These are the booklets from Marvel Super Heroes, Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter, and Marvel vs. Capcom... all for the original PlayStation.

And since the HyperComboCast is taking the week off, I figured it's only right to reward you for your patience with some new wallpaper!

As much as I look back fondly on my days playing fighting games on the PS1, let's be honest -- the arcade versions of these games are exponentially better.

Still, I hope you've enjoyed this trip down memory as much as I have. See you next Monday for the new http://www.audioshocker.com/tag/hypercombocast!!

It's the final battle in the Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 Character Theme Song Showdown Tournament!! Kenny and Nick kick things off with a listener call-in by kickass artist Andrew Kilian (see Andrew's work in his Super Haters Guest Week collaboration with Nick!).

To leave us feedback of your own, email HyperComboCast@Gmail.com with your questions or comments OR call our automated comment line at 412-567-7606 and we'll play your message on the show.

And now... the conclusion of the UMvC3 theme song tourney!

Match 1: Nova

VS. Virgil

Match 2: Doctor Strange

VS. Firebrand

WHO WILL WIN THIS MOMENTOUS CHALLENGE??? Does Nova still own nick's heart? Will Kenny push Firebrand all the way to the win? Listen to find out who will be crowned the UMvC3 Theme Song Champion!

ALSO: Here's Round 1, Round 2, and Round 3.

Kenny and Nick kick off Round 3 of the Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 Character Theme Song Showdown Tournament by responding to some listener feedback. We play a call-in from Pierce Johnson, who wants to know about playing fighting games on the PC. Kenny drops some knowledge and Nick has a gift for Pierce -- his unused copy of Street Fighter IV PC. Then we answer an email from Kurtis Homan about the Ultimate Fighting System card game.

To leave us feedback of your own, email HyperComboCast@Gmail.com with your questions or comments OR call our automated comment line at 412-567-7606 and we'll play your message on the show.

And now... the tourney!

Match 1: Ghost Rider

VS. Strider Hiryu

Match 2: Hawkeye

VS. Firebrand

During Match 1's discussion, Nick mishears a key piece of opinion from Kenny... will this mistake derail the entire tournament?!?!? Luckily, Match 2 is a much easier battle.

The winners of the two matches face off for the last spot in the finals. Which hot track will make it to the Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 Character Theme Song Showdown Tournament, FINAL ROUND???

ALSO: Here's Round 1 and Round 2.

UPDATED: Here's the Final Round!

Kenny and Nick reunite for Round 2 of the Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 Character Theme Song Showdown Tournament!!! (Here's Round 1.)

Match 1: Iron Fist

VS. Virgil

Match 2: Doctor Strange

VS. Nemesis

Match 1 is a super close fight, while Match 2 is far more decisive. The winner from Match 1 goes up against the winner from 2... and it's a another super close battle! Who will advance to the finals? LISTEN TO FIND OUT!

P.S. Pierce, we didn't forget about your message! We'll answer it on the next show.

UPDATE: Here's Round 3.

A.K.A. Changing the Game pt 2!!!

Kenny and Alex get together to record their long awaited sequel to HyperComboCast #13 - Changing the Game pt 1, in which they express concerns that the more vocal competitive fighting game scene may have a dangerous effect on the creativity behind fighting games.

ALSO: The controversial "is it a fighter or not" game, Super Smash Bros Melee, kicks things off as Alex's prime example of this effect taking place. Could this be the most polarizing episode yet? Will Nick be unlocked for the next episode? Listen and find out!

Also, don't forget to send feedback to HyperComboCast@Gmail.com!

HERE COMES A NEW CHALLENGER! Kenny brings in a good local friend of his, John Amenta (ZanSam), to expand on the topic of, HyperComboCast #3 - Learning, and compare the differences between learning in the past (where Kenny started 20 years ago) as opposed to learning now (where John started).

Expect a deep conversation that includes a lot of Chicago area shoutouts, term definitions, civil debate, and other fun stuff.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!! It's the Darkstalkers episode.

Kenny and Nick are joined by Justique and Kayin to discuss the Darkstalkers (a.k.a. Vampire) series from Capcom.

From the gameplay to the character art and everything in between, we've got your ultimate Darkstalkers review right here!

BUT WAIT! There's more than just the video games -- we also discuss Darkstalkers anime, cartoons, manga, comics, and more.

PLUS: Check out our Darkstalkers wallpapers.

Nick rants about NYCC, MvC3 on the Xbox, and bad dpads...

THEN IT'S TIME FOR THE FEEDBACK!

