Rappers Vs. Comic Book Characters: A Secret Wars Remix

Rappers vs. comic book characters: Who wins?

Marvel vs. Hip Hop: The Return of 'Secret Wars' - It was in 1998 when Philadelphia MC and comic book fanboy the Last Emperor dropped "Secret Wars," a hip hop love letter to Marvel Comics' special 1984 event. In the limited series of the same name, such heroes and villains as Spider-Man, Captain America, Dr. Doom, the Enchantress, Thor, Wolverine, Magneto, Wasp, and the Thing were forced into combat, producing dream match-ups that had readers losing their collective minds.  Emperor's familiar premise was simple: pit a majority of Marvel characters against some of hip hop's greatest rhyme sayers. KRS-One going mind-for-mind against Professor X? A mystical showdown between Dr. Strange and the Wu-Tang Clan's the Genius? Storm battling it out with Lauryn Hill? It was brilliant, pop culture-crossing stuff. This month, the house...

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Marvel vs. Hip Hop: The Return of 'Secret Wars' - It was in 1998 when Philadelphia MC and comic book fanboy the Last Emperor dropped "Secret Wars," a hip hop love letter to Marvel Comics' special 1984 event. In the limited series of the same name, such heroes and villains as Spider-Man, Captain America, Dr. Doom, the Enchantress, Thor, Wolverine, Magneto, Wasp, and the Thing were forced into combat, producing dream match-ups that had readers losing their collective minds.  Emperor's familiar premise was simple: pit a majority of Marvel characters against some of hip hop's greatest rhyme sayers. KRS-One going mind-for-mind against Professor X? A mystical showdown between Dr. Strange and the Wu-Tang Clan's the Genius? Storm battling it out with Lauryn Hill? It was brilliant, pop culture-crossing stuff. This month, the house...

Run the Jewels vs. Powerman & Iron Fist - Who: Run the Jewels The gloriously conspicuous, black/white duo of Killer Mike and El-P take demented glee in kicking the collective asses of sucker MCs and dropping sobering, politically-minded statements for fans who dig their hip hop with mighty, unwavering bite.  Who: Power Man & Iron Fist Heroic black/white duo of Luke Cage and Danny Rand fight for everyday folks in the 'hood, flexing superhuman strength and mystical martial arts mastery, respectively.  Winner: Run the Jewels Sure, the effortlessly cool Cage is bulletproof and relentless Ran possesses the supernatural "iron fist." But can they do this? (Photos from Left: Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images, Marvel Comics)

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Run the Jewels vs. Powerman & Iron Fist - Who: Run the Jewels The gloriously conspicuous, black/white duo of Killer Mike and El-P take demented glee in kicking the collective asses of sucker MCs and dropping sobering, politically-minded statements for fans who dig their hip hop with mighty, unwavering bite.  Who: Power Man & Iron Fist Heroic black/white duo of Luke Cage and Danny Rand fight for everyday folks in the 'hood, flexing superhuman strength and mystical martial arts mastery, respectively.  Winner: Run the Jewels Sure, the effortlessly cool Cage is bulletproof and relentless Ran possesses the supernatural "iron fist." But can they do this? (Photos from Left: Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images, Marvel Comics)

Nicki Minaj vs. Misty Knight - Who: Nicki Minaj Young Money's majestic queen is a freaking unmitigated beast on the mic and can make a sheer $1,725 Givenchy top look downright drool worthy.  Who: Misty Knight You don't mess with a former police officer turned two-fisted private eye turned unconventional hero-for-hire who can break evil doers with just the flick of her Tony Starks constructed bionic arm.  Winner: Misty Knight Iron Fist's gorgeous, bad ass, on-again, off-again girlfriend cuts a more formidable foe than Tyga. Just saying. (Photos from Left: Craig Barritt/Getty Images, Marvel Comics)

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Nicki Minaj vs. Misty Knight - Who: Nicki Minaj Young Money's majestic queen is a freaking unmitigated beast on the mic and can make a sheer $1,725 Givenchy top look downright drool worthy.  Who: Misty Knight You don't mess with a former police officer turned two-fisted private eye turned unconventional hero-for-hire who can break evil doers with just the flick of her Tony Starks constructed bionic arm.  Winner: Misty Knight Iron Fist's gorgeous, bad ass, on-again, off-again girlfriend cuts a more formidable foe than Tyga. Just saying. (Photos from Left: Craig Barritt/Getty Images, Marvel Comics)

