Cosmix Madness Tournament – Round One
Marvel Comics Region

The characters in the Marvel Comics Region represent the second set of characters to hail from one of the “Big Two.” You’ll see match-up’s that tap into past histories (Wolverine vs. Cyclops) and you’ll also see match-ups that just aren’t natural, for heaven’s sake (Spider-Man vs. Galactus)!

Voting on the first round matchups in the Marvel Comics Region has officially ended!

The Results:

• Captain America (1) defeated Daredevil (16) by a vote of 53 – 38.
• Spider-Man (2) defeated Galactus (15) by a vote of 60 – 32.
• Thor (3) defeated Deadpool (14) by a vote of 63-29.
• Iron Man (4) defeated Professor X (13) by a vote of 64 – 28.
• Wolverine (5) defeated Cyclops (12) by a vote of 57 – 34.
• Hulk (6) defeated Norman Osborn (11) by a vote of 75 – 15.
• Doctor Doom (7) defeated Punisher (10) by a vote of 53 – 36.
• Magneto (9) upset Nick Fury (8) by a vote of 61 – 30.

Thanks for voting. And remember, it’s a wide open question and you can choose your own criteria as to who the best comic book character is: the strongest, smartest, your own personal favorite, whatever!

The second round begins on Tuesday, March 9, and only the best will survive!

Captain America (1) vs. Daredevil (16)

Captain America

Character History: Captain America first appeared in Captain America Comics #1 (March 1941), from Marvel Comics’ 1940s predecessor Timely Comics, created by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby. He is one of the most recognizable characters in all of comic books, with a costume that bears an American flag motif and armed with an indestructible shield.

For nearly all of the character’s publication history Captain America was the alter ego of Steve Rogers, a sickly young man who was enhanced to the peak of human perfection by an experimental “Super Soldier Serum” in order to aid the United States war effort. An intentionally patriotic creation who was often depicted fighting the Axis powers of World War II, Captain America was Timely Comics’ most popular character during the wartime period. After the war ended, the character’s popularity waned and he disappeared by the 1950s (aside from an ill-fated revival in 1953).

Captain America was reintroduced during the Silver Age of comics when he was revived from suspended animation by the superhero team the Avengers in The Avengers #4 (March 1964). Since then, Captain America has often led the team, as well as starred in his own series. Steve Rogers was apparently killed in Captain America vol. 5, #25 (March 2007), although he was later revealed to be alive. In any case, the Captain America series continues with Rogers’ former sidekick, James “Bucky” Barnes, having taken up the mantle.

Why He Should Win: Captain America fans, this is your time. Cap fans may not have the numbers of fans of Spider-Man or Batman, but they love that character like nobody’s business. Why? Because he represents everything that’s good and possible and right in the world. He’s like the old Army motto: “Be All You Can Be.” Except he takes that motto to a different level. The image of Cap jumping out of a WWII plane SANS PARACHUTE is about as cool as it gets.

 

– VS –

 

Daredevil

Character History: Matt Murdock, aka Daredevil, was created by writer Stan Lee and artist Bill Everett, with some help from Jack Kirby, and first appeared in Daredevil #1 (April 1964).

Daredevil, like many other super heroes, was born from personal tragedy.  When he was young, a truck carrying radioactive materials crashed and doused him in the chemical, causing him to lose his eyesight, while augmenting his other senses to superhuman levels.  As if that weren’t enough, his father, a struggling boxer, was killed by the mob after refusing to throw a fight. Using this as his drive, he trained his body and senses to work for him and became the defender of Hell’s Kitchen in New York, while practicing law during the day.  He took on the mantle of Daredevil, and now fights the seedy element that took his father’s life.

