Luke 23: 44-47

Luke 23: 44-47

And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. And the sun was darkened , and the veil of the temple was torn in the middle. And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he breathed his last. Now when the centurion saw what had happened, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was the Son of God.

Crucified on Friday, the world mourned the passing of a prophet, teacher, rabbi, and leader. The disciples went into hiding, fearing for their lives, wondering if this man was truly who he said he was. For them the hour was thick with uncertainty, their enemies had won, their hero dead, their future in jeopardy, no peace to be found. But Sunday was on the way.

Imagine

Imagine...

It is the day after Jesus' crucifixion and you are one of the twelve. Left alone, leaderless, hiding anywhere you can, fearing the Pharisees have enlisted men to hunt you down. You look around at your friend's faces, the wight of their sadness is too much for you to bare. Why did this happen? How can this be? All the miracles. The way the people responded to him. He had to be who He said He was? But if so, why? Why would God allow Him to die? Why not have Him come off that cross and vanquish his enemies like Joshua or David? Why not prove his power that way? Who could deny Him then? You had never seen anyone die before, especially not in such a hellish and gruesome way. What good could come of His death? The night falls but sleep escapes you. There is no rest for this weary lot, huddled together. There is no peace that can be offered, no condolence that would suffice. You are existing strictly off of survival instinct. There are no more tears, you have cried them all. Hours upon hours of mourning with no consolation. Who could console this group? What reasoning could you use? It was all for nothing. It just doesn't make sense. But there were those things He said that just didn't make sense, like a camel moving through the eye of a needle, or tear down this temple and it will be rebuilt in three days. But so much that He said did. And then there was Lazarus. You saw Him raise Him from the dead. You saw that with your own eyes. He had power over death, but was that power for others and not Himself? Your head starts to ache from all the inflection. You try to close your eyes, tomorrow is another day. You ignore the nagging feeling that there will be no hope found there either. You try to sleep, but one question still nags at you, taunts you. What good could possibly come from His death? The night thickens, your eyes become heavy, finally. You drift off with one final thought, today is done at least, and Sunday's on the way.

Untitled: For Easter

No matter how many wounds I may suffer.
How many scars I may gather.
How many tears I shed.
How many drops of blood that may fall.
No matter how many enemies scorn my name.
How many friends may betray me.
How many careless words haunt my ears.
How much pain I will overcome.
Or suffering I may face.

None compares to what Christ endured for me.
None compares to the price in blood and agony he suffered for my sin.
None compares to the tears His Father shed as he watched His son tortured for a people who continue to malign his Name.
None compares to the love of a God who would die so that we may live.
None compares to a Savior whose every thought is of us, even when he never crosses our minds.
None compares to a name that will forever be above all names.

I love you Jesus, you are Lord of my life.
If anyone may doubt that I declare it now.
But not just with my voice, let it be my life as well.
As for me and my house we shall serve you.
It is your grace that I treasure above all else.

For you were pierced for my transgressions.
Bruised for my iniquities.
By your stripes I have been saved.
By your blood I have been cleansed.
By your pain I have been set free.
By your tears I have found absolute joy.
By your words I have found truth.
Through your care I have found the truest of friends.
By your example I can forgive.

Not for any other reason.
Not anything I could have earned.
Not because I am worthy, I am not.
Not because I deserve it, I deserve the just recompense for my sin.

But simply because you loved me first.
Just as you love everyone.
Ask and you shall receive.
Seek and you will find.
Knock and the door shall be answered.
None left behind, who seek your face, your grace.
The only lost are those who chose not to find when called.

Thank you Lord Jesus.
In a world of doubt, never ending cynics.
I know who you are.
You are never ashamed of me.
I shall never be ashamed of you.
May my life glorify you in every way.

Two Roman Guards

Two Roman Guards...

The tomb was sealed and the two guards stood watch to ensure the disciples or sympathizers would not steal the body. Both have served in as Roman centurions for most of their adult lives. No one had approached the tomb for the last two days, not even out of curiosity. 

