Superhero Showdowns: 20 Comic Fights That Redefined Pop Culture!

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In today’s world, comic books stand as one of the most beloved brands, boasting millions of fans across the globe. What draws in new readers daily is the combination of intriguing characters, stunning artwork, and captivating narratives. While comic books vary greatly in numerous aspects, a significant number of them revolve around the clashes between groups of virtuous figures and villains, and it’s these epic battles that will be the main topic of our upcoming article. We are excited to present you with a compilation of the most legendary fights ever depicted in the realm of comic books.

In selecting the top 20 battles to feature on our list of iconic comic book fights, we focused on three fundamental aspects – the scale and intensity of the battle, its influence on the comics and the overall franchise, and its broader cultural significance throughout history. We didn’t restrict ourselves solely to American comics from DC and Marvel, but instead ventured globally in search of extraordinary clashes to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of some of the most memorable moments in comic book history.

The fights are not arranged in any particular order, so being first or last doesn’t mean it’s superior to another.

1. Batman vs. Superman (The Dark Knight Returns, 1986)

The Return of the Dark Knight (1986)

Authors: Frank Miller (writer, artist), Klaus Janson (inker)

Publisher: DC Comics

Result: Unresolved (If Batman hadn’t experienced a “heart attack”, he would have emerged victorious, thus allowing Superman to survive)

Frank Miller’s groundbreaking graphic novel, “The Dark Knight Returns“, fundamentally transformed Batman and reshaped the entire landscape of American comic books. This epic work paved the way for comics to be recognized as a legitimate medium capable of exploring deeper, more complex themes, particularly those dealing with darkness.

In this graphic novel, an older Batman is back to protect Gotham, but the storyline isn’t just about him; it also features a thrilling confrontation between two past teammates – Batman and Superman. Despite Superman’s conviction that he could overpower Batman in a solo battle, the Caped Crusader demonstrated his value yet again, employing his wit, strategic abilities, and technology to devise a strategy against Superman.

In one of the most iconic and renowned comic book battles, Batman, aided by Oliver Queen, overpowered Superman to the point of exhaustion. Subsequently, Batman experienced what seemed like a heart attack and appeared dead, leading Superman to believe that he had won the battle. However, it was later revealed that Batman was only feigning death.

It was uncovered that Batman had staged his own demise – a secret Superman would eventually uncover – and he used their battle as a warning to keep away, even though they both served the government at that time.

2. Superman vs. Doomsday (The Death of Superman, 1993)

The Demise of Superman (1992-1993)

Authors: Dan Jurgens (writer and artist), Brett Breeding (artist and illustrator)

Publisher: DC Comics

Outcome: Draw (both Superman and Doomsday died)

In my opinion, if you’re searching for the most awe-inspiring battle between Superman and one of his formidable foes, your quest ends here – it’s none other than Doomsday.

1993 saw DC Comics achieve immediate triumph with their narrative on Superman’s demise. It was the top-selling series then, generating extensive media attention due to its massive popularity.

In this graphic novel, Superman encountered his toughest and deadliest adversary – a Kryptonian beast known as Doomsday, which descended to our planet from the cosmos.

Unlike ordinary antagonists, Doomsday was no mere character. Instead, he was a formidable, genetically-engineered force, relentlessly pursuing the objective of chaos and devastation – and he most certainly lived up to that role.

Following a fierce confrontation, it became clear to Superman and Doomsday that the only solution was to eliminate each other. With their last ounce of strength, they delivered a decisive blow, ultimately succumbing to their injuries in a mutual demise.

In an intense showdown, Superman and Doomsday understood that the only way to bring the battle to an end was by taking each other’s life. They exerted all their might and struck a fatal blow simultaneously, eventually succumbing to their wounds in a simultaneous death.

The profound impact of Superman’s demise marked a pivotal moment in comic book lore, ranking among the most significant events. Despite this, the Man of Steel eventually resurfaced, continuing to protect Earth from various perils.

3. Captain America vs. Iron Man (Civil War, 2007)

Title: Civil War (2006-2007)
Authors: Mark Millar (w), Steve McNiven (p)
Publisher: Marvel Comics

Result: Captain America Emerges Victorious, Yet Chooses Mercy Towards Iron Man, Opting to Yield to the Authorities

Or in a more conversational style:
Captain America comes out on top in this battle, but he decides to show mercy to Iron Man and surrender to the authorities.

