The opening round is over and the winners now move on towards the title of Arena Champion. Last week, we saw Sentry fall to the power of Superman in a very close contest that was decided in the closing hours of the battle. Wondering what the current ladder looks like? Here's a peek. As for this week, we got our first quarter-final match-up between Batman and Martian Manhunter. Let's take a look at this week's competitors, shall we?
Combatant #1 - Batman
First Appearance:
Detective Comics #27 (May 1939)
Background:
He's frickin' Batman. What else do you need to know? Orphaned as a boy, Bruce Wayne dedicated his life to fighting crime and cleaning up the streets of Gotham City. If you didn't know this already, please leave. I'm just kidding. Please stay.
Powers & Abilities:
- Genius-level intelligence
- Master detective
- Master escapist
- Peak human physical condition
- Martial arts master
- Access to high tech equipment
Combatant #2 - Martian Manhunter
First Appearance:
Detective Comics #225 (November 1955)
Background:
J'onn J'onzz was accidentally teleported to Earth, from Mars, by Dr. Mark Erdel who died moments after the teleportation took place. Manhunter, using his shape-shifting powers, takes on the appearance of the Doctor and conducts his business in the shadows until he finally reveals himself to the world and becomes a part of the Justice League of America.
Powers & Abilities:
- Superhuman strength, speed, durability, flight and longevity
- Telepathy
- Shape-shifting
- Martian vision (The ability to see through solid objects/generate optic heat beams)
The Fight:
Many people seem to have the idea that Batman can literally think his way out of anything. Would he be able to out-think a telepathic Martian? I have my doubts. To be honest though, Batman's battle far stronger people and come out on top so you can't completely count him out. Like always, this battle comes down to you! Make sure you cast your vote and see to it that only the best of the best is crowned arena champion!
As usual, if you’re a part of the Awesome Arena pool, make sure you let us know who you’ve got your money on this week by leaving a post on For The Love of Comics or on this site. In order to successfully keep track of the points, CrackerBob will probably need to know who you're picking. Unlike Manhunter, he's not telepathic.
Result: Batman defeats Martian Manhunter and moves on to the next round.
Voting is currently closed!
16 Comments, Comment or Ping
May 5th, 2008
“… all I need to stop you is a penny for a pack of matches!”
- The Batman
May 5th, 2008
If he’s fighting someone from the Justice League, Batman doesn’t need to think of a plan on the spot; he already knows how to take them down. Thus, MM’s telepathy is of no help. Batman wins.
May 5th, 2008
As Batman told Martian Manhunter in A New Frontier:
“I got a million ton radioactive asteroid to handle the one in Metropolis, all I need for you is a penny for a pack of matches”
Batman has plans in place to take down pretty much everyone in the DCU, with the possible exceptions of The New Gods or EVERYONE taking him on at once.
Upgrade the pack of matches to a flamethrower and the fight is over fairly quickly.
May 5th, 2008
Heh… as Robert and Taylor said before me.
May 6th, 2008
Taylor, are you making a run for the prizes or are you just playing along for fun?
Just wondering if I need to start tracking points for you, since you’ll be due points this week if you want them.
May 6th, 2008
I’ve been saying it all along that no matter what I am voting for Batman. I have the utmost faith in the Bat. So with that said, Batman wins this. No Questions asked. I’ll be back with my write up and pimpage.
May 6th, 2008
I’m just playing along for fun.
May 7th, 2008
Pimpage: http://facelessesoteric.wordpress.com/2008/05/08/round-9/ (Still shitty I know haven’t bothered working on it)
http://www.comicvine.com/myvine/MidKnight/blog/&blogId=29344
Breakdown:
Martian Manhunter stands alone in the ring. “Batman is not one to be late like this..” He thinks to himself as the match has been delayed for over half an hour. Little does he know that Batman is directly over his head perched in the rafters planning his attack. He knows that if he is to take down an opponent such as J’onn J’onnz he needs to take him by surprise. After all; is there any other way to beat someone who can read your mind?
