THE TOP 5 GREATEST BATTLES OF
THE JUGGERNAUT
BY
John "THE MEGO STRETCH HULK" Cimino
JUGGERNAUT
Created by: Stan Lee and Jack Kirby First Appearance: X-MEN #12 (1965)
John "THE MEGO STRETCH HULK" Cimino
JUGGERNAUT
Created by: Stan Lee and Jack Kirby First Appearance: X-MEN #12 (1965)
Cain Marko is a man with extreme anger issues and a thirst for vengeance that just won't quit. Most of this was
learned from his abusive father and his jealously for his step-brother Charles Xavier. The power of the Juggernaut gave him the tools to
fully utilize these feelings. By becoming
indestructible and unstoppable, the roles are reversed. Everyone else
is a victim and he is part of that force that no one can control. This
compliments his tough demeanor that stemmed from his angry
upbringing. If nothing can stop him, everyone and everything around
him loses their intrinsic value. Human life means very little and so
does anything they hold dear. This allows him to vent his anger with
little regard of those he hurts, especially in a slugfest.
The character started reaching all new levels of popularity being associated with Wolverine and the X-Men that really started to explode in the 1990s. He now begins to feature more prominently in Marvel titles, as well as cartoons, toys, posters, video games and even being a major villain in the movie X-Men: The Last Stand (2006) and Deadpool 2 (2018). How could you not love this guy? Juggernaut is a big and nasty individual who gets what he wants, when he wants. He is one of the roughest and toughest men on the planet, who knew it and enjoyed it. So, in honor of our unstoppable friend, here are his 5 best slugfests that turned him into a fan-favorite and legend.
Like the big man says, "Nothing Stops the Juggernaut!" and nothing ever will...
The character started reaching all new levels of popularity being associated with Wolverine and the X-Men that really started to explode in the 1990s. He now begins to feature more prominently in Marvel titles, as well as cartoons, toys, posters, video games and even being a major villain in the movie X-Men: The Last Stand (2006) and Deadpool 2 (2018). How could you not love this guy? Juggernaut is a big and nasty individual who gets what he wants, when he wants. He is one of the roughest and toughest men on the planet, who knew it and enjoyed it. So, in honor of our unstoppable friend, here are his 5 best slugfests that turned him into a fan-favorite and legend.
Like the big man says, "Nothing Stops the Juggernaut!" and nothing ever will...
5.) THUNDERBOLTS #153 (2011)
Writer: Jeff Parker Art: Kev Walker and Jason Gorder
This
issue is a perfect example of who Cain Marko is at the heart and why he
has become such a beloved cult character in the Marvel Universe. Yes,
he is mostly known for his volatile and bullish ways, but he also looks out for those he cares about and will protect them in the face of
adversity. And despite being de-powered in this issue from the
full-power of Cyttorak, he is still tough as nails and someone who refuses to quit.
King Hyperion snags Songbird's and Moonstone's comlink (that has the ability to nullify each Thunderbolt with the press of a button) and this forces Juggernaut to save them from drowning. When he returns, Cain is pretty pissed off about the callousness what his supposed teammate just did. Then Hyperion presses the "J" button on the comlink for fun and watches Cain wither in pain. As Hyperion is about to fly off, Cain grabs his foot and smashes him to the ground. This angers King Hyperion as he begins to unmercifully pound on Cain to a bloody mess, breaking his helmet and knee in the process. But Cain was playing the whole Muhammad Ali "rope-a-dope" trick on Hyperion and when the King hit's him on top of his head and hurts his hand, Cain attacks back. Soon Hyperion gets really angry and uses his Nuclear Vision to burn Cain until Moonstone recovers and helps him out, saving his life. Then Ghost grabs the comlink collar and presses the "H" button and this causes the pain of Hyperion's weakness to Argonite to activate and render him helpless. Juggernaut, Ghost and Moonstone then proceed to beat the living hell out of him (see the picture above) and now showing fear, the Man-Thing steps in and burns him with his mystic touch... ouch.