In the original Civil War comic storyline, published in 2007, the confrontation between Captain America and Iron Man was significantly different from what was depicted in the movie. While the fundamental conflict – a dispute between two superhero factions over the Superhero Registration Act – remains consistent, the comics portray a much larger event than the film version suggests.

In the decisive clash, Captain America squared off against Iron Man, effortlessly outmatching him; in acknowledgement of his defeat, Iron Man requested Steve to end his life. However, before Steve could comply, the crowd intervened.

During the climactic fight, Captain America overpowered Iron Man quite handily; Iron Man, conceding defeat, asked Steve to terminate him, but before Steve had a chance, the crowd stepped in.

After understanding that his battle had put those very individuals he sought to safeguard in harm’s way, it was at this moment that he honorably yielded and instructed his squad to cease their actions.

It’s worth mentioning that the movie’s conclusion deviated from the more noble portrayal we usually see. Despite being only depicted over a handful of scenes, the battle between these characters stands out as one of the most legendary and significant fights ever featured in comic books.

4. Wolverine vs. the X-Men (Old Man Logan, 2009)

Wolverine: The Aged Logan (Wolverine #70, 2009)

Authors: Mark Millar (writer), Steve McNiven (artist)

Publisher: Marvel Comics

This comic book titled “Wolverine: The Aged Logan” was published in issue #70 of Wolverine series, in 2009. It was written by Mark Millar and illustrated by Steve McNiven. The comic book publisher is Marvel Comics.)

Result: Wolverine “Victory” (Assuming he thought he had eliminated all the supervillains, Wolverine inadvertently massacred his own X-Men comrades instead)

The “Old Man Logan” storyline is one of Marvel’s most touching and daring yarns. Mark Millar showcased his extraordinary imagination through a narrative that traces an elderly Wolverine, now known as Logan, battling a gang of supervillains who have divided the Earth into four regions.

The significance of this detail isn’t as great as the events that lead to Wolverine’s apparent demise and the devastation of the X-Men. Essentially, when a horde of the most formidable villains struck to annihilate all superheroes, Wolverine was summoned to the X-Mansion, which was under siege by no less than 40 of the worst villains in existence.

Since none of the X-Men were around to lend a hand – they seemed absent for some reason – Wolverine lost control and mercilessly attacked and killed all 40 supervillains, unaware of the situation. As he dispatched Bullseye, his last foe, Wolverine suddenly regained consciousness and realized that the entire incident was a deceitful illusion orchestrated by Mysterio.

What was unknown to him was that instead of slaying a single supervillain, he had inadvertently eliminated 40 members of the X-Men, leaving himself as the sole surviving X-Man within the storyline. Despite being set in an alternate timeline, the grueling and sorrowful battle where Wolverine effortlessly took out his fellow X-Men warrants a place on our list.

5. Goku vs. Frieza (Frieza Saga, 1991)

Title: Frieza Saga (1991)
Authors: Akira Toriyama (w)
Publisher: Shueisha Publishing

Outcome: Son Goku Wins

A large number of Dragon Ball enthusiasts often refer to the battle between Son Goku and Frieza as the most awe-inspiring fight across the entire Dragon Ball universe. Since it is a part of the Dragon Ball Z series, this intense confrontation was spread out over an impressive 18 episodes in the anime adaptation and essentially served as the main event for the entire Frieza Saga in the manga.

In an extraordinary clash, the recovered hero from the series, Son Goku, squared off against the devastating alien, Frieza. This confrontation tested their utmost capabilities. At one juncture, Frieza demonstrated his full strength, while Son Goku astonishingly transformed into a Super Saiyan for the first time.

Even though “ordinary” Goku had numerous skills, he couldn’t compete with Frieza, a battle that could have spelled doom for our entire universe. However, once Goku transformed into Super Saiyan, he effortlessly defeated Frieza.

Goku extended compassion towards Frieza, trying to save his life, but ended up killing him when Frieza rejected mercy. Unbeknownst to Goku, Frieza hadn’t truly perished; instead, everyone assumed he was dead.