It is the early morning of the third day and the two soldiers have said very little to each other as the fulfill their duty. One guard finally breaks the silence. "What was the purpose in all of this?" The second guard turns to him, his expression screaming annoyance and yet he maintains his silence. The first guard patiently awaits an answer but after a few minutes realizes none is coming. "I mean, the people worship him just a week ago and then they cry for him to be crucified," he continues unfazed by his partner's disinterest. "I had heard he performed many miracles, even raised a guy from the dead." The second guard turns and glares again, "my job is to guard this rock, not keep you entertained by answering your stupid questions, " he grumbles.

"So you are not the least bit intrigued by this man," the first responds? The second snorts, "no, and less interested in you babbling on." "Well if the rumors are true this man was a one of a kind, " the first retorts. "Was, a one of a kind, "the second snickers. "With all the tales of wonders floating around do you think he could have been the son of God," the first one asks. "He's with his God now, and that is all that matters, just another zealot off the streets, that's all, "the second scolds, "now let me be."

"Certainly if it were true, he could not die, I mean what purpose would that serve, " the first continues ignoring his cohorts indifference. The second steps a few feet to the left, away from the pest. "I mean a martyr does have power, but his own people despised him, so it seems his whole purpose was fruitless, " he reflects out loud. The second shakes his head, "Why would he die for a people who hated him in the end," the second finally breaks, "he would be a martyr for no one, except his disciples, who scattered like frightened children."

"My point exactly, what a pity, " the first responds, "I mean to die such a horrific death for nothing, how pathetic." "But, one of our captains, apparently said, that he thought he was the Son of God," the first reminds. "Why," the seconds snaps, "because of a little bad weather and a slight ground rumble?" "He saw something in him, something when he died, in the things he said, "the first answers. "Like what, " the second responds? "Forgive them for they know not what they do, It is Finished, stuff like that," the first explains. "Ramblings of a dying man out of his mind from pain and thirst, " the second answers. "That's the other thing, " the first quickly states, "have you ever seen a man take a beating like that and make it to the cross?"

"Yah, I have to admit, that was a first," the second concedes, "but that doesn't mean anything spooky you fool." "I mean he didn't even look like a man when they were done with him, just bloody and torn meat, " the first continues, "it was the worst death I have ever seen, from start to finish." The first stands their silently, lost in thought. After several minutes of deafening silence he looks up, "What if he was the son of God?" "That's ridiculous, " the second turns away. "If so, why would he die, what purpose would it serve, " the first inquires. "I don't care, this conversation is done, " the second sits on a nearby boulder, disgusted with the wasted time spent on this silly conversation.

Thunder rolls in the background, but there is not even a cloud in the sky. "What was that, " the second rises! "I don't know," the first anxiously answers. The earth trembles under their feet and the tomb begins to shake. They both turn as the stone glows. "How is that possible, "the first screams. The two draw their swords in unison. "It took ten men to move that stone in place, " the second shouts, "it will not move." Just then the rock begins to shake and slowly roll to the side. A blinding light escapes the ever growing opening, it engulfs them. The stone rolls down the side of the hill bounding down until it collides with another boulder, breaking it apart.

The two men fall to their knees. They have been trained for a lifetime in battle, have seen combat, death, and chaos of all kinds. But nothing could have prepared them for this moment. They drop their swords. The light brightens until every detail of their environment is consumed by it. Then as quickly as it began, it stops. Silence falls like a lead weight and all is still. The two guards kneel before the open tomb as the only sound around them is quiet foot steps. Suddenly, two men stand on either side of the opening, clothed in light. They stare at the two men without speaking, the weight of their gaze feels like it is literally crushing them. The steps get louder and a man steps from the tomb. The two men gasp.

He approaches the two men and kneels down to them. He is glorious beyond description and his face defines love, compassion, and strength. The men can not speak. He smiles. "To answer your question, I died so that you may be free," he gently speaks. "My death was my choice, the blood I shed for the forgiveness of your sin, the pain I suffered I took from you, I paid the price, " Jesus instructs. "All that is required is that you believe in me, " Jesus concludes and rises.