The Man Without Fear continues his crusade now, through an endless whorde of gangsters, corruption and super villains. Though he cannot always punish those he must through law as Matt Murdock, Daredevil cleans the streets of any other evil.  He most notably fights Kingpin, the ultimate mob boss and a perpetual thorn in his side. But his most notorious adversary is Bullseye, the ultimate assassin, who once claimed the life of Daredevil’s love, Elektra. Their bitter struggle gave us some of the best comics stories of all time and birthed the era of grim and gritty comics. He now currently wages war on those who prey on Hell’s Kitchen by way of The Hand, his one time adversaries, as he leads them to do his good deeds as Lord of The Hand.

Why He Should Win: Daredevil has been one of comics’ consistently best characters throughout his existence. He is one of Marvel’s most interesting heroes and has also had some of the best talent ever assembled on one character, including Brian Michael Bendis, Ed Brubaker, Andy Diggle, David Mack and Alex Maleev. But not only that, he is willing to do what he must for what he believes is right, be it sacrificing his personal life or partnering with those he hates most.

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 Who’s Better?

Spider-Man (2) vs. Galactus (15)

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Spider-Man

Character History: Spider-Man is another creation of Stan Lee, with artist and co-plotter Steve Ditko. He first appeared in Amazing Fantasy #15 in 1962 and the story of teenager Peter Parker becoming Spider-Man is a modern day classic.

Parker is introduced as an orphaned science whiz teenager living with his aunt and uncle in the Forest Hills section of New York City. He is a brilliant student but the subject of mockery by his peers who regard him as a bookworm, and perpetual victim of bullying. One day he is bitten by a radioactive spider during a science demonstration. As a result, he gains spider-like powers such as super-strength, the ability to climb walls, and a phenomenal jumping skill. Peter’s own intelligence allows him to develop gadgets which fire adhesive webbing.

When Spider-Man first appeared in the early 1960s, teenagers in superhero comic books were usually relegated to the role of sidekick to the protagonist. The Spider-Man series broke ground by featuring Peter Parker, a teenage high school student to whose “self-obsessions with rejection, inadequacy, and loneliness” young readers could easily relate. Unlike previous teen heroes such as Bucky Barnes and Robin, Spider-Man did not benefit from being the protege of any adult mentors like Captain America and Batman, and thus he had to learn for himself that “with great power comes great responsibility” — a line that was actually included in a text box in the final panel of the first Spider-Man story, but later retroactively attributed to his guardian, the late Uncle Ben.

Spider-Man is one of the most popular and commercially successful superheroes of all-time. As Marvel’s flagship character and company mascot, he has appeared in many forms of media, including several animated and live-action television shows (with a particularly memorable theme song), and a successful series of films starring actor Tobey Maguire.

Why He Should Win: I think of all the superheroes in the tournament, Spider-Man is probably the one who’s easiest to relate to. He’s a normal kid just like you and me (at least like you and me once were) and he has all the same problems: girls, money, life. He just also happens to have spidery abilities. And he’s not fighting in outer space either; he’s on the streets of New York. He’s the one who makes you think, “You know, that COULD happen to me!” He really is the a superhero for all people. It’s nearly impossible not to vote for Spider-Man here.

 

– VS –

 

Galactus

Character History: Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, Galactus debuted in Fantastic Four #48 (March 1966), the first of a three-issue story later known as “The Galactus Trilogy.”

Debuting in the Silver Age of Comic Books, Galactus has appeared in over four decades of Marvel continuity, also starring in a self-titled one-shot publication Super-Villain Classics: Galactus the Origin #1 (May 1983) – reprinted as Origin of Galactus #1 (Feb. 1996) – and the limited series Galactus the Devourer (Sep. 1999 – March 2000).

Galactus, aka The World Devourer, came to Earth to feed of its energies. But before he ever came, he sent his herald, the Silver Surfer, to let him know the planet was ripe for the picking. But the Fantastic Four, with help from Uatu the Watcher and a reformed Silver Surfer, drove Galactus from the planet. But that wasn’t the end for Galactus. He has since proved to be a major pain in the rear end for all of Marvel’s cosmic characters, with no plans to slow down.

