Bam Smack Pow comic book tournament: The Geniuses Tier 1

As the Bam Smack Pow comic book tournament continues, I realize that popularity isn’t alwasy the winning factor here. For example, the Shang-Chi defeated the more popular Gambit 66% to 34%; Shang-Chi is popular (even more so now thanks to his MCU movie), but Gambit has always been one of the most beloved X-Men, which is why many might consider this a surprise.

We’ve seen round 1 of the superheroes, supervillains, and, superhero fighters brackets. Before we jump into the next chapter, let's look at the results of the supervillain fighters tournament.

• Ra's al Ghul over The Gorgon (74% to 26%)
• Lady Shiva over Bane (83% to 17%)
• Shredder over Kraven the Hunter (52% to 48%)
• Lady Deathstrike over Taskmaster (52% to 48%)
• Cheetah over Sabretooth (68% to 32%)
• Mystique over Green Goblin (53% to 47%)
• The Joker over Bullseye (62% over 38%)
• Deathstroke over Deadshot (76% to 24%)

Now it’s time for a series of fights that are more about brains than brawn. It’s the battle of the geniuses. However, we still can’t discount the fighters who can fight and use their brains. 

How were the brackets created?

Wondering how we put the brackets together? Well, let's think of this like a sports trounament. The character at the No. 1 spot fights the character in the last, No. 2 fights second-to-last, etc. Now, even if you’re in last place, that doesn’t automatically mean you’re the worst. Factors such as major victories, power sets, and popularity are considered.

If you're wondering why popularity is a deciding factor in the ranking, it’s simple. A less-than-popular character doesn’t get the same exposure as others. That’s why Wonder Woman is always involved in a major storyline. Not only is she one of the strongest and best fighters in comics, she’s beloved. Now, take someone like Invincible, who grows into a great hero and one of the strongest in all of comics; he also hasn’t been around as long as most people on this list. That matters.

Then, and this could be the most important, there’s personality. A character is more than their powerset. Victor von Doom is a genius who should’ve been the Sorcerer Supreme years ago. The problem is his arrogance. That personality trait is why he continues to lose Reed Richards. There are also heroes and anti-heroes like John Constantine. Is he a better magician than Dr. Strange? Probably not, but he’s willing to fight dirty and use other people to win. That has to be considered.

1. The Maker vs 16. The Riddler

The Riddler has outsmarted Batman before, but The Maker isn’t the Dark Knight. The Ultimate Universe’s Reed Richards is more than willing and able to kill Edward Nygma. Maybe Nygma can pull something that Reed's never seen? We'll have to wait and see if that "something" is a victory.

2. Reed Richards vs No. 15 Cable

People forget that Cable was raised in the future and knows technology that the present hasn’t seen. On the other side of this match is the smartest man in comics, the typical Reed Richards. This will come down to whose tougher rather than their inventions.

No. 3 Ozymandias vs 14. Cyborg

This seems one-sided until you remember that Cyborg has battled Lex Luthor, Trigon, and Amanda Waller. Watchmen's Ozymandias is faster and smarter and beat Dr. Manhattan, but does he think on his feet as quickly as Cyborg? Plus, Cyborg has a Boom Tube.

No. 4 Victor von Doom vs 13. Hank Pym

Normally I’d try to play both sides of this, but this is Dr. Doom vs Hank Pym. Pym is a certified genius who created Pym Particles. You can’t take that away from him. Nevertheless, this is Doom, the Sorcerer Supreme and former God of the Marvel Universe. We know how this is going to end.

No. 5 Black Panther (T’Challa) vs 12. Mister Sinister

Mister Sinister has access to almost every mutant power on the planet. Black Panther’s intellect is miles above Sinister, he’s a better fighter and braver. This comes down to power vs skill.

No. 6. Lex Luthor vs No. 11. Blue Marvel

When Black Panther and Reed Richards are stumped, they go to Blue Marvel. Depending on who you ask, Lex Luthor is smartest person in DC Comics. If Lex can figure out the source of Blue Marvel’s powers during the match, Luthor wins. Otherwise, this Blue Marvel wins quickly.

No. 7 Mr. Terrific vs No. 10 Amadeus Cho

Just because Amadeus Cho is a Hulk doesn’t mean this match is a forgone conclusion. Mr. Terrific can outsmart Luthor in more than a few ways, so he would be a formidable warrior here. However, Cho is still a Hulk.

No. 8 Shuri vs No. 9. Iron Man (match of the bracket)

Can Shuri hack Tony Stark’s armor? Is Tony’s Iron Man suit more than Shuri’s technology can handle? What happens if both of them are without their toys? This match is a must-see and it would likely be a classic!