of the cue, however, if the moderate success of Wolverine is any indication of the future.

The well documented history of the character in Japan -- a favourite reference of Hugh Jackman's -- seems likely to provide the basis of a sequel to the solo flick. As much is alluded to by the inclusion of an epilogue featuring Logan in a bar. The ending was one of three designed to encourage paying cinema-goers after the leak of a pre-release cut of the film.

Also on the sequel slate is Ryan Reynolds, who finally finds his way into a successful comics spin-off after missing out on the opportunity to reprise his Blade Trinity role of Hannibal King. Despite harsh criticism of changes made to the beloved character, Deadpool remains an extremely popular character with existing fans, and neophytes, alike. What to expect from a solo cinematic dalliance with the merc' with a mouth is anyone's guess.

---

Season 2009: Top Five Update...
Here on the Infinite Wars we like to play a little game of rank and review.
At the heart of the site is a series of reviews that recap the battles that embody the superhero universes as we know them. By tallying these results, we shuffle stats in the pursuit of the knowledge of who truly is the greatest hero of all.

Breaking up the cumulative grind are our yearly rankings, which give us the opportunity to observe the success of characters each year. Season 2009 is now well under way, and unlike previous years, has shown particular reflection on the grind of weekly releases. Feature fights have been diverse and intriguing!

#1 Flash (+2) (4) (DC)
Battles: [5] Last Opponent: [Savitar]
Win Percentage: [100%] Cumulative: [#21]
2006: [DNR] 2007: [#38] 2008: [#63]

The Silver Age scarlet speedster, Barry Allen, takes top spot with a return that hasn't been quite as epic as you might have anticipated, but features a nasty case of the match winning deathtouch.

The classic hero's post-Final Crisis elaboration was always going to guarantee a rise to the top in Season 2009, but with Blackest Night just a couple of months away, one questions if the Flash will benefit from his association, or be over shadowed by his headlning JLA buddy, Hal Jordan, the Green Lantern.

There's surely plenty more life (and death) in the pages of Flash: Rebirth, with the series being extended to an extra sixth issue beyond original plans. The change, instigated by writer Geoff Johns, is sure to offer up greater connective tissue with the other events the scribe is managing. Johns has arguably already overcome considerable odds by achieving widespread acceptance of the return of the character who famously died in 1986's Crisis on Infinite Earths.

#2 Alpha Lantern Kraken (-1) (3) (DC)
Battles: [3] Last Opponent: [Batman]
Win Percentage: [100%] Cumulative: [#48]
2006: [DNR] 2007: [DNR] 2008: [#121]

Still living off the success of her antaonist role in Final Crisis; Kraken is for now a lingering oddity in 2009's first half of the year. As one of the fallen Alpha Lanterns, her story feels as yet incomplete after the supposedly incorruptable faction of the Green Lantern Corps fell victim to the evil influence of the sinister New Gods. Whether or not this contributes to the on-going War of Light in the Prelude to Blackest Night, or the July event itself, remains to be seen. In recent issues of Green Lantern, the Guardians of Oa did indeed threaten to recall the Alpha Lanterns in their pursuit of the Orange Lantern of avarice, Larfleeze.

#3 Batman (-1) (38) (DC)
Battles: [43] Last Opponent: [Kraken]
Win Percentage: [72.1%] Cumulative: [#1]
2006: [#1] 2007: [#2] 2008: [#1]

They say no news is good news, but for the in-fiction believed dead Dark Knight, his post-RIP disappearance has left little opportunity to reprise the rankings dominance seen in previous years.

Battle of the Cowl seems likely to confirm Dick Grayson as the newest Batman, leading in to a brand new series fronted by the man responsible for his supposed demise in Final Crisis, Grant Morrison. While it seems highly unlikely the cosmic search for Bruce Wayne could feature prominently early in the series; the Scot has promised to breech the subject at some point in the future.

Meanwhile; the original Batman hasn't quite lost his relevance yet.
After featuring in the thoroughly mediocre Neil Gaiman story, Whatever Happened to the Caped Crusader?, it's far less heady projects, like the animated-inspired Batman: Brave and the Bold, and Superman/Batman, that's keeping the original name alive. Also in the spotlight is Kevin Smith, who will follow his recent Cacophany mini-series with the introduction of yet another new villain.

The animated version of Brave and the Bold deserves mention not just for being another Batman cartoon, but rather, showcasing even the most obscure corners of the DC Universe. I never could've anticipated a cartoon that would serve up everything from Kamandi, to Wildcat. Charming in it's innocent fun, the series makes stupendous use of all eras and incarnations of the Batman mythos, creating something that won't ever replace the comics canon, but is deliciously unique in the landscape of quasi-homages and shakey adaptations. A disturbingly feasible boarish tweak to Aquaman is also among the series' highlights.

