It’s that time time once again to step into the Awesome Arena and witness the action between our favorite villains and baddies! In our contests last week, Superman Prime collided head-on with the devourer of worlds himself, Galactus and, after a number of Earth shattering fists to Galactus’ vital organs, Prime has done what very few others have and defeated the purple giant! His next stop will be taking on the winner of last week’s second battle as round 2 continues. In last week’s second battle, Red Skull was completely humiliated by The Joker in a quick battle that saw Skull blasted in the face by Joker’s boutonnière full of acid. Red Skull then required full medical attention and will not be moving on to the second round of competition. Joker, on the other hand, will be taking on Superman Prime. Does Joker have what it takes? We’ll have to wait and see! Wondering what the current ladder looks like? Here’s a peek! As for this opening week of round 2, it’s Black Adam versus Lex Luthor and Dr. Doom taking on Magneto! Let’s get to it!
**Reminder: Round 2 battles are worth FOUR POINTS each! Make your picks wisely!**
Tournament of Evil: Round #2 - Battle #1
Black Adam (DC Comics) vs. Lex Luthor (DC Comics)

Combatant #1 - Black Adam
Comic Debut:
The Marvel Family #1 (December 1945)
Background:
Black Adam, originally known as Teth-Adam, was chosen by the wizard Shazam to be the bearer of his power by becoming his successor. After being given such a great deal of power, Adam’s thoughts turned to those of world domination, at which point Shazam then gave him the name of “Black Adam” and banished him to the farthest reaches of the universe. He spent the next 5000 years flying back to Earth where he would battle many heroes in the DCU but most notably, his apparent replacement, Captain Marvel.
Why He’s Here:
The events of the 52 crossover World War III speak volumes about Adam’s true intentions and character. After witnessing the death of his wife and brother, Adam takes his fury out on the many heroes of the DCU know stand in his way. During the fit of aggression, Adam kills two members of the Teen Titans along with many innocent people who just happen to be in the vicinity of his hate-filled outbursts.
Powers / Abilities:
- Superhuman strength, speed, stamina, physical and magical invulnerability, flight, fearlessness, and vast wisdom/enhanced mental perception
- Enhanced senses
- The ability to heal himself through magically empowered lightning
Combatant #2 - Lex Luthor
Comic Debut:
Action Comics #23 (April 1940)
Background:
Lex Luthor was abused as a child and raised in a very rough area of Metropolis. His view of living and of the world was extremely distorted because of his horrible upbringing which lead to the ultimate murder of his parents at his own hands by sabotaging the brakes of their car. Lex then lived with his relatives until he was old enough to receive the money that his parents were insured for. Years later, angry and bitter at the world, Lex built his LexCorp empire and, upon the first appearance of Superman, began his crusade to destroy the Man of Steel at nearly any cost.
Why He’s Here:
Well, for starters, Lex murdered his own parents. If that wasn’t enough, he’s cloned himself and waged war against Superman for nearly fifty years. He’s been made President of United States and was then removed from office by a number of heroes after he ordered the murder of Bruce Wayne’s lover, Vesper Fairchild. Lex Luthor is pure evil.
Powers / Abilities:
- Genius-level intellect
- Vast resources and personal wealth
- Access to advanced technology
- Expert level Machiavellian (Manipulation)
Black Adam vs. Lex Luthor
Tournament of Evil: Round #2 - Battle #2
Dr. Doom (Marvel Comics) vs. Magneto (Marvel Comics)

Combatant #1 - Dr. Doom
Comic Debut:
Fantastic Four #5 (July 1962)
Background:
Victor Von Doom and Reed Richards were both colleagues who attended the same University together. Following a horrible experiment gone wrong, in which Von Doom was left scarred and disfigured, he created a suit of armor that would be used to hide himself from the rest of the world. Doom soon lost complete control of himself and of his own mind as he began to despise and hate Reed Richards and many other people who had done very little to earn those feelings. Doom then devised many schemes to exact his revenge on the world as well as Reed Richards.
Why He’s Here:
In the 2003 storyline titled Unthinkable, which was written by Mark Waid, Doom kidnaps Reed and Sue Richards’ son Franklin and imprisons him in hell. If that isn’t reason enough to put the guy in this tournament, I don’t know what is.
Powers / Abilities:
- Genius-level intellect
- Command of magic
- Diplomatic immunity
- Powered armor
- Access to advanced technology
Combatant #2 - Magneto
Comic Debut:
X-Men #1 (September 1963)
Background:
Erik Lehnsherr, better known to the comic world as Magneto, was captured by the Nazis in the second World War along with his parents. After they were killed and he was sent off to a concentration camp, Erik learns of the mutant ability that he has which allows his to manipulate metallic objects around him when he loses control of himself and kills a mob of people in a fit of rage. As years passed, Erik developed a strong hatred for mankind and it’s horrible treatment of the mutants that were living amongst the normal people and would ultimately lash out at them in many different terrifying ways.
Why He’s Here:
Since his first appearance in X-Men #1, he’s been a constant thorn in the sides of all the X-Men including his friend Charles Xavier. While in more recent times, he seems to have changed his ways and taken a different path, there’s no telling when Magneto will revert to his old ways and challenge the X-Men for control once again.
Powers / Abilities:
- Magnetism manipulation
- Genius-level intellect
Dr. Doom vs. Magneto
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The Prizes:

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> Learn more about the Starman Omnibus









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