But what makes Galactus such monster? Well that can be answered by three simple words: the Power Cosmic. This is what gives him all his amazing abilities. He can create life, transport matter, even entire galaxies, through space, time and dimension, and manipulate people in anyway he chooses. He is a god, and you do not want to be in a galaxy near him when he comes to dine on his next planet.

Why He Should Win: Take one look at him. He is the epitome of galactic evil. He is not restrained to the Fantastic Four, or the United States, or even Earth. He is the single greatest threat in the universe, let alone our galaxy. And it’s that fact which puts him in Cosmix Madness. Plus his nickname is The World Devourer.

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 Who’s Better?

Thor (3) vs. Deadpool (14)

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Thor

Character History: Thor first appeared in Journey into Mystery #83 (August 1962), created by Stan Lee, Larry Lieber and Jack Kirby.

Thor’s father Odin decides his son needs to be taught humility and consequently places Thor (without memories of godhood) into the body and memories of an existing, partially disabled human medical student, Donald Blake. After becoming a doctor and thoroughly believing himself to be the young surgeon Blake, he later discovers Thor’s disguised hammer and learns to change back and forth into the Thunder God. The real Blake’s persona remains elsewhere until many years later, after Odin becomes satisfied of Thor’s humility and lifts the spell, thereby removing the need for a mortal alter ego.

Even though Thor, for a time, was sans a human alter ego, he never forgot Earth, known to him and the other Norse gods as Midgard. Thor may hail from Asgard, but he protects both realms with equal compassion. From recently reviving his fallen comrades in the aftermath of Ragnarok or fighting Dr. Doom, frost giants, Galactus or his evil half brother Loki, he is a true hero of two realms.

Debuting in the Silver Age of comic books, the character is based on the Thor of Norse mythology. Thor has starred in several ongoing series; several limited series and has been a perennial member of the superhero team the Avengers, appearing in each of the three titles. The character has also appeared in associated Marvel merchandise including animated television series; clothing; toys; trading cards and video games.

Why He Should Win: Thor is not only worthy of his godhood, but also of the Cosmix Madness title. The God of Thunder is one of the most powerful beings in all the cosmos, but it is his compassion for his allies that makes him a true hero. He fights valiantly for both Earth and Asgard. Plus, think back to when Iron Man was Director of SHIELD and Thor returned. Stark says hey, I need you to register. Thor responds by smacking him across the face with Mjolnir. He delivered what every comic fan wanted, and gave us one of comic’s coolest moments.

 

– VS –

 

Deadpool

Character History: Wade Wilson, aka Deadpool, is the comedic Merc With a Mouth who first appeared in New Mutants #98 (February 1998) and created by writer Fabian Nicieza and artist Rob Liefeld.

Originally conceived as a villain to fight the New Mutants, Deadpool’s popularity changed the original intention for the character. His personality as a wise cracking hitman who will take any job if the money was right was develpoed during his successive guest appearances, mini-series and solo series. But not only is he a mercenary, he’s a pretty dangerous one at that. A product of the Weapon X program, Wade Wilson sought a cure for his terminal cancer, and made a deal with Weapon X for treatment in exchange to try out their experiments on him. They endowed him with the ability to regenerate, but it causes him to have disfiguring scars in the process, leaving him deformed. However, it proves handy in the world of assassins, as he has survived numerous cuts, bullet holes and decapitations.

Deadpool may be one of the world’s greatest assassins, but he is also one of Marvel’s best comedians. Rivaling Spider-Man in the zingers department, as well as his conversations with his inner voices, a zombie head version and his knack for breaking the fourth wall, he is definitely one of the best wise crackers. But not only can he go toe-to-toe with Spidey in the comedy department, he also goes up against some of Marvel’s toughest on a regular basis: Wolverine, the Hulk, the Thunderbolts and an entire Skrull warship. Deadpool has survived it all, and there is no way to slow him down.