#4 Iron Man (RE) (18) (Marvel)
Features: [29] Last Opponent: [Sub-Mariner]
Win Percentage: [65.52%] Cumulative: [#3]
2006: [#3] 2007: [#11] 2008: [#3]

From hero to fugitive! Tony Stark repulsor rays his way back into the Top Five ranks after just a month's absence, running from the law now controlled by global intelligence successor, Norman Osborn!

After finding his way to the centre of the Marvel Universe through a pro-registration stance in Civil War; the armored hero has been thrown into superhero poverty after being ousted by Osborn at the conclusion of the Secret Invasion.
Now Stark's the villified counterpart to Iron Patriot, forced to cobble together old models of the armor in an effort to erase sensitive data before Osborn can obtain it. This means going toe-to-toe with some of the deadliest heroes and villains on offer, including his recent clash with former co-conspirator, Sub-Mariner!

Outside comics; hype continues to build surrounding the filming of the 2010 sequel to Iron Man's popular 2008 cinematic debut. The film boasts an intriguing cast that adds Mickey Rourke as a hybrid Crimson Dynamo/Blacklash character, while Scarlet Johannson provides a headlining (if dubious) Black Widow.

Also of significance is the latest animated outing for the hero in, Iron Man: Armored Adventures. Featuring similar CG cellshaded animation and teen characters to the MTV Spider-man series, the cartoon is a mix of old and new, reinventing classic characters within the setting of a Stark-revolutionized New York City. Stylized tech gives the show a great shine, and reinvented villains like the Crimson Dynamo come off particularly well, but the central high school setting feels completely unnecessary and diminishing to brand recognition.

#5 Sonny Sumo (-1) (3) (DC)
Battles: [1] Last Opponent: [Megayakuza]
Win Percentage: [100%] Cumulative: [#146]
2006: [DNR] 2007: [DNR] 2008: [DNR]

Sadly missing from Final Crisis Aftermath: Dance is the last of our Top Five refugees from last year's blockbuster event - Final Crisis!
It's been very disappointing not to see the popular character burst from Final Crisis with the support of further appearances. Emerging from the obscurity of Jack Kirby's Fourth World series, Forever People; Grant Morrison's imaginative reincorporation of the character was an immediate attention grabber, deceptively simple in it's execution much like the series itself.

Super Sumo-san will return to the Infinite Wars some time in the future when we continue to recap the events of Final Crisis, but in the mean time, we can only hold out hope that the displaced street fighter will find his way into the pages of other books, perhaps Morrison's follow up to Batman's "death," or Multiversity.

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POINTS
[150/1316]
[007/1491]
[002/0884]
[002/0439]
[001/0198]
[000/1745]
[000/1740]
[000/1740]
[000/1740]
[000/1176]
[-01/1529]
[-01/0856]
[-02/1531]
[-02/0203]
[-03/1572]
[-04/1374]
[-05/1089]
[-05/0506]
[-07/1379]
[-09/2393]
[-10/0836]
[-15/1870]
[-17/1523]
[-17/1459]
[-18/1943]
[-19/1067]
[-31/1957]
[-32/1381]
[-36/1829]TEAMS
#1 (+21) Dark Avengers
#2 (+5) The Cabal
#3 (+14) The Titans
#4 (+1) Green Lantern Corps
#5 (-2) Secret Avengers
#6 (+2) Birds of Prey
#7 (-2) Shadow Cabinet
#8 (-3) Thunderbolts
#9 (-3) Super Young Team
#10 (+5) MI:13
#11 (+2) Guardians of the Galaxy
#12 (-10) Justice League
#13 (-1) Shadowpact
#14 (+4) Fantastic Four
#15 (+4) Teen Titans
#16 (-2) Interpol
#17 (-1) Outsiders
#18 (-14) Justice Society
#19 (+9) Mighty Avengers
#20 (-19) Sinestro Corps
#21 (+2) Astonishing X-Men
#22 (-1) Legion of Superheroes
#23 (-3) Uncanny X-Men
#24 (-18) Shadaloo
#25 (--) Secret Six
#26 (-1) Earthrealm Defenders
#27 (-3) X-Force
#28 (-2) MK Special Forces
#29 (--) Lady Liberators2009 Fantasy League...
For those who came in late: last year various readers drafted characters into a fanatsy league team which accumulated points based on features on the site, and spotlights in the weekly shipping list.