Wait... no... Dr. Mario.

BUT THEN IT'S TIME FOR FEEDBACK!

Christian Wolfe sent us a fantastic email! He wants to know about learning how to use a joystick, and Nick likes his question. Kenny drops knowledge on the topic and his advice is don't feel like you have to use a joystick to play console fighting games nowadays (just don't rely on hot keys). BUT... Kenny still thinks it's a good idea to learn on a stick.

Next up is Kurtis Homan! He wants to know if we're going to EVO2012 (probably not). He also wants to know about the games we wanna see more of (Kenny = King of Fighters, Nick = World Heroes). And, lastly, he wants to know our personal standards for what makes a fight game good (so we go on a huge rant).

If you want to send us more feedback, email hypercombocast@gmail.com or call 412-567-7606. We want to hear from you!

We want your feedback!!! In fact, HyperComboCast #18 (in two weeks) is gonna made out of your feedback! Kenny set up a new email address -- hypercombocast@gmail.com -- and he wants to hear from you. We're even taking a one week break to give you time to hit us up. Send us questions, comments, and rants... we'll read 'em on the show!

Later this week, Nick's gonna be at New York Comic Con... so stop by and say hi! He's gonna have comics, podcast collections, prizes, and more! Find the AudioShocker at table D15 in Artist Alley.

Then Kenny and Nick close out the show with some thoughts about the new Dead or Alive 5 trailer. Is it gameplay? Is it just a fancy trailer thingy? Or is it some sort of elaborate cut scene?

Oh... and... BEAR FART HYPER COMBO.

It's NOT Mah-vel, baby!!! We're talkin' bout fighting game crossovers that aren't Marvel-related. (Cause we already did that.)

Kenny describes Fighters Megamix and it sounds like the craziest game ever.

Nick didn't realize King of Fighters was a crossover. Then there's Capcom vs. SNK versus SNK vs. Capcom! Nick likes the dumb fun of Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe. And Kenny talks about a ton more crossovers.

Also... Pepsiman.

Your fighters: Kenny and Nick.

The main event: Mortal Kombat the movie.

"It's so real, it hurts!!!"

FINISH HER!

This first Bonus Stage branches off of HyperComboCast 8: Character Design. In that episode, Nick and I spoke about the importance of character designs in fighting games, and other random related stuff.

For Bonus Stage 1, Nick and I are joined by my awesome feminist friend, Michelle, to discuss various aspects of the presence of women in fighting games, and the representation of women in other media as well. Nick is unsure at first if he'll have anything of interest or importance to say, but as the conversation goes on, he actually shares valid thoughts! Stop doubting yourself, Nick!

Characters of Note (in order of mention):
- Sonya Blade (Midway / NetherRealm Studios)
- Storm (Marvel comics)
- Ibuki (Capcom)
- Makoto (Capcom)
- Chun-Li (Capcom)
- Elena (Capcom)
- Urien (Capcom)
- Gill (Capcom)
- Sakura (Capcom)
- Jade (Midway / Nether Realm Studios)
- Mary Ivonskaya (SquareEnix)
- Mitsuko (Eighting / Raizing)
- Uriko (Eighting / Raizing)
- Fox (Eighting / Raizing)
- Poison (Capcom)
- Sophitia (Namco Bandai)
- She-Hulk (Marvel Comics)
- X-23 (Marvel Comics)
- Gertrude (Misnamed as Gretchen by me in the recording, because I didn't remember properly) (Marvel comics)
- Kira (Examu)
- Otane (Atlus)
- Angela (Atlus)
- Morrigan (Capcom)
- Iroha (SNK Playmore)
- Mai Shiranui (SNK Playmore) (I dunno what Nick is talking about, she isn't in KoF XII)
- Makoto Nanaya (Arc System Works)
- Sindel (Midway / NetherRealm Studios)
- Rose (Capcom)
- Tron Bonne (Capcom)
- Crimson Viper (Capcom)
- Hsien Ko (Capcom)
- Vanessa (SNK Playmore)
- Uranus (Eighting / Raizing)
- Marrow (Marvel comics)
- Tiffany (Capcom)
- Rainbow Mika (Capcom)

Games of Note (in order of mention):
- Mortal Kombat Series (Midway / NetherRealm Studios)
- Street Fighter Series (Capcom)
- My Little Pony: Fighting is Magic
- The King of Fighters Series (SNK Playmore)
- Dead or Alive Series (Tecmo)
- Soul Series (Namco Bandai)
- Arcana Heart (Examu)

Last week we said this was gonna be Changing the Game pt 2. Unfortunately, it's not. Instead, we're talking about some upcoming games for 2011 and 2012.