King Hyperion snags Songbird's and Moonstone's comlink (that has the ability to nullify each Thunderbolt with the press of a button) and this forces Juggernaut to save them from drowning. When he returns, Cain is pretty pissed off about the callousness what his supposed teammate just did. Then Hyperion presses the "J" button on the comlink for fun and watches Cain wither in pain. As Hyperion is about to fly off, Cain grabs his foot and smashes him to the ground. This angers King Hyperion as he begins to unmercifully pound on Cain to a bloody mess, breaking his helmet and knee in the process. But Cain was playing the whole Muhammad Ali "rope-a-dope" trick on Hyperion and when the King hit's him on top of his head and hurts his hand, Cain attacks back. Soon Hyperion gets really angry and uses his Nuclear Vision to burn Cain until Moonstone recovers and helps him out, saving his life. Then Ghost grabs the comlink collar and presses the "H" button and this causes the pain of Hyperion's weakness to Argonite to activate and render him helpless. Juggernaut, Ghost and Moonstone then proceed to beat the living hell out of him (see the picture above) and now showing fear, the Man-Thing steps in and burns him with his mystic touch... ouch.
4.) THE UNCANNY X-MEN #183 (1984)
Writer: Chris Claremont Art: John Romita Jr. and Dan Green
Back from his ordeal on Battleworld, Colossus has come to bring the hard news to Kitty Pryde that while he was gone, he fell in love with another. The revelation crushes Kitty; however she hides the hurt from him until she returns to the room she shares with Illyana. Both Illyana and Lockheed try to comfort her when she breaks down into tears.
At a bar in Manhattan, Wolverine tries to get Colossus to realize that his "romance" with Zsaji on Battleworld was not a relationship, and the two come to odds over Peter's true feelings for Kitty. During the conversation, Logan picks up the Juggernaut's scent and realizes that their old foe is drinking at the bar in his normal get up as Cain Marko. Not wishing for a fight to break out, Logan suggests that they leave. When Colossus decides to be difficult, the slightly drunk mutant stumbles and spills his drink on Cain.
Spoiling for a fight after his defeat at the hands of Spider-Man, Cain picks a fight with Colossus. As the fight rages, they trash the whole bar, but ultimately Cain wins knocking Colossus out with his "Sunday Punch". When the fight is over, Cain asks Wolverine and Nightcrawler if they wish to fight. Logan says no, and then he departs leaving money to pay for the damages (which was cool as hell). When they confront Colossus, he is angry with his friends for not helping. Logan points out that X-Men will help each other out for honor and sacrifice everything, like when Kitty was willing to marry Caliban so that the Morlocks would save his life. As he walks away Nightcrawler tells Wolverine he is unforgiving. However, Logan points out that Colossus needed to be taught a hard lesson about honor.
3.) THE INCREDIBLE HULK #172 (1974)
Writers: Roy Thomas, Tony Isabella and Steve Englehart Art: Herb Trimpe and Jack Abel
This
was the issue that truly established Juggernaut as a Super-Heavyweight
in the Marvel Universe. While he was always a dominant adversary against
the X-Men, Juggernaut was rarely ever tested on a physical level. Enter
the "Savage" Incredible Hulk; the standard of physical power in the
Marvel Universe. This was a slugfest that would test Juggernaut's mettle
and turn "Hulk vs Juggernaut" into a legendary rivalry.
Dr. Peter Corbeau calls Colonel Jack Armbruster after hearing about the Hulk's capture and tells him that he has a solution to ending the threat of the Hulk once and for all. Corbeau arrives just as the Hulk wakes up, and furious over his captivity goes on a rampage in his cell, shaking the entire base. Base scientists believe that the Hulk might be able to break out of his cell within two days, prompting Corbeau to work quickly. Coming up with a device to banish the Hulk in a space-time warp, he rolls in his new device and uses it on the Hulk, transporting him away to another realm. However, in doing so, Corbeau unwittingly releases the Juggernaut from his mystical exile and he begins trying to break out of the cell as well. In attempting to send the Juggernaut back, the machine malfunctions and send the Hulk back to Earth.
The Hulk is confused by the presence of the Juggernaut and he explains his origins. Finally free from his exile, the Juggernaut and the Hulk decide to work together to free themselves, and with their combined strength manage to bust out of their prison. The duo make short work of all the military force that is thrown at them by Armbruster. In the end both the Hulk and the Juggernaut manage to escape.