The power of it all finally overwhelms the two men and they faint.

Two Roman Soldiers received their answer in a miraculous way. Whether they accepted it we shall never know. But what about you?

World's Deadliest Warrior: Marvel Vs. DC Edition...Captain America vs. Batman

World's Deadliest Warrior: Marvel Vs. DC Edition...Captain America vs. Batman

How would the Caped Crusader fair against the ultimate patriot and superhuman soldier known as Captain America?  Who would win in the ultimate battle to the death?  Can a rogue millionaire vigilante with a gaggle of gadgets and superior fighting skills defeat a timeless warrior beefed up by a special serum and an unrelenting desire to defend freedom?   Can the real American hero destroy a man driven by the pain of his past who extinguishes evil using the shadows and his unique urban combat skills?  Let's match them up, power to power, strength to strength and see which legendary comic book hero can achieve victory in one of the greatest what if battles of all time.  

The two columns below list the offensive and defensive strengths of both warriors.  Let's take a look at how they stack up.

The Breakdown:

Batman   

Offense:

                                                                    

1) Martial Arts and Urban Combat. 

In multiple incarnations,  he has been trained by Ra’s Al Goul (as an assassin),  Richard Dragon (the martial arts master), and Zatara (escapist extraordinnaire).  He is equally effective at close and long range, adept in battling in any environment.

2) Stealth Tactics.

Most of the time you won’t see or hear him coming and when you do it’s already too late.

3) Utility Belt.

A plethora of weaponry and tools at his immediate disposal.  Below is just a short list.

(list courtesy of http://dc.wikia.com/wiki/Utility_Belt)

Infrared flashlight
Infrared ordnance
Smoke capsules
Fingerprint analysis kit
Forensic analysis kit
First aid kit
Lockpicking tools
Kryptonite ring
Tear gas pellets
Micro-processor power source
Micro-recorder (updated regularly)
Batline spool + grappling gun
Miniature Laser torch
Bat-shaped handcuffs
Various incendiary capsules (including plastique and thermite)
Rebreather and gas mask
Tracker
Cryo capsule
Sedatives
Toxin illusion of death
Mini explosives
Light Grenades
Anti fire foam
Grenades iron filings
Silver nitrate

Ultrasonic transmitter (to attract bats)

And don’t forget the infamous and all important Bat-A-Rang

4) Planes, Boats, and Automobiles.

Let’s face it, the dude owns the coolest rides on the planet, which are extremely useful in; taking on armies of thugs, combat on various terrains, and scoring lycra or leather coated hotties.

Defense:

1) Body Armor.

The suit isn’t just bad ass, it’s functional.

2) The Cape.

In later manifestations, the cape can actually become rigid and be used as a glider or weapon.

3) The Cowl.

In various forms, can possess night vision gear, a gas mask, and infrared abilities.

4) The Gauntlets.

Again, not just for decoration, those angled protrusions are sharp and quickly get to the point.

Vulnerabilities:

1) He’s Human.

No super powers mean it’s wits and will alone.

2) The Cape, Cowl and Costume.

The potential to become rigid aside, it’s still a cape, which makes it a liability.  Cowls limit peripheral no matter how high tech.  The costume is bulky, and despite being bullet proof, it is not impenetrable. 

3) Limited by his Cause.

Although he is trained to kill and has the skill sets to do so, and his consistent teetering between justice and retribution, this Dark Knight brings his baddies in alive to be dealt with by the system.  Add in the fact, that despite his extensively stocked Utility Belt, the winged avenger doesn't use guns.

4) Sidekicks.

In the more edgy incarnations, the Bat flies solo, but throughout his legacy, he is typically assisted by a young ward.  This can be a benefit with multiple opponents and a hindrance if that help is relied upon to heavily. 

The Breakdown:

Captain America  

Offense:

                                                                    

1) Superhuman strength. 

This guy can bench press 800 lbs.

2) Superior Agility, Endurance, and Senses.

The liquid power up he was given makes him a fierce opponent for any enemy combatant. 