Tink vs. Ms. Marvel - Who: Tink This rhyming-singing Chicago newcomer and Timbaland protege is being called the next Lauryn Hill. When Tink can pull off an Aaliyah flip like this, the hype may be justified.  Who: Ms. Marvel (Kamala Khan) Also a new kid on the block, the Pakistani-American high schooler is a practicing Muslim who uses her jaw-dropping, shape-shifting abilities for good after being inspired by her idol, Carol Danvers, aka Captain Marvel.  Winner: Draw Both Tink and Ms. Marvel are relative neophytes just learning the ropes. (Photos from Left: Krista Schlueter / BET, Marvel Comics)

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Tink vs. Ms. Marvel - Who: Tink This rhyming-singing Chicago newcomer and Timbaland protege is being called the next Lauryn Hill. When Tink can pull off an Aaliyah flip like this, the hype may be justified.  Who: Ms. Marvel (Kamala Khan) Also a new kid on the block, the Pakistani-American high schooler is a practicing Muslim who uses her jaw-dropping, shape-shifting abilities for good after being inspired by her idol, Carol Danvers, aka Captain Marvel.  Winner: Draw Both Tink and Ms. Marvel are relative neophytes just learning the ropes. (Photos from Left: Krista Schlueter / BET, Marvel Comics)

Kendrick Lamar vs. Spiderman - Who: Kendrick Lamar When the universally acclaimed K. Dot isn't repping Compton to the fullest or popping up in an all-star Taylor Swift video extravaganza, he's backing up his status as the most important emcee on the planet today.  Who: Spider-Man (Miles Morales)Peter Parker is a hard act to follow. But the Dominican African-American born Morales has managed to carry on the Spider-Man name with much two-fisted, wisecracking swag.  Winner: Kendrick LamarThe new age Spidey can stop you in your tracks with his electrical venom strike. Lamar, however, can pull off the same feat with just one thought provoking verse.(Photos from Left: Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images, Marvel Comics)

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Kendrick Lamar vs. Spiderman - Who: Kendrick Lamar When the universally acclaimed K. Dot isn't repping Compton to the fullest or popping up in an all-star Taylor Swift video extravaganza, he's backing up his status as the most important emcee on the planet today.  Who: Spider-Man (Miles Morales)Peter Parker is a hard act to follow. But the Dominican African-American born Morales has managed to carry on the Spider-Man name with much two-fisted, wisecracking swag.  Winner: Kendrick LamarThe new age Spidey can stop you in your tracks with his electrical venom strike. Lamar, however, can pull off the same feat with just one thought provoking verse.(Photos from Left: Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images, Marvel Comics)

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Young Thug vs. Brother Voodoo - Who: Young Thug Thugga unknowingly channels David Bowie's eccentric, gender-bending '70s spirit, spits unintelligible yet catchy lyrics and is an unapologetic Lil Wayne STAN, much to the chagrin of Mr. Weezy himself.  Who: Brother Voodoo The fact that he was picked as the Sorcerer Supreme successor to Doctor Strange (Marvel's most powerful supernatural being), lets you know that Jericho Drumm is a problem.  Winner: Brother Voodoo When Young Thug possesses the Eye of Agamotto, then we can talk. (Photos from Left: Brad Barket/BET/Getty Images for BET, Marvel Comics)

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Young Thug vs. Brother Voodoo - Who: Young Thug Thugga unknowingly channels David Bowie's eccentric, gender-bending '70s spirit, spits unintelligible yet catchy lyrics and is an unapologetic Lil Wayne STAN, much to the chagrin of Mr. Weezy himself.  Who: Brother Voodoo The fact that he was picked as the Sorcerer Supreme successor to Doctor Strange (Marvel's most powerful supernatural being), lets you know that Jericho Drumm is a problem.  Winner: Brother Voodoo When Young Thug possesses the Eye of Agamotto, then we can talk. (Photos from Left: Brad Barket/BET/Getty Images for BET, Marvel Comics)

