BATTLE ISSUES!
It probably goes back to one of the most fundamental arguments we all had during childhood:
“Who could beat who?”
“Do you think Superman could take Underdog?”
“Don’t be stupid—Underdog is a cartoon character!”
But that flawed logic never stops the debate. Superheroes, whose entire purpose is to beat the stuffing out of bad guys, are naturally going to inspire fanboy (and fangirl) arguments about who would win in a head-to-head showdown. Comic publishers quickly caught on—and have happily cashed in by creating epic “versus” battles that live on in comic book history.
Here are some of the most iconic matchups:
Superman vs. The Amazing Spider-Man (1976)
A joint venture between DC and Marvel, this oversized edition is the great-granddaddy of all mega-fights. Drawn with cinematic flair by Ross Andru and inked by Dick Giordano, it deserved the special treatment.
Sure, it’s a completely mismatched fight—until Lex Luthor temporarily supercharges Spidey with Kryptonite-strength—but let’s be honest, most of these crossovers end in a draw anyway. Analyzing it: Superman obviously outpowers the teenage Spider-Man, but his Midwestern decency would probably stop him from actually hurting a kid. And Spidey? He’s a softie under the mask too. So… draw.
Batman vs. The Incredible Hulk (1980)
Another DC/Marvel crossover, this one made fans laugh at the very idea: Batman vs. the Hulk?! But don’t count out the Dark Knight. Batman cheats to win—and that’s why he’d beat just about anyone.
Using brains over brawn, gadgets over brute strength, and some well-placed Krav Maga, Batman actually takes down the Jade Giant. Don’t underestimate Gotham’s greatest detective.
Superman vs. Captain Marvel – Superman #276 (June 1974)
Before Shazam was fully folded into the DC Universe, this “what if” style match pitted Superman against his once-legal rival, Captain Marvel (renamed Captain Thunder for this issue).
Their fight echoed their real-world legal battle from the Golden Age of Comics—where Superman also emerged victorious. A clever wink to comic history, this match offered a preview of a rivalry that would later become canonical.
The Hulk vs. The Thing – Fantastic Four #12 (March 1963) and beyond
No two heroes have fought each other more often than Marvel’s heavyweights: the Incredible Hulk and the ever-lovin’ blue-eyed Thing.
Back in the early ‘60s, they were both closer to man-sized, but over time, they bulked up—especially Hulk, who eventually towered over Ben Grimm. Their endless slugfests continue to this day, with no clear winner in sight. And that’s exactly how fans like it.
Wolverine vs. The Hulk – Incredible Hulk #181
Often misquoted as Wolverine’s first appearance (technically, he debuts in issue #180), this issue kicked off one of Marvel’s most savage rivalries.
Wolverine, introduced as a much smaller figure, faces off against the Hulk in a brutal brawl. The outcome? Another classic draw. Over the years, they’ve clashed dozens of times, and each fight is a must-read.
Daredevil vs. The Hulk – Daredevil #163
Frank Miller’s legendary run on Daredevil includes this underrated gem: a hopelessly outmatched Daredevil takes on the Hulk.
The fight itself lasts all of three minutes. The rest of the issue is DD recovering in the hospital. But the emotional weight, the artwork, and the pacing are why Miller’s run is considered so iconic.
Superman vs. Batman – The Dark Knight Falls (1986)
Another Frank Miller classic, this one brings us DC’s ultimate showdown: Superman vs. Batman.
Armed with strategy, tech, and grit, Batman not only holds his own—he nearly wins. That is, until fate (and a heart attack) intervenes. It’s one of the most enduring rivalries in comic history, and Miller’s interpretation remains the gold standard.