Why He Should Win: What’s not to like about Deadpool? He’s a gun-toting, sword-wielding, wisecracking and ass-kicking mercenary from Weapon X. He’s been in as many books as Wolverine, has at least three ongoing series and a friggin’ cool costume. He’s killed Skrulls, stuck it to Norman Osborn and has never shut up while doing it. Which adds up to a recipe for awesomeness..

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 Who’s Better?

Iron Man (4) vs. Professor X (13)

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Iron Man

Character History: Iron Man made his debut  in Tales of Suspense #39 in 1963. He was created by Stan Lee, scripter Larry Lieber and artists Don Heck and Jack Kirby.

Born Anthony Edward “Tony” Stark, he is an industrialist playboy and genius engineer who suffers a severe heart injury during a kidnapping in which his captors attempt to force him to build a massively destructive weapon. He instead creates a powered suit of armor to save his life and escape captivity. He later decides to use the suit to protect the world as Iron Man. Through his multinational corporation, Stark Industries, Tony created military weapons and his own metal suit is laden with technological devices that enable him to fight crime.

Initially, Iron Man was a vehicle for Stan Lee to explore Cold War themes, particularly the role of American technology and business in the fight against communism. Subsequent re-imaginings of Iron Man have gradually removed the Cold War themes, replacing them with more contemporary concerns such as corporate crime and terrorism.

Throughout most of the comic’s history, Iron Man has been a member of the superhero team the Avengers and has been featured in several incarnations of his own various comic book series. The character has been adapted for several animated TV shows and films. The character is portrayed by Robert Downey, Jr. in the live action film Iron Man and features briefly in The Incredible Hulk; Downey will reprise the role in the upcoming sequel, Iron Man 2.

Why He Should Win: In many ways, Iron Man is the Batman of the Marvel Universe: a billionaire playboy with no superpowers, using his mental prowess (and a cool suit) to fight the forces of evil. Plus he does enjoy a drink every now and then.

 

– VS –

 

Professor X

Character History: Professor Charles Xavier, also known as Professor X, is the leader and founder of the X-Men, first appearing in X-Men #1.

Throughout most of his comic book history, Xavier is paraplegic, although his body houses one of the world’s most powerful mutant minds. As a high-level telepath, Xavier can read, control and influence human minds. A scientific genius, he is also a leading authority on genetics, mutation, and psionic powers.

Xavier’s goals are to promote the peaceful affirmation of mutant rights, to mediate the co-existence of mutants and humans and to protect society from antagonistic mutants, including his old friend, the militant Magneto. To achieve these aims, he founded Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters (later named the Xavier Institute) to teach mutants to explore and control their powers. Its first group of students was the original X-Men. Xavier’s students consider him a visionary and often refer to their mission as “Xavier’s dream.” He is highly regarded by others in the Marvel universe, respected by various governments and trusted by several other superhero teams, including the Avengers and the Fantastic Four.

Why He Should Win: As the founder of the X-Men, one of the most pivotal teams in the Marvel Universe, Xavier strives to bring his dream to fruition. But besides mutants, he has had a profound impact on the world at large as well, with his involvement in the Illuminati, the Shi’Ar Empire and his endless battle to end Magneto’s oppressive goals. But besides that, he’s in charge of the most popular super hero team of all time. FACT.

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 Who’s Better?

Wolverine (5) vs. Cyclops (12)

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Wolverine

Character History: He might rank as the only Canadian in our tournament. He’s Wolverine. First appearing in Incredible Hulk #180 (October 1974), Wolverine has grown to become the most popular member of the X-Men by far.

Born James Howlett and commonly known as Logan, Wolverine is one of the Marvel Universe’s many mutants, possessing animal-keen senses, enhanced physical capabilities, retracting bone claws, and a healing factor that allows him to quickly recover from virtually any wound, disease or toxin, also enabling him to live beyond a normal human lifespan. This healing ability enabled the supersoldier program Weapon X to bond the near indestructible metal alloy adamantium to his skeleton and claws without killing him.

