CAPTAIN AMERICA VS WOLVERINE
THE DEFINITIVE WRITE UP ON THE BATTLE BETWEEN THE SUPER SOLDIER AND THE WEAPON X
By
John "THE MEGO STRETCH HULK" Cimino
When fanboys talk about the greatest hand-to-hand fighters in comics, there can be no doubt that Captain America and Wolverine will rank at the top of their lists. It's almost impossible for them not too, because when it comes down to pure overall skill-sets, these two are almost without equal and have become the standard to which all others are measured by. Captain America is the perfect human fighting machine, an unparalleled soldier and team leader who protects the innocent with an indestructible shield and an unwavering spirit. He is an idealist who stands side by side with the common man and fights for a better world in the face of tyranny. Wolverine is the greatest weapon Department H ever created, but he is also their biggest failure. It didn't matter how much manipulation and propaganda they used on him during the Weapon X program, this feral mutant could never be controlled or contained. But when they bonded an unbreakable Adamantium-alloy to his skeleton, granting him razor sharp claws, coupled with his mutant healing factor and bad temper, Wolverine is now one of the most dangerous beings on the planet. Both characters (when written at their best) are possibly the most complete high-end skilled fighters in comics.
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| Due to the Super-Soldier Serum, Captain America was transformed into the perfect human fighting machine. When it comes to pure hand-to-hand talent and finding a way to win, he is without equal. |
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| With an unbreakable Adamantium-laced skeleton, razor sharp claws, a healing factor and a berserker rage, Wolverine is one of the most dangerous beings on the planet to fight straight up. |
Beyond pure fighting skills, when you talk about Captain America and Wolverine you also have to talk about honor, tenacity and willpower. Let's face it, these guys may not be the most powerful heroes in the world, but they have more grit and determination inside them than just about anybody. They are both well known throughout the Marvel Universe for their sheer endurance and courage in the face of danger - even against the most powerful of opponents. They just don't know how to quit and they keep coming at their enemies no matter how hurt or overpowered they are. This is their greatest strength and why they have so much respect for each other and among their peers. They are above everything else - survivors. And they continue to inspire everyone on a level few others ever achieve. Their teammates and friends have no problem following them even through the most dire of circumstances and staying by their side until the end. Without a doubt, these guys are true superheroes in every sense of the word.
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| There is no doubt that Captain America has an unwavering belief system. It doesn't matter the odds or obstacles, he would never falter in the face of tyranny and this makes him an inspiration to all. |
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| Wolverine was one of the first real "bad ass" superheroes to come on the scene. With a willingness to scrap against anyone at anytime (and usually without any reason), he is tremendously respected ... and feared. |
There can be no doubt that "Captain America vs Wolverine" is such a fascinating match up. Both characters are very comparable in many aspects of their physical attributes and such elite-level fighters that it invokes immense intrigue among fanboys. Who is truly the better fighter? Who is more respected? Who is more inspiring? Who is more feared? What would happen if they ever faced off against each other? Which is the cooler weapon - Cap's Adamantium-Vibranium-Steel shield or Logan's Adamantium claws? Questions that are not easy to answer, no matter how hard their fans like to argue about it.
It seems that despite being such an interesting and demanded match up, you would think that these two would have clashed more often than their history dictates. But in reality, "Captain America vs Wolverine" is a rare occurrence in the annals of Marvel's history. I think it's because writers find it hard to come up with reasons to have them fight since they have been teammates for so long and are considered friends. Sure, they have different perspectives on life and moral codes, but they respect each other immensely and know that they can trust the other no matter what situation is at hand. Not to mention, they are both Marvel icons and the embodiment of their respected nations; America and Canada. No creator wants to truly disrespect either of them, so it has to be a daunting task.
But despite all that, fanboys are a fickle bunch that demand answers to their constant comic debates. And Marvel likes to play on that every now and then with products that keep the curiosity going strong in the mass media. Plus, with both characters in major motion pictures and more popular today all over the world than ever before, the intrigue and demand is at an all time high. Hell, I can't think of anyone who doesn't want to see the Super-Soldier and the Weapon X duke it out to prove who is the superior - I know I do!
It seems that despite being such an interesting and demanded match up, you would think that these two would have clashed more often than their history dictates. But in reality, "Captain America vs Wolverine" is a rare occurrence in the annals of Marvel's history. I think it's because writers find it hard to come up with reasons to have them fight since they have been teammates for so long and are considered friends. Sure, they have different perspectives on life and moral codes, but they respect each other immensely and know that they can trust the other no matter what situation is at hand. Not to mention, they are both Marvel icons and the embodiment of their respected nations; America and Canada. No creator wants to truly disrespect either of them, so it has to be a daunting task.
