JohnnyChany

My knowledge of Drako is lacking, but from what I have seen and read I think Gamora can still put him down.

Predictabo!! Great match, RakaiThwei. I first looked to the arc thus far and saw that Leonardo lost to the only fighter to canonically defeat Gesse, Terry Bogard. I also saw he tied against Geese's son, Rock. So, story wise, he does not have any inherit advantage. Skill wise, I think it will be very close. I'm picking Geese because I think his defensive abilities may throw Leo off. The man could parry Rage Arts in Tekken which was wild.

Happy Valentine's Day everyone

Wow! Didn't realize the Dark Angel was winless in the CBUB. But I think Max can get her first one here. If the parameters are evading capture from Kim Possible, I believe she has the skills to do that.

Gambit, Yugi Mutou, and Ace watched intently the fight between Zuo Ci and Oswald. Several large cards swirled around Zuo Ci as he battled against his dapper opponent. Zuo Ci shot them at the retired hitman. Oswald used his incredible agility and dexterity to avoid the attack by spinning around to avoid the cards. Zuo Chi changed tactics and the cards fell to the ground spawning specters of warriors from the Three Kingdoms era of China. Oswald was unphased by the display of wizardry and went to work dispatching Zuo Ci’s specters. With a quick flick of the wrist, Oswald threw out his own playing cards like they were shuriken at the ghostly warriors, cutting through and disintegrating them with ruthless precision. Oswald clocked Zuo Ci watching him with a serene confidence as he finished off the Taoist magician’s summoned army. He decided to put his all into a surprise attack to take command of the fight. Oswald twirled toward Zuo Ci and unleashed his strongest technique, the Royal Flush attack. “I’ve got you now,” he declared. Oswald threw every card in his deck at Zuo Ci in quick succession, each card lodging into Zuo Ci’s body like axes in a log. Suddenly, Zuo Ci dissipated into vapors revealing itself to be another specter. The real Zuo Ci appeared behind Oswald. “Not quite,” he retorted. He knocked Oswald off his feet and into the air with a large tornado style gust of wind. Zuo Ci’s large cards swirled around him at a great speed producing an ethereal purple glow. The purple energy exploded on contact with the falling Oswald. Zuo Ci walked forward, using great concentration to keep the energy ring produced by his cards around him. He used the ring of energy to juggle Oswald in the air for several seconds, before finally letting him fall to the ground. Oswald, in great pain and discomfort, conceded the fight. “You may have seen a lot in your time, but you require much more experience to fight against the likes of me,” stated Zuo Ci. Gambit clapped his hands. “Bravo. Bravo. Oswald, you might be an even quicker dealer den me, but it did not save you here. Zuo Ci hit you with the gris-gris.” Oswald grumbled his discontent. “Ok. Ace, Yugi, tis your time to shine,” Gambit announced. Ace stepped forward. He was still weary of the situation he had found himself in but remained interested in seeing how good a fighter Gambit was. Also after what he had just witnessed,, he wanted a chance to test his training against Zuo Ci. Yugi did not move. “I believe I was invited here by mistake,” Yugi protested. “I’m not a fighter, I’m a duelist.” “No need to fret, mon ami. Fight with what you have. All dem monster cards are legal in dis tournament,” Gambit reassured. “But Duel Monsters cards are meant to duel against other Duel Monster cards. Casting them against a human could be very dangerous,” Yugi insisted. “I’m an Agito cadet,” Ace corrected. “Raised and trained specifically for war. I have fought against all sorts of monsters and giant mechs, your cards don’t intimidate me.” “You see, no need to hold back here,” said Gambit. “And Ace will only target your deck since you are clearly no fighter yourself. But, you should also know that this won’t be turn-based combat. You better be ready to think on your feet and be aggressive. If Ace reaches you while you're going through your cards, tis game over. Sound good?” “Works for me,” confirmed Ace. Thinking of it as a unique way to work on his dueling strategy actually excited Yugi and some confidence began to rise inside him. “Ok I’ll do it,” he exclaimed.