Iggy Azalea vs. Squirrel Girl - Who: Iggy Azalea The polarizing Australian rapper is a tabloid and pop lightening rod. If by chance you happen to be among Iggy's detractors who believe her act is as fake as a $300 Hermes Birkin crocodile bag, then you are in for some bad news. Her bubbly Britney Spears team-up "Pretty Girls" is threatening to become this summer's inescapable radio anthem.  Who: Squirrel Girl Marvel's most off-the-wall heroine has the ability to communicate with and control, you guessed it, squirrels. Oh, she has also defeated the seemingly unbeatable likes of Doctor Doom, Deadpool and....Thanos?!  Winner: Squirrel Girl Yo, she took out Thanos. Thanos!  (Photos from Left: Theo Wargo/Getty Images, Marvel Comics)

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Iggy Azalea vs. Squirrel Girl - Who: Iggy Azalea The polarizing Australian rapper is a tabloid and pop lightening rod. If by chance you happen to be among Iggy's detractors who believe her act is as fake as a $300 Hermes Birkin crocodile bag, then you are in for some bad news. Her bubbly Britney Spears team-up "Pretty Girls" is threatening to become this summer's inescapable radio anthem.  Who: Squirrel Girl Marvel's most off-the-wall heroine has the ability to communicate with and control, you guessed it, squirrels. Oh, she has also defeated the seemingly unbeatable likes of Doctor Doom, Deadpool and....Thanos?!  Winner: Squirrel Girl Yo, she took out Thanos. Thanos!  (Photos from Left: Theo Wargo/Getty Images, Marvel Comics)

Wiz Khalifa vs. Star Lord - Who: Wiz Khalifa Amber Rose's wiry ex currently has the highest-selling single in the country (the No. 1 Furious 7 Paul Walker tribute "See You Again"). Not bad for a former underground stoner from Pittsburgh.  Who: Star-Lord Peter Quill, the habitual line-stepping leader of the intergalactic team Guardians of the Galaxy sports a space-ready, strength enhancing, heat dampening, universal language translating battle suit that would make Iron Man jelly.  Winner: Wiz Khalifa Star-Lord gets supremely high with the help of his sentient space vessel, "Ship." Wiz? Let's just say he doesn't need a spaceship.  (Photos from Left: Araya Diaz/Getty Images for BMI, Marvel Comics)

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Wiz Khalifa vs. Star Lord - Who: Wiz Khalifa Amber Rose's wiry ex currently has the highest-selling single in the country (the No. 1 Furious 7 Paul Walker tribute "See You Again"). Not bad for a former underground stoner from Pittsburgh.  Who: Star-Lord Peter Quill, the habitual line-stepping leader of the intergalactic team Guardians of the Galaxy sports a space-ready, strength enhancing, heat dampening, universal language translating battle suit that would make Iron Man jelly.  Winner: Wiz Khalifa Star-Lord gets supremely high with the help of his sentient space vessel, "Ship." Wiz? Let's just say he doesn't need a spaceship.  (Photos from Left: Araya Diaz/Getty Images for BMI, Marvel Comics)

Kanye West vs. Namor - Who: Kanye West World-beating producer, lyricist, fashion zealot and outspoken husband of you know who has been known to spazz out at any sign of disrespect for his "All Day" royal highness.  Who: Namor (Sub-Mariner) World-beating superhuman, ocean-dwelling, antihero Prince of Atlantis has been known to spazz out at any sign of disrespect for his winged ankle royal highness.  Winner: Kanye West 'Ye has an even bigger ego than Prince Namor. That's saying a lot.  (Photos from Left: Daniel Boczarski/Getty Images for VEVO, Marvel Comics)

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Kanye West vs. Namor - Who: Kanye West World-beating producer, lyricist, fashion zealot and outspoken husband of you know who has been known to spazz out at any sign of disrespect for his "All Day" royal highness.  Who: Namor (Sub-Mariner) World-beating superhuman, ocean-dwelling, antihero Prince of Atlantis has been known to spazz out at any sign of disrespect for his winged ankle royal highness.  Winner: Kanye West 'Ye has an even bigger ego than Prince Namor. That's saying a lot.  (Photos from Left: Daniel Boczarski/Getty Images for VEVO, Marvel Comics)

