Infinite Wars: X-Men vs Magneto

THE X-MEN versus MAGNETO
Fatal Attractions: Dreams Fade (Marvel comics)
Where: X-Men #25 When: October 1993
Why: Fabian Nicieza How: Andy Kubert

The story so far...
Growing ever tired of the struggle between human and mutant, Magneto declares himself and his intentions to the X-Men at the funeral of Illyana Rasputin. It is here that Colossus shocks his colleagues by defecting.

More powerful than ever, and intent on ending his war with humanity, Magneto poses a greater threat than ever before. With that in mind, the world initiates the Magneto protocols in an attempt to exile him from the Earth.

A net is relayed around the globe, designed to affect Magneto's powers within the electromagnetic field of the Earth. Magneto penetrates it, and bathes much of the world in a technology destroying pulse. His hand forced, Professor Xavier forms a crack team to infiltrate Magneto's stronghold, and put an end to their feud once and for all.

Full Article: http://secretearths.blogspot.com/2006/11/x-men-versus-magneto-fatal-attractions.html

Infinite Wars: X-Men vs The Brotherhood of Evil Mutants

THE X-MEN versus THE BROTHERHOOD OF EVIL MUTANTS & NAMOR
The Sub-Mariner joins the Evil Mutants (Marvel comics)
Where: X-Men #6 When: July 1964
Why: Stan Lee How: Jack Kirby

The story so far...
Once friends, two of the Earth's most powerful natural forces - Professor Charles Xavier, and the man called Magneto - become bitter enemies as they are divided by philosophy.

Forming their own mutant factions, each pledged to their own ideals of a better world for mutantkind, they come to blows as rivals.

In these formative days, both Xavier and Magneto consider the possibility that the legendary war hero - the Sub-Mariner - may in fact be a mutant, and thus begins a race to pledge the mighty warrior to each other's cause. Will the stubborn ruler succumb to Magneto's deception, or recognise the righteous path of Xavier? Stay tuned!

Full Article: http://secretearths.blogspot.com/2006/11/x-men-versus-brotherhood-of-evil.html

Infinite Wars: Daredevil vs Tombstone

DAREDEVIL versus TOMBSTONE
The Devil Takes a Ride Part 2 of 5 (Marvel comics)
Where: Daredevil #90 When: December 2006
Why: Ed Brubaker How: Michael Lark & Stefano Gaudiano

The story so far...
Having escaped jail, Matt Murdock is on the trail of the mysterious Alton Lennox in an effort to discover the identity of the person who has been toying with his life, and is responsible for the near-fatal attack on Foggy Nelson.

His travels take him to Europe, specifically Portugal, where DD finds himself sidetracked into helping a damsel in distress with a familiar scent.

When Tombstone intervenes, DD is stretched to the limit, but things may not be as they seem.

Full Article: http://secretearths.blogspot.com/2006/11/daredevil-versus-tombstone-devil-takes.html

Infinite Wars: Raiden vs Scorpion

RAYDEN versus SCORPION
Tao (Malibu Comics)
Where: Mortal Kombat: Blood & Thunder #5 When: November, 1994
Why: Charles Marshall How: Kiki Chansomone

The story so far...
For centuries the purity of Mortal Kombat has preserved peace and order among the realms, requiring ten tournament victories of any invading force.

Each tournament spans a generation, and after nine victories, the Shokan champion Goro was defeated by Earthrealm champion and descendant of Kung Lao - Liu Kang. Thus, Shao Kahn and the forces of Outworld are thwarted.

The chosen warriors of Mortal Kombat exist beyond the tournament, and when Kano steals a powerful mystical book known as the Tao Te Zhan, it begins a new battle for omnipotence. When Scorpion steals the book one of seven riddles has already been solved, and he has just solved the second...

Full Article: http://secretearths.blogspot.com/2006/11/rayden-versus-scorpion-tao-malibu.html

Infinite Wars: Batman vs Catwoman

MONTHLY PUNCH-UP #11 (November, 2006)
BATMAN versus CATWOMAN
Dark Moon Rising
Where: Batman: The Mad Monk #1 When: October 2006
Why: Matt Wagner How: Matt Wagner

Quick Fix...
Alright, I didn't get a lot for Christmas, but among the few comics I got were four issues of Batman and the Mad Monk. I haven't had the chance to read through them all yet, but this issue caught my eye straight away for the opening pages, which detail the fight we're discussing here.

The general gist of these Wagner mini-series [the previous being Batman and the Monster Men - Speak to the Manager, Mike] is to canonize stories inspired by the Golden Age of Batman, whilst placing them in a contemporary interpretation; ala Year One.

I have to admit, I'm a fan who's pretty content with a too-serious-for-his-own-good take on the Batman, so a more transparent Batstory about monsters and cults isn't usually my cup of tea. I can appreciate these pulpy Golden Age stories for what they are, but prefer to leave them there.

That said, Wagner's pencils look great, if a little shakey in a vein not dissimilar to Howard Chaykin at times. This is particularly noticable against a Chaykin-esque eighties colour palette, although, Cameron Stewart's colours are generally more diffused and mat, which is much more to my liking. This rings true of the Year One inspirations.

Full Article: http://secretearths.blogspot.com/2006/11/monthly-punch-up-11-november-2006.html