But despite all that, fanboys are a fickle bunch that demand answers to their constant comic debates. And Marvel likes to play on that every now and then with products that keep the curiosity going strong in the mass media. Plus, with both characters in major motion pictures and more popular today all over the world than ever before, the intrigue and demand is at an all time high. Hell, I can't think of anyone who doesn't want to see the Super-Soldier and the Weapon X duke it out to prove who is the superior - I know I do!
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| "Captain America vs Wolverine" trading card (1990) |
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| When it comes to having Captain America and Wolverine battling it out against each other or teaming up in fierce competition, nothing does it better than the Marvel vs Capcom fighting game series. |
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| Marvel's Greatest Battles Comic Packs featuring "Captain America vs Wolverine" (2010) |
All in all, "Captain America vs Wolverine" is a very interesting fight between two of the most revered heroes in the Marvel Universe. It's one of those battles that you will not see often, but when you do, you know you're in for a real treat. It's the ultimate clash involving the best of the best and that's why we comic fans will always love it!
Enough with the background, let's get to the combatants...
TALE OF THE TAPE
Name: Captain America
Height: 6' 2"
Weight: 240lbs
Real Name: Steven Rogers
Origins: New York, New York
Home Base: U.S.A.
Nicknames: Cap, The Sentinel of Liberty, The Super-Soldier, The Star-Spangled Avenger, Wing-head, The Nomad, The Living Legend, The Captain, Top Cop of America, Weapon I, Brett Hendrick, Buck Jones, Yeoman America, Expatriate, Crossbones, Nathan Hale, Anthony Schwarz, Roger Grant, Steven Grant Rogers, Roger Stevens, The Man Without a Country, The Brooklyn Project, Lord of the Frozen Ice, Commander Rogers, Spider-King, The Avenger, The First Avenger
Powers: Possesses no superhuman powers, although as a result of the Super-Soldier Serum, he was transformed into a "perfect" specimen of human development and conditioning. He is as strong, fast, agile, and durable as it is possible for a human being to be without being considered superhuman (although with maximum intensity he has been known to perform feats that have to be considered superhuman). With his peak-level metabolism his body eliminates the excessive build-up of fatigue-producing poisons in his muscles, granting him phenomenal speed and endurance. It also allows him to heal from injury or disease faster than normal. He is subject to all human vulnerabilities, although his immunity to diseases, toxins, or even alcohol poisoning is extraordinary. His senses and even mental performance have been greatly enhanced, allowing his mind to operate in the most efficient and rapid manner possible. He never forgets anything and has perfect recall which makes him a tactical genius with the ability to quickly process multiple information streams (e.g., threat assessment) and rapidly respond to changing tactical situations making him a unparalleled battlefield strategist and team leader. He is a master in all forms of fighting and acrobatics, developing many of his own unique styles known only to him, making him perhaps the most skilled and versatile hand-to-hand fighter in the Marvel Universe. He possesses an indomitable will and spirit granting him high resistance to psychic control and assaults. He is also an expert fighter, handler and marksman with his shield as well as being a skilled artist.
Paraphernalia: Shield; a concave disk about 2.5 feet in diameter, weighing 12 pounds, made of a unique unbreakable Adamantium-Vibranium-Steel alloy (that had never been duplicated) with hyperkinetic-senses. Uniform; a fire-retardant costume incorporated with Kevlar body armor as well as a chain-mail shirt composed of light-weight "duralumin." Utility Belt; usually containing mission-specific equipment.
Favorite Expressions: "Avengers Assemble!", "I'm loyal to nothing General...except the Dream.", "Doesn't matter what the press says. Doesn't matter what the politicians or the mobs say. Doesn't matter if the whole country decides that something wrong is something right. This nation was founded on one principle above all else: the requirement that we stand up for what we believe, no matter the odds or the consequences. When the mob and the press and the whole world tell you to move, your job is to plant yourself like a tree beside the river of truth, and tell the whole world — No, you move!", "Captain America is not here to lead the country. I'm here to serve it. If I'm a captain, then I'm a soldier. Not of any military branch, but of the American people. Years ago, in simpler times, this suit and this shield were created as a symbol to help make America the land it's supposed to be... to help it realize its destiny. Ricocheting from super-villain duel to super-villain duel doesn't always serve that purpose. There's a difference between fighting against evil and fighting for the common good. I'm not always able to choose my battles... but effective immediately, I'm going to make an effort to choose the battles that matter. Battles against injustice, against cynicism, against intolerance. I will still serve with the Avengers. I will continue to defend this nation from any and all threats it may face. But as of today, I am not a super hero. Now and forevermore, I am a man of the people. Together, you and I will identify and confront America's problems. Together, we will figure out what we are and what we can be. Together, we will define the American Dream and make it an American reality.", "I believe in an idea, an idea that a single individual who has the right heart and the right mind that is consumed with a single purpose, that one man can win a war. Give that one man a group of soldiers with the same conviction, and you can change the world."