The dazzling lights of the "Be My Valentine" set flickered to life, casting a warm glow on the heart-shaped decorations that adorned the stage. The studio audience buzzed with excitement as they eagerly awaited the start of the new dating game show. The camera focused on the alluring, voluptuous host standing at the center, Ivy Valentine. Ivy stared at the audience with her striking blue eyes behind her short silver hair that covered half her face. Never bashful about flaunting her stuff, Ivy chose a somewhat more modest gameshow host suit in her traditional purple color scheme. "Hello, lovely viewers! Welcome to 'Be My Valentine,' where love takes center stage. I'm your host, Ivy Valentine, and we've got a special treat for you tonight!" she announced. The camera zoomed in on Ivy as she introduced the evening's contestant. "Let's give a warm welcome to the brooding and mysterious Vincent Valentine.” The crowd erupted in cheers as Vincent, dressed in black with gold boots and a tattered red cloak, made his way to the center of the stage. Ivy smirked when she noticed that she and Vincent had similar gold gauntlets on their left hands that went up most of their arms. “Why don’t you tell the audience a little bit about yourself,” said Ivy. Vincent spoke in a somber, solemn tone. “I spent most of my young adult life as a Turk for the Shinra Electric Power Company, where I was tasked with things like espionage, kidnapping, assassination, fetching things for the President, whatever the company needed. That was until I became an unwilling lab rat and sealed myself in a coffin until quite recently.” “Oooh a man of mystery and some inner darkness. How fascinating,” Ivy remarked. “I hope we can find you a suitable partner. Let’s say we get started, shall we?” Vincent nodded and Ivy pointed him in the direction of his heart shaped seat where he sat. The camera then followed Ivy to the other side of a red folding screen adorned with hearts. “Now let me introduce you to the two beautiful babes battling for this brooding bad boy’s hopefully still beating heart,” Ivy declared. “First, we have straight from the interplanetary fishing trawler, the Bebop, and the year 2071, the sarcastic and sardonic Faye Valentine.” The camera swung over to Faye, whose entrance exuded confidence and a hint of danger. With her vivid violet hair and a form-fitting yellow futuristic outfit, Faye Valentine was a striking contrast to Vincent's more gothic presence. She waved dutifully to the audience and exchanged pleasantries with Ivy before taking her seat. "And now, let me introduce the dazzling duelist who is always ready to throw down, Mai Valentine,” Ivy declared. The camera shifted to Mai, who was fair skinned with long, spiky blonde hair and purple eyes. Her white tube top and short purple coat stood out in its more regular appearance as compared to that of Faye, Vincent, or Ivy herself. She also appeared confident although there was some insecurity behind her eyes. Ivy instructed Mai to take her seat next to Faye separated by the folding screen from Vincent Valentine. Ivy turned her attention back to the vampiric sharpshooter. “Before you ask your questions, why don’t you regale us with a story about a past love, someone you held dear to your heart,” Ivy suggested. “I have only been in love once, her name was Lucrecia, and she was a scientist for Shinra. She instead chose Professor Hojo to be her partner, and he in turn experimented on me to the point where I now change into an actual monster when I am angered, four unique monsters to be exact. In the end she became very ill after becoming pregnant and I blamed myself. I sealed myself in a coffin for over twenty years to atone for my sins.” The audience listened in a hushed silence with a mixture of pity and trepidation over Vincent’s revelation. Ivy attempted to lighten the mood. “Man, I thought I had it rough with my cursed blood, cursed snake sword, and undead pirate father. But, that’s why we are here because there is someone out there for everyone. Vincent, let’s see which one of these lovely ladies might be the one for you. Go ahead and ask your first question.” Vincent sat up straight and his tone remained serious. “Valentine number 2, what do you do for fun?" Mai’s eyes sparkled with passion, “Duel Monsters! It’s the best game in the world. The strategy involved in competitive play can’t be topped!” Faye mocked her challenger. “She indulges in children’s games. How precious.” Ivy scolded Faye for the interjection. “We will have none of that.” Vincent carried on, undeterred, with his next question. "Valentine number 1, tell me a unique fact about yourself." A smirk appeared on Faye’s lips. “I was never sealed in a coffin like you, cowboy. But I was cryogenically frozen for fifty four years.” Mai, bitter about Faye’s earlier comment, offered an interruption of her own. “I think the more interesting fact would be that you are a known con-artist and a thief.” Ivy, displeased with the growing tensions, cracked her snake sword against the ground. “Know that there will be punishment if these catty comments continue.” The atmosphere shifted as Ivy noticed the camera focused on her. She returned to a more genial personality and asked Vincent if he had more questions. “No,” he replied. “What do you mean no?” “I am not much of a talker,” Vincent admitted. “and I feel I have already done too much.” Ivy, irritated, revealed a secret to the audience. “Since you won’t play along like a good boy let me tell you why these two ladies were chosen. Faye’s rebellious nature appeals to the adventurous spirit that you have deep down, the same spirit that led you on the journey to battle Sephiroth with Cloud and his friends. Whereas Mai, despite appearances to the contrary, is quite lonely and melancholy not unlike yourself. What is the saying, misery loves company.” “Hey, now,” protested Mai. “Don’t test me, duelist. We have the receipts,” Ivy shot back. Ivy walked over to Vincent, tapping the hilt of her snake sword on her hand expectedly. “Which will it be, goth boy? Will your need to protect and your proclivity for women who make bad life choices lead you to Faye…” “Hold on a minute,” Faye interjected. Ivy continued. “Or will you bond with a fellow loner who only finds happiness in competitive card games?” Vincent lowered his head. “I… I don’t know. I can’t choose.” Ivy gritted her teeth. “Must I do everything?” Ivy forced a smile as the camera zoomed back in on her face. “Very well. Dear audience, help this troubled soul find his Valentine!”

