Comic Book Club
Battle of the Heroes (…and Villains)
Today we are going to answer one of the most important questions in comic book history, “Who is
the most awesomest comic book character ever created?” What exactly makes a character the most
awesomest? There are many qualities that characters must exhibit which contribute to his/her/its
“level of awesomness.” Some of these qualities include: intelligence, backstory, agility, plotlines,
allies, nemeses, catch phrases, group affiliation, costume, and, of course, superpowers. Given the short
amount of time we have, we are going to focus on one quality of awesomeness and that quality
is…SUPERPOWERS!
Part I. Conducting Research
Each of you will select a character. You will then be pitted
against another student/character in the club. Using a
Chromebook, you will research the “superpowers” of your
character and the powers of your opponent. You will then write
down the five strongest arguments you have explaining why
your character would defeat your opponent’s character in battle.
In order to win, you must thoroughly research both your
character and that of your opponent.
For the purpose of this assignment, you are encouraged to use
Wikipedia when conducting your research. The Wikipedia page
for most comic book characters contains a section devoted to
superpowers. You must work quickly, as you will only have 15
minutes to research and write your arguments. You will be given
a research form on which you can write down all of the
information you collect.
When conducting your research you should
consider the following:
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What are your character’s
weaknesses?
Who has previously defeated your
character in past storylines? How
was your character defeated? What
could your character have done
differently?
What are your character’s
strengths?
What is the most powerful thing
your character has been able to do?
Who has your character defeated in
previous battles?
You should research the same questions
about your opponent
Part II. Formulating Your Argument
Before you write your arguments, think about the information you collected (the answers to the
research questions). Ask yourself, what are some of the things my character could do which would
result in my opponent’s certain defeat.
1. Using her power over the earth’s crust, Terra Markov hurls a rock at Storm’s head, knocking
her unconscious. Terra wins!!!
2. Terra Markov could use her powers over the earth’s crust to create an earthquake, which
would trap Storm* under a pile of rubble. Storm’s fear of claustrophobia (fear of enclosed
places) would prevent her from using her power over the weather. Terra wins!!!!
*Storm was grocery shopping and not expecting an attack…or an earthquake.
More on the Back!
After completing your arguments, you will present them to a panel of comic book experts.
The experts will then vote to determine the winner for each battle.
Rules of Battle
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You cannot create imaginary powers for your character. Character can only access powers
which can be evidenced in comic books (characters cannot use powers found only in fan
fiction).
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Characters can access powers used in other media featuring the characters (i.e. powers
possessed by characters in film, cartoon, etc…)
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Character can access any power they have possessed (character does not have to currently be
in possession of power for use in this battle).
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Character cannot rely on help from allies or sidekicks. Character must battle without any
back-up.
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All rulings of the Supreme Judge are final.
Not sure which character you want to select? This character bank may help you make a decision.
Future Comic Book Club Topic: Great Debate – Pick a Question
Who is faster – the Flash or Superman? Who is a better detective – Batman or Spider-man? Who
would win in a fight – Thanos or Hulk? Who is the best burglar – Catwoman or Black Cat? Select a
question and research and defend a position.
Comic Book Club
Research Form:
Battle of the Heroes (…and Villains)
Name of Character:
Superpowers (describe all of
the powers that your character
possesses)
Weaknesses (identify any
specific weaknesses that your
character possesses)
Important Victories (describe
all important victories that
your character has
accomplished)
Terrible Defeats (describe all
important loses that your
character has sustained)
More on the Back!
Name of Opponent:
Superpowers (describe all of
the powers that your
opponent possesses)
Weaknesses (identify any
specific weaknesses that your
opponent possesses)
Important Victories (describe
all important victories that
your opponent has
accomplished)
Terrible Defeats (describe all
important loses that your
opponent has sustained)
How Would Your Character Defeat Your Opponent in Battle?