Street Fighter X Tekken -- Kirby krackles, Kuma's cartoony face and his fart hyper combo, plus a return of some MvC1 flavor.

Tekken Tag Tournament 2 -- Kenny is PUMPED!

King of Fighters XIII -- gotta be better than XII.

Skull Girls -- a long time comin'!

Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 -- The timing makes Capcom look bad... but the game looks good.

ALSO: Squirrel Girl history and Kenny drops the best Falcon quote of all time.

THEN: After the end theme we talk about Vitura Fighter 5: Final Showdown, and how Kenny wants a Rival Schools sequel. Plus, a little Silver Centurion conversation.

NEXT: Changing the Game pt 2 will have to will have to wait for one more week because next time we have a super-special super-long BONUS STAGE all about the fierce females of fighting games!!!

Here comes a new challenger: Alex!

This week, we're showcasing fighting games that broke the mold.

We talk about tons of games, including Fatal Fury, Art of Fighting, Darkstalkers, Pocket Fighter, Mortal Kombat, World Heroes, Virtua Fighter, Real Bout Fatal Fury, Savage Reign, Voltage Fighter Gowcaizer, Samurai Shodown, Bushido Blade, and MORE!!!

NEXT: Changing the Game pt 2 OR How the Competitive Scene Ruined Creativity in Fighting Games.

UPDATE: Three months later, here's Changing the Game pt 2!

Our shortest episode yet!!! Kenny and Nick get KO'd by the crappiness of Star Wars fighting games, starting with...

Star Wars: Masters of Teras Kasi! This sub-par PS1 game from 1997 is laggy, choppy, ugly, and boring.

Nick is devastated by revisiting Teras Kasi and realizing that his fond memories are totally bogus. Meanwhile, Kenny does a good job recapping the best (not much) and worst (a lot) of the game.

Then there's Soulcalibur IV, which features Darth Vader, Yoda, and Starkiller among its cast. Yeaaaaahhhh... uuhhh... not too much to say about it.

NEXT: Changing the game!

Welcome to a very special unscheduled Hyper Combo Wallpaper, featuring a delicious image from gamescom 2011.

And here's some video of Kuma's bear fart hyper combo in action:

As if I wasn't already excited enough for Street Fighter X Tekken... NOW I'M SUPER PSYCHED!!! The impact animations have Kirby krackles in them AND Kuma's gonna be farting on every Street Fighter character in the lineup. Ahhhhh I love fighting games.

Was Avengers in Galactic Storm the first Marvel fighting game! NO! It's a wonky digitized sprite affair with eight main characters and eight assist characters (one of the first with assist characters).

Thankfully, X-Men: Children of the Atom was the first Marvel fighting game! This classic Capcom fighter has gorgeous character design, a good selection of fighters, and tight animation.

Marvel Super Heroes (our favorite!) was next, and it took things to the next level. Fantastic obscure characters (Shuma-Gorath, Blackheart), killer art direction, awesome gameplay... EVERYTHING RULES!

X-Men vs. Street Fighter used the Marvel Super Heroes approach and runs wild with it in the very first Marvel/Capcom crossover game!

Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter is where things slip a little bit... and the secret characters are totally lazy re-colorations!

Then it's the first Marvel vs. Capcom!!! (Nick loves the gameplay). We get Venom and War Machine, and some color-themed secret characters.

As for non-Capcom releases... There's the very average X-Men: Mutant Academy 1 and 2. Plus, there's X-Men: Next Dimension, a slightly freshened up Mutant Academy... and Marvel Nemesis: Rise of the Imperfects is sort of a fighting game.

But then we're onto Marvel vs. Capcom 2!!! Cable and Marrow join the fight... plus two Wolverines? And, ahhh...c'mon, you know the rest. Classic, yadda yadda, etc.

Fast-forward to now... Marvel vs. Capcom 3. Oodles of new characters! MODOK, Phoenix, Taskmaster, and tons more. Plus, some Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 conversation.

And after the end theme, we briefly discuss the rare adaptions of Marvel Comics story lines in fighting games -- Operation: Galactic Storm and Infinity Gauntlet.

NEXT: Star Wars fighting games! (Masters of Tesar Kasi and Soulcalibur IV)

Listen along with us using this Street Fighter OST YouTube playlist as we discuss this unexpectedly strong Priority Records soundtrack!

