Gladiator versus Captain Marvel

Originally posted by Stoic
Well do you think his magic tricks are faster than Gladiator's laser vision? Gladiator has telescopic vision, super senses, freeze breath, x-ray vision. Wouldn't it be difficult to do magic tricks in the midst of a battle with a guy arguably as fast as he is? I was under the impression that gladiator's abilities were more useful, or practical in combat. They can both vibrate through objects, their speed is about on par, strength as well. I just can't see how Cap would be unaffected by being blasted in the eyes with that much heat, or be able to go unaffected by freeze breath. Surely it would slow him down? Gladiator's problem is his jobbing or win/lose ratio.

Cap can call on some of the gods for help.

- Such as the wisdom of Solomon, who has actually called upon in battle.

-He is much more durable in certain areas. For example, he can protect from mystic attacks (Spear of Destiny), which Gladiator would fail to do, IMO

- Gladiator has freeze breath? Billy can draw upon lightning from across the planet and control weather to a certain degree.

- And from the later issue of JLA, his mystic lighting can wish him minor things, although that can change as the story of him progresses.

Versatility isn't really an issue, IMO. Both can do things the other can't.

Originally posted by Golgo13
Cap can call on some of the gods for help.

- Such as the wisdom of Solomon, who has actually called upon in battle.

-He is much more durable in certain areas. For example, he can protect from mystic attacks (Spear of Destiny), which Gladiator would fail to do, IMO

- Gladiator has freeze breath? Billy can draw upon lightning from across the planet and control weather to a certain degree.

- And from the later issue of JLA, his mystic lighting can wish him minor things, although that can change as the story of him progresses.

Versatility isn't really an issue, IMO. Both can do things the other can't.

How would he call on the wisdom of Solomon when he would be fighting a guy that moves at ftl speeds? Doesn't seem practical. Gladiator would have to stand there while he has this session wouldn't he?

You also seem to keep drawing feats from the DCU Cap, and his DCNU counterpart.

Either way, neither of these guys are sweeping the other. It could go either way.

Too bad he hardly fights that way. One bolt to the head would do.

Gladiator wins.

Cap beats the shit out of Gladiator.

It's pre-reboot Captain Marvel's fight to lose. 7/10.

Originally posted by quanchi112
Gladiator wins.

Not based on his canon obviously.

What are you using to give him the victory?

for some reason cm doesn't get all that much respect on the forum. i recall a mini series where billy had to use superman's body to fight someone and supes was stunned at just how much power billy called down. i mean the guy has had a couple great battles with supes, dealt with his heat vision, matched him in battles of strength....he even raced down flash once in justice i think....? (can never recall if that's canon...) he is NOT superman, despite all that but he is not far off--closer than any of the marvel homages imo. i guess if he really needed to he could amp his stats with the power of zeus as well. something he rarely does and i've never understood why he doesn't do that more. his lightning is also very versatile--and fast.

cap is a beast and for some reason i always feel like he doesn't have the respect he deserves.

Simply because he doesn't have a boatload of appearances.

He just hasn't been around that much in post-crisis/preboot days.

yeah, he was never very popular. maybe too much cornball, not enough grit? i've always loved his powerset, and it has sooooooooo much potential for cool feats and stories. i guess it's tough for kids today to relate to someone nick-named the big red cheese who battles someone who looks and talks like sivana. but they evolved superman. not sure why they have never been able to make cm work in today's age. some great writer needs to grab him and use his potential, put him through some definitive, enter-the-new-age storyline. he could be so great.... imo more potential to grow and develop than any character in either company.

I always thought he was a great character, though I always disliked the weakness of having to "change back" when saying Shazam unless he dodges the lightning or something. Then again I dislike most of DC's "gimmicky" weaknesses. It's very true that CA's always been more lighthearted. I love it, but it hasn't really been what DC's been going for.

As far as his few appearances, there's also the fact that he's almost always sharing his power.

And then there's the fact that he sort of "ascended" into wizardhood, which doesn't apply to "standard" Captain Marvel.

yeah, i'm less thrilled about his 'magical specialty' that dc is forcing down our throats. ironically, his early stories were all about science vs magic. now, that seems totally forgotten. i've never been a big fan of the other marvels (freddy and mary, the even sillier uncles.... blah). you're right about the weakness, but even that can be overhauled if he were simply shown, consistently, as being able to completely control the lightning in ways he hasn't before--like catching and throwing it for example. meh, maybe some day someone will do something really great with him. ironically, it seems black adam gets more respect.... if adam can work, so can cm.

Pre DCnU CM 6/10
DCnU CM 5/10

Read Thunderworld adventures Leo. That's cap marvel at his best.

**** DCNU Shazam.

Originally posted by abhilegend
Read Thunderworld adventures Leo. That's cap marvel at his best.

**** DCNU Shazam.

yeah, i loved it. 👆

that was classic cm though, and while i loved it, not sure that's the kind of portrayal that will make him popular among the kids these days. i'd love to see a new, redefined cap that makes use of his full powers in new, creative ways. he could be awesome.

Originally posted by abhilegend
Read Thunderworld adventures Leo. That's cap marvel at his best.

**** DCNU Shazam.

👆