6. Naruto vs. Sasuke (Naruto, 2015)

Naruto Uzumaki!!!” (Volume 72, Chapters 692-700, Published by Shueisha in 2015)

Authors: Masashi Kishimoto (Writer and Artist)

Publisher: Shueisha Publishing

Outcome: Naruto Wins (by Sasuke admitting defeat)

Adored by many, Naruto has become a worldwide sensation, significantly boosting the recognition of anime and manga beyond Japan’s borders. Created by Kishimoto, this lengthy manga series centered around shinobi characters chronicles the escapades of Naruto Uzumaki and his companions as they strive to protect the ninja world from various perils.

Due to its focus on martial arts, this anime features plenty of battles, and choosing a standout one was tough. However, we’ve managed to select one. Although there were other fights that were equally or more spectacular, the climactic battle between Naruto and his long-time friend/rival Sasuke stood out as the most emotionally charged and significant fight in the series.

Over the course of eight chapters, Naruto and Sasuke put forth their maximum effort. However, as neither one was able to sustain further combat, Sasuke eventually conceded his loss.

The battle, which decided the fate of the ninja realm, ultimately resulted in Naruto and Sasuke making up and forming a friendship, thus providing a fitting, heartwarming conclusion to the entire storyline.

7. Batman vs. Darkseid (Final Crisis, 2009)

The Last Catastrophe (2008-2009)

Authors: Grant Morrison (writer), J.G. Jones, Marco Rudy (artists)

Publisher: DC Comics (Publishing Company)

Outcome: Batman Wins (with a little help from his friends)

DC Comics is well-known for their Crisis storylines, and “Final Crisis” is an instance of these epic events within their series. Grant Morrison’s intricate examination of DC Comics lore makes “Final Crisis” one of the most significant, yet also highly debated Crisis tales ever published.

In a universe where Darkseid releases the Anti-Life Equation on Earth, forcing the Justice League into another battle against this oppressive deity. Discovering his vulnerability in a somewhat contentious scene, Batman pulls out a gun loaded with Radion ammunition and fires at Darkseid’s chest, causing a mortal wound; essentially, Radion has the same effect on Darkseid that Kryptonite does on Superman.

In contrast with his typical approach, Batman rarely uses weapons or kills his adversaries. This unusual action sparked significant debate, as Darkseid isn’t your average villain in the world of superheroes.

In a chilling attempt to seize control over detective Dan Turpin’s body, Darkseid sought to transfer his own consciousness. However, before he could succeed, the swift actions of Barry Allen and Wally West, the dynamic duo known as the Flashes, intercepted him. They summoned the Black Rider to thwart the god of Apokolips, and in the end, Death herself claimed Darkseid’s life, putting an end to his malevolent reign.

Indeed, about Batman, he appeared to perish after being struck by Darkseid’s Omega Beam, yet what seemed like death turned out to be a journey through time instead. He found himself battling to return to the present era.

8. Thanos vs. Thanos (Thanos Wins, 2018)

Thanos Emerges Victorious (Thanos issues #13-18, 2018)

Authors: Donny Cates (writer), Geoff Shaw (artist and inker)

Publisher: Marvel Comics

Outcome: Thanos Wins (he had to, anyway)

The “Thanos Wins” five-part series, despite being somewhat gloomy, frightening, and undeniably overwhelming in power, offers an intriguing exploration of the character Thanos penned by Donny Cates.

This rephrased version aims to maintain the original’s meaning while making it more accessible and easier to read.

In this tale, an advanced version of Thanos, referred to as King Thanos, contacts his earlier self from another time to help him eliminate the Silver Surfer. During this wait, King Thanos reminisces about the destruction he caused in the universe, annihilating virtually every being, including Earth’s heroes, Galactus, the Asgardians, and essentially everyone else.

Only Hulk, currently held captive by King Thanos as a personal pet, Ghost Rider, who has sadly already met his end, and the Silver Surfer remain. Once the Silver Surfer is slain, Thanos will be able to reunite with Lady Death, the one love he’s ever known.