Ice Cube loves the "BOING!" sound. Come Widdit comes with a lot of good flows. Nas lays down some introspective rhymes. The Pharcyde causes pandemonium on a little kid's TV as he plays Super Street Fighter II. Nick loves the song from the Brothers Under Madness. And Craig Mack may be forgotten but he kills it on his track!

Then it's time for Neon Deion Sanders and Hammer to bring the corny!! Straight to My Feet is a MUST watch music video for fans of the Street Fighter movie and Jean-Claude Van Damme. Next up is Rumbo in da Jungo, which is wrecked by the Wreck League. And then Anotha Level drops another good rap track, but it's the last one...

...because the last two tracks are world music songs. The Angelique Kidjo song is fantastic, but daaaaaamn the Chage and Aska song SUCKS!

NEXT: Marvel, from comics to games!!!

Stories in fighting games! Are they good, are they bad... do they even matter???

Nick thinks DOA 2 exemplifies the best and worst of fighting game storylines, Keny notes how Tekken saves the storyline experience for the home version, and both dudes discuss Street Fighter's sprawling storyline.

Does the tournament concept inherently work against an overarching storyline? Or are fighting games more like "Choose Your Own Adventure" books?

Mortal Kombat has story balls for killing off its main character, and Tekken's plot is deceptively (and/or mind-numbingly) simple. And fighting games movies have an uphill battle trying to tell coherent stories.

Marvel Super Heroes (our favorite!) is the rare video game adaptation of something from other media (the Infinity Gauntlet miniseries). Is there a story in X-Men: Children of the Atom? Is Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter canon?

[NOTE: There's no bonus Hyper Combo fun today... BECAUSE I COULDN'T BEAT X-MEN: CHILDREN OF THE ATOM!!! Goddamn, Magneto is a tough boss.]

NEXT: Street Fighter... the movie... the soundtrack!!! Get prepped for next week's episode by listening to the entire soundtrack using this handy YouTube playlist.

Fighting game characters -- the good, the bad, and the weird! Nick hates Abel, Kenny digs Hinako and her sumo style, and Nick loves Oro's unconventional design.

Of course, TONS more! Kira Daidohji from Arcana Heart, Waku Waku 7, Brocken from World Heroes, debating the game design of Darkstalkers, does BlazBlue have great personality?... but is it over designed?, Guilty Gear craziness, everyone likes Necro, Nick is drawn towards larger characters, Kenny tracks the trend of luchadore characters, theme music in Marvel Super Heroes, did Marvel vs. Capcom 2 lack artistic design?, and King of Fighters has some seriously nuanced characters.

And after the end theme, we get specific about 3D character design -- Battle Fantasia, Mortal Kombat, Tekken, and more.

HYPER COMBO BONUS JAM: Iron Man theme song from Marvel Super Heroes!

NEXT: Storyline design!

Here comes (another) new challenger: Kayin, creator of I Wanna Be the Guy!

We're talking about fighting game updates! Starting with Street Fighter II (most guilty game ever!) and running all the way update to today's modern console updates. Do the King of Fighters sequels count? Kayin says yes!!! World Heroes is crazy, Mortal Kombat's apology letter, Tekken's slew of updates, uhhhhh Virtua Fighter, slow updates killed BlazBlue, Guilty Gear has crazy update names, Marvel vs. Capcom 2 versus Marvel vs. Capcom 3, and tons TONS more!

TOTALLY UNRELATED BONUS VIDEO: Cyberbots gameplay!

NEXT: Fighting game design.

Here comes a new challenger: ALEX!!!

Kenny, Nick, and their special guest recap the arcade intro (watch here it here!), and Alex drops some knowledge about the movie* itself...

And then it's time for the Street Fighter: The Movie the game conversation!!! Ridiculous moves, hilarious backgrounds, arcade vs. console, super moves, Akuma???, exploding health bars, and so much more.

Warning: DON'T PLAY THIS GAME ALONE!!!

*BTW, Street Fighter the movie is brand new for only $3.94 on Amazon right now (for the special edition DVD, natch), so if you ever wanted to buy it, now's the time.

BONUS VIDEO: Street Fighter: The Movie the game boss fight, Chun-Li ending, and end credits (with Nick commentary).

NEXT: It's a mystery!

Did someone say "SET THE AGE TO 99"??? It's Jaime Pressly, Devon Aoki, and Holly Valance in... DOA: Dead or Alive!