3) This Guy Knows Combat.

He’s fought in wars throughout history, trained in all forms of Martial Arts, Judo, boxing, and gymnastics.  He is the entire UFC rolled into one guy.

4) Then there is That Freakin’ Awesome Shield.

Made of Vibranium-Adimantium, a concoction of the two strongest alloys in the Marvel Universe, when thrown, it can slice through the air with surgical precision and maximum impact.

5) Have Gun Might Travel.

He will use a gun if he has to and has done so in the past.

Defense:

1) That Freakin’ Awesome Shield Again.

Just as effective in repelling as expelling the baddies.

1) Enhanced Healing and Immunity.

He’s no Wolverine but his system repairs faster than any mere mortal.

Vulnerabilities:

1) The Costume Ain’t Subtle.

It’s a star spangled bulletin board.

2) Oversized Sense of Justice.

Although he is a soldier first, and trained to kill when necessary, Captain Steve Rogers is a purist.  He dogmatically believes in freedom and will go out of his way to defeat his foes but not end their lives. 

3) Team Player.

Cap works best as the leader of his team, alone he is amazing, together with his Avengers he is virtually unstoppable.  That reliance may have caused too much dependence on the group dynamic. 

     There have been so many incarnations and adaptations that to make this work, we have to pour all their mythological and serial aspects into each champion and then create a warrior scenario that will work on every level.  With that said, we have Batman as the true Dark Knight, tough as nails vigilante who works alone among the shadows with a streamlined but equally effective Utility Belt  and Captain America, full on super soldier defending and avenging freedom and liberty at any cost.  Let the deadliest battle in earth's history begin.

                     Being informed by S.H.I.E.L.D that Hydra is forming a small but deadly new cell in a strange city called Gotham, Rogers, aka, Captain America investigates an abandoned factory in the dark and gloomy city.  He has been told that the plant is being used to create a deadly toxin designed for an imminent terrorist attack.  He arrives at night and begins to assess the building when he sees a dark and cloaked figure entering the premises through a side door.  He moves in closer and stakes out a second story window via a fire escape.  The caped form inside is skulking between large crates in between the shadows.  His black as night costume and unique cowl makes him a prime candidate for one of Hydra’s warped thugs.  Cap enters the building through a broken out window.  The dark figure stops, he must have heard him; he then quickly disappears into the blackness.  Cap slowly moves toward a staircase and descends quietly to the bottom level where he last saw his target. 

                   With visibility limited, Cap listens carefully for the slightest sound of movement in the vast building.  “What is this, “Batman thinks, “Some new star spangled psycho.”  Batman knows this factory is where the Joker has concocted many chemical horrors in the past, and this brightly colored buffoon matches his arch nemesis’ flair for over dramatic and comic costuming.  It has to be one of the clown prince’s new thugs.  After tussling with the Joker’s henchmen all day, Batman is in no mood to prolong this potential encounter.  He reaches into his Utility Belt and retrieves a light grenade and arms it.  He waits until his target walks within the correct distance and hurdles the explosive into the middle of the room.  It detonates before Captain America is able to react, filling the entire room with a blinding flash.                                                                                                                         Without a second to lose Batman springs from his hiding place and delivers a flying kick to the torso of his opponent sending him crashing to the floor.  Cap is actually briefly winded by the blow but recovers and raises his shield to avert a second strike from his new found rival.  Batman strikes the shield with full force of his kick.  He stumbles back, his leg throbbing in pain.  Cap rises and delivers a full on uppercut that sends the Bat reeling into the air and then flat on his back.  Cap regains his footing and takes a defensive stance ready for his enemies’ next attack.  Batman is stunned by his adversary’s prowess and answers with a barrage of mini Bat–A-Rangs that streak by Cap.  Cap is able to deflect most with his shield, but one braizes his shoulder creating a deep and long laceration.  Batman jumps back to his feet and rushes his foe, he delivers a Superman style punch, but again, Cap catches him with his shield mid air.  He delivers a powerful strike sending Batman into a nearby wall.  Batman slams into it with force but spins and rolls a smoke grenade onto the floor right by Caps feet.  Cap is immediately engulfed in a thick grey cloud. 

