The Micronauts and Nightwing & Flamebird

 

This is just the kind of crazy circumstance that I would expect to see  in a story about The Bottle City of Kandor.  I'd think The Micronauts would be right at home there, there must be a good reason that they want out.

The Warriors Three and Hawkman

 

For the middle part of our Three-Part Epic, it looks like Hawkwoman and Lady Sif have gone missing!  It's a good thing they arranged for some back up for just such an occasion.  Make sure you return here tomorrow for the thrilling conclusion!

Hela and The Black Racer

 

Hela has been one of the best realized villains in the MCU, and I have heard that she may make a return in one of the upcoming Avengers films.  Just rumors and speculation at this point, but if Marvel truly wants to bring some characters back to life, the involvement of the Goddess of the Dead could assist in that endeavor.

Starfire and Giant-Man

 

With The Ghost set to appear in Thunderbolts, I hope we get an update as to the whereabouts of Bill Foster in the MCU.  He was last seen going off with her at the end of Ant-Man and the Wasp, after all.  I also still hope we will someday get a flashback scene of him in full on Giant-Man action!

The Spectre and Agatha Harkness

 

The trailer for Agatha All Along has dropped, and I'm not sure what to make of it.  While I quite enjoyed Kathryn Hahn's portrayal of  Agatha Harkness in WandaVision, I don't know if she warranted a mini-series of her own.  We'll see if the series gains any traction or if it will be another Echo-style spinoff that is forgotten as soon as it airs.

Green Lantern & Green Arrow and The Inhumans

 

It was always fun to see street level hero Oliver Queen's take on the goings on when he would get into some type of cosmic adventure with Hal Jordan or the JLA. I think a tale like the one above would provide plenty of opportunities for him to make some interesting observations.

Black Cat and The Justice League of America

 

I'd say by breaking in there undetected, she has already proven it.  Will the JLA treat The Black Cat with suspicion, or will they allow her to lead them to the true threat?  The answers are only 60 cents away!

Fantastic Four Vs. The Metal Men

 

For this Anniversary Issue, I knew The Fantastic Four would have to be involved.  I figured this would be a good opportunity to present a match-up that I have wanted to get to for a while now and have them share an adventure with The Metal Men. Here's a closer look at the individual stories:

The Punisher Vs. The Partridge Family

 

It will be interesting to see Jon Bernthal return as The Punisher in the upcoming Disney+ Daredevil: Born Again series.  He was great in the role on the Netflix shows, but those were a lot more violent than anything I expect to see on this new family friendly service, even if it is in their "adult" section.  Let's hope he isn't watered down too much.

Human Torch and The Metal Men

 

It's crazy how many rumors have come and gone regarding the casting of the new Fantastic Four. Joseph Quinn from the latest season of Stranger Things seems to be the current frontrunner to play Johnny Storm.  While I really enjoyed his performance, it might be a little jarring to see him as Johnny, since many have pointed out that he looks a lot like a young Robert Downey Jr.

Justice League of America and Guardians of the Galaxy in "Cross-Time Favor!"

 

Another Two-Part Epic begins here! I have not heard any word on whether the Original Guardians of the Galaxy will show up again in James Gunn's third volume of the movie series, but since it will be his last outing for Marvel, I hope he finds a way to include them.  Now, which JLA enemy have they shown up on this cover to help defeat?  Make sure you come back tomorrow to find out!

These two teams also shared an adventure back in STF #2018...

Blue Beetle and Captain America (Vs. The Hate Monger!)

 

A Blue Beetle/Booster Gold buddy movie was one of the many ideas floated by Warner Bros in the last decade that never seemed to go anywhere.  Now that there's new leadership for DCU films and given James Gunn's fondness for everyman type heroes, maybe there's a chance that this one could get back on track. 

Cap last appeared with Ted Kord under a mountain in STF #1741 and they two first met way back in STF #234. Cap met Blue Beetle Dan Garrett in STF #1078... 

Vigilante Vs. Kingpin

 

I have to admit that Freddie Stroma won me over Peacemaker.  At first, I felt his portrayal was a bit too broad, but he leaned into it with such conviction that I had to laugh.  Still, the supporting hero is so far in personality and back story from the Adrian Chase/Vigilante of the comics that I really wish they had just created a whole new character.  That way we could have still had Stroma's amusing antics without having to radically alter a pretty dark and serious ant-hero from the comics.

Superman and Cyclops

 

When The X-Men finally come to the MCU, one of the main things I want to see is a far better treatment of Cyclops.  The previous actors in the role did a fine job, it's just that they were not given much to work with.  Fans want to see Scott Summers as the seasoned field leader we know from the comics rather than a straight man relegated to the background until he is unceremoniously killed off.

Doctor Fate and Mr. Fantastic (Part One)

 

Presenting Part One of a Two-Part tale! I look forward to seeing Pierce Brosnan as Doctor Fate in the upcoming Black Adam movie - despite thee odd design choice not to have eyeholes on his helmet.  I really hope my prediction is incorrect and that the character is not killed off by the end of the movie.  I have a sneaking suspicion that one way or another there will be a passing of the mantle.

So just who is the foe these two are heading to face, anyway?  Come back tomorrow for the thrilling conclusion!

Tigra and Cat-Man (Part 5 of 7)

 

As we hit Part 5 in our week-long tale, and it looks like Tigra wants to bring the team back together again - but why would she after all that's happened?  And just who is this new master that she mentions?  There's more to this story, so make sure you come back tomorrow for chapter 6!

Indiana Jones Vs. Hela

 

Cat Blanchett's villainous turn in Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull was one of the redeeming elements of that movie.  I've mentioned before how her turn as Hela made for one of the best MCU villains thus far.  I can only imagine how much fun it would be to pit Jones against Hela.

This isn't the first time Indy has gone after an Asgardian artifact, as we saw in STF #1833...

Kingpin Vs. Lex Luthor (With Daredevil!)

 

I realized that I had yet to present a meeting between the baddest bald businessmen in comics on this blog, so it is time to rectify that oversight. (Correction! they did meet before - in STF #2556!) I don't see any way that these two would ever get along - whatever truce they strike is certain to be broken by one of them.  One town is certainly not big enough to have them both operating in it at the same time. Who do you think wins this battle?

Green Lantern & Green Arrow Vs. The Frightful Four

Warner Bros is taking their sweet time bringing Hal Jordan back to the movies.  There's the long ago announced and slow moving Green Lantern Corps series for HBO Max, but he wont be part of that.  By the time he hits the big screen again, we'll be ready for a new Oliver Queen as well - so why not bring them back together?  I'd be up for a Hard Travelling Heroes movie!

 

The Avengers and The Omega Men

 

I really thought that the Omega Men were going to be the next big thing when they were introduced.  They were launched out of the red hot New teen Titans, after all.  Despite their roster of cool characters, they never really caught on, though - even in later revival attempts.  Maybe starting out as a direct only title hurt their chances of finding a wider audience?  I know I was still only getting my comics from the newsstand when their series was first published.