I know there are several versions of her, but I don't think I am familiar with that one. This is the original one from the Superman cartoon. I believe at one point she says she is loyal to Lex because he took her off the street and gave her a purpose.

I'd say movie version since i have not seen the original play.

A sleek and imposing Imperial nicknamed “The Black Beauty”, prowled through the avenues of Metropolis like a shadow in the night. On the passenger’s side sat the enigmatic figure known as the Green Hornet, real name Britt Reid, owner and publisher of the Daily Sentinel newspaper. When not working at the Daily Sentinel, Reid fought crime by pretending to be a criminal to get on the inside. Beside him, in the driver's seat, was Kato, his faithful valet and partner in justice. Both men wore masks on their faces to help hide their identities. As the Black Beauty cut through the neon-lit streets, the Green Hornet informed Kato of their mission. "The Daily Sentinel has been digging into LexCorp. Bruce Wayne had asked for my help. Something's rotten in Luthor's empire, and we aim to uncover it." Kato nodded, his mind already calculating the possibilities. "Shouldn't this be a job for Superman?" he questioned. The Green Hornet shook his head. "Superman's gaze may be fixed on the skies, but the streets are where the real battles are fought. We'll do what he can't." They arrived at their destination, a sprawling shipping dock on the outskirts of the city. The Black Beauty slowed to a halt, and the two masked vigilantes stepped out into the night, their steps soundless against the pavement. They looked for a good vantage point amongst a group of shipping containers. As they stepped up slowly to their target they began to get a vision of what was happening. A group of shadowy figures huddled around a collection of crates full of weapons being illegally smuggled in by LexCorp. Their whispers were barely audible The Green Hornet motioned for Kato to stay low and to keep a lookout as he edged closer, his senses alert for any sign of trouble. But before The Green Hornet could make his move, a blur of movement caught him off guard. "Looking for something?" a voice sneered from the shadows. Out of the darkness stepped Mercy Graves, Lex’s valet and bodyguard. She wore a form fitting driver’s uniform and a confident smirk upon her face. She swiftly kicked the surprised Green Hornet across the face and put him on the ground. “There seems to be more masked vigilantes popping up every week in this town,” she observed. “I warned Lex it was a mistake to do this here.” Mercy pulled out her gun to finish off the Green Hornet. “Oh well, it’s a good thing he has got me around to clean up the mess.” Kato sprung into action and confronted Mercy before she could take a shot. He knocked the gun from her hand and stood between her and his fallen partner. "Care to dance?" he challenged. Mercy scoffed, “You think you can take me on, little driver? Don’t let the outfit fool you, I am way out of your league." Kato merely smiled; his fists clenched in anticipation. "There's only one way to find out."

