Everyone loves a grudge match. Despite their usual occupation of fighting bad guys, numerous comic superheroes have come to blows over the years. AlthoughDChas several examples of this,Marvelis no slouch in this department.
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ManyMarveldo-gooders have inevitably clashed during the company’s history. Some of these stem from one party not being in control of their actions. Other times, though, it comes down to a difference of opinion. It just goes to show that not all heroics are compatible.
6Hulk Vs. Anyone
TheHulkisn’t strictly a hero by nature. He’s a creature powered by pure rage, often smashing everything around him. This inevitably brings him into conflict with others.He’s clashed with countless Marvel heroes through the years.Thor,Wolverine,Spider-Man, andthe Thingare just a few examples, and every bout is a blast.
It’s interesting to see each character’s approach to fighting the green meanie. Some might go for a knock-down, drag-out brawl while others may attempt to outflank or misdirect the monster. That’s the benefit of having a figure like the Hulk. His unbridled aggression means that writers can aim him at whatever or whomever they want.
5Namor Vs. Daredevil
Talk about a cultural clash.Namor, the ruler of Atlantis, comes ashore and gets himself arrested. This way, he can have his day in court with the surface world. Unfortunately, his absence puts his undersea kingdom in danger, so he attempts to leave. His only obstacle isDaredevil.
The Man Without Fear and the marine monarch engage in a brutal duel. Both fight according to their cultures: Daredevil for the legal system and Namor for leadership of Atlantis. As a result, readers root for both of them. Both believe their priorities are in the right place, with each thinking that the other’s laws don’t apply. That’s a natural mentality when dealing with foreign parties. Much like those cases, fans lament that these societies can’t find common ground.
4Beta Ray Bill Vs. Thor
Not many people can wield Thor’s hammer. Beta Ray Bill emerges as one of those worthy few. To determine who gets to hold the weapon, Odin commissions an arena battle between the two. It ultimately ends in a draw, but Bill saves Thor’s life. This makes him the most serious contender forThor’s spot in the Marvel pantheon.
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Sure, he has physical strength, but his strength of character truly distinguishes him. Bill desires the hammer to protect his people, who nearly went extinct. One can’t fault such a noble goal. Readers almost want him to receive the hammer, but Odin delivers the next best thing. He conjures Stormbreaker–a new hammer made from the same material as Thor’s–to enable the worthy wielder to continue his good work. It’s a rare yet welcome case where both heroes win.
3The Punisher Vs. Spider-Man
First impressions are unforgettable, and the Punisher definitely leaves his mark when he debuts as a Spider-Man villain. He works with Jackal to hunt down the webhead,who seemingly killed Norman Osborn. With that comes the thrilling superhero brawl that fans expect, but that’s not why the Punisher stuck around.
Instead, the character’s inherent pathos endeared him to readers at the time and continues to this day. The tale hints at his past and why he wages war on the criminal element, and these aspects inform his code of honor. Moreover, they give him a tragedy beyond most of Spider-Man’s foes. He’s a figure who’s exciting to explore and difficult to condemn, even when battling more altruistic heroes.
2Civil War
Here’sone of the most famous comic conflicts of all time.Civil Warsplits the Marvel Universe down the middle. Granted, it’s basically theX-Men’s Mutant Registration plotline on a grander scale, but the concept remains compelling. It involves superheroes being called to register with the government. Some agree with this policy, fearing the unchecked power of vigilantes. Others, however, feel that this politicizes the saving of lives and impedes the heroes' ability to help.
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The predictable outcome is an all-out war. The storyline sees several clashes between former friends. The visuals alone are enough, but the real impact comes from the battle of beliefs. Both ideologies are understandable, as they speak to real-world views on government intervention. This ensuresCivil Warremains relatable and timeless.
1The Dark Phoenix Saga
As much prejudice as the X-Men face from humans, it’s cruelly ironic that their greatest enemy would be one of their own. The Dark Phoenix Saga involvesJean Grey corrupted by an extraterrestrial energy force. Amid several factions trying to exploit her newfound power, she eventually breaks free and goes on a galactic rampage.
The unwitting betrayal is surpassed only by the cost. Jean wipes out billions of lives, and the X-Men have to fight the woman they all love. Along the way, both they and the readers wonder whether redemption is possible. It’s emotionally taxing, to say the least, but it’s also not easy on the other end.
Jean grapples with her other persona. The struggle takes her to the brink of insanity. The psychological power of this ancient force is enough to terrify readers of the unknown. As such, Jean’s sacrifice to stop it is a tragic yet satisfying resolution.