Spoilers abound! Kenny hits the most insane plot moments with his recap, Nick grabbed some sweet screen caps, Gen Fu's costume is awful, and there's NO IZUNA DROP!!! Kenny gives the movie a high C+, while Nick gives it a solid B.

NEXT: Street Fighter: The Movie... the game!!!

BONUS: Hyper Combo Gameplay Video! It's Avengers in Galactic Storm - Shatterax vs. Thunderstrike:

Justique whoops Nick's butt in this oft-forgotten 90s fighting game (which was the first to feature assist characters).

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT: We're going weekly!!! Also, Nick talks briefly about Green Lantern: Rise of the Manhunters.

AND THEN IT'S TIME FOR THE DOUBLE DRAGON FIGHTING GAMES PODCAST!!!

Replaying Double Dragon V: The Shadow Falls crushed Kenny's spirit. And Nick didn't even play it because he doesn't know how to work his SNES emulator.

Both Kenny and Nick agree that the Double Dragon (Neo Geo) fighting game rules... especially the valley girl announcer. Surprisingly fun gameplay, interesting character choices, and great background details.

But Rage of the Dragons divides Kenny and Nick.... Kenny digs it, while Nick's underwhelmed by it. Kenny runs down the characters and discusses the moves, and Nick talks about Kang's racist and sexist win quotes.

NEXT: DOA: Dead or Alive and fighting game movies!

Kenny schools Nick!!! We talk about reading move lists on cabinets, learning how to physically execute moves, playing Street Fighter: The Movie: The Game, and then...

Kenny's top five tips for learning more about fighting games!

1. Understand differences so you can figure out what you like.
2. Play different games to learn more about fighters in general.
3. Learn on a joystick. (This makes Nick sad.)
4. Be social because the best way to learn is through people.
5. Read!!! GameFAQs, Shoryuken, etc.

Kenny lists out where to find some of his favorite tutorials (online and in games), and we close the show out with Kenny's quick opinions on Marvel vs. Capcom 3, Mortal Kombat 9, and Super Street Fighter IV Arcade Edition.

NEXT: Double Dragon fighting games!!!

BONUS: Classic Marvel Super Heroes Hyper Combo Wallpaper!

Shuma-Gorath perfects Thanos in the boss stage from the second Marvel fighting game produced by Capcom, Marvel Super Heroes.

Kenny and Nick are back!!! And they're talking about playing with others (*snicker* tee hee).

Kenny tells a tale of Tekken Tag Tournament dick-ish-ness. Nick lost 90 rounds in a row in Dead or Alive 2. Kenny played some Soul Calibur II at a house party. Nick did a little sandbagging on Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter and then got his ass handed to him. Kenny had a Marvel Super Heroes showdown and DID NOT put money on it. Kenny's casual Super Street Fighter II Turbo domination inspired some Super Street Fighter IV and Alpha 3 whoop ass, as well as a Fatal Fury: Mark of the Wolves hissy fit. And Nick shares his money-saving arcade collaboration technique.

After the end theme, Kenny tells a money-minded Marvel vs. Capcom story. NO, YOU CAN'T HAVE YOUR 50 CENTS BACK, MUTHAFRRRUCKA!!!

NEXT: Learning!

BONUS: Another Classic MvC Hyper Combo Wallpaper!

Lifted from the Marvel vs. Capcom opening credits, this psychedelic shot features Hulk laying down the gamma thunder on the Human Tornado, Dolemite Zangief.

Kenny (a.k.a. Riot.EXE) teams up with Nick to deliver a brand new podcast all about fighting games!!!

We kick things off with Kenny's HyperComboCast mission statement... AND then it's time for our fighting game origins -- from the gas station around the corner to a small mountain town in Italy.

We name drop Street Fighter II, Darkstalkers, King of Fighters, Marvel Super Heroes, Shuma-Gorath, Spider-Man's slow ass web ball in MvC3, Desk's MvC3 vids, and tons more as we deliver 30 minutes of video game love.

NEXT: Fighting against real people!

BONUS: Classic Marvel vs. Capcom Hyper Combo Wallpaper!

Spider-Man is one of Kenny's favorite fighters, and I had these images hanging around, so... here's some Spidey from the Marvel vs. Capcom opening credits!

We're lettin' loose with a triple shot of the Ragin' Cajun!!!

Disclaimer! These pics all come from the Marvel vs. Capcom intro, and that's why there are no health meters or anything like that. Anyway, first up, we've got Gambit as he gets ready to bust out his Royal Flush Hyper Combo.

Next up, Gambit gives Strider a little 52 card smackdown.

