It's time yet again to reflect on this week's glorious action scenes. Usually we have a variety of publishers appear in this segment, but this week, Marvel hit us with some awesome brawls. In fact, they were so awesome that they earned all three highlight spots. First, you'll dive into the conclusion of SUPERIOR SPIDER-MAN'sDarkest Hours and watch the Avengers struggle with the latest version of Venom. Then we'll jump into another story's conclusion: THOR: THE GOD OF THUNDER'sThe Accursed. Thor's been chasing after Malekith for several issues now and the villain has finally stopped running. Last but not least, your eyes will get to enjoy some good ol' fashioned melee action as Deadpool takes on some teleporters.
"Hey, why isn't a fight I love being highlighted or even listed in the honorable mentions? What gives?!" Well, it's possible we didn't read that issue (not sure if you noticed, but A LOT come out each week), so be sure to make suggestions in the official Best Battles Discussion Threadfrom now on. We review that before writing this weekly feature and do our best to get our hands on the issues suggested.
Superior Venom vs. Avengers (SUPERIOR SPIDER-MAN #25)
Superior Spider-Man has taken the Venom symbiote from Flash Thompson and has become the "Superior Venom." Since bonding with the slithery alien, he's been acting like more of a jerk than usual (that's saying a lot, isn't it?) and going particularly hard against crime of any kind. The Avengers know this latest version of Spidey's been acting like a... well, let's just say "unpleasant person," and now his relentless assault on villains has crossed the line. So, the Avengers are coming in to stop him. However, it appears the symbiote has become absurdly powerful in Otto's hands and taking him down won't be an easy task, especially when he can dodge attacks with ease.
Otto's received a tremendous physical boost with the symbiote. Seriously, he's upgraded to the point where he knocked over Thor with a slug to the face. Despite this significant upgrade, he's still outnumbered and can't dodge everything. Spider-Woman hits him in the back with a blast and he doesn't take the attack lightly. To even the odds, Otto calls Spider-Island and commands everyone to come to his support and go to war with the Avengers. His "spiderlings" listen and so begins an onslaught of craziness and carnage.
Like Steve Rogers said above, the big brawl is pure insanity. Venom's minions are getting wrecked by the heroes, but there's a ton of them and the Avengers still have one massive problem: Superior Venom. Brute force hasn't worked, so Spider-Woman tries to calm him down with her pheromones. Otto's not in the mood to talk it out or be manipulated, though, and he responds in a not-so-peaceful manner: with his symbiotic fist. Thor is growing weary of this conflict and intends to end it, but Otto has other plans... and they happen to involve Cap's shield.
The mighty Thor has been humiliated and the rest of the team isn't faring any better, so how do they stop Superior Venom? You'll just have to read the issue to find out, folks. Seriously, if you're a fan of Flash Thompson or Spider-Man, this is an issue you really shouldn't miss. The price tag is intimidating but it's a good read.
Thor, League of Realms vs. Malekith and his forces (THOR: GOD OF THUNDER #17)
Thor and the League of Realms have been hunting Malekith for quite sometime. Every time they have him in their sights, he manages to slip away. Now it appears the villain is done eluding the son of Odin and is ready for the main event. As their allies go to war, Thor and Malekith begin their epic clash. If it wasn't for the villain's magic, Thor could have ended this one pretty abruptly.
Malekith attempts to match Thor's lightning with his own magical projectile, but the Dark Elf is quickly overpowered. The villain has been wisely avoiding direct confrontation with Thor because, simply put, he's outclassed in a straight-forward brawl with the God of Thunder. Malekith has been relying on distractions and magic, and that's exactly what he resorts to yet again. He unleashes some absolutely vicious spells on his fellow Dark Elves and Thor refuses to stand for it. The Avenger throws his hammer at Malekith, but unfortunately, that's precisely what the fiend wanted him to do.
As Malekith begins to make Thor suffer with projectile attacks (and turns his liver into broken glass... ouch), his allies continue to wage war with the Dark Elves. Honeyshot opens fire with his pistols and Lady Waziria slices and dices with her sword, but the highlight is easily Screwbeard taking on Scumtongue. Observe as they "dance the blood dance!"
What happens to Screwbeard? As MTV once said, "you think you know, but you have no idea."Jason Aaron created a thoroughly epic finale. Don't miss out on it. Besides, you still have no idea what happens to Thor and Malekith, right? The outcome isn't as simple as you may think.
Deadpool vs. "BAMF'rs" (DEADPOOL: THE GAUNTLET #2)
Deadpool has been given one mission from Dracula: retrieve the famous vampire's soon to be bride. After a bit of travel, Wade arrives at her casket but unfortunately for him, she isn't alone. There's some formidable looking dudes who are clearly there to slay her. So, he whips out a pistol and tells them to back away. They don't listen, so the Merc with a Mouth takes aim and fires one shot at each of them. Bad news for Wade: it turns out they're teleporters. Each one BAMFs before the bullet can tag them and it's not long before they're surrounding the number one supporter of chimichangas. So begins the very reason why you're here: swashbuckling action.
There's a couple reasons why this fight's very awesome. First, the Infinite format rules for scenes like this. The way these characters BAMF in and out as attacks are thrown and blocked is just tons of fun. Secondly, Gerry Duggan and Brian Posehn are treating Deadpool with respect. In different hands, Deadpool vs. three teleporting swordsmen could resulted in Deadpool being through the meat grinder for the gazillionth time. Deadpool could be sliced and stabbed until he gets lucky and eventually wins. Thankfully, that isn't the case and the co-writers show off his skill instead of using his healing factor for gags. Anyway, back to more of Deadpool getting his fight on.
Another reason why DEADPOOL: THE GAUNTLET is worth your money: Reilly Brown. Not only is his work consistent and energetic, but it also brings back memories of the very lovable CABLE & DEADPOOL. This Infinite series has really allowed for some great moments and Brown's nailing all of 'em with style. Anyhow, Deadpool continues his battle and thankfully, he has yet to be tagged.
So far, the fight has been a lot of missing and blocks. What could Deadpool possibly do to wrap things up? Come on, you know the drill by now, reader. Go buy it to find out. If you're a Deadpool fan, you should be buying this one anyway. You didn't forget it serves as a prelude to his wedding in April, did you?!
Honorable Mentions
- Beast vs. Azazel (AMAZING X-MEN #3)
- Magneto vs. Brotherhood of Evil Mutants (UNCANNY X-MEN #16)
- The Rogues vs. the Arkhamites (FOREVER EVIL: ROGUES REBELLION #4)
- Superman vs. Zod (SUPERMAN/WONDER WOMAN #4)
- Justice League 3000 vs. Locus (JUSTICE LEAGUE 3000 #2)
- X-Men vs. "Xavier" (X-MEN LEGACY #22)
- Zeus vs. Asgard (GOD IS DEAD #5)
- Sasquatch Civil War (STRANGE NATION #4)
What are your top three fights from this week? Also, don't forget to make nominations every week inthe official thread or tell Gregg via Twitter.