Hulk, being held captive by King Thanos, Ghost Rider who has already perished, and the Silver Surfer are the last ones standing. After eliminating the Silver Surfer, Thanos can reconnect with Lady Death, his one true love.

However, there’s a twist. To be with her, Thanos must sacrifice himself, but here’s the irony: the one who can take down Thanos is none other than – Thanos himself. This is the true motivation behind King Thanos’ summons of his younger self.

In a fierce battle, the duo clash violently, yet when it’s time for Thanos to slay King Thanos, he feels revolted by his frailty and decides against it, instead retreating to his own era, swearing never to emulate him.

While conversing with Lady Death, King Thanos starts to vanish, understanding that his younger counterpart successfully removed him from the timeline.

9. The Flash (Barry Allen) vs. Reverse-Flash (Eobard Thawne) (Flashpoint, 2011)

Title: Flashpoint (2011)
Authors: Geoff Johns (w), Andy Kubert (a)
Publisher: DC Comics

Result: The Reverse-Flash is Defeated, Barry Allen does not Emerge Victorious – Batman Prevails

In simpler terms, the villain, Reverse-Flash, loses the fight and doesn’t allow Barry Allen to win. Instead, Batman comes out on top.

For the first time on this list, we’re bringing up Geoff Johns, and it definitely won’t be the last. Geoff Johns has played a significant role in creating some unforgettable storylines in recent DC Comics, significantly impacting numerous stories, characters, and even the chronological flow of events.

In the narrative of ‘Flashpoint’, author Johns sent Barry Allen back in time to prevent his mother’s murder by Eobard Thawne, the villainous Reverse-Flash. However, this alteration led to an entirely new reality, which we came to know as the ‘Flashpoint Universe’.

In this version, Barry Allen doesn’t transform into The Flash; there is no Superman; instead of allies, Wonder Woman and Aquaman are sworn enemies and foes of the Justice League; Bruce Wayne was the one who died in Crime Alley along with his father, Thomas, who later took up the mantle of Batman, while his mother, Martha, suffered a mental breakdown and became The Joker.

Following a brush with death, Barry recovers his abilities and decides to aid the heroes of this particular timeline. However, his past as a time-traveler comes back to haunt him when Reverse-Flash reveals that this entire timeline was caused by Barry’s actions.

In a fierce, high-speed battle against Reverse-Flash, they found themselves locked in a bitter duel. It appeared that Reverse-Flash emerged victorious, but just as he was gloating, Batman unexpectedly appeared and plunged a sword into his chest. This unexpected intervention allowed Flash to travel back in time and rectify the timeline, which he successfully accomplished. However, it’s important to note that things would never be the same again.

To summarize, although Batman emerged victorious in their battle, the intense confrontation between Flash (Barry Allen) and Reverse-Flash (Thawne) is a notable inclusion on our list due to its profound impact on the DC Comics narrative. It continues to be one of the most significant tales within the DC universe.

10. Thanos vs. Odin (Warlock and the Infinity Watch, 1994)

The Warlock’s Adventure with the Infinity Guard #25 (1994)

Authors: Jim Starlin (writer), Angel Medina (artist), Bob Almond (inker)

Publisher: Marvel Publishing Company

Outcome: Odin Wins (although the fight is interrupted)

Instead of taking place in a grand spectacle, the renowned battle was showcased within an edition of “Warlock and the Infinity Watch,” penned by Jim Starlin – the same author behind “The Infinity Gauntlet.” The story unfolds when they transport a captive Thor to Asgard, prompting Odin to assault Adam Warlock, Thanos, and their companions.

In the heat of the battle, I found myself squaring off against the Mad Titan, but it was clear from the start that my power was no match for the All-Father’s might. As I hurled one attack after another at Odin, they seemed to have hardly any effect, while he effortlessly tossed me around like a mere plaything. The contrast in our abilities was stark and undeniable.

In an unprecedented clash, neither the joint assaults of Thanos nor the Silver Surfer could provoke so much as a flicker from Odin. What truly escalated this legendary battle was Thanos’ relentless determination to keep fighting, even in the face of defeat. This tenacity was so impressive that it compelled Odin himself to acknowledge Thanos as a formidable opponent, a testament to his strength and resilience, despite Odin’s full awareness of his own supremacy.