When the Juggernaut causes a car full of passing tourists crash, he decides to terrorized them. The Hulk, not wishing the innocent humans from being harmed tries to stop him, leading to a clash between the two. The two are evenly matched as they fight across the desert until the Hulk manages to grab the Juggernaut's helmet and spin him around so fast that it breaks loose sending the Juggernaut slamming into the side of a mountain. Confused by what happened the Hulk wanders off, but the Juggernaut is back up quickly and getting ready to attack the Hulk from behind. Before he can he is suddenly attacked by Professor X, Cyclops and Marvel Girl of the X-Men, who easily drop him telepathically now that his helmet is off. When Cyclops asks if they should go after the Hulk, the Professor tells him that they have to keep searching for the missing Angel, deciding to leave the tormented Hulk alone.
Dr. Peter Corbeau calls Colonel Jack Armbruster after hearing about the Hulk's capture and tells him that he has a solution to ending the threat of the Hulk once and for all. Corbeau arrives just as the Hulk wakes up, and furious over his captivity goes on a rampage in his cell, shaking the entire base. Base scientists believe that the Hulk might be able to break out of his cell within two days, prompting Corbeau to work quickly. Coming up with a device to banish the Hulk in a space-time warp, he rolls in his new device and uses it on the Hulk, transporting him away to another realm. However, in doing so, Corbeau unwittingly releases the Juggernaut from his mystical exile and he begins trying to break out of the cell as well. In attempting to send the Juggernaut back, the machine malfunctions and send the Hulk back to Earth.
The Hulk is confused by the presence of the Juggernaut and he explains his origins. Finally free from his exile, the Juggernaut and the Hulk decide to work together to free themselves, and with their combined strength manage to bust out of their prison. The duo make short work of all the military force that is thrown at them by Armbruster. In the end both the Hulk and the Juggernaut manage to escape.
When the Juggernaut causes a car full of passing tourists crash, he decides to terrorized them. The Hulk, not wishing the innocent humans from being harmed tries to stop him, leading to a clash between the two. The two are evenly matched as they fight across the desert until the Hulk manages to grab the Juggernaut's helmet and spin him around so fast that it breaks loose sending the Juggernaut slamming into the side of a mountain. Confused by what happened the Hulk wanders off, but the Juggernaut is back up quickly and getting ready to attack the Hulk from behind. Before he can he is suddenly attacked by Professor X, Cyclops and Marvel Girl of the X-Men, who easily drop him telepathically now that his helmet is off. When Cyclops asks if they should go after the Hulk, the Professor tells him that they have to keep searching for the missing Angel, deciding to leave the tormented Hulk alone.
2.) THE MIGHTY THOR #429 (1991)
Writer: Tom DeFalco Art: Ron Frenz and Joe Sinnott
Juggernaut first fought Thor in the pages of The Mighty Thor #411
and 412 (1989). While that was a great battle in its own right, Thor was not
up to full-strength due to suffering from a mysterious illness so the
battle was inconclusive. Fans clamored for another confrontation between
these two Super-Heavyweights without any excuses and this issue didn't
disappoint. Was Mjolnir's magic greater than the magic of Cyttorak?
"Thor vs Juggernaut" now entered the halls of the Marvel Universe and
the debates would begin.
Thor agrees to help Prince Zalaski overthrow the Juggernaut who has taken over his empire. Thor eventually finds Juggernaut inside Zalaski's castle and attacks him. After a few tremendous blows with Mjolnir, Juggernaut's force field easily shrugs them all off. But after discovering the source of Juggernaut's powers, the Thunder God looks to even up the odds. He sends Mjolnir circling around the castle, cutting off Juggernaut’s mystical force field that constantly protects him from harm. Now only powered by his natural durability and Thor without the aid of his hammer, they would duke it out to see who was truly the superior.
Although both combatants seemed to be even in physical strength, Juggernaut is over-matched in hand-to-hand fighting skills as the Thunder God unmercifully batters into him. But to Cain's credit, he is as stubborn as a mule and will not quit and stay down. Before Thor can deliver the final blow, sixty seconds expire, and with Mjolnir’s return, Juggernaut’s force field is back. Now with a surprise attack, Juggernaut manages to separate Thor from his hammer as he tries to wield it to become truly unbeatable. But being unworthy, Juggernaut cannot hope to even budge the magical weapon. Thor then calls Mjolnir to his hand and uses it to send Juggernaut to an asteroid in deep space ridding Zalaski's empire of the menace once and for all.