Height: 5' 3"
Weight: 300lbs (with Adamantium skeleton), 195lbs (without Adamantium skeleton)
Real Name: James Howlett
Origins: Alberta, Canada
Home Base: Mobile
Nicknames: Logan, Patch, Captain Canada, Weapon X, Death, Mutate #9601, Emilio Garra, Weapon Chi, Experiment X, Agent Ten, Peter Richards, Mai' keth, Black Dragon, Captain Terror, John Logan, Jim Logan, Weapon Ten, Canucklehead, Canada, Wildboy,
Powers: Wolverine is a mutant who has been given an unbreakable Adamantium skeleton from the Weapon X program. His primary mutant power is an accelerated healing process that enables him to regenerate damaged or destroyed tissue, including internal organs within hours to seconds (usually depending on the extent of his wounds). He is virtually immune to all poisons, diseases, infections and most drugs (except in massive doses). In addition, this healing factor provides him with an extended lifespan by slowing the effects of the aging process. Due to his constant cellular regeneration he can push his muscles beyond the natural limits of the human body without injury, granting him some degree of superhuman strength, stamina, speed, agility and reflexes. His body can withstand certain elemental extremes, particularly the cold. He possesses superhumanly acute senses that are comparable to those of certain animals. He also has the ability to sense the emotional state of animals on a basic level such as fear, anger, happiness or pain. He can even communicate with them to make the animal aware of his actions and or his intent. His natural skeleton includes six retractable 12-inch long bone claws, three in each arm, that are housed beneath the skin and muscle of his forearms. He can, at will, release these claws through his skin beneath the knuckles on each hand. He can unsheathe any number of his claws at once, although he must keep his wrists straight at the moment his claws pass from his forearms into his hands. The claws are made of thick bone and are sharp enough to slice through substances as durable as most metals, wood, and stone. He has shown to have tremendous tenacity and willpower making him highly resistant to telepathic probing and assault. Sometimes he will lapse into a "berserker rage" while in combat. In this state, he lashes out with the intensity and aggression of an enraged animal and is even more resistant to psionic attacks. He is highly intelligent, fluent in various languages and an expert in multiple types of weapons, vehicles, computer systems, explosives, and assassination techniques. Due to his extensive training as a soldier, CIA operative, samurai, spy, Avenger and X-Men, he is almost unmatched in hand-to-hand combat, having mastered virtually every fighting style on Earth. He is also well versed in pressure points and the art of espionage.
Paraphernalia: Adamantium-Laced Skeleton; his entire skeleton, including his bone claws, are laced with the rare, artificial, and virtually indestructible alloy known as Adamantium. As a result, his bones are virtually unbreakable. The presence of the Adamantium has further enhanced the already razor sharp edge of his bone claws. Aside from being practically indestructible, the claws are capable of cutting just about any solid material. The Adamantium also dramatically increases the effectiveness of his punches and kicks.
Favorite Expressions: "I'm the best there is at what I do, but what I do isn't very nice.", "Bub.", "Can I get Wolverine before he turns me into shih kabob with those claws? Now bub, seein' that those claws are adamantium, the strongest metal known, and can slice through vanadium steel like a hot knife through butter, buddy, you gotta ask yourself: do I feel lucky?"
THE SLUGFESTS
Captain America and Wolverine have been friends for a very long time. They have teamed up hundreds of times since the 1940's and continue to fight the good fight. While they make an incredible pair who have tremendous respect for each other, they also have very different personalities making them, at times, uneasy allies. So, you could say, that they have had their fair share of disagreements throughout the years. To list all the times they have argued would be monotonous and irrelevant to this write up. And I only listed every time the two heroes actually fought or "almost" fought in official Marvel continuity. No alternate reality or alternate timeline versions of each character are listed and only the "REAL" Captain America, a.k.a. Steve Rogers makes the cut (no facsimiles like Bucky Barnes, Sam Wilson or the like are included).
