So the Captain America movie is out this weekend and I hope to see it at some point. The reviews are good and anti-Nazi action films are usually fun. Toss in a superhero and I'm sold.
But here's the one thing about good ol' Cap that bothers me. He's barely a superhero. I mean compared to what he was before the super solider serum, yes it's a big change, but he is the Ubermensch. The peak of human perfection. That's pretty bad ass, but that's it.
Now I know Batman also lacks superpowers, we'll get to that.
So today's blog is essentially an episode of World's Deadliest Warrior: Superhero Edition. I'm going to put Cap USA against 3 other superheros and how he would do. I tried to pick heroes that wouldn't destroy him in three seconds (See Superman, Flash, Green Lantern (Hal), Martian Manhunter and many others from the DCU (except Aquaman).
We'll discuss short range fighting, long range fighting, and what I'll call the X-factor.
FIGHT 1
Batman vs. Captain America
First, I think we can all agree that this would be the greatest battle among mortal non-powered men of all time.
Short range: Draw
In hand to hand combat, Captain America is considered the best in the Marvel U. In DCU, I'm guessing Batman is the same. Both are expert tacticians and strategist. Captain America is physically more gifted but Batman is more of a bad ass.
Mid Range: Advantage Captain America
Cap can throw that indestructible shield at anything with great accuracy and make it bounce back. Batman has batarangs, those balls on a string that tie up your feet, stun grenades etc. When compared side by side Batman has more, but the shield is also a defensive weapon and can stop whatever the Bat throws his way.
X-Factor: Batman
Cap has heart. He's smart and strong but his guile and bravery are huge. He injured some kind of Godlike being that once pwned the other Avengers. That god thing did defeat him, but his attack helped the team win.
Batman's brain is his greatest asset. He is brave and strong and all that jazz but smart is No. 1. He can and has knocked out many powerful entities, and he's done it by outsmarting them.
Verdict: Batman doesn't lose many fights. He beat Superman, and he was old when he did. He wins.
FIGHT 2:
Spider-man vs. Captain America
Short range: Draw
Cap is strong, Spidy is stronger. Cap is fast, Spidy is faster. You see how this goes right? Captain America's hand to hand skills would likely make this fight more competitive though, and in really close quarters, say a small room or an alley, Cap could corner the acrobatic spider and do some hurting.
Mid-Range: Spider-Man
Shield is cool, but unless it's been sprayed with a non-stick spray (Pam maybe) Spidy can sling it away. He can also, at least temporarily, tie Cap up without getting to close.
X-Factor: Captain America
I guess the Spidy sense would be Spider-man's x-factor. He can sense danger. How much that helps during a fight though, I don't know. Cap though, has brains. More brains than Peter Parker even. He could outthink and outstrategize the young man.
Also of note, this fight happened in Marvel's Civil War. I don't know who won because I haven't read it but consider that additional reading if you're interested.
Verdict: For the same reason Cap loses to the Bat, he beats the Spider.
FIGHT 3:
Wolverine vs. Captain America
Short Range: Draw
Wow that would be fun to watch. Adamantium blades vs. Vibranium alloy shield. Both men have military pasts, both are great fighters. Wolverine might be stronger and quicker, Cap probably fights calmer and more sensibly. Even Steven.
Mid Range: Captain America
Wolverine's got nothin. Cap can throw the shield.
X-Factor:
Bravery vs. tenacity? Tenacity wins. Wolverine also heals crazy fast. Also, Cap has the moral standards of Superman without the invincibility. Wolverine can and will fight dirty if he has too. They're comparable in so many ways, I think it comes down to who wants it more. Wolverine would probably kick Cap in the red, white and blue balls if he had to.
Verdict: Wolverine walks away the winner.
I know my readers are nerdy types like me. What do you guys think?
I would love to see Batman and Captain America square off.
ReplyDelete"In hand to hand combat, Captain America is considered the best in the Marvel U. In DCU, I'm guessing Batman is the same. Both are expert tacticians and strategist. Captain America is physically more gifted but Batman is more of a bad ass."
I don't know about this. Badassness can only go so far.
Captain America is kept in a constant state of human perfection thanks to the supersoldier serum. Batman, on the other hand, has to constantly work to maintain his physique. And, though he is no doubt very close, I don't think we have any reason to say Batman is at the peak of human perfection.
Cap is faster, probably stronger, probably knows just as much about the martial arts, and has way more endurance than Batman. Therefore, when it comes to hand-to-hand combat, I think I would have to put my money on Captain America.
"He beat Superman, and he was old when he did."
You're right, but:
1) He had to exploit Superman's weakness (a synthetic form of kryptonite).
2) He had to use a suit powered by Gotham's electricity (and Gotham certainly isn't the size of Portsmouth).
3) Doesn't "The Dark Knight Returns" take place in one of those universes with a weaker Superman?
Captain America vs. Wonder Woman could be an interesting fight.
I don't have the nerd juice to go into the play by plays of smashing two action figures together - HOWEVER - I will say that as a general rule the less omnipotent a hero is, the more interesting they are.
ReplyDeleteMuscles + (Crazy - respect for bill of rights) = Badass.
Unlimited powers + smug smile = Faggot.
Also, I have never understood the appeal of spiderman. The powers are neat but Peter Parker is so boring. Talk about someone who doesn't deserve powers and would be totally uninteresting without them. Plus the endless whining about how hard his life is and responsibility is hard etc.