This year, rather than subject actual human beings to the soul crushing inconsistency of our statistics, we're using teams inspired by the comics themselves! The company's print groups battle it out for our amusement month to month in this highly pointless game.

Norman Osborn and The Cabal play second-fiddle to his minion team, the Dark Avengers, after a convincing stalemate with the Olympus Group! [Incredible Hercules #128]

Slowed competition in 2009 has meant increasing pressure on characters in the lower ranks, and little to support to those not being featured. If this section of the Punch-Up is supposed to somehow reflect the in-print progress of these teams and brands, then that harsh environment could be seen as a useful method of elimination. It's hard, however, not to get the sense that there's a little bit of an imbalance between the haves, and have nots.

With the War of Light simmering in both Green Lantern and GL Corps, the Green Lanterns maintain their bouyancy in a bid for top points come year end. Blackest Night still promises a big payday for the narrowly focused group, but it's shipping list acknowledgments that are doing the heavy lifting right now, more than any valuable ranking movements by the individual characters in our fight spotlights.

While a few teams start to look ripe for pruning, we've got a couple of overdue and topical teams to add to the mix. It also seems wise to adapt the defunct Birds of Prey team into something more expansive and representatives of the team that congregated onto Batman: Battle for the Cowl.

Substitutions & Additions:
Black Lanterns: Scar, Black Hand, Earth-2 Superman, M. Manhunter, Aquaman [Ttl: 1112]
Bat-Family: Nightwing, Robin, Damien, Alfred, Catwoman [Ttl: 672]
Dark Illuminati is now known as The Cabal [Ttl: 1491]
Birds of Prey are now known as The Network [Ttl: 1745]
The Network: Misfit, Lady Blackhawk (out) Knight, Batwoman (in) [Ttl: 2001]

This year, the basic set-up is a little different.
Teams start with an allowance of 3515 points; five times value of the top ranked character. Five characters suitable to the team are drafted at a cost derived from their cumulative ranking at the end of Season 2008. 736 characters, means #1 is worth 736pts, working downward to #736, valued at 1pt. This new rule not only offers an immediate reflection of value, but handicaps league leaders.
This year, unranked characters will cost 355pts, a fraction over mid-range.

Subsequent points are awarded based on results throughout the month.
25pts for a win, 7pts for an assist, 5pts for a loss, and 10pts for a draw.
Additional bonuses of 5pts are awarded for spotlights in the shipping list, and other articles sporradically featured throughout the site. As with last year; the final contributor to monthly scores is the cumulative super stock, which will provide literal additions and substractions to reflect the movement in ranking.

Due to the ever changing landscape of superheroics, and characters who hold membership with multiple groups, we will attempt to maintain a delicate balance between accuracy and suitability. Again encouraging some sense of interactivity, it is strongly encouraged for readers to use the comments section to suggest appropriate trades, and/or the inclusion of new teams.

To make the Fantasy League more managable, there may be a culling process in the future months, that eliminates some teams. Once again, be encouraged to make your thoughts on the subject known in the comments section.

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Super Stock: Cumulative Rankings...
For those coming in late: the Infinite Wars was founded on a concept of reviewing superhero comics through the battles displayed within.
Results are tallied to form both annual rankings, and a cumulative tally.
These rankings bare no concrete value, but provide fun with lists and statistics on the site. The following reflects the months changes in the cumulative ranks.

ARES
Year One: [1966]
Season 2009: [#32]
Last Opponent: [Olympus Group]
Despite relative obscurity in the Infinite Wars ranks, the Olympian god of war finds himself benefitting greatly from an association with the antagonist Dark Avengers, despite familial tensions with their recent opponents, Hercules and Olympus Group [Incredible Herc' #128]. With strength and cunning to rival any competitor, who better than Ares to rise in the environment presented in the competition of Infinite Wars?

WOLVERINE
Year One: [1974]
Season 2009: [NR]
Last Opponent: [Avengers]
Despite a steady absence from solo competition and no features registered yet in 2009, the debut of X-Men Origins: Wolverine in cinemas today guarantees the clawed X-Man a return to battle! The film throws him against arch-nemesis, Sabretooth, which sounds like a good basis for upcoming features of the recipient of the Weapon X treatment.

DEADPOOL
Year One: [1991]
Season 2009: [NR]
Last Opponent: [Taskmaster]
Threatening to overshadow the titular hero of the film; Deadpool makes his big screen debut in the just released X-Men Origins: Wolverine. The merc' with a mouth has long had a cult fanbase with fans new and... slightly less new, but is sure to explode as the film gives way to an inevitable sequel for the previously optioned anti-hero of the Weapon X project. Now if they can only get it right...