I will explain each encounter in detail. Unfortunately, all fights and situations are not always so clear cut and I've tried my very best to be fair, objective and unbiased about the outcome of each battle. A "MATCH UP" is considered a round within a fight or face off confrontation. Since situations can be erratic in the story, there can be multiple outcomes between opponents in a fight. I will continually list each "MATCH UP" with a result and tally it. A "MATCH UP" will only result in a "WIN" if the losing character is rendered unconscious, teleported away against their will or immobilized in such a fashion that they are only freed by the other combatant or an ally. There may even be cases when a character gets a victory due to interference of their teammates, partners, etc. This may not be a definitive "WIN" but it will still be tallied against the losing opponent and explained so. When a character gets an "EDGE" result, they had the advantage at the end of the fight but the opponent may still be conscious or fighting on, so it will not be tallied against him. A "DRAW" result means no one was victorious during that encounter. A "NONE" result means there was no way a logical result could be given in that confrontation or situation from the two characters facing off and this can occur for a number of reasons and will be explained in the text. And finally, an "UNKNOWN" result means the ending of the fight was never shown so a definitive result cannot be given. At the end, I tallied up the totals so you can come to your own conclusions and be the judge to see who holds the overall edge in this legendary battle.
While in the telekinesis field, Wolverine throws
his Muramasa sword at Hellion and Cap warns the boy to get down! As
Hellion scared covers his eyes, Cyclops quickly fires an optic beam at
the sword, deflecting it away from the boy just in time. Now free of the
field, Wolverine has fully healed from his injuries and pops his
Adamantium claws out and tries to slice Cap.
But Cap protects himself by using his shield and they engage into
another scrap. Cap orders everyone to move to the flanks while he goes
up the middle! Logan again jumps at Cap, but Cap punches Logan away
again with his shield. Suddenly, the wound in Cap’s leg starts to hurt
again, forcing the hero to his knee. Ready
to press the advantage, Wolverine is ready to kill Cap, but Cyclops
shouts at Logan not to do it and starts shooting blasts non-stop. His
first beam gives Cap enough time to roll to safety, while Logan jumps
over him in an attempt to reach his Muramasa sword. Logan manages to
pick it up and, as Scott fires another beam, Logan swings with the
sword, causing the beam to bounce off of it. The beam ricochets against
Cap’s shield, which then gets fired right in front of Scott’s feet as he
manages to jump to safety. Logan angrily turns his attention towards
Hellion, who panics. At that very moment, Emma telepathically shouts at
all the combatants to stop fighting! RESULT: DRAW (While Wolverine clearly had Cap injured and on the ropes again, the Sentinel of
Liberty had Cyclops and Hellion there to back him up and save him from
possible death. I had to list this fight as a "DRAW" because all the
combatants were still fighting until Emma Frost showed up and stopped
them.)
Check out other "DEFINITIVE WRITE UPS" here:
Hulk vs Silver Surfer
http://hero-envy.blogspot.com/2012/07/hulk-vs-silver-surfer.html
Hulk vs Superman
http://hero-envy.blogspot.com/2013/04/hulk-vs-superman.html
I will explain each encounter in detail. Unfortunately, all fights and situations are not always so clear cut and I've tried my very best to be fair, objective and unbiased about the outcome of each battle. A "MATCH UP" is considered a round within a fight or face off confrontation. Since situations can be erratic in the story, there can be multiple outcomes between opponents in a fight. I will continually list each "MATCH UP" with a result and tally it. A "MATCH UP" will only result in a "WIN" if the losing character is rendered unconscious, teleported away against their will or immobilized in such a fashion that they are only freed by the other combatant or an ally. There may even be cases when a character gets a victory due to interference of their teammates, partners, etc. This may not be a definitive "WIN" but it will still be tallied against the losing opponent and explained so. When a character gets an "EDGE" result, they had the advantage at the end of the fight but the opponent may still be conscious or fighting on, so it will not be tallied against him. A "DRAW" result means no one was victorious during that encounter. A "NONE" result means there was no way a logical result could be given in that confrontation or situation from the two characters facing off and this can occur for a number of reasons and will be explained in the text. And finally, an "UNKNOWN" result means the ending of the fight was never shown so a definitive result cannot be given. At the end, I tallied up the totals so you can come to your own conclusions and be the judge to see who holds the overall edge in this legendary battle.
CAPTAIN AMERICA ANNUAL #8 (1986)
Boasting one of the most iconic covers ever, "Captain America vs Wolverine" starts off with a bang! Although the fight itself was short-lived, it did spark off an incredible amount of questions that would ignite this rivalry forever. Who was truly the better combatant? Fanboys of both characters had their opinions and fans demanded another encounter.