All of Team 2 is full of heavy hitters so they get my vote.

For the record Kyoko is not a student, she was the school nurse and then a science teacher at Justice High. Her and Natsu both have some impressive moves but probably not enough to overcome an assassin.

Maki is my girl and I believe has the most training of the 3. I'm going with her.

I agree.

Congrats Dskillz

I often wonder if and when SNK would bring back some of the Maximum Impact characters in the proper KOF games, like as a DLC team like they did Garou. Anyway, another great recap. Duke is a great pull from the MI series, as one of the stronger characters, but I think he will come up short against Raph.

Bushroot vs. Amingo Moss Man vs. Exdeath At the “NATURE FIGHTS BACK: AN EARTH DAY FIGHTING TOURNAMENT”, put together by Harley Quinn as a present for Poison Ivy, the second match of the first round was drawing to a close. Exdeath smashed Moss Man to the ground with a Vacuum Wave gust of energy. Moss Man tried to slow down the onslaught by summoning vines to grab at Exdeath’s shiny blue armor. Exdeath made quick work of the vines with his Delta Attack energy beams that converged on them and incinerated every last vine in his vicinity. EXDEATH: Your feeble attempts to resist my ultimate power are in vain. MOSS MAN: I may be struggling, but I will, like nature itself, endure. Exdeath scoffed. He slashed violently at Moss Man with his sword. Moss Man struggled to heal himself from the cuts. Exdeath then created a swirling vortex in front of himself, his Black Hole, the swirling void sucked Moss Man into the abyss. The ending left the crowd speechless and Exdeath exited the main platform without another word. ANNOUNCER: And your winner is Exdeath! That certainly was a unique finish to the match. Don’t believe I’ve ever seen that before. Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy looked on with concern from the locker room hallway. HARLEY QUINN: Did you see that, Red? POISON IVY: I did. HARLEY QUINN: Perhaps I should have made a rule making it illegal to banish your opponent. Didn’t occur to me, to be honest. POISON IVY: Too late now. But we should definitely keep an eye on him. As the shock of the previous match’s conclusion began to wear off, the massive forms of Groot and Treebeard lumbered to the center platform for their match. Rocket Raccoon accompanied Groot. ROCKET: That guy in the armor looked pretty formidable, but you have to concentrate on this opponent first. Groot grazed upon the visage of Treebeard. GROOT: I am Groot. ROCKET: What do you mean he reminds you of the elders of your world? There is no way this guy is a Flora Colossus, he isn’t even from our galaxy. GROOT: I am Groot. ROCKET: No, it wouldn’t be disrespectful to take him down, that’s why we’re here. Groot stepped onto the platform and he and Treebeard moved toward one another, with Treebeard towering over the Guardian of the Galaxy. GROOT: I am Groot. TREEBEARD: Hoom, greetings, my friend Groot. I am known as Treebeard. After exchanging their pleasantries, their battle began. Groot’s limbs crashed against Treebeard’s sturdy frame. Treebeard swung hard and pushed back Groot. Even from the early going it was clear that Groot was holding back. This infuriated Rocket. ROCKET: Groot, you got to battle! We are in a fighting tournament, not a garden party. Groot swung his limbs at Treebeard, but he was overpowered the gigantic Ent. He was receiving worse than he was giving out as he did not even try to avoid Treebeard’s slow, deliberate movements. ROCKET: Groot, what are you doing? Treebeard roots intertwined with Groots’s branches and with a mighty heave he sent Groot sprawling. Groot did not return to his feet. Treebeard lurched over to him. TREEBEARD: You fought with honor, young one. But I feel your heart was not in it. Still, it was fun. GROOT: I am Groot. Rocket Raccoon assisted Groot back to the locker room, cursing at him for giving a better effort. Treebeard locked eyes with Exdeath as he exited the main platform. Exdeath stood silently with his arms folded. TREEBEARD: I doubt I will experience the same enjoyment in the next round. A cleaning crew quickly removed broken branches from the platform as the last two competitors for the first round made their way out. The Jolly Green Giant, too enormous for the locker room, made his way through an opening in the stadium. POISON IVY: That platform isn’t strong enough to withstand that giant’s steps. It’s a disaster waiting to happen. The Jolly Green Giant, oblivious to the damage being caused around his feet, waved enthusiastically to the crowd who responded with thunderous approval. HARLEY QUINN: I guess we’re about to find out. But look, the crowd loves him. His opponent, Audrey II, was wheeled out onto the field to the platform by diminutive botanist, Seymour. Audrey II successfully won over a decent percentage of the crowd with his show tune singing. The song he sang was sinister in nature as it detailed him making a massive meal out of the Jolly Green Giant, but it was undeniably catchy. Seymour silently hoped the Jolly Green Giant would smash Audrey under his giant foot but was unsure if the enormous mascot had the right demeanor to take advantage of his own incredible size advantage. Soon, they would all find out.