Azealia Banks vs. She Hulk - Who: Azealia Banks Harlem's Twitter-beef-igniting, club-rap empress and staunch enemy of cultural appropriation also uses her headline-grabbing gifts to break up concert fights.  Who: She-Hulk The Hulk's cousin and moonlighting lawyer can lift in excess of a whopping 100 tons. Show off.  Winner: Azealia Banks You wouldn't like her when she's angry.  (Photos from Left: Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images, Marvel Comics)

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Azealia Banks vs. She Hulk - Who: Azealia Banks Harlem's Twitter-beef-igniting, club-rap empress and staunch enemy of cultural appropriation also uses her headline-grabbing gifts to break up concert fights.  Who: She-Hulk The Hulk's cousin and moonlighting lawyer can lift in excess of a whopping 100 tons. Show off.  Winner: Azealia Banks You wouldn't like her when she's angry.  (Photos from Left: Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images, Marvel Comics)

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Earl Sweatshirt vs. Howard the Duck - Who: Earl Sweatshirt Don't sleep. Odd Future's laid-back, bantam 21-year-old lyrical wonder can rhyme the best of MCs under the table with apathetic ease.  Who: Howard the Duck He's a talking duck from another dimension who has mastered the ancient fighting style of Quack-Fu and once ran for president. No...really.  Winner: Draw The conversation afterward, though, would be amazing.  (Photos from Left: Rachel Murray/Getty Images for PANDORA Media, Marvel Comics)

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Earl Sweatshirt vs. Howard the Duck - Who: Earl Sweatshirt Don't sleep. Odd Future's laid-back, bantam 21-year-old lyrical wonder can rhyme the best of MCs under the table with apathetic ease.  Who: Howard the Duck He's a talking duck from another dimension who has mastered the ancient fighting style of Quack-Fu and once ran for president. No...really.  Winner: Draw The conversation afterward, though, would be amazing.  (Photos from Left: Rachel Murray/Getty Images for PANDORA Media, Marvel Comics)

Danny Brown vs. Deadpool - Who: Danny BrownA high-pitched voice, laughable hairdo, and shameless gap-tooth smile that only a mother could love, the refreshingly quirky Brown takes rhyming to obscene and ridiculous heights.  Who: Deadpool Everyone's favorite sword-wielding, punchline-serving, fourth-wall-breaking, indestructible mutant mercenary.  Winner: Deadpool Wade Winston Wilson is actually aware that he's a fictional comic book character. How sick is that?   (Photos from Left: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Coachella, Marvel Comics)

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Danny Brown vs. Deadpool - Who: Danny BrownA high-pitched voice, laughable hairdo, and shameless gap-tooth smile that only a mother could love, the refreshingly quirky Brown takes rhyming to obscene and ridiculous heights.  Who: Deadpool Everyone's favorite sword-wielding, punchline-serving, fourth-wall-breaking, indestructible mutant mercenary.  Winner: Deadpool Wade Winston Wilson is actually aware that he's a fictional comic book character. How sick is that?   (Photos from Left: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Coachella, Marvel Comics)

Chance the Rapper vs. Silver Surfer - Who: Chance the Rapper This eccentric visionary is still basking in the afterglow of his brilliant 2013 mixtape, Acid Rap. Never mind that Chance has yet to release an official studio album. The leftfield Chicago lyricist, backed by his jazzy band, Social Experiment, has become a major concert draw, banking a list of growing admirers and collaborators including aforementioned superstar Kanye West.  Who: Silver Surfer Norman Radd evolved from being the most-feared humanoid herald for planet-eating entity Galactus to earnest Fantastic Four ally and beloved cosmic protector who has delivered some of the most heartfelt soliloquies on existentialism this side of Socrates.  Winner: Silver Surfer Dude travels the universe on a silver surf board. Just saying...  (Photos from Left: Kevin Winter/Getty Images for Coachella, ...

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Chance the Rapper vs. Silver Surfer - Who: Chance the Rapper This eccentric visionary is still basking in the afterglow of his brilliant 2013 mixtape, Acid Rap. Never mind that Chance has yet to release an official studio album. The leftfield Chicago lyricist, backed by his jazzy band, Social Experiment, has become a major concert draw, banking a list of growing admirers and collaborators including aforementioned superstar Kanye West.  Who: Silver Surfer Norman Radd evolved from being the most-feared humanoid herald for planet-eating entity Galactus to earnest Fantastic Four ally and beloved cosmic protector who has delivered some of the most heartfelt soliloquies on existentialism this side of Socrates.  Winner: Silver Surfer Dude travels the universe on a silver surf board. Just saying...  (Photos from Left: Kevin Winter/Getty Images for Coachella, ...