Captain America arrives at a factory just as Wolverine does; when Cap tries to question him, Wolverine attacks. The fight is brief but intense as it is quickly interrupted by the robot Tess bursting through the wall and assaulting both of them. Eventually both heroes managed to sever the head of TESS-1 because the joints were not laced with Adamantium. At the end, Captain America says to Wolverine that he would never be able to join a team like the Avengers, because of his behaviors. RESULT: DRAW
Captain America arrives at a factory just as Wolverine does; when Cap tries to question him, Wolverine attacks. The fight is brief but intense as it is quickly interrupted by the robot Tess bursting through the wall and assaulting both of them. Eventually both heroes managed to sever the head of TESS-1 because the joints were not laced with Adamantium. At the end, Captain America says to Wolverine that he would never be able to join a team like the Avengers, because of his behaviors. RESULT: DRAW
TALLY: MATCH UPS: 1 CAPTAIN AMERICA: 0 - WOLVERINE: 0
THE X-MEN VS THE AVENGERS #1 (1987)
After averting a meteor disaster, the Avengers discover that the meteor fragments are actually from Magneto’s former base, Asteroid M. Vacationing, with the X-Men, Magneto learns of the fallen meteors and wonder if indeed they are from his former headquarters. He leaves the X-Men without a word, and travels to Kampuchea. There, he is confronted by the Avengers, who arrest him. The X-Men soon arrive after tracking Magneto and are ready to fight the Avengers on Magneto’s behalf, when the Soviet Super Soldiers and Crimson Dynamo arrive. Logan tells the Avengers that if they have a problem with Magneto then they have a problem with all the X-Men. He tells them to let him go, but Captain America puts a hand out towards the X-Men and warns Wolverine to back off, telling him not to do anything stupid. Claws unsheathed, Logan grins and exclaims that the only stupid moves are made by folks who cross him. "Care to try your luck?’" he asks before Storm tells Wolverine that this is not the time. RESULT: NONE
TALLY: MATCH UPS: 2 CAPTAIN AMERICA: 0 - WOLVERINE: 0
THE X-MEN VS THE AVENGERS #4 (1987)
While chasing Magneto the Avengers arrive and Storm tells them to back off. Wolverine adds that Magneto is one of the X-Men, and that the X-Men take care of their own. Thor tells Wolverine to have a care, as he does not tremble at his ill-mannered threats, while Captain America thinks to himself that this is insane, as the X-Men are not criminals, yet he cannot understand why they are siding with a madman like Magneto. Suddenly, Magneto cries ‘Silence! There is no need for you to fight!’ Magneto then declares that he wishes to consult with Captain America and the X-Men immediately, and while the remaining five Avengers are still frozen in their tracks, Cap and the X-Men disappear. RESULT: NONE
TALLY: MATCH UPS: 3 CAPTAIN AMERICA: 0 - WOLVERINE: 0
INFINITY WAR #2 (1992)
All the superhero teams have arrived at Four Freedoms Plaza for the meeting called by Mr. Fantastic. Reed begins the meeting and tells everyone of a doppleganger that attacked him. Wolverine enters and tells them he was attacked by a one as well, he also tells everyone that Iron Man and Mr. Fantastic are phonies. The heroes become divided and begin to battle. While Captain America is also involved in the huge melee, both he and Wolverine never face off against the other. Soon Daredevil also senses that Reed and Iron Man are the true impostors and then the fighting stops. RESULT: NONE
TALLY: MATCH UPS: 4 CAPTAIN AMERICA: 0 - WOLVERINE: 0
CAPTAIN AMERICA #404 (1992)
Captain America and Dr. Druid attempt to fend off werewolves that surround them. Using his mystic abilities, Druid levitates himself, then Cap out of the fray, also rendering the two of them undetectable by sight or scent. In a lab, Nightshade demonstrates to the town's master, Dredmund, that their captive, Wolverine, has an ability to heal that prevents her werewolf serum from transforming him as it did the townspeople. Instead, Dredmund puts Wolverine under his hypnotic control. Outside, Moonhunter searches in vain for the two Avengers. Still-undetectable they proceed amidst the now human townspeople who search for them, and enter the town hall. Out of the shadows, the mesmerized Wolverine lunges at Cap, and their fight carries them out into the street. Cap tries to reason with Wolverine during the scrap but this will leave him vulnerable to a headbutt and become pinned by the crazed mutant. But before Wolverine can land the killing blow, Moonhunter then takes this opportunity to knock Cap out with a tranquilizer dart. RESULT: WIN WOLVERINE (While this is not a definitive "WIN" for Wolverine by any means, he did have Cap at a great disadvantage before Moonhunter interfered to take the Avenger out of the fight.)
TALLY: MATCH UPS: 5 CAPTAIN AMERICA: 0 - WOLVERINE: 1
CAPTAIN AMERICA #405 (1992)
With Captain America transformed into "Capwolf" by Nightshade, he tries to reason with the werewolves that are in pursuit of him, this will eventually lead him into a face to face confrontation with Wolverine. Through the red fog of his feral transformation, Cap tries to communicate with Logan who has gone berserk to no avail and gets slashed for it. Now with Capwolf going berserk due to his cut, he will slash at Logan's face blinding him and then tosses the mutant into the group of werewolves before escaping. RESULT: WIN CAPTAIN AMERICA (This is not a definitive "WIN" by any means for Cap as he was further enhanced by the lycanthropy that made him a werewolf.)