             Cap is disoriented and receives a substantial blow to the side of his head and then another roundhouse kick to his ribs.  He swings his shield wildly, but it misses and Batman answers with series of rabbit punches that hit with near surgical precision.  Another barrage of kicks and Cap is down.  Batman fires his mini grappling, and it wraps around Caps arm that is holding his shield.  He jerks the Batline and Cap’s shield flies clear across the room.  He retrieves a high powered Tazer from his belt and rapidly kneels down and delivers a full shock to Caps neck.  The weapon hums violently as the maximum voltage is delivered to Caps body.   Cap lays there still and lifeless.  The Tazer did exactly as it was supposed to and although this costumed character proved formidable, the battle is done.  Batman grabs his Batcuffs and attaches one part to Caps right wrist. 

              Before he can complete the task, Cap’s eyes open and he swings his left arm around grabbing Batman’s arm.  He pulls Batman over and thrusts his knee into the Bat’s chest.  Batman is winded and gasps for air.  He begins to pummel the caped fiend in the head with his fist over and over again.  Batman attempts to recoil but is unsuccessful, and Cap flips him over.  Captain America’s ability to heal quickly has served him well against Batman’s weapon.  Cap jumps to his feet and delivers a roundhouse kick of his own to the now kneeling Batman.  Batman’s only hope now is his cape, he activates its control, and it stiffens absorbing some of the power of Caps strike.  But Cap punches straight down onto the top of the Bats head.   Batman spins around in an attempt to take the legs out from under his opponent, but his opponent is too quick.  He jumps up avoiding the sweep and lands another full powered punch to the Caped Crusader’s cranium. 

                 In a last ditch effort to free himself from the beating, Batman releases his final light grenade after shielding his eyes with a special protective lens concealed in his cowl.  Cap is blinded again, and Batman delivers a swift kick to his ribs sending him back again.  Batman rises and with what little strength he has left delivers a barrage of martial art style strikes to his foe.  Cap defends, as best he can without being able to see his opponent, but Batman is fast and accurate.  Despite Cap’s superior strength, it is Batman’s agility and speed that now dominate the competition.  “How is this guy able to recover so fast, “Rogers thinks as he takes repeated hits from the Dark Knight?  Caps sight begins to return, and his defenses become progressively more effective, yet Batman is unwavering despite his ever increasing fatigue.  The wear of the battle and his foe’s strength is beginning to fracture the Bat’s resolve. 

                Batman grabs an over head pipe with both hands and drop kicks his foe directly into the chest.  Cap stumbles back and the Bat drops and swings with his gauntlets.  The sharp protrusions slice through Caps uniform and leaves deep gashes in his chest.  The pain is incredible, and without mercy Batman adds another solid drop kick.  Cap stumbles and falls back, sitting on the floor and his vision still blurred he can barely make out his shield laying only feet from him.  Batman delivers a roundhouse kick to Caps head.  Cap slumps to his side, but swings his feet around and succeeds in taking out his foes legs.  Batman falls to the ground, and Cap kicks him solidly in his stomach on the way down.  Years of combat and Rogers has never faced an enemy like this, with such stamina and skill.  Who is he?  Cap scrambles to his feet and towards his shield.  The Bat tries to recover, but the pain is rumbling harder and louder through his body. 

                Batman rolls over and tries to rise to his feet.  This fight cannot continue, it has to end.  Recovering a gas pellet from his belt, he simultaneously actives the gas mask under his cowl.  “This stuff will knock anyone or anything out, “he grimaces.  As he turns to release the pellet, he sees Cap back on his feet holding his shield.  Cap spins quickly and releases the shield with everything he has left.  Batman doesn't even have time to activate the device in his hand before he is struck by the soaring armament.   The shield delivers a concussive blow to Batman’s head, striking it with the force of a car travelling at 45 miles per hour.  It crushes his skull instantaneously, the sharp shrapnel from the bone shredding his brain.   He collapses to the floor as the dormant pellet falls from his lifeless hand.   He lays there on the floor, blood pouring from his nose and mouth, with no time to release a last gasp. 