Though he was created by writer Len Wein and John Romita Sr., he may owe more to writer Chris Claremont, who brought him on board of the X-Men’s “All New, All Different” roster in 1975’s Giant-Size X-Men #1. Frank Miller collaborated with Claremont and helped to revise the character with a four-part limited series in 1982 in which Wolverine’s catch phrase, “I’m the best there is at what I do, but what I do isn’t very nice,” debuted.

Wolverine has been featured in his own solo comic since 1988 and has been a central character in every X-Men adaptation, including animated television series, video games, and the live-action 20th Century Fox X-Men film series, in which he is portrayed by Hugh Jackman.

Why He Should Win: In poll after poll, Wolverine is ranked as the #1 comic book character of all-time. Why? I guess the simple answer is: he’s just a badass, that’s why. He isn’t afraid to tell you what he thinks, and he never hesitates when action is called for.

 

– VS –

 

Cyclops

Character History: Cyclops, also known as Scott Summers, was created by writer Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, first appearing in The X-Men #1 (September 1963).

A mutant, Cyclops produces powerful “optic blasts” from his eyes, forcing him to wear specialized glasses at all times and a specialized ruby quartz visor in combat. His powers may have led to his inhibited, meticulous character. These same qualities, however, have made him an ideal leader for the X-Men. He is the son of Corsair of the Starjammers; the brother of Havok and Vulcan; the father of Cable; and the widower of Madelyne Pryor and Jean Grey and a long time friend with Beast. In alternate realities, he has also been the father of Marvel Girl and Ruby Summers, and the biological parent to X-Man and Cable’s clone Stryfe.

The first X-Man recruited by Charles Xavier and one of the original five X-Men, Cyclops has had a large presence in X-Men-related comics since their inception. He has also been featured in almost every adaptation of the team in other media.

In practically every incarnation of the character, he has almost always been shown to be not only Charles Xavier’s most loyal student, but also the one who most believes in his dream of mutant and human equality. His loyalty to Xavier has cost him dearly from time to time, yet the character remained by Xavier’s side until recently. In turn, Xavier is known to view Scott as one of his most (if not the most) prized pupils, and looks upon Scott not as a mentor to protege, but rather as a father to a son.

Why He Should Win: He’s the leader of what could be the most popular superhero team ever. He does have a tough draw against Wolverine, but he’s not bitter about it.

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 Who’s Better?

Hulk (6) vs. Norman Osborn (11)

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Hulk

Character History: Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, and first appearing in 1962’s The Incredible Hulk #1, Hulk is one of the best-known and most-loved creations in the Marvel Comics stable.

The origin is pretty simple: withdrawn and reserved physicist Dr. Bruce Banner is accidentally exposed to the blast of a test detonation of a gamma bomb he invented. Shortly after, Banner transforms into the giant, raging, monster known as the Hulk. But he does become Banner again and the transformation to and from the Hulk is completely involuntary. Needless to say, this leads to extreme complications in Banner’s life.

Although the Hulk’s coloration has varied throughout the character’s publication history, the most consistent shade is green. As the Hulk, Banner is capable of significant feats of strength, which increases in direct proportion to the character’s anger. Strong emotions such as anger, terror and grief are also triggers for forcing Banner’s transformation into the Hulk. A common storyline is the pursuit of both Banner and the Hulk by the police or the armed forces, due to the destruction he causes.

Hulk first captured the imagination of the public at large when he was portrayed by Lou Ferrigno in a live action television series. He’s also been in several movies, most recently portrayed by Ed Norton.

Why He Should Win: In recent times, and strictly speaking of comics, the strongest argument can be made with World War Hulk and Planet Hulk. Those stories alone are responsible for bringing numerous people back on board with the mean green machine. But when it comes to his overall history and impact on comics and pop culture, the Hulk can’t be underestimated. It’s a tale written straight from the id – you make me mad, I turn into a mean monster – and that’s something I think everyone can get behind.