TALLY: MATCH UPS: 6 CAPTAIN AMERICA: 1 - WOLVERINE: 1
WOLVERINE #25 (2005)
Iron Man and Captain America arrive to join The X-men who are on the hunt for a brainwashed Wolverine. As the X-men battle with Logan, many fall before Cyclops is able to hit him with a full-powered optic blast that stuns the mutant. As The X-Men advance, Wolverine manages to teleport away. Now badly hurt, Wolverine needs time to recover and heal. He mumbles that he needs to get himself together. At that moment, Captain America slams his shield down on Logan’s head, driving him down into the mud and totally knocking him unconscious. Cap calls for a S.H.I.E.L.D. team get Wolverine secured and cleaned up. Falcon is present and gives Captain America “props” for taking Wolverine down. RESULT: NONE
TALLY: MATCH UPS: 7 CAPTAIN AMERICA: 1 - WOLVERINE: 1
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| Variant Cover |
WOLVERINE: ORIGINS #4 (2006)
Wolverine looking for Nuke ends up crossing paths with Captain America (who is doing the same) in Vietnam. Both expert hand-to-hand fighters go back and forth showcasing their skills against each other and both guys start to bleed. Logan starts to talk trash to get Cap angry and unfocused. But it doesn't work as Cap throws his shield toward Logan, and as he blocks it gives him the chance to jump and attack him again. Logan realizes his mistake now. Logan falls on the grass, and Cap uses his arms to hold Logan’s claws toward his face and neck, shouting and asking if he saw that coming. Wolverine thinks Cap must believe he’s stupid or something as he easily sheathes his claws back in, having his fists free. Cap then crushes the tendons in his forearms, so his claws won’t work anymore. But Logan also scored a trick of his own when he kicks Cap off of him. As Cap falls in pain on the ground, Logan smirks that the deep cut he gave Cap in his thigh is what doctors call a “massive hematoma” and it could eventually kill him. As Logan gets up and rest against a tree to take a breather, he mentions they’re both pretty screwed. Thing is, he’s going to heal up in a little while, but not Cap. Suddenly, someone takes a swing at Logan. He ducks just in time, but the swing slices the tree Logan rested against in half! Cap tells Logan not to worry about him, as he’ll be just fine. Holding Logan’s Murasma sword in his hands, Captain America is ready for more as he orders Logan to get back on his feet and march to the extraction point, where a helicopter will be waiting. Logan wonders about Nuke. Cap promises that once he handed Logan off, he’ll come back for Nuke. He orders Wolverine to move. RESULT: EDGE CAPTAIN AMERICA
TALLY: MATCH UPS: 8 CAPTAIN AMERICA: 1 - WOLVERINE: 1
As they walk to the helicopter, Cap hears something snapping behind him. Nuke, crawling out of some bushes, tries to grab his leg but Cap quickly jumps into safety. Wolverine tries to attack Nuke, but Cap won’t let him and uses the Muramasa sword to slice Logan’s chest! Logan falls down on the ground holding his wound but starts to lose control. Cap then punches Nuke in the face and declares that he won’t let any of this get further out of control. Wolverine, now in a berserker rage, suddenly attacks Cap from behind, punching at the back of his head while taking his shield and throwing it away. Cap then tries to hit Logan with the sword but since Logan is sitting on his back, Cap can’t see anything and Logan takes the sword from him. Cap orders Logan to stand down, or else he’ll put him down himself! But the pain of the wound in his leg from their previous fight gets worse, causing Cap to collapse. Knowing Cap is badly hurt and with only his fists to protect himself, Wolverine leaps at him with the sword for the kill. Suddenly, out of nowhere, Wolverine’s attack gets interceded by Hellion's telekinesis field and he tells Logan that he won’t be killing Captain America today. RESULT: EDGE WOLVERINE (I couldn't give Wolverine the definitive "WIN" because even though Cap was badly hurt, he was still conscious and prepared to defend himself.)
