One of the major downsides of trying to discuss the vicissitudes of popular culture as we do here with the MS-QOTD is the tendency for a large portion of responses to be “BATMAN!” It doesn’t even really matter what the question is, someone will eventually call upon the Caped Crusader. It should be noted, however, that he has been repeatedly and severely defeated in combat by Lady Shiva, outsmarted by Talia Al Ghul and never quite looks at good in a pointy hat as Barbara Gordon. Following that train of thought to it’s logical conclusion makes me wonder who ELSE might be the Dark Knight’s match in a fight while also possessing two X chromosomes. Zoe Washburn? Mara Jade? Trish Stratus?
And with that, we’re off!
The MS-QOTD (pronounced, as always, “misquoted”) wonders if all the answers will have been written by Gail Simone, asking: Who’s the toughest female combatant in all of pop culture?
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Female Batman!
Quiet, you…
What female can defeat Batman? Any Green Lantern, any female Aspect from World of Warcraft and I’m pretty sure Arale from the Dr. Slump anime as well.
Now, who’s the toughest? Mmm.. I’ll go with Elita One just for fun (and yes, I am ignoring my previous comment)
I’m partial to Gamora, myself.
I’m pretty much obligated to answer Kitty Pryde here. I just don’t feel bad about it.
Maybe I’m being a bit too mainstream, but Wonder Woman. Not only does she have superpowers, but she is also a master tactician and fighter.
How about Mocking Bird? She’s about due a revival too.
I believe she’s currently part of the new Secret Avengers, isn’t she?
Mocking (Yeah!) Bird (Yeah!)
(etc)
Lady Shiva, Black Canary, White Canary, Wonder Woman, Big Barda, Knockout… now that I think about it, most heroines/villains written by Gail Simone.
Granny Goodness, supported by the dulcet tones of…Ed Asner?
Bea Arthur
Modesty Blaise wipes the floor with all of ’em
I’m surprised nobody’s brought up Elektra yet. I’d say she’s pretty formidable. goes up against ninjas on the regular. I’d like to see her against Lady Shiva.. though I’d probably give the edge to Lady Shiva.
Shiva wiped the floor with Batman, has defeated the likes of Richard Dragon and can read an opponents moves before they make them.
The only martial artist that stand above her is Karate Kid from the legion.
Elektra has the handicap of coming from the Marvel U, where anyone and everyone is a martial artist.
In the DC U been a martial artist is it’s own super power.
P.S. Ninjas are something of a running gag in comic books, the average girl that took self defense classes can kill one.