              Cap cautiously approaches his fallen enemy, a pool of deep red blood steadily forming below his head.  He picks up his stained shield and stands over the caped villain.  He kneels down and checks for a pulse, there is none.  He has won but at what cost?   The factory was undoubtedly a ruse, the information was compromised, and there was no one here, but the two of them, brought together by a sick twist of fate.  But who was he? 

          Cap calls in the rest of the Avengers, and they explore the location thoroughly to find nothing.  S.H.E.I.L.D was wrong, but how, and why?  Furthermore, why was his foe there, as well?  Days later Rogers discovers the truth about his caped assailant.  He is shocked and utterly devastated by the information.  Haunted weeks later by his actions and the knowledge that he has now left the city of Gotham defenseless against its myriad of criminal monsters he knows he must right what he has wronged.  Intentional or not.   Maybe a former team member may be a suitable substitute.  A mysterious rogue himself, propelled by his own tragic past, the parts he remembers.  Or maybe he can find someone better equipped, adapted for such tormented city.  But is he just a myth or could he indeed exist.   If so, could the Dark Knight be replaced by the Dark Claw?

Winner: CAPTAIN AMERICA

One Minute Movie Review: Jane Eyre (2011)

A brilliant cinematic adaptation of Charlotte Bronte's literary classic, masterfully written and acted.  They could not have found a better couple to play Eyre and Rochester than Mia Wasikowska and Michael Fassbender whom both may have delivered the performances of their careers.  This is only director  Cary Fukunaga's second celluloid endeavor and a definitively promising forecast for his future.   Visually stunning, authentically tragic, with fluid storytelling, this adaptation aims for the heart and  senses and hits with surgical accuracy.  Very few films honor their novel counterparts, it is a pleasure to see one do so with such passion and humanity.  The ending, I warn, is a little too subdued compared to the power of its entirety, but it is the only negative I can report.  4 out of 5 Kernels: a beautiful tribute to one of the greatest female voices of history.  

One Minute Movie Review: Taken 2

There are sequels that feel just like that sequels made for the sole purpose of riding the coattails of their predecessor in an attempt to squeeze every last drop of revenue out of the franchise.  Taken 2 exemplifies that concept.  Gone is all the quality, creativity and authenticity of its forerunner reducing this picture to a stale, unengaging, barely entertaining carbon copy of the original.  Neeson looks great, but you can tell even he's bored as he returns as the conflicted former CIA superspy/family guy.  Famke Janssen and Maggie Grace reprise their roles, as well, however, playing their characters so over-the-top that they are almost cartoonish.  The action sequences are choppy and hard to follow, clearly masking the fact that the despite his cool on screen presence Neeson is aging and action may no longer be his forte.  Taken opened the door for Neeson to make a significant comeback as an action hero, and those fight sequences were well choreographed and flattered the star.   The opening story concept is sound, but it doesn't play, whether that is from poor script development or inferior directing, making it slightly intense but ending up simply mechanical and predictable.  That is unfortunate as the original was a generally disturbing and unique movie mixing action and suspense perfectly.   In the end, this was a paycheck for Neeson, and you feel that on the screen.  1 out of 5 kernels; despite all the negatives Neeson is still able to generate that brooding coolness that only he has perfected, this was certainly an unfortunate placement of that.

World's Deadliest Warrior: Marvel Vs. DC Edition...Hulk vs. Superman

How would the Man of Steel fair against the monolithic monster known as the Hulk?  Who would win in the ultimate battle to the death?  Can an alien from Krypton defeat a human super exposed to Gamma radiation?   Can the green powerhouse driven by rage and pain destroy the quintessential purveyor of truth, justice, and the American way?  Let's match them up, power to power, strength to strength and see which legendary comic book hero can achieve victory in one of the greatest what if battles of all time.  