It would be more than he usually wears lol

Five men, representing a wide array of ages, sat around a poker table playing Texas Hold ‘Em. Only one of them knew for sure why they were all there. The other four were drawn in by a mix of curiosity and suspicion, even if they all didn’t fully understand the game. The chip leader was also the current dealer, Remy Lebeau, Gambit of the X-Men. The legendary magician from the Three Kingdoms period of Ancient China, Zuo Ci, currently had the second largest stack and sat to Gambit’s left. He looked around with serene confidence as he pushed in his small blind. Next to Zuo Ci sat the second youngest player at the table and also the player with the second smallest amount of chips remaining in front of him, Ace, a member of Class Zero of Akademia. The magic academy located in the Dominion of Rubrum had taught the young cadet well enough to be wary of his competitors in this seemingly friendly game, but unfortunately not much about the game itself. Ace briefly hesitated before pushing in his big blind, frustrated by the sight of his dwindling chip stacks. Completing the table were Yugi Muto and Oswald. Yugi Muto, the earnest Duel Monsters enthusiast, was the youngest person in the game and clearly the worst poker player. Oswald, the retired assassin, was doing okay for himself thus far in the game but his main focus was on both Gambit and Zuo Ci. He adjusted his crimson colored spectacles as Gambit dealt out the cards with a stylish flick of the wrist. Everyone looked at their cards and the game came to an awkward pause as all eyes turned to Yugi. “It’s your turn, mon ami,” said Gambit. “Check or bet?” Yugi fidgeted with his cards momentarily and then slammed one face down on the table. “I play the Jack of Hearts!!” Ace rolled his eyes and Zuo Ci politely chuckled. “For the last time you can’t do that,” Oswald scolded. “Oh sorry,” replied Yugi. “In that case, I fold.” “You’re not supposed to do that either.” Oswald turned his attention to Gambit. “Why is this boy here? He clearly shouldn’t be here.” “Hey, this game has a lot of different rules that I’m not used to, that’s all,” Yugi insisted. “Perhaps this just isn’t the game for you, young Muto,” stated Zuo Ci. Ace spoke up. “I think the old guy with the short hair is onto something. Why is he here? Why are any of us really here for that matter? I can’t think of anything that we have in common.” Gambit leaned back in his chair. “Not looking closely enough.” “We all use a deck of cards to fight with,” Zuo Ci informed, showing off his ageless wisdom and observation. “Dere it is,” Gambit confirmed with a knowing smirk. “Although I have not figured out yet how that relates to us playing an actual card game. Especially this one,” Zuo Ci admitted. Gambit shrugged. “I was curious what kind of poker players you all were. I’m a little disappointed in dat kid in the uniform.” Ace took offense. “Why are we really here, cajun?” Oswald inquired. “To find out who the best card fighter is, of course,” Gambit replied. Zuo Ci massaged his beard. “Intriguing.” Yugi's eyes widened. “What? You expect us to fight?” “I’m no one’s circus monkey,” said Ace. “No need to get defensive, if it’s all in good fun. We could all use the extra training against some unorthodox opposition, no?” Ace considered this. “There are an odd number of us here, how would it work out?” Zuo Ci questioned. “You four would pair off, the winners would square off, and the last one standing would fight me,” Gambit declared. “What makes you the final boss?” asked Oswald. “Cause it’s my idea, my tournament, mon ami.” “Who goes first?” Ace wondered. “I say we let the two most experienced amongst us start us off,” suggested Gambit. “I am so curious how this will all go down. I will even add a prize of my own.” Zuo Ci turned his attention to Oswald. “If you can defeat me I will tell you how to get those elusive Dragon Pills you have been searching for.” “How did you…” Oswald cut himself off and then knifed through the air with his palms as he prepared to fight. “Forget it. I don’t want to know.” A deck of large cards suddenly swirled around Zuo Ci. “Let’s begin.”