TALLY: MATCH UPS: 9 CAPTAIN AMERICA: 1 - WOLVERINE: 1
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| Variant Cover WOLVERINE: ORIGINS #5 (2006) |
TALLY: MATCH UPS: 10 CAPTAIN AMERICA: 1 - WOLVERINE: 1
WOLVERINE: ORIGINS #20 (2008)
Logan recalls a past adventure with Cap and Bucky during WWII and tells about Cap giving him one of his all-time greatest beatings. On the mission, Logan had to protect Baron Von Strucker and Baron Zemo in a plan even if it meant he had to get them back to their Nazi cronies. As soon as Logan got close to enough, Cap delivers a vicious upper cut to Logan’s jaw and calls him a traitor. From the side, one of the German soldiers raises his gun to take out Cap but is stopped by Zemo, who tells him that he wants to see this. Cap begins to pummel Logan with punches and kicks. The final blow occurred when Cap backhanded Logan across the face with his shield. With the Canadian half out of it, Cap picks him up with one arm by the throat and says to him that he trusted him. Logan is then shot before he can say anything further. When the U.S. troops finally attack, a firefight ensues. In the chaos, Zemo and Strucker are able to escape. RESULT: WIN CAPTAIN AMERICA
TALLY: MATCH UPS: 11 CAPTAIN AMERICA: 2 - WOLVERINE: 1
AVENGERS: THE CHILDREN'S CRUSADE #3 (2010)
Captain America and other Avengers come to help Wolverine. As Cap gives Wolverine a hand, Wolvie releases his claws to Cap's neck and confronts him on how serious Cap is about saving the Scarlet Witch. Cap pulls Wolverine's hand down by the wrist and tells him saving her should be a first priority. RESULT: NONE
TALLY: MATCH UPS: 12 CAPTAIN AMERICA: 2 - WOLVERINE: 1
AVENGERS VS X-MEN #3 (2012)
Wolverine learns that Hope has escaped Utopia, and that the X-Men have apparently surrendered to the Avengers. Captain America divides the Avengers into various teams to search for Hope at the locations they were given. Wolverine is on his team, but Cap believes he has lost his ability to be impartial on this mission and suggests for Wolverine to take a walk with him. They leave the cockpit of the ship and enter into a different room. Cap says that he is not sure he can trust Wolverine to follow his orders on this mission. Wolverine replies that he is willing to do whatever it takes, because he has seen what the Phoenix does. But Cap tells him that he will not let him kill that girl. Wolverine refuses to listen, so Cap knows Logan is going to have to sit this mission out. Cap takes initiative and punches Wolverine in the face, knocking him backwards. Wolverine attacks and an intense fight ensues with both combatants eventually dripping in blood. Suddenly, Cap's plan comes together as Giant Man comes up behind Wolverine and whacks him on the back, knocking him to the ground. As Wolverine tries to get up, Captain America slams his shield into Logan’s face. ‘Now, Sharon!’ Captain America calls out, and a hatch suddenly falls away from the Quinjet. Wolverine is sucked backwards by this and then Giant Man kicks him out of the jet. Logan plummets to the icy landscape below. RESULT: WIN CAPTAIN AMERICA (This was not a definitive "WIN" as Cap had his Avenger teammates help him remove Wolverine from the Quinjet. But that was Cap's plan from the beginning and as always, it worked perfectly.)
FINAL TALLY: MATCH UPS: 13 CAPTAIN AMERICA: 3 - WOLVERINE: 1
HONORABLE MENTION
Captain America and Wolverine have fought many times in non-cannon stories (and sometimes with deadly results). I've noticed throughout the years that both Cap and Wolverine fans often make arguments showing these comics to make claims to their debates. But truth be told, despite some interesting stories, these issues don't count. I see them as writers' interpretations of “Captain America vs Wolverine” battles without continuity restraints so they always have fun twists of “What could have been?” While I will not list those issues in this write up, I wanted to list my favorite Cap and Wolverine fight that occurred outside of actual Marvel continuity.
ULTIMATE WAR #4 (2003)
Nick Fury comes to the incorrect conclusion that the X-Men have joined forces with Magneto to fight mankind, so he sets his Ultimates on the chase to stop them. In the battle, Wolverine drops down from out of the sky and sinks his claws into the back of Iron Man's armor. The two combatants crash land into the ground. When Wolverine gets up, he finds Captain America standing before him. Cap is surprised to learn that Wolverine has no memory of their time together in World War II. He uses this to his advantage however to draw Wolverine closer to him, enabling Cap to take him down with a machine gun. He knew that Wolverine's healing factor would prevent him from dying, but the wounds are severe enough to take him out of the fight.
ANIMATED
In
this section I list every time that Captain America and Wolverine
engage in combat with each other. No cartoons or animated features with
friendly team ups or situations are included.
ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN (SEASON: 2 EPISODE: 20 "GAME OVER" 2013)
When Arcade takes over S.H.E.I.L.D.'s Life Model Decoy robots and puts Spider-man and Captain America through
a video game of death, they confront Wolverine. Cap and Wolverine
battle it out until Wolvie realizes Cap isn't a robot. They will soon
team up together with Spider-man to stop Arcade and his maniacal plans.