 

– VS –

 

Norman Osborn

Character History: The Green Goblin first appeared in The Amazing Spider-Man #14 (July 1964), and and was created by writer Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko. Norman Osborn debuted in The Amazing Spider-Man #23 (April 1965.)

The Green Goblin and Norman Osborn have both proven to be two of the best villains, both separately and together. The Goblin, much like many superheroes, hid his true identity from the world for a great length of time. This was something new to readers, and not only did Spider-Man not know who this new villain was, neither did readers.  They were kept in the dark for a long time, eventually finding out that Osborn, father of Peter Parker’s best friend Harry, was the Goblin, adding a touch of personality to the villain. But it wouldn’t be the last time the Goblin made a personal mark on Peter. Though he struck at Peter repeatedly through Harry, he was also one of the first villains in comics to make their feud personal. He trailed Spider-Man to discover his true identity, and subsequently kidnapped Peter’s girlfriend, Gwen Stacy. After throwing her from the George Washington Bridge, Spidey tried to save her with a webline, but catching her may have caused a fatal snap of her neck. Grief stricken over not knowing who had killed her, himself or the Goblin, Peter has used this moment as fuel to continue his fight.

The Goblin died by his own hands at the end of that storyline, but came back to cause Spidey plenty more distress over the years, until Osborn eventually became leader of the newly reformed Thunderbolts. Using these reformed supervillains to round up registration offenders, Osborn tried to mask his past, but the Goblin has always tempted him. He has since taken over HAMMER, the replacement for a defunct SHIELD, and is now leader of super human affairs, after firing the kill shot to end the Skrull invasion of Earth. Now known by his new persona, the Iron Patriot, Osborn continues to abuse his power and proves to be a global threat, not just a personal one to Peter Parker.

Why He Should Win: Every comic reader loves to hate this character. He has caused more personal trauma to Spider-Man than any other villain, but he doesn’t stop at Spider-Man. He has taken his evil to new heights by being in control of one of the most powerful agencies on the planet, while bringing along some other super villains to help. And no single character, besides Osborn, has ever personally changed the entire face of a comic book company like Osborn did with his Dark Reign.

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 Who’s Better?

Doctor Doom (7) vs. Punisher (10)

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Doctor Doom

Character History: Victor von Doom was created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, first appearing in Fantastic Four #5 (July 1962). A recurring supervillain and leader of the Marvel Universe nation of Latveria, Doom is both a genius inventor and a sorceror, and has fought numerous other superheroes in his various plots for power and/or revenge over the years.

Lee established Doom’s origins as the son of gypsies, born decades ago in Latveria when it was ruled by an unnamed nobleman called the Baron. Doom’s mother was a witch, a fact his father tried to hide from the young boy; when his father is killed by the Baron’s men unjustly, Doom discovers his mother’s occult instruments and swears revenge on the Baron. Doom grows into a headstrong and brilliant man, who attracts the attention of the dean of Empire State University. Offered the chance to study in America, Doom leaves his homeland behind and meets a fellow student named Reed Richards, though Doom disregards his peers.

Richards tries to warn Doom about continuing a flawed experiment to communicate with the dead, but Doom continues on; the resulting explosion severely damages Doom’s face. Expelled after the accident, Doom travels the world, eventually being found by a clan of monks in Tibet. Mastering the monks’ disciplines, he becomes their master and forges himself a suit of armor, complete with a mask that can only be removed by him. Doom then returns to menace those he feels are responsible for his accident – including Reed Richards of the Fantastic Four.

Why He Should Win: He is by far the greatest of the Fantastic Four villains and easily one of the greatest overall villains in history. You can put him up against almost any character and easily see him coming out on top. He is Doom! Show some respect.