NIGHTWING
Year One: [1940]
Season 2009: [#40]
Last Opponent: [Hush]
The Battle for the Cowl mini-series is nearly over, and with very little battling actually going on, the contenders list is all but narrowed to Dick Grayson. Jason Todd - already operating as a false Batman - promises to put up a good fight against his Robin predecessor, but there can be no outcome other than defeat for the villain.

THE HOOD
Year One: [2002]
Season 2009: [NR]
Last Opponent: [Tigra]
Lurking in the shadows of the Marvel Universe is one of the most powerful rising stars in the pantheon of evil that's slowly taking control via Dark Reign. As the Kingpin of Supervillains, the Hood emerged as a powerful enemy of the Secret Avengers, but now his association with Norman Osborn and his secret Cabal has elevated him to new status, pitting him against the entire heroic community, should the Iron Patriot ask. His recent battles with Dr. Strange, the Midnight Sons, and Punisher, are all making him a player worth watching!1. Batman (-) (DC)
2. Spider-man (-) (M)
3. Iron Man (-) (M)
4. Superman (-) (DC)
5. Hulk (-) (M)
6. Wolverine (-) (M)
7. Captain America (-) (M)
8. Mr. Fantastic (-) (M)
9. Daredevil (-) (M)
10. Thing (-) (M)
13. Wonder Woman (-) (DC)
16. Venom Symbiote (+2) (M)
17. Ryu (-) (C)
18. Sub-Mariner (-2) (M)
19. Flash (-) (DC)
21. Flash (+8) (DC)
24. Catwoman (-1) (DC)
28. Green Lantern (-1) (DC)
29. Nightwing (-1) (DC)
30. Phantom (-) (KFS)
32. Green Lantern (+1) (DC)
34. Martian Manhunter (-2) (DC)
42. Deadpool (+1) (M)
45. Union Jack (+1) (M)
50. Johnny Cage (+1) (Mid)
52. Robin (-12) (DC)
53. Aquaman (-) (DC)
55. Red Hood (-) (DC)
57. Dr. Light (+35) (DC)
60. Dr. Doom (-1) (M)
74. Powergirl (-1) (DC)
79. Batroc (-1) (M)
88. Sentry (+2) (M)
93. Dr. Strange (-) (M)
99. Hawkeye (+1) (M)
100. Ice Man (-1) (M)
107. Ares (+100) (M)
128. Black Mask (-1) (DC)
147. Libra (new) (DC)
150. Zauriel (-2) (DC)
181. The Hood (-2) (M)
186. Hellboy (-2) (DH)
188. Jin Kazama (-2) (N)
189. Rose (-2) (C)
200. Mirror Master (-2) (DC)
250. Rorschach (-1) (DC)
251. Effigy (new) (DC)
252. Ms. Marvel (-1) (M)
257. Gambit (-2) (M)
266. Sinestro (-2) (DC)
268. Superboy (-2) (DC)
296. Mongul (-2) (DC)
297. Hercules (-2) (M)
298. Spider-man (-) (M)
300. Captain Marvel (-3) (DC)
305. Lex Luthor (+4) (DC)
312. Solomon Grundy (-2) (DC)
313. Vega (-2) (C)
337. Lilith Dracula (-2) (M)
344. Amadeus Cho (new) (M)
349. Wolverine (new) (M)
350. Hera (new) (M)
351. Captain Marvel (new) (M)
400. Dazzler (-10) (M)
434. Dr. Sivana (new) (DC)
435. Talia al Ghul (new) (DC)
436. Ocean Master (new) (DC)
437. Vandal Savage (new) (DC)
438. Human Flame (new) (DC)
450. Stilt-Man (-15) (M)
451. Count Vertigo (-15) (DC)
500. Silver Samurai (-15) (M)
550. Mr. Majestic (-15) (DC:W)
551. Loki (-15) (M)
579. Black Hand (-15) (DC)
600. Stone God (-15) (DC)
620. Jack O'Lantern (-15) (DC)
650. Dark Beast (-15) (M)
687. Yellow Lantern (-15) (DC)
699. Savitar (new) (DC)
700. Sabretooth (-16) (M)
707. Gorilla Grodd (-1) (DC)
725. Kingpin (-16) (M)
726. Iron Patriot (-13) (M)
732. Zangief (-16) (C)
733. Quicksilver (-16) (M)
734. Magneto (-16) (M)
735. Dan Hibiki (-16) (C)
736. Lizard (-16) (M)

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- Mike Haseloff; War Monger-in-Chief
You can also find Mike on 1up.com blogging tangents about gaming!

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