Suddenly the arena goes black, Batman has cut the lights. Manhunter suddenly knows that he is not alone in the ring as he feels sharp, shooting pains throughout his body. The lights come back on and the Manhunter is riddled with Batarangs. Batman swoops down from the rafters and kicks Manhunter in the chest. Manhunter is down… but not for long. Manhunter goes intangible and sinks through the ring and Batman scowls.
Manhunter floats up behind the Batman and strikes him down to the ground and demands that he submit or be hurt. Batman looks Manhunter in the eye, “I’ll take my chances.” He says as he pulls out several smoke grenades without J’onn knowing. They ignite into a cloud of grey. Blinded; Martian Manhunter fumbles around searching for the Bat. Batman teases the Martian, “You’re holding back.” He says, as the smoke begins to clear, “Say J’onn, did your little fear of fire ever die away? Or are you just really good at hiding it?” The ring is encircled by giant flames, Manhunter’s greatest fear is now a terrible reality. Surrounded he falls to his knees with agony and fear in his eyes. There is nothing the Manhunter can do, he’s paralyzed with fear….
Batman wins, but there will be no celebrating for the Dark Knight. Not even satisfaction, nobody likes fighting a teammate. Batman disappears into the night and the flames subside, leaving an emotionally broken J’onn J’onns in the center of the ring. Huddled in the fetal position, sobbing.
May 8th, 2008
Taylor, if you change your mind and want to make a go at it, just let me know and remind me to come back here to award you the two points you’d have coming for picking Batman.
MidKnight, you’re really going for those five bonus points, aren’t you?
May 8th, 2008
What can I say? It feels good being #1 and I want to stay there lol. But it’s also Batman here, come on now. What kind of Batman obsessed fanatic would I be if I didn’t give him a proper right up?
May 8th, 2008
Write up* I need to pay more attention while typing.
May 9th, 2008
*Wonders where AJ is*
May 10th, 2008
Yeah, I wonder where I’ve been too.
I’m taking Bats this week, like basicly everyone else. Be back with my write up in a little.
May 10th, 2008
Breakdown -
Batman and Martain Manhunter step in to the Arena. They circle one another slowly and silently, both preparing to strike. The Manhunter remains intangible in preperation for an attack.
“We don’t have to do this you know.” says Bruce.
“It appears that we do.” Says a suspicious J’onnz.
“No, look, I’ve got it all figured out. You just have to trust me.”
Batman quickly and quietly explains a highly detailed and seemingly fool-proof plan to free themselves and all the other heroes from these sick and twisted geeks that have them trapped. Finally, and hesitantly, the Manhunter agrees and becomes tangible again.
BAM! Batman punches him in the face, knocking him to the ground, while at the same time pulling some kind of weapon from his utility belt and shooting MM.
Martain Manhunter reacts a few seconds to late, attempting to go intangible. He is not only still solid, but now in the worst pain of his life.
“Nanites” Batman explains, “I’m sorry J’onn, I really ment everything I said. I needed to, of course, to get you to believe me, but thats not the point.”
J’onn tries to go intangible again, and fails screaming.
“Please stop that.”
“Bruce -”
“J’onn please, this is hard enough without you pleading.”
Bruce takes a small bottle from his belt, and slowly begins pouring the contents in a cicle around Martain Manhunter, and then on top of MM himself.
“What are you doing?” he says, frightened.
“You know what I’m doing. I’m sorry J’onn. I hope you understand.”
He flicks open a lighter, and drops it to the ground. A bright flames spring to life immediatly, and J’onn screams. He tries to go intangible, only to be injured by the technology immobilizing him.
As his friend burns, Bruce Wayne walks in to the darkness, where he belongs.
May 11th, 2008
Dude, Aj, good write up, but as the Batman obsessed fanatic that I am I have to admit it kind of offends me lol. You made Batman kill Manhunter? Kinda made him seem like Tony Stark there too lol. I don’t know which is more offensive, making him kill or giving him the personality of Iron Man. Good write up though.
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