Thor agrees to help Prince Zalaski overthrow the Juggernaut who has taken over his empire. Thor eventually finds Juggernaut inside Zalaski's castle and attacks him. After a few tremendous blows with Mjolnir, Juggernaut's force field easily shrugs them all off. But after discovering the source of Juggernaut's powers, the Thunder God looks to even up the odds. He sends Mjolnir circling around the castle, cutting off Juggernaut’s mystical force field that constantly protects him from harm. Now only powered by his natural durability and Thor without the aid of his hammer, they would duke it out to see who was truly the superior.
Although both combatants seemed to be even in physical strength, Juggernaut is over-matched in hand-to-hand fighting skills as the Thunder God unmercifully batters into him. But to Cain's credit, he is as stubborn as a mule and will not quit and stay down. Before Thor can deliver the final blow, sixty seconds expire, and with Mjolnir’s return, Juggernaut’s force field is back. Now with a surprise attack, Juggernaut manages to separate Thor from his hammer as he tries to wield it to become truly unbeatable. But being unworthy, Juggernaut cannot hope to even budge the magical weapon. Thor then calls Mjolnir to his hand and uses it to send Juggernaut to an asteroid in deep space ridding Zalaski's empire of the menace once and for all.
1.) WORLD WAR HULK: X-MEN #2 and 3 (2007)
Writer: Christos Gage Art: Andrea Di Vito
"Hulk Vs Juggernaut" is one of the heaviest of Super-Heavyweight brawls you can have in the Marvel Universe (or in all
of comics for that matter). While even Cain Marko himself has the utmost
respect for the Green Goliath's strength and power, he is not above a
city-leveling slugfest to prove that he is the more dominant force on the
planet. But in the case of this famous brawl, Cain Marko is confronted
by one of the most powerful incarnations of the Hulk known -- the
anger-fueled "World War" Hulk! This would be Cain's greatest test and the
results would turn him into an absolute legend.
Ever since Cain Marko refused the bidding of Cyttorak he became a de-powered Juggernaut. And now with a raging-mad Hulk bent on revenge to those who exiled him from Earth, he was beating up every X-Men in sight looking for Charles Xavier. Cain knows its up to him to try and stop the brute. Marko makes a plea to Cyttorak, to amp his powers back up, ostensibly so he can rescue his step-brother. But as Marko makes an all out attack on the Hulk, he ends up getting dropped into the action still at half-strength. The Hulk will pound on Marko unmercifully and decisively.
With the "World War" Hulk continuing to pummel the rest of the X-Men, Marko asks Cyttorak why he let him fight the Hulk at half-power. We learn that Cyttorak wants his avatar back to being vicious, and realizing on some level that's what Marko wants as well. Cain agrees to go back to being the one-true Juggernaut at full-power, armoring back up and charging at the Hulk for a battle of the century! The two behemoths go back and forth until they are in a deadlocked stand off pushing against the other. Soon Professor X comes running out and yells at the two brutes to stop their pushing match because the extreme force they are using is breaking the foundation of the school and it will collapse. The Hulk will take this moment of hesitation and sidestep Juggernaut who topples forward and gets and added push in the back which sends him running wildly into the bottom of a lake. When Juggernaut eventually returns, the Hulk is long gone and he is ashamed that he's back to his full-power knowing that it will cost him his new friendships within the ranks of the X-Men.
Ever since Cain Marko refused the bidding of Cyttorak he became a de-powered Juggernaut. And now with a raging-mad Hulk bent on revenge to those who exiled him from Earth, he was beating up every X-Men in sight looking for Charles Xavier. Cain knows its up to him to try and stop the brute. Marko makes a plea to Cyttorak, to amp his powers back up, ostensibly so he can rescue his step-brother. But as Marko makes an all out attack on the Hulk, he ends up getting dropped into the action still at half-strength. The Hulk will pound on Marko unmercifully and decisively.
With the "World War" Hulk continuing to pummel the rest of the X-Men, Marko asks Cyttorak why he let him fight the Hulk at half-power. We learn that Cyttorak wants his avatar back to being vicious, and realizing on some level that's what Marko wants as well. Cain agrees to go back to being the one-true Juggernaut at full-power, armoring back up and charging at the Hulk for a battle of the century! The two behemoths go back and forth until they are in a deadlocked stand off pushing against the other. Soon Professor X comes running out and yells at the two brutes to stop their pushing match because the extreme force they are using is breaking the foundation of the school and it will collapse. The Hulk will take this moment of hesitation and sidestep Juggernaut who topples forward and gets and added push in the back which sends him running wildly into the bottom of a lake. When Juggernaut eventually returns, the Hulk is long gone and he is ashamed that he's back to his full-power knowing that it will cost him his new friendships within the ranks of the X-Men.