The two columns below list the offensive and defensive strengths of both warriors.  Let's take a look at how they stack up.

The Breakdown:

Superman   

Offense:

                                                                    

1) Unimaginable strength. 

I mean this guy can actually move planets back into alignment.

2) Flight.

Both an offensive and defensive ability can reach speeds capable of reversing time.

3) Heat Vision.

Can burn or melt just about any object.

4) Freeze Breath.

Ice, ice baby, he is able to freeze an object whole, throughout.

Defense:

1) Invulnerability.

The guy is literally indestructible.

2) X-ray Vision.

Trust me he will see you coming, every time.

3) Super Hearing.

And hear you to.

4) Yellow Sun recharge.

One quick trip into space and the batteries get a extra dose of juice.

Vulnerabilities:

1) Kryptonite.

His home world debris gives off a radiation that is lethal to its last and greatest citizen.

2) Lead.

Can't see through it, but it's not exactly an optimal choice material for body armor for any opponent.

3) Red Sun Rays.

The yellow sun recharges, a red sun has some nasty side effects.

4) The Ideal Good Guy.

Normally not a weakness, but in battle, Superman's black and white over grown sense of responsibility and justice could be a potential hazard creating hesitation in combat that could prove fatal.

5) Costume.

The brightly colored duds don't exactly scream covert, and the cape is a substantial liability.

The Breakdown:

Hulk  

Offense:

                                                                    

1) Unimaginable strength. 

He's called the Hulk, enough said.

2) Gigantic Jumps.

Tall buildings, whatever, the green giant can skip over the Grand Canyon like it's an end table.

3) Sonic Boom.

A version of the clap that can wipe out a city block.

4) Energized by rage:

The angrier he gets, the deader you do.

5) Hulk has total control.

No remorse or memory, at times, the Hulk strikes with full force and little or no inhibition.

Defense:

1) Invulnerability.

Bullets, bombs, like paint ball ammo filled with Nerf.

Vulnerabilities:

1) He's a nerd when he's not angry.

Without stress,  this guy is as harmless as Justin Beiber at a nursing home.

2) No Brain no Gain.

Pure brute in his true form, not exactly a master strategist in battle.

     There have been so many incarnations and adaptations that to make this work, we have to pour all their mythological and serial aspects into each champion and then create a warrior scenario that will work on every level.  With that said, we have Superman in all his glory, unstoppable alien gladiator and the unadulterated Green Hulk, with pure muscle and little humanity.  Let the deadliest battle in earth's history begin.

                     While flying over a small industrial complex he believes to be a potential weapons factory run by the notorious Lex Luthor, his arch nemesis, Superman notices one of the building collapsing suddenly in a plume of ash and debris.  As he swoops in closer he is shocked to see an incredible green behemoth standing in the rubble.  Superman circles the monster who snorts wildly as he catches the caped hero out of the corner of his eye.   Filled with rage after being attacked by a band of hired thugs while his alter ego, Dr, Bruce Banner, while foolishly investigating the facility for S.H.E.I.L.D alone.  Hulk can only perceive this brightly colored intruder as a threat.  He growls and then roars mightily to scare off the flying pest.  

                  Superman is nearly blown back by the sheer volume of the beasts vocalization, he stabilizes his flight pattern only to barely avoid a large chunk of wall that hurdles past him.   Before he can react, several mangled bodies streak past him like morbid projectiles.  Superman jets to a higher altitude to avoid the horrific barrage only to realize the roaring giant can match his ascension with each hurdling body.  Superman speeds across the sky in an attempt to flank his new found rival.   He rushes toward the green mass and impacts him only to ricochet of the mammoth and bound hundreds of feet in the opposite direction.  The man of steel lands back first on the hard ground knocking the wind out of him.  "What is this thing made of, " he laments trying to catch his breath?  Before he can gather his thoughts, the Hulk bounds toward him leaping and landing with full force on top of the hero driving his entire body deep into the hard earth.  The remaining crater is massive and Hulk roars in victory.