 

– VS –

 

Punisher

Character History: The Punisher (Frank Castle) was created by writer Gerry Conway and artists John Romita, Sr. and Ross Andru. He made his first appearance in The Amazing Spider-Man #129 (February 1974).

The Punisher is a vigilante who considers killing, kidnapping, extortion, coercion, threats of violence, and torture to be acceptable crime-fighting tactics. Driven by the deaths of his family, who were killed by the mob when they witnessed a gangland execution in New York City’s Central Park, the Punisher wages a one-man war on the mob and all criminals in general by using all manner of weaponry. His family’s killers were the first to be slain. A war veteran, Castle is a master of martial arts, stealth tactics, guerrilla warfare and a wide variety of weapons.

The Punisher’s brutal nature and willingness to kill made him a novel character in mainstream American comic books in 1974. By the late 1980s, he was part of a wave of psychologically troubled antiheroes and was featured in several monthly publications, including The Punisher War Journal, The Punisher War Zone, and The Punisher Armory. Despite his violent actions and dark nature, The Punisher has enjoyed some mainstream success, including several movies.

Why He Should Win: Hard not to love the Punisher’s “take no prisoners” mentality. In a world where “zero tolerance” doesn’t mean very much, it’s nice to think of someone like Frank Castle who really does have zero tolerance. If you’re involved in a criminal enterprise in New York City, you better believe the clock is running on you.

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 Who’s Better?

Nick Fury (8) vs. Magneto (9)

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Nick Fury

Character History: Created by Jack Kirby and Stan Lee, Nick Fury first appeared in Sgt. Fury and his Howling Commandos #1 (May 1963), a World War II combat series that portrayed the cigar-chomping Fury as leader of an elite U.S. Army unit.

A few years later, in Strange Tales #135, Fury was transformed into a James Bond-like spy and leading agent of the fictional espionage agency SHIELD. The character makes frequent appearances in Marvel comic books as the head of SHIELD and as an intermediary between the U.S. government or the United Nations and various superheroes.

More recently, following the events of Secret Invasion, during an infiltration and elimination of a covert SHIELD base in Chicago, Fury discovers that SHIELD is, and always has been, secretly controlled by HYDRA. These days, a distraught Fury now plans to use his Secret Warriors to combat the renewed HYDRA threat..

Why He Should Win: Nick Fury is almost always one step ahead of you. He’s one of the savviest cats in the Marvel Universe and if you think you can outsmart in games of international espionage, you’re sorely mistaken.

 

– VS –

 

Magneto

Character History: Magneto made his first appearance in X-Men #1 back in 1963, another creation by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby. A powerful mutant with the ability to generate and control magnetism, Magneto has been the X-Men’s most prominent enemy ever since his first appearance.

In his early appearances, his motives were bent on megalomania, but writers have since fleshed out his character and origin, revealing him to be a Jewish Holocaust survivor whose actions are driven by the purpose of protecting the mutant race from suffering a similar fate.  This makes him a sympathetic character, but don’t let him fool you: he is one person you do not want to cross. From multiple versions of the Brotherhood of Mutants, attacks on the X-Men and humans, Magneto is one of the most devious and calculating enemies in all of comics.

Magneto is passionate about mutant rights, so much so in fact that it drove a permanent wedge between him and his best friend, Professor Charles Xavier. Their differing views on what is right for Mutant-kind have led to a lifelong bitterness between the two, one which has been paid for by their followers. The X-Men and Magneto, along with his various teams, have had many violent clashes since Magneto and Professor X parted ways. But Magneto will never end his struggle against those who persecute his own kind, a true testament to his character.

Why He Should Win: Magneto’s role in comics is clearly that of the villain, but for many people he’s considered to be more of an anti-hero or even hero, because, as Stan Lee himself has said, he’s not necessarily a bag guy; he just wants to defend his own kind. He’s done some incredible things in comics and he easily ranks in the top tier of comic book characters all-time.

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 Who’s Better?