Granted, Superheroes should be big enough to put aside their differences and work things out. However, we comic fans would miss out on some great moments if this were the case. With that being said I give you the Top 5 superhero vs. superhero Smackdowns!
#5 Batman Vs. Guy Gardner
(Justice League #5)
When you have a jerk like Guy Gardner as part of your team, sooner or later there is bound to be some in team quarreling. Guy, being the jerk that he is, has been firing verbal shots at Batman since this new team’s inception.
In a moment of pure overconfidence mixed with testosterone, Guy challenges Batman to a fist fight. Claiming he doesn’t even need his power-ring to take down Bats, Guy removes his ring and gives it to a fellow Leaguer for safe keeping. Batman realizing that Guy needs a lesson in humility, taunts Guy into taking a swing. Guy cocks his fist back and Wham! Guy is out cold on the floor. Moments later Black Canary enters the room and is upset, not that Guy has been knocked unconscious, but because she missed it. Blue Beetle is delirious with laughter and can only get two words out between laughs “One punch”.
#4 Hulk vs. Wolverine
(Incredible Hulk #340)
This amazing issue sports a cover that has become a model for several other issues. In this issue the gray version of the Hulk is traveling with his allies Rick Jones and Shield agent Clay Quartermain. They get lost in a snow storm and the Hulk wanders off to get some space. During one of his hyper-leaps, the Hulk accidentally slams into a low flying plane and it almost crashes. Luckily the X-men are in the area and Rogue brings the plane down safely.
Wolverine goes off tracking the culprit and finds the Hulk. Hulk is spoiling for a fight and taunts Wolverine. Surprisingly, Wolverine shows restraint and attempts to walk away. Now furious, the Hulk attacks Wolverine and sure enough they battle. Wolverine seems to have the edge initially, gutting the Hulk and leaving him lying in the snow. However once the Hulk’s own healing factor kicks in, the fight's on again with the Hulk dominating. Eventually Rick and Clay catch up to the Hulk and put an end to the fight.
Not only is this one of the greatest Hero vs. Hero fights ever, it was one of the earliest comic book works of Todd McFarlane!
#3 Hulk vs. Thing
(Fantastic Four #112)
Well look who made the list again!
This story is a classic. It’s one of many Hulk vs. Thing throw downs, but this one has a twist. The story is built around one of Reed’s many attempts to cure Ben. Reed actually succeeds, but with a twist.
Ben now has the ability to transform from the Thing to human again at will. The only problem is that when he becomes the Thing, he becomes more and more unreasonable. Reed asks Bruce Banner to assist him in finding a cure, but when the Thing loses it, Banner becomes the Hulk to try and restrain Ben. What makes this one different is that the Thing is the one who loses control, and this allows him to actually get the better of the Hulk for once.
...That is until Alicia makes an appearance distracting Ben and Hulk knocking him out with a cheap shot.
#2 Dark Knight vs. Man of Steel
(Dark Knight Returns #4)
The final issue of the groundbreaking Dark Knight Returns miniseries features a final confrontation between The Dark Knight and the Man of Steel. It's set sometime in a future where superheroes have been outlawed (except for Superman who serves the government). After Superman diverts a nuclear missile from striking Gotham city into a dessert, the detonation sends up dust into the atmosphere. As a result Gotham falls into complete anarchy during a city wide blackout.
Batman and a new female Robin, train an army to quell the violence and establish order in Gotham. The results of which, lead to Gotham becoming the safest city in America. The government sees this as Batman undermining their authority and decides they have had enough of Batman’s shenanigans. So they order Superman to take Batman down once and for all.
Oliver Queen, the former Green Arrow warns Batman of the government plans. Batman prepares to confront Superman in Crime Alley, the place where Bruce’s parents were murdered. With the help of a kryptonite arrow and an ingenious ruse, Batman defeats Superman and fakes his own demise. Clark Kent attends Bruce’s funeral and gives Robin a wink after hearing Bruce's heartbeat as he leaves the grave site, suggesting his approval. Bruce now lives in seclusion planning his next move, training an army that will continue his mission.
and #1 superhero vs. supehero smackdown is...
#1 Spider-Man vs. Wolverine
(Spider-Man Vs Wolverine #1 (one shot))
A truly memorable confrontation should be more than just two characters slugging it out, and yammering about how tough they are. It needs to leave an impact on both characters’ lives. Spider-man vs. Wolverine does exactly that. Sent to East Berlin on an assignment with longtime daily bugle reporter Ned Leeds, Peter Parker assists in tracking down a KGB assassin who went on a rampage in Manhattan. Spider-Man is caught in a web of international espionage, when the assassin turns out to be an old flame of Wolverines.
This isn’t just a fight, this is a solid story that happens to have a fight between two of Marvel’s most beloved characters. The story is full of plot twists that include; Ned Leeds (who was suspected of being the Hobgoblin) brutally murdered, Wolverine uncovering Spider-Man’s secret identity, and Spider-Man accidentally taking a life.
The consequences of this issue brought about lasting changes to both characters in their own books. Spidey took on a rougher edge, while the feral Wolverine developed a bit more compassion then he had previously displayed. Ultimately, both characters went from being uncomfortable associates to brothers in arms. Oh and did I mention their fight? The brawl between them is the best Superhero vs. Superhero smackdown ever!