Odin was certain he could defeat Thanos, and moments before ending the battle, Lady Sif and Beta Ray Bill intervened. They revealed something important to him.

In essence, although Thanos didn’t surrender or perish in the fight, given that Odin clearly outmatched him in strength and ability, it’s fair to say that Odin can be considered the victor of this encounter.

11. Monkey D. Luffy vs. Charlotte Katakuri (One Piece, 2017-2018)

Title: One Piece (vol. 87-89, 2017-2018)
Authors: Eiichiro Oda (w)
Publisher: Shueisha Publishing

Outcome: Luffy Wins

In the world of “One Piece,” a significant and hotly disputed battle took place post-timeskip, with the main protagonist, Monkey D. Luffy, facing off against his sworn enemy, Charlotte Katakuri.

In the course of saving Sanji, Luffy regards Katakuri as his toughest challenge on the path to becoming a formidable pirate. Essentially, Katakuri’s Devil Fruit shares similarities with Luffy’s own, making him an essential adversary for Luffy. Additionally, Katakuri possesses the power of foresight, which makes him a particularly challenging enemy.

When it comes to saving Sanji, Luffy sees Katakuri as his most significant hurdle in rising through the pirate ranks. This is because their respective Devil Fruits are alike, making Katakuri an indispensable adversary for Luffy. Moreover, Katakuri’s ability to predict the future sets him apart as a particularly formidable foe.

In an extraordinarily intense battle, Luffy pushed past all limits and gave it his utmost effort to vanquish his adversary, a feat he accomplished, thus earning the admiration of Katakuri.

12. Batman vs. Bane (Knightfall, 1993)

Batman: Knightfall (1993-1994)

Authors: Doug Moench, Chuck Dixon, and others (writers), Jim Aparo and others (artists)

Publisher: DC Comics

Outcome: Bane Wins

The intense battle between Batman and Bane took place in issue #497 of Batman comics, penned by renowned writer Doug Moench. It was a significant encounter that played a crucial role in the unfolding storyline known as Knightfall.

In the 90s, this Batman storyline was a groundbreaking crossover event and is now one of the most cherished in the entire mythology. After battling numerous adversaries, a weary Batman encounters Bane, who not only poses a physical danger but also matches Batman’s intellectual prowess.

Bane deliberately set up a sequence of occurrences intended to deliver a weakened and powerless Batman to him, which he successfully achieved after brutally defeating Batman and fracturing his spine on his own leg, placing Batman’s life in grave peril.

1. Initially, Batman was rescued but was left as a paraplegic, allowing Bane to seize control of Gotham’s criminal underworld. Over time, Jean-Paul Valley (Azrael) assumed the role of Batman, while Bruce Wayne recuperated and eventually regained his vigilante abilities and powers.

2. After being saved but becoming paralyzed from the waist down, Batman gave way to Bane’s control over Gotham’s criminal underbelly. Subsequently, Jean-Paul Valley (Azrael) stepped into the Batman role, with Bruce Wayne eventually recovering and reclaiming his superhero abilities.

3. Initially, Batman was saved but left as a paraplegic, which allowed Bane to take over Gotham’s criminal underworld. Later on, Jean-Paul Valley (Azrael) took up the mantle of Batman, while Bruce Wayne recuperated and eventually reclaimed his crime-fighting prowess.

4. Batman was rescued but ended up paralyzed, enabling Bane to take control of Gotham’s criminal underworld. Eventually, Jean-Paul Valley (Azrael) took over the Batman role, with Bruce Wayne recovering and reclaiming his superhero abilities.

In a later installment titled “Batman: Legacy,” we find Bruce reprising his role as Batman for another showdown with Bane. The event known as “The Breaking of the Bat” stands out in comic book lore, as it was the first time a supervillain like Bane managed to defeat Batman, which is why it’s included on our list of notable moments.

13. The Universe vs. Thanos (The Infinity Gauntlet, 1991)

The Infinity Gauntlet (1991)

Authors: Jim Starlin (writer), George Pérez and Ron Lim (artists)

Publisher: Marvel Comics

Outcome: Thanos Loses

The Infinity Gauntlet served as the foundation for the initial major storyline of the Avengers movie saga (and the Marvel Cinematic Universe as a whole), and it ranks among the finest and most impactful tales in Marvel Comics history.