Fetty Wap vs. Black Bolt - Who: Fetty Wap The Paterson, New Jersey, representative has proved to be inescapable with his crossover ode to D-Girl love "Trap Queen."  Who: Black Bolt The ruler of the Inhumans royal family, Black Bolt's voice is so powerful that it can level an entire city.  Winner: Black Bolt On the low, Black Bolt is part of the uber powerful clandestine group Illuminati, which includes Iron Man, the X-Men's Professor X, Doctor Strange, Prince Namor, and the Fantastic Four's Reed Richards. Contrary to various reports, Jay Z is not a member. (Photos from Left: Michael Buckner/Getty Images, Marvel Comics)

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Fetty Wap vs. Black Bolt - Who: Fetty Wap The Paterson, New Jersey, representative has proved to be inescapable with his crossover ode to D-Girl love "Trap Queen."  Who: Black Bolt The ruler of the Inhumans royal family, Black Bolt's voice is so powerful that it can level an entire city.  Winner: Black Bolt On the low, Black Bolt is part of the uber powerful clandestine group Illuminati, which includes Iron Man, the X-Men's Professor X, Doctor Strange, Prince Namor, and the Fantastic Four's Reed Richards. Contrary to various reports, Jay Z is not a member. (Photos from Left: Michael Buckner/Getty Images, Marvel Comics)

T.I. vs. the Punisher - Who: T.I. Trap Music godfather, gun enthusiast and reality show family man T.I.P. hasn't rested on his reputation as one of Southern hip hop's most influential voices.  Who: The Punisher Frank Castle. Just your average firearm-toting, ruthlessly violent, psychopathic vigilante who wont rest until every criminal is buried six-feet deep.  Winner: T.I. The Punisher's war chest still doesn't come close to T.I.'s.   (Photos from Left: Kevin Winter/Getty Images for iHeartMedia, Marvel Comics)

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T.I. vs. the Punisher - Who: T.I. Trap Music godfather, gun enthusiast and reality show family man T.I.P. hasn't rested on his reputation as one of Southern hip hop's most influential voices.  Who: The Punisher Frank Castle. Just your average firearm-toting, ruthlessly violent, psychopathic vigilante who wont rest until every criminal is buried six-feet deep.  Winner: T.I. The Punisher's war chest still doesn't come close to T.I.'s.   (Photos from Left: Kevin Winter/Getty Images for iHeartMedia, Marvel Comics)

Drake vs. Mister Sensitive - Who: DrakeThe Millennial age's go-to representative has taken his brand of soul searching emo rap to the top of the charts and beyond. When Drake drops a track it becomes a culture-shifting event as acolytes fall over themselves attempting to replicate the light-skinned Keith Sweat's pity-party pathos and celebratory we-made-it anthems.  Who: Mister Sensitive The X-Factor standout formerly known as the Orphan was a member of the mutant media savvy group X-Statix until he was killed alongside his teammates while on a retirement mission. As you may have guessed from his name, the levitating Mister Sensitive has the ability to sense the emotional and physical vulnerabilities of others.  Winner: Drake The jokes write themselves. (Photos from Left: Ethan Miller/Getty Images, Marvel Comics)

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Drake vs. Mister Sensitive - Who: DrakeThe Millennial age's go-to representative has taken his brand of soul searching emo rap to the top of the charts and beyond. When Drake drops a track it becomes a culture-shifting event as acolytes fall over themselves attempting to replicate the light-skinned Keith Sweat's pity-party pathos and celebratory we-made-it anthems.  Who: Mister Sensitive The X-Factor standout formerly known as the Orphan was a member of the mutant media savvy group X-Statix until he was killed alongside his teammates while on a retirement mission. As you may have guessed from his name, the levitating Mister Sensitive has the ability to sense the emotional and physical vulnerabilities of others.  Winner: Drake The jokes write themselves. (Photos from Left: Ethan Miller/Getty Images, Marvel Comics)