                   It is short lived as the Hulk is suddenly lifted and hurdled into the sky with extreme force sending him two football fields in length from the crater but unlike his nemesis  the Avenger lands firmly on his feet.  Superman arises from the crater, suit tatter, but his spirit and strength undaunted.  He locks onto his enemy and fires his heat vision at full potency.  His aim is impeccable , and the Hulk is engulfed in temperatures hotter than the sun.  The Hulk screams and then claps his hands together creating a sonic boom that rocks the entire area, sending Superman's fire back at him and propelling him backwards into a large boulder.  His heat vision turned against him in the wall of power he is blinded, and the impact with the boulder busts it into a million sharp projectiles.  Superman is down again, feeling a pain he is not accustomed to.  

                   The Hulk barrels toward his fallen foe again and grabs him by his cape, swinging him violently and slamming him into the ground, again and again.  The air fills with a thick cloud of dust and dirt.  Hulk hurls the Kryptonian into the air as his cape snaps off, jumps up, and punches him in the chest with all his might.  Superman rockets through the air and lands several miles from the battle slamming the ground creating yet another spectacular crater.  He can barely lift himself back up, his strength waning he hears his opponent bounding towards him the vibration of each step shaking the earth around him.   He raises his head and makes eye contact with the green menace, mustering every last bit of energy he breathes in deeply and waits.  With the horror only feet in front of him,  he exhales with all of his essence.  The blast of his freeze breath stops the Hulk in his tracks, freezing him in place in a think mass of ice that surrounds him.   The Hulk has been halted for the moment.  Superman again, ascends, and begins to fly.  He gathers momentum, slowly at first, rotating around the area.  With energy building, he reaches speeds above sound and then in a mighty sonic boom be lines towards the frozen Goliath   He strikes the monster at full stride, shattering the ice cage and sending the Hulk miles away.    The impact sends Superman back, as well, but this time, he is able to regain control quickly.  The Hulk's body hits the ground with maximum velocity, leaving the largest crater of the battle.  

                   Superman knows he can not leave his enemy to recover, so he speeds to the scene.  The Hulk lifts himself from the crater, panting and dazed.  Another direct hit, Superman punches the green hero in the head, then delivers a barrage of blows to his body.  His speed and agility is too much for the Hulk, he can not defend against the attack.  Superman grabs the Hulk and in a blink, lifts his foe high into the sky and then descends at full speed driving the monster into the ground.  The impact can be felt for miles.  Before he can reset the creature miraculously bounces up and grabs Superman by the throat, slamming him into the ground pounding the hero with a series of violent, massive blows.  Superman answers and the two brawl, old school, exchanging blow for blow.  The debris from the loose soil floor kicked up by the battle is so thick the combat is barley visible.  Cloaked in dirt the two strike each other blindly each hoping to gain an edge but neither convalescing.

                  In a last ditch, Superman gives his assailant a giant bear hug, his arms barely reaching around the Hulk’s massive torso and lifts him into the air.  His grip is not strong enough, though, and the Hulk gets free sucker punching his foe one last time before he falls back to the earth.  The bonus for the Man of Steel, with speed on his side, he reached over 1000 feet before the green terror broke loose, so again, the monster falls hard to the ground.  Too weak to continue, Superman retreats to space in an attempt to recharge close to the Sun.  The Hulk is sprawled out, hurting, bleeding, his anger begins to fain to exhaustion.  The toll of the battle has reached its apex and the mighty Hulk begins to digress out of sheer fatigue.  His form returns to the diminished Dr. Banner who can hardly remain conscious.  In space, the rays of the sun recharge Superman and he returns to earth to find his adversary's transformation.   He lands next to him, standing above him, ready to provide the final death blow.   But this is Superman, and to kill is not in his nature.  He lifts his almost lifeless opponent and flies away to the nearest hospital.  The threat has been neutralized, so any further harm is unnecessary.    Later Superman discovers the monster’s history and heroics, satisfied with his decision to spare such a legendary creature and good man.  Banner awakes days later in the local infirmary, confused but alive.  

Winner: SUPERMAN