1991 saw the release of six issues featuring Jim Stalin’s narrative, which primarily revolves around Thanos, the Mad Titan, as he embarks on a mission to collect the Infinity Stones with the ultimate goal of dominating the entire cosmos.

Throughout this ordeal, Thanos engages in a succession of grand battles against not just the Avengers and various heroes, but also numerous cosmic beings like Chronos and Galactus.

As a cinephile eager to share my thoughts, I must say that the battles in this movie are nothing short of grandiose and breathtakingly massive – so much so, they’re best experienced collectively. The storyline culminated with an intriguing twist: Thanos manipulated Nebula into using the Infinity Stones to restore the universe to its original state prior to his conquest. Once this was achieved, Adam Warlock seized control of the Gauntlet.

Instead of choosing to remain imprisoned, it seems that Thanos takes his own life using an explosive device. In time, Warlock manages to bring the heroes back to Earth. At a later point, Thanos is discovered by Warlock, leading a simple life as a farmer on a remote planet.

14. Kira (Light Yagami) vs. N (Near) (Death Note, 2006)

Death Note”: “The End” (volume 12, chapter 107, 2006)

Authors: Tsugumi Ohba (writer), Takeshi Obata (artist)

Publisher: Shueisha Inc. (Publishing)

Outcome: N Wins

In this unique clash, you won’t find Kira and N exchanging blows or fists – instead, their battle is more akin to an extraordinary saga in the realm of manga.

This encounter between Kira and N deviates from traditional fighting – they never resort to physical combat – but it stands as one of the most legendary duels in manga history.

Since its initial release, “Death Note” has earned the status of a cult favorite. While it’s worth noting that the primary antagonist, Kira, who is indeed a serial killer, boasts an unusually large fanbase, the secondary protagonist, N, plays an equally crucial role in shaping the narrative.

While some devoted followers might view our decision as sacrilegious for placing N before L, we must assert that while L did eventually solve the mystery and his work was crucial in N solving the case in chapter 107, it was ultimately N who outsmarted Kira. Tragically, L passed away, even though he was always one step ahead of Kira; on the other hand, N lived, which is why he appears on our list rather than his mentor.

We’ve chosen to include this battle in our list as the climactic ending of Death Note, where Kira ultimately falls at N’s hands, is one of the most exciting and intriguing moments in manga history. While there are minor differences between the manga and anime endings, they don’t alter the core storyline.

This contest of intellect is arguably the most captivating in its genre, brimming with unexpected twists and turns, unanticipated results, and a conclusion – despite being expected – that remained uncertain due to the unpredictable nature of the series as a whole. Given these qualities, even though it doesn’t involve physical combat, we have chosen to include it on our list because it meets all the criteria mentioned.

15. Anti-Monitor vs. Darkseid (Justice League: The Darkseid War, 2015)

Justice League: The Battle Against Darkseid (Justice League issues #40-50, 2016)

Authors: Geoff Johns (writer)

Publisher: DC Comics

Outcome: Anti-Monitor Wins (with Darkseid dying)

Once again, Geoff Johns demonstrates his exceptional talent as one of the most creative writers in DC Comics’ storied history.

In the course of his work on the Justice League series, he proposed a battle between the powerful Darkseid and the cosmic entity known as the Anti-Monitor. This confrontation was orchestrated by Darkseid’s deceitful daughter, Grail, as part of a larger scheme.

The conflict among them reaches heroic heights, as the Justice League watches from the wings.

At a certain moment, Darkseid appears to have the advantage, preparing to claim victory. However, it’s at this critical juncture that the Anti-Monitor employs a unique tactic – merging the Flash with the Black Racer, a personification of Death and holder of the Anti-Life Equation, as granted by the Anti-Monitor.

As a captivated moviegoer, I find myself compelled to express my astonishment over an unexpected turn of events. In a riveting twist, the enigmatic Black Racer/Flash amalgamation took it upon itself to challenge the formidable Darkseid. To everyone’s amazement, this audacious confrontation culminated in the demise of the seemingly invincible Darkseid.

