Bam Smack Pow comic book tournament: Villain fighters Tier 1

The Bam Smack Pow comic book fighting tournament continues. So far we’ve seen some upsets like No. 1 ranked Superman losing to No. 16 Doctor Strange during round 1 of the superheroes bracket. However, on the villains' side, Homelander lost to Doomsday. The only shocking part is Homelander getting votes.

The next bracket was the superhero fighters. Things were more balanced this time. Here are the results

• Shang Chi over Gambit (66% to 34%)
• Midnighter over Green Arrow (53% to 47%)
• Wolverine over Black Canary (63% to 37%)
• Batman over Nightcrawler (73% to 27%)
• Spider-Man over Gamora (78% to 22%)
• Captain America over Daredevil (73% to 27%)
• Elektra over Nightwing (55% to 45%)
• Cassandra Cain over Iron Fist/Danny Rand (81% to 19%)

Now that round one of the hero fighters is over, lets move on to the supervillain fighters. How will some of the most well-known supervillains fare when put up against each other? Let's find out.

How were the brackets created?

These brackets are bit like sports tournaments. The hero at the top spot fights the person in the last, second takes on second-to-last, etc. Just because you’re in last place, however, doesn’t mean you’re the worst. Things like major victories, power sets, and popularity are considered.

Yes, popularity is also a major factor. If you're wondering why that is, it’s simple: A lesser-known character just doesn’t get the same exposure as others and thus doesn't reach as wide an audience. 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. He grows into a great hero and one of the strongest in comics. But he hasn’t been around as long as most people on this list and isn't quite as well-known. That matters.

Then, and this could be the most important, there’s the personality to consider. 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. Deathstroke vs 16. Deadshot

This would easily be the most entertaining fight in this bracket. Deadshot’s aim is the best in comics and he's smart enough to stay far away from Deathstroke and his blade. However, trying to do something and actually doing it aren’t the same thing. Deathstroke is the world’s greatest assassin. He’ll find a way to gain an advantage.

There is no doubt about it: This would be the showdown that people would be talking about.

No. 2 The Gorgon (Tomi Shishido) vs No. 15 Ra’s al Ghul

Tomi Shishido has super speed and strength, can read minds, and turn someone to stone by looking at them. Ra’s al Ghul has been around for centuries and knows more about strategy than others forgot. This is closer than you think.

No. 3 Lady Shiva vs No. 14. Bane

Lady Shiva is one of the most dangerous fighters in comics. Bane has broken Batman. As strong as the masked mercenary is, Lady Shiva is more skilled. There may not be enough venom in the world to beat her. However, if Bane grabs her once, the fight could be over.

No. 4 Shredder vs No. 13. Kraven the Hunter

Don’t underestimate either person. Kraven is one of the few people who’ve hunted and beaten Spider-Man. Shredder regularly fights and defeats the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. This will be a bloody and hard-fought match.

No. 5 Taskmaster vs No. 12 Lady Deathstrike

Lady Deathstrike has taken Wolverine to the brink of death. Taskmaster fought an entire Avengers roster at once. Can Taskmaster use his photographic reflexes to figure out Deathstrike’s moves, or is Yuriko Oyama too much to handle?

No. 6 Cheetah vs No. 11 Sabretooth

It’s a battle of the clawed animals. Sabretooth has a strength advantage and a better healing factor. Meanwhile, Cheetah is faster and has beaten Wonder Woman. Not many people can say that. The voting in this fight may well be the closest in the supervillains’ fighter bracket.

7. Mystique vs No. 10 Green Goblin

Mystique isn’t stronger or faster than the Green Goblin, but she plays mind games better than anyone. If she turns into the right person, the fear will make Norman act irrationally. Although, the Skrulls tried this (Thunderbolts: Secret Invasion) and were immediately killed.

No. 8 Joker vs No. 9 Bullseye

Both villains have taken their respective rivals to the edge of death. The Joker has given The Dark Knight more trouble than any of his villains, and Bullseye has been an equally formidable foe for Daredevil. Bullseye should be favored on skill, but never, ever underestimate The Joker. The Clown Prince of Crime has beaten and outsmarted Batman before. Sure, Bullseye is more skilled, but comic book fans have seen Bullseye run from a fight when he's scared. Can Joker terrify Bullseye so much that he misses?

Who are you voting for? Are you rooting for the best fighters or your favorites? Let us know on the Bam Smack Pow Instagram and Twitter.