Agree? Disagree? Let's hear it fanboys!!
Check out other "THE TOP 5 GREATEST BATTLES OF..." here:
Captain Marvel (SHAZAM!)
Spider-man
Wolverine
The Sub-Mariner
Batman
The Thing
Hyperion
http://hero-envy.blogspot.com/2016/08/the-top-5-greatest-battles-of-hyperion.html
Wonder Woman
http://hero-envy.blogspot.com/2016/10/the-top-5-greatest-battles-of-wonder.htm
Wonder Woman
http://hero-envy.blogspot.com/2016/10/the-top-5-greatest-battles-of-wonder.htm
John Cimino
John
Cimino is a Silver and Bronze Age comic, cartoon and memorabilia expert
that runs a business called "Saturday Morning Collectibles." He buys, sells, appraises and gives seminars on everything pop culture, so if
you got something special, let him know about it. He contributes
articles to ALTER EGO, RETROFAN, BACK ISSUE and THE JACK KIRBY COLLECTOR from TwoMorrows Publishing, runs the Roy Thomas Appreciation Board on Facebook and has appeared on the AMC reality show Comic Book Men. He also represents some of comicdoms biggest stars and brings them to a Comic Con near you. John likes to think he's the real Captain Marvel, people just don't have
the heart to tell him he's just an obsessed fanboy that loves to play
superheroes with his daughter Bryn. Contact him at johnstretch@live.com or follow him on Instagram at megostretchhulk.
Nice list.I would have put the Thunderbolts issue higher because that was a brutal fight. But honestly, I really can't complain about it. Good job.
ReplyDeleteAlways loved that Juggernaut vs Thor fight.
ReplyDeleteJuggernaut was never as strong as the Hulk. A peer, yes. But stronger, no way.
ReplyDeletepoor fool, the Juggernaut has ALWAYS Been stronger than the hulk
DeleteHe has? The Hulk has always been considered stronger. I don't know where you're getting your info from.
DeleteReally great choice.
ReplyDeleteI always loved Juggernaut when he's actually being an "unstoppable moving force", as in once he moves nothing can stop him (although I think Thor's God Blast stopped him in their first fight).
Although not a slig-fest, Jugernaut's fight with Spider-Man was really great fun. just seeing Spider-Man trying and failing repeatedly to stop Juggernaut was entertaining.
That fight is more of a great Spider-man fight than a Juggernaut one. Check out The Top 5 Greatest Battles of Spider-man here to see where that fight ranks...
Deletehttp://hero-envy.blogspot.com/2012/08/the-top-5-greatest-battles-of-spider-man.html
That is
Interesting read. I know these are some great battles for the Juggernaut, but I'm not sure there are many more. As a brawler or brick type character, he doesn't seem to have many legendary fist fights.
ReplyDeleteI loved Juggernaut's fight with Colossus, nice call on that one.
ReplyDeleteThis is an old school ass website lol. Reminds me of geocities from the 90s.
ReplyDeleteJuggernaut is the man.
Nice list. My personal favorite is the King Hyperion fight. I actually thought the World War Hulk fight was a little bit BS. Juggernaut and Savage Hulk deadlocked, so I feel like World War Hulk should have taken him out relatively quickly. Though I did like that they showed Hulk had actually stopped Juggy in his tracks.
ReplyDeleteIt always irks me when they have two more or less evenly matched characters, then one gets a power upgrade, and yet they're still evenly matched. See also: Thor versus Hulk in fear itself. If you give Hulk his own giant magic hammer, by All rights Thor should be screwed.
mconner if you thought that WWH should have take the Juggernaut out quickly you don't know much about the Juggernaut. He has virtually limitless strength, he is the avatar of a very powerful being. He didn't stop the Juggernaut, he slowed him down, that can be done. Good list, how about the first Juggernaut fight with Thor.
ReplyDeleteActually the writer of the comic Christos Gage said the Hulk stopped him. So you're wrong.
DeleteYou are correct on that because there's a record of him saying that in emails. The Hulk stopped Juggernaut and channeled Juggernaut's irresistiblity downward and that was what was cracking the foundation.
DeleteJuggernaut VS Hercules would also be a great fight and Juggernaut VS Shazam also.
Delete