However, the tale does not end there; for Darkseid was subsequently resurrected. Yet, it is the sheer shock of slaying the omnipotent Darkseid, coupled with the grandeur and magnitude of the ensuing struggle, that has etched this battle indelibly into our collective memory.

16. Ken Kaneki vs. Kishō Arima (Tokyo Ghoul, 2014)

Title: Tokyo Ghoul (vol. 14, 2014)
Authors: Sui Ishida (w, a)
Publisher: Shueisha Publishing

Outcome: Arima Wins

Without a doubt, Tokyo Ghoul stands among the most beloved contemporary manga series, leaving many enthusiasts disappointed upon its conclusion in 2018. Masterfully crafted by Sui Ishida, this exceptional and distinctive tale transcended the pages of the manga to captivate audiences in an anime and live-action rendition, both garnering numerous favorable appraisals.

The story, Tokyo Ghoul, chronicles the journey of a young man named Ken Kaneki who undergoes a transformation into a Ghoul. Over time, he rises to become the One-Eyed King and plays a pivotal role in bridging the conflict between humans and these supernatural beings.

The franchise has built its reputation on a unique blend of ominous atmosphere, intriguing strangeness, intense battles, and a profound sense of tragedy, which are key to its success.

Among all the remarkable battles in the series, we found ourselves particularly drawn to the confrontation between Kaneki and Arima in volume 14. This wasn’t merely a clash of the most powerful characters, but a pivotal story development that significantly influenced subsequent events within the franchise.

In a decisive encounter, Arima overwhelmingly outmatched Kaneki. This significant clash played a pivotal role in shaping their relationship. Subsequently, they would clash once more, with Arima acknowledging to Kaneki that he was the only one capable of defeating him, even though this never came to pass (in their final battle, Kaneki chose not to kill Arima, leading Arima to take his own life in front of Kaneki).

17. White Lanterns vs. Black Lanterns (Blackest Night, 2010)

Title: Blackest Night (2009-2010)
Authors: Geoff Johns (w), Ivan Reis (p)
Publisher: DC Comics

Outcome: White Lanterns Win

The classic tale, “Blackest Night“, remains a cornerstone in the world of Green Lantern. Geoff Johns played a pivotal role in shaping today’s Green Lantern narratives, enriching the mythos and introducing various intriguing plotlines.

In a grand battle between Life and Death, DC’s superheroes found themselves facing off against the Black Lantern Corps, headed by Nekron. Despite the combined might of the Justice League and other Power Ring bearers, they faced significant challenges in their fight against Nekron. This continued until Hal Jordan harnessed the power of the White Lantern, symbolizing Life, which ultimately turned the tide of the battle.

As a supporter, I’d say: When I transformed into a White Lanent, Hal Jordan, I breathed new life into my companions. Together, we stood against Nekron and brought back countless allies who had fallen in battle. Sadly, Bruce Wayne was noticeably absent in this fight. This epic battle wasn’t just about deciding the fate of the universe; it was also one of the most treasured moments in recent DC Comics history.

18. Ichigo vs. Ulquiorra Cifer (Bleach, 2009)

Bleach”: Heart Chapter (Vol. 41, Issues #350-358, Published in 2009)

Authors: Tite Kubo (Writer and Artist)

Publisher: Shueisha Inc.

Result: Ichigo Emerges Victorious/Undecided (Ichigo managed to subdue Ulquiorra, yet spared his life because Ulquiorra was too weak to sustain himself anymore and disintegrated)

Bleach, a highly acclaimed manga and anime franchise, has been a fan favorite for years. The story revolves around Ichigo Kurosaki and his friends, with a strong emphasis on martial arts and sword-fighting sequences. Throughout its long run, the series showcased numerous unforgettable battles, but one stands out as the most spectacular.

In the heat of battle, I’m referring to the epic confrontation between Ichigo and Ulquiorra, a fight sparked by the capture of Ichigo’s beloved, Orihime Inoue. In an attempt to rescue her, Ichigo squared off against this demonic adversary. At first, it seemed like Ulquiorra held all the cards, as he managed to take Ichigo down using his Cero. But the power of Ichigo’s love for Orihime proved unyielding. Miraculously, Ichigo was reborn in his Hollow form, determined to continue the fight and save his beloved.