THE END??
In 13 official match ups, Captain America takes the overall edge 3 to 1 over Wolverine. But in the open-ended world of comics, those numbers don't always tell the whole story. And in a fight between these two tenacious hand-to-hand specialists a lot of factors have to be taken into consideration when you compare them in a head-to-head scrap. So, I'll have to break it down and put all the facts out on a Star-Spangled table for you.
Although Wolverine only has 1 controversial victory over Cap in Captain America #404, you still have to give him the advantage over the Sentinel of Liberty in a straight up fight. As you can clearly see in Wolverine Origins #4 and 5, Wolverine simply outlasts Cap by being able to take more and most importantly - heal quickly. Cap on the other hand was becoming more and more weaker as the fight progressed and he started to fade. Wolverine may have only officially scored an "EDGE" and a "DRAW" in some of those match ups due to circumstances, but truth be told, he almost "KILLED" Cap in them. And that's way more impressive than just a regular "WIN" in my book.
Although Wolverine only has 1 controversial victory over Cap in Captain America #404, you still have to give him the advantage over the Sentinel of Liberty in a straight up fight. As you can clearly see in Wolverine Origins #4 and 5, Wolverine simply outlasts Cap by being able to take more and most importantly - heal quickly. Cap on the other hand was becoming more and more weaker as the fight progressed and he started to fade. Wolverine may have only officially scored an "EDGE" and a "DRAW" in some of those match ups due to circumstances, but truth be told, he almost "KILLED" Cap in them. And that's way more impressive than just a regular "WIN" in my book.
Cap's way to victory is clearly seen in Avengers vs X-men #3 (Captain America #405 doesn't really count because Cap was enhanced as Capwolf and in Wolverine Origins #20 it was a young Logan that Cap beat up who wasn't really fighting him back). With prep time, a plan and using his superior tactical efficiency on Wolverine, he can, and most likely will win this fight. Cap is notorious for finding ways to come out on top despite any circumstances, that's something he does better than just about anyone else in comics... including Wolverine himself. While Cap is skilled and strong enough with his shield to get a legitimate knock out "WIN" over Logan in a one-on-one fight (as seen in Wolverine #25), it's just not going to happen often. Wolverine has taken punches from Marvel's heaviest hitters and still came back for more. So, expect Cap to forget about a straight up slugfest altogether and use his skills and shield to nullify Logan's claws and get his victory with a well-executed plan.
So, in the end, fanboys can make their arguments on who has the better overall physical statistics and skill set between them. Truth is that both of these heroes are so close that it's hard to give a definitive answer and both generate almost an equal amount of respect from others because of it. Cap is definitely the more inspirational to those around him. Even Logan himself takes a back seat to the leadership and influence of the Sentinel of Liberty and historically has time and time again. But I would say that Wolverine is much more feared. His Adamantium claws are so incredibly lethal that very few opponents want to go up against him. Although technically, Cap is a slightly better overall hand-to-hand fighter with his greatest edge being his strategic mind (that's his bread and butter). But whatever the Weapon X lacks in straight up fighting skills compared to the Super-Soldier, his Adamantium Skeleton coupled with his insane durability and healing factor will easily make the difference. Logan simply has the ability to outlast Cap and use his ferocity and claws to cause more lasting damage than Cap is able to cause upon him. The odds are just in Wolverine's favor because it all comes down to the fact that he can make some mistakes in this fight while Cap cannot afford too. One major misstep or a few little ones and Cap is toast. That's why I have to give the slight overall edge in this match up to the ol' Cunucklehead, Wolverine - SNIKT!!!
Agree?? Disagree?? Let's hear it fanboys!!
Check out other "DEFINITIVE WRITE UPS" here:
Jack Kirby vs Alex Toth
http://hero-envy.blogspot.com/2013/06/jack-kirby-vs-alex-toth.html
Superman vs Captain Marvel
http://hero-envy.blogspot.com/2013/06/jack-kirby-vs-alex-toth.html
Superman vs Captain Marvel
Thor vs Ulik
http://hero-envy.blogspot.com/2011/07/thor-vs-ulik.html
Thor vs Silver Surfer
http://hero-envy.blogspot.com/2012/05/thor-vs-silver-surfer.html
Thor vs Silver Surfer
http://hero-envy.blogspot.com/2012/05/thor-vs-silver-surfer.html
Hulk vs Thor
Hulk vs Silver Surfer
http://hero-envy.blogspot.com/2012/07/hulk-vs-silver-surfer.html
Hulk vs Superman
http://hero-envy.blogspot.com/2013/04/hulk-vs-superman.html
Hulk vs Juggernaut
Hulk vs Hercules
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.
