Fantasy Football - I

In previous articles, notably "The AvengerZ" series, I've talked a bit about making fantasy superhero teams, which is a bit of a thing in the Superhero fan community. It's not something I've ever really gone in for, for a number of reasons, mostly it just seems to be another form of the "who would win" discussion, of which I'm not fond. Also, as has been mentioned more than once, I'm rather far to the "Left" politically, finding superheroes that reflect that worldview is kind of tricky, with only really Green Arrow, Red Son Superman and Invincible coming close off the top of my head. That's kind of a boring team. 

To my mind, a good team is about balance, just look at the best versions of The Avengers, Justice League or Guardians of the Globe. Sometimes you can get a fun team out of similar heroes, like the Z Fighters or Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, but I find I'm always drawn back to variety. What's that Bruce Banner says in The Avengers, "put us in a test tube and see how we react"? That's what makes crossovers fun for me. 

Naturally, I need some kind of narrative framing device for this one, so for this series of articles, I am choosing for some kind of "Contest of Champions" and all of these heroes are the Champions I would consider picking. Sounds fun, let's go!


American Eagle (As portrayed in Thunderbolts) 

Although this character had a rough run in the Silver Age as Marvel's "token" Native American hero, Warren Ellis brought him back in a big way in his Thunderbolts run. During the height of the Superhero Registration Act, Jason Strongbow is considering registering, but is counseled by a friend to not risk it due to his combination of power and heritage; as the American government has traditionally not reacted well to powerful First Nations people. Superhumanly strong, fast, smart and tough, American Eagle gets his powers from Ancestor Spirits rather than any form of science, making him a literal force for righteousness. He has also defeated both Venom (Mac Gargan) and Bullseye in single combat. A powerful member for any team, with brains and know-how to match.


Invincible (When he worked with Dinosaurus) 

If you don't know Invincible, go check it out, it's one of the best comics out there with a complete run. When Mark Greyson discovered that his father is an alien and that he has superpowers, it starts him on a journey to becoming one of the greatest champions Earth and the entire Universe has ever seen. On the journey to his ultimate destiny, Mark encounters Dinosaurus, an Eco-terrorist trying to avert global ecological collapse and not caring how many people die along the way, with the horrifying caveat that he's correct in his reasoning. Mark agrees to work with Dinosaurus, after seeing how his actions brought about good outcomes, under the assumption that with Invincible's power, any actions taken will be less destructive to human life. As well as being one of the most powerful lifeforms in his setting, Invincible has a strong conscience and a willingness to do the right thing, even when it's the hard thing, which I admire.


The Question (From Justice League Unlimited) 

Classic Question is way, way out of my political leanings, but I can't deny the effectiveness that Vic Sage brings to his job as the Justice League's "intelligence officer". Able to see connections that no one else can, Sage's nonsense conspiracy logic always seems to pan out, no matter how esoteric, and the Justice League Unlimited incarnation is far less Objectivist, and objectionable, even having more than a few good lines. Too often, superhero "smart guys" are inscrutable geniuses or masters of strategy or some such nonsense, in contrast, Vic Sage has a good analytical mind and can trace together clues like no one else. Probably more of an asset away from the front lines, The Question is still a valuable member of any team. 


Tien (Dragonball Super)

 

I've talked about Tien before, so I won't dwell here too much, but he really is one of the most heroic of the Z Fighters. Forget how far he lags behind the aliens on the team, Tien is the strongest human warrior in his setting, and far from a weakling. Best of all, he's dependable and level-headed, which many of his teammates lack; I really think Tien would shine in a team where he's supported and can function as part of a unit.

 

Hawkeye (Kate Katie Hawkeye) 

 

 

Look, I'm just about as big a Clint Barton fan as a person can get, but there's no denying who the best Hawkeye is, qualitatively. Young, but already as good an archer as Barton, Kate Bishop is one of the next generation's greats in the making. Smart as a whip, a decent detective and with a bucket of extra confidence, Kate has more going for her than just being a good shot, having a cute costume and being able to eat a large amount of mini-donuts.

That'll do for now, more coming up.