In the role of a hollow, he effortlessly overpowered Ulquiorra and severed him with a powerful blast of energy, leaving only his stump-shouldered body to perish. Yet, their intense battle was far from concluded. When the hollow Ichigo lost control of his abilities and prepared to annihilate Orihime with another Cero, Ulquiorra intervened by sacrificing himself to protect her – effectively “killing” Ichigo’s hollow form in the process.

Initially, Ichigo recovered completely and came back to life. Interestingly, Ulquiorra began to rejuvenate as well, but this time it was merely an illusion because he lacked the vitality needed for survival. Consequently, he began dissolving rapidly.

In the event that Ulquiorra dissolved during their fight, He begged Ichiro to take his life instead, as there would be no winner declared. However, Ichiro declined, unwilling to secure victory under those circumstances.

19. Deadpool vs. Everyone (Deadpool Killology, 2012-2013)

Deadpool’s Universe Obliteration Saga (Deadpool Destroys the Marvel Universe, Deadpool Illustrated, and Deadpool Kills Deadpool)

Authors: Cullen Bunn (writer)

Publisher: Marvel Comics

Result: Deadpool… emerges victorious? (Although he ends up killing everyone, including himself, it could be said that he wins in a twisted sense, if you will.)

This action-packed series, renowned for both its historical significance and over-the-top awesomeness, deservedly made our list. Everyone’s aware that Deadpool isn’t exactly mentally stable. But when you throw in the factor of immortality, it makes for a truly formidable adversary, no matter who you might be.

Starting in 2012, Cullen Bunn chose to portray Deadpool as a ruthless nihilist intent on eliminating every superhero and villain within the Marvel Universe – and true to form, Deadpool carried out this deadly mission. In the climax, he even took out the writers and issued a chilling warning to the reader.

Feeling quite melancholic, aren’t you? In the subsequent phase of his destructive rampage, this character embarked on a spree of annihilating various universes but surprisingly ended up eradicating the literary figures that greatly impacted the creation of many Marvel characters. Figures such as Captain Ahab, the Marsh sisters, Tom Sawyer, and others were among the casualties.

In the end, the virtuous version of Deadpool pursued the malevolent one, resulting in Deadpool killing Deadpool during the final instalment of the series. Although the battles were undeniably skewed towards Deadpool, they remain captivating and we can’t help but admire the anarchic mayhem they embody – hence, the reason this series has made it onto our list.

20. Batman vs. The Joker (Batman: Endgame, 2015)

Batman’s Final Battle: Endgame (Batman Issues #35-40, 2014-2015)

Authors: Scott Snyder (writer), Greg Capullo (artist), Danny Miki (inker)

Publisher: DC Comics

Result: Stalemate (Neither Batman nor The Joker was definitively victorious, as both seem to have perished within the cave, yet reappeared at a later time; nonetheless, The Joker’s scheme ultimately fell apart.)

Wrapping up our list, the Snyder-Capullo run on the primary Batman comic series culminated in the grand tale called “Endgame,” marking the much-anticipated final face-off between Batman and the Joker.

Making another appearance, now reborn with a vengeance, The Joker orchestrated a city-wide assault on Gotham, aiming to contaminate its inhabitants and transform them into crazed counterparts of himself.

Back again, this time rejuvenated, The Joker instigated a widespread attack across Gotham, with the intention of tainting its citizens and converting them into deranged duplicates of himself.

In a subterranean lair hidden beneath the urban landscape, Batman engaged in an epic struggle with The Joker – a confrontation that felt like a final showdown for both combatants. Remarkably, he was able to bring this conflict to an end.

In the heat of our latest encounter, neither Batman nor the Joker has faced such devastating harm before, leaving us both severely injured following an intense showdown that could only be described as epic. Eventually, resembling two weary warriors rather than adversaries, we reluctantly conceded a stalemate, and in the chaos of our battle, it seemed we succumbed to our wounds as the cave came crashing down upon us.

Undoubtedly, their return was inevitable, yet I can’t help but reflect on how that battle etched itself into the annals of comic book lore as one of the greatest epic encounters ever witnessed.

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2025-05-25 09:19