The Contenders
Daredevil
(Bio taken from Marvel.com)
As a young boy, Matt Murdock was blinded by a radioactive isotope, which caused his other four senses to function at optimal efficiency. After the death of his father through ‘less-than-savory’ means, the young Murdock took to studying the law, which led him to become one of the best criminal lawyers in New York. By night, however, he is a costumed vigilante, bringing to justice those who’ve done wrong as… the Daredevil.
Daredevil possesses the acrobatic ability of a circus performer and the pugilistic skills of a heavyweight prizefighter. Though he has studied various Asian martial-arts techniques and American boxing, his fighting style is unique; it includes movements and blows from many disciplines. Daredevil is also a highly accomplished weightlifter.
Scarecrow
Bio taken from DCComics.com)
Jonathan Crane, through his continued studies, has learned to make fear toxins – gases which allow him to make each man’s person demons a reality. Using these gases, he can allow men and women alike to fear whatever he wants them to, generally himself or an exposed weakness – all from how he makes the gas. These gases act as his arsenal against the costumed vigilantes of the world.
The Scenario
Night fell upon New York as Matt Murdock, adorning his seasoned red costume, stepped slowly out onto the balcony of his apartment, ready for a night of crime-fighting. To Murdock, it was always night, but as he stood there, he quieted his mind, reaching out with his four remaining senses into the night. Some distance away, Murdock picked up the sounds of a back alley mugging and, without hesitation, he leapt off of his balcony and bounded across rooftops, determined to bring the muggers to justice.
He was the Man Without Fear. He was… Daredevil.
The sounds that filled the air, mixed with smell of the sweat of three men and the stale taste in the air, were enough for Daredevil to pinpoint the location of the muggers in relation to his perch atop the buildings. “Help me,” came the cry of a probably sickly man, the one who was being mugged, apparently. In a flash, the Man Without Fear dove into the fray, landing on his feet and looking up at the two muggers, who suddenly grew very quiet. A smile appeared directly below the red mask.
Acting quickly, Murdock delivered several well-placed punches, including a few he’d learned from watching his father so many years ago. Soon, the muggers lay on the street, unconscious. As Daredevil turned to go, the thin man who had been mugged pulled himself slowly from the street and approached the vigilante. “Excuse me… Daredevil?”
Murdock turned. The thin man approached nervously. “Thank you, sir,” he began, offering his hand. “My name is Dr. Jonathon Crane, formerly of Gotham University. I just wanted to thank you… for helping me.”
Murdock felt a faint mist hit the lower portion of his face as he staggered back, unprepared.
“What was that?” Daredevil asked.
“Just a bit of fear, Daredevil,” the man said, his voice changing. “A one Mr. Fisk is paying me handsomely to turn you into him. You see, I am turning ‘the Man Without Fear’ into the Fearful Man…”
“How?” Daredevil asked, suddenly feeling very strange.
“Simple,” Crane began, removing his trenchcoat to reveal the garb of a scarecrow. “My fear toxins can be engineered to make those they are used upon fear anything I wish. The toxins I just sprayed at you will not cause hallucinations as many of my toxins do. Mr. Fisk confided in me that you were blind, a most helpful fact to know. No, my dear boy, the toxin used on you effects your other senses – causing a fear of them, actually. A fear of taste, smell, sound, and touch.”
“Impossible…” Murdock said, taking a fighting stance.
“Is it?” Crane asked, pulling his Scarecrow mask and hat onto his head. “We shall see…”