Fantastic pairing and idea for a fight. I now feel the need to see Alpha Flight in their summer vacation beachwear glory!!

Vinny is a great, underrated character. I am rooting for him and fully believe he can win this. Great match Boratz

Disappointing

A decent sized crowd packed into an abandoned arena in an undisclosed location in Australia. All eyes were on the boxing ring in the middle as currently Australia's own fiery mutant, St. John Allerdyce, better known as Pyro, was currently putting on a show as an opening act. Pyro created animals out of his flames to the delight of the audience. He kept his creations small so as to not set the arena ablaze, and also, he was stalling. The commentators for tonight’s big event were late. As Pyro started to worry that he would run out of ideas, the night’s commentary duo finally made it to their chairs with beers in hand. CAPTAIN BOOMERANG: G’day mates! We’ve got a ripper of a show tonight. An unsanctioned boxing match between two fightin’ kangaroos. It’s what I would call a true-blue Aussie showdown. KANO: Yeah, that’s right. It is technically a boxing match, but no proper organization would sanction a brawl between two roos out of fear of upsetting the wrong people. Which works out great for us since it’s unsanctioned, anything goes. No one is around to cry to the authorities if things get a bit bloody. It’s all in good fun, right, Captain? CAPTAIN BOOMERANG: That’s right, Kano! Let’s get this thing started and introduce these hopping hitters that the people came to see. First, coming to us straight from some lab in the Mishima Zaibatsu, it's Roger. This bloke was deemed a failed soldier experiment just like his dinosaur mate Alex by that stick in the mud, Kazuya Mishima. But, now they’re out here for a bit of kangaroo chaos! The crowd roared as Roger hopped to the ring with Alex by his side cheering him on. Roger’s eyes were filled with determination to prove his worth and a misguided hope for redemption. KANO: And his opponent, coming to us from Wood Oak City, we’ve got Roo. Roo was once a pet slash muscle for a literal clown chump criminal named Bruce. Now he works slingin’ drinks at known hoodlum Barbon’s bar. Tonight he is here for the dosh and the glory! CAPTAIN BOOMERANG: Sounds like my kind of bloke! The crowd buzzed with excitement as Roo made his way to the ring accompanied by the bushy mustached muscular man, Barbon. Although the chain around his neck was now for all intents and purposes an unnecessary accessory, Roo decided to keep wearing it as a way to visually intimidate Roger. He wanted his opponent to think he was some rabid animal just released for the fight as opposed to a kangaroo bartender with boxing gloves. Both fighters prepped in their corners. Roger in the red corner and Roo in the blue corner. CAPTAIN BOOMERANG: Look who's in the crowd, mate! Axel Stone and Blaze Fielding! KANO: Aren’t those them famous Wood Oak City cops? CAPTAIN BOOMERANG: I don’t know if they are cops anymore, I think they are here just to get a good look at Roo. KANO: They better not start nothing, we put a lot of work into this gig. CAPTAIN BOOMERANG: I wouldn’t worry about it. I think it’s some complicated respect thing. KANO: Speaking of respect, I don't see Roger’s missus and the little joey in the crowd. Guess they don’t have faith in him to win this thing, eh? CAPTAIN BOOMERANG: Nah, mate. Roger’s missus divorced him for abandoning his family and living the lavish lifestyle in a lab while she had to raise their kid alone. The bell rang and both kangaroos hopped to the center of the ring and touched gloves. KANO: Ah, forget the family drama folks! Everyone’s here for a fight and no one gives a toss about personal issues. CAPTAIN BOOMERANG: Let the roo-down under begin!