It's Friday (huzzah!) and that means it's time to reflect on some of the most amazing battles this week had to offer. First, we'll observe the chaos from a safe distance as an X-Men event wraps up. Then, we'll witness the bloody return of two classic TMNT characters. Last but most definitely not least, we'll see one of Spider-Man's clones struggle in a fight to the death against of one Parker's most dangerous villains. Each of these fights rock in their own special ways, but keep in mind we're only showing you bits and pieces of each battle. This means if you want to see everything that goes down, you'll just have to go buy the comics.
Did your favorite melee not get a mention? Well, it's possible we didn't read that issue, so be sure to make suggestions in the official Best Battles Discussion Thread from now on. We review that before writing this weekly feature and do our best to get our hands on the issues suggested!
Xorn vs. X-Men (X-MEN: BATTLE OF THE ATOM #2)
If you've been following 'Battle of the Atom,' then you know it's basically about how time travel has brought numerous X-Men groups to the present and, to put it lightly, things aren't going that well. Naturally, they don't sit around and have a civilized debate over how to proceed. Instead, a bloodbath breaks out. Well, it turns out one of these groups is actually the Brotherhood and now everyone needs to stop a future version of Jean who isn't exactly all sunshine and flowers. Seeing as both men swoon over her, Cyclops and Wolverine are the first to try to stop her. Again, instead of talking it out, things escalate pretty quickly.
Scott Summers and James Howlett are two formidable dudes who have the ability to take down a wide range of threats. Scott's optic blast can take off part of a mountain if he doesn't hold back and he has phenomenal aim. Logan's healing factor, durability and claws have taken many lives and frightened many more. But against someone like Jean Grey? They're simply outclassed in a direct fight.
The two give it their all, but they're just no match for the powerful being. Not even an adamantium headbutt from Logan keeps her down for the count. It's clear she'll have no problem wiping the floor with them and things are beginning to look dire for the two famous X-Men. Could this be the end for one of them? Of course not, silly! The past X-Men are more than happy to jump in and strike a familiar pose.
What happens now that the X-Men from the past are joining the fray and how does it all wrap up? Well, you'll just have to read the comic to find out because we're definitely not going to spoil any endings in this feature.
Bebop & Rocksteady vs. Foot Ninjas (TMNT VILLAINS MICRO-SERIES #7)
Brace yourself, ridiculous awesomeness is coming! The mutated duo has finally emerged in the IDW universe and it was 100% worth the wait. You may remember them as big and dumb goofballs and... well, they're still all of those things, but now they're legitimately formidable, too. A foolish person is dangerous. But a superhuman foolish person who doesn't quite understand the level of their own strength yet? That's some scary stuff right there. Observe how their mutation has boosted their stats big time and they're oblivious to the power they now possess.
As you can tell by the image alone, a simple flick broke that dude's nose. Crazy, right? Oh, we forgot to tell you about the plot, didn't we? Long story short: Karai wants Bebop and Rocksteady to stand guard as she has a meeting with another gang's leader. Literally just stand around and look tough. Simple as that. Unfortunately for Karai, these two goons screw it up (see above image) and a fight breaks out. The opposing forces are no match for the powerful mutants and the gang's leader makes a break for it. Bebop and Rocksteady catch up and Bebop is the first to leap at her. The result is this glorious image.
I won't tell you what happens immediately after, but I will tell you that ultimately, Karai is less than pleased with Bebop and Rocksteady. In fact, she's so displeased she sends a swarm of ninjas after them. The Foot Ninjas pile on the two, but then the following happens. Prepare to see why you should no longer view Bebop and Rrocksteady as mere morons. They're now powerhouse morons.
With her ninjas down, Karai then steps up and attacks Rocksteady. Does share fare better than her allies? Get your hands on the issue (or your e-hands for digital crowd) to find out.
Having them square off against the Turtles in 'City Fall' is going to be beyond epic. Actually, you know what would make it even better? Throwing Slash into the mix. Oh man, the 'City Fall' finale needs to get here right now.
Scarlet Spider vs. Kraven (SCARLET SPIDER #23)
The moment we've all been waiting for is finally here: Kaine versus Kraven the Hunter! Sergei demands for the hero to end his life, and if not, his daughter, Ana, will kill one -- or even all -- of Kaine's friends (said friends are currently tied up behind Kraven). This is of course a huge shock for the clone and his first reaction is to save his friends. Sergei's no slow poke, though, and stops Kaine dead in his tracks. The classic villain then proceeds to put a major hurting on him.
Kaine now realizes Sergei isn't an obstacle he can easily leap over -- he's in a fight with a very dangerous fellow. Seeing as Kaine's trying to be a more traditional hero and going all non-lethal, he attempts to bring this fight to an end with some simple webbing. However, Kraven makes short work of that effort with his reflexes and a big ol' knife. From there, Kaine endures yet another beating. Seriously, Kaine is in need of a band-aid or two by now.
Kraven realizes Kaine needs more motivation to really let loose, so he orders Ana to kill one of Kaine's incapacitated friends. Despite the beating he's just endured, there's absolutely no way Kaine will just stay down as he watches Ana approach his friends with a knife. Our clone leaps into action, but by now, you've come to realize Kraven's a petty fast guy, right? In spite of Kaine's speed, Sergei still gets ahold of the good guy.
Does Kaine quickly recoverr and make sure the issue ends without the loss of life? Does he fail and at least one person is put 6 feet under? You know we're not going to tell you, and by now, you should know we're also going to tell you to buy the issue! The Ryan Stegman cover alone should reel you in.
Honorable Mentions
- John, Hal, Kyle and Guy vs. Relic (GREEN LANTERN ANNUAL #2)
- Superboy vs. Jon Kent (TEEN TITANS ANNUAL #2)
- Nightwing and Barbara Gordon vs. Firefly (NIGHTWING ANNUAL #1)
- Spider-Man / X-Men vs. Dr. Jude (SUPERIOR SPIDER-MAN TEAM-UP SPECIAL #1)
- Donatello and his gravity gauntlet vs. Anything in his way (TMNT #27)
- Mark Waid vs. Man of Steel (THE FOX #1)
What are your top 3 fights from this week? Share them with us below! Also, don't forget to make nominations every week in the official thread or tell Gregg via Twitter.