And, finally, Strider Hiryu returns the favor as he makes himself a big tasty bowl of Gambit gumbo!!!

Next Hyper Combo Wallpaper? Honestly, I haven't decided yet! If you have any requests, leave 'em in the comments.

This week, we celebrate the righteous leg twirling fury of Chunners!!!

Up first? My most favoritest Chun-Li move ever - the 7 Star Sky Flash Kick* Hyper Combo. Beautiful, isn't it?

Next we have the aftermath of the 7 Star Hyper Combo. I dig this image so much that it's currently my desktop background!

Thirdly, I bring you this shot of Chun-Li's ever-awesome Kikosho Hyper Combo... giving Wolverine a wonderfully elastic neck.

And, finally, nothing makes for a great ending like a little victory stance! This shot features one of my all-time favorite MvC team-ups, Chun-Li and War Machine.

Next Hyper Combo Wallpaper? Gambit gets his fight on!!!

* I like this move SOOO much that I plan to name my second album after it.

It's BAAAACK!!! And I've got classic Marvel vs. Capcom desktops for you!

Let's start things off with the original MvC1 title screen. Oh gawd... it's so beautiful... I'm getting teary-eyed just looking at it!!!

Next up? The select screen! While I love this image, there's something I love even more -- the music. Snag the wallpaper and then go listen to the MvC1 select screen theme on Grooveshark.

And last but not least -- the awesome character montage from the MvC opening!!! Even though most of my favs have been shuffled to the back, I still love it.

Next Hyper Combo Wallpaper? Chun-Li kicks some ass!

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That's all, boys and girls! I'm retiring Hyper Combo Wallpaper. Don't be surprised if it comes out of retirement for the occasional special appearance... but consider the feature non-weekly and non-regular to the max.

So... DON'T be back next Friday for a brand spankin' new Hyper Combo Wallpaper!!!

EDIT: Okay, so I thought Hyper Combo Wallpaper was going to die an official death... but there's been a slight change. It's not ready to die just yet. In fact, it's going to back next week and stronger than ever as we dive deep into some Endless Widescreen MvC3 action!!!

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Next week: big boys don't cry on the final Hyper Combo Wallpaper!

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Next week: kicks vs. sticks on Hyper Combo Wallpaper!

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Next week: Jimmy vs. Chuck on Hyper Combo Wallpaper!

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Next week: chick fight in Hyper Combo Wallpaper!

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Next week: evil eyes in Hyper Combo Wallpaper!

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More Street Fighter Alpha comin' atcha!!! Today we have a couple of SFA bad boys in the form of Akuma, the master of disaster, versus Birdie, the chic freak. Who would win? C'mon... it's the @#$%ing Dark Hadou. No contest. Be back next week for more Hyper Combo Wallpaper!

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Month one of our Street Fighter Alpha celebration begins here! Honestly, I'm just so-so on the Alpha series. The character art is great, but the game play isn't as awesome as SF2 or SF3. But, like I said, it's got great character art! Hence our inaugural pairing of Rainbow Mika versus Dhalsim. Want more? Be back next week for some bad boys on Hyper Combo Wallpaper!

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More War Machine? Seriously? Seriously. I know, I've been overdoing it. But the Iron Man 2 movie is out next week and I figured it would be timely to toss out one more. Anyway, I've got it out of my system now. So next week, get ready for two months of Street Fighter Alpha here on Hyper Combo Wallpaper!

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Ahhh yes! My favorite of the Sean Chen Weapon of S.H.I.E.L.D. Month wallpapers. Kudos to inker Sandu Florea and giant kudos to Jay David Ramos for his amazing colors. Oooh and big shout to Joe Caramagna for the great SFX! Next week, well, I guess you could say it's a fill-in Hyper Combo Wallpaper!

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Okay, this Weapon of S.H.I.E.L.D. Month wallpaper doesn't have all the hi-res sizes as the rest of the offerings. But it does have Crimson Dynamo! Git back herr next week for a super-fierce Hyper Combo Wallpaper!

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Weapon of S.H.I.E.L.D. Month continues as Rhodey throws some dangerous surprises at the Skrulls. Be back in seven for a little less variety in your next Hyper Combo Wallpaper!

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It's Weapon of S.H.I.E.L.D. Month starring War Machine, and we're introducing more wallpaper sizes! That's right -- we're going extra widescreen, baby!!!

So dive in and enjoy this week's gorgeous art by Sean Chen, Sandu Florea, and Jay David Ramos, and then be here next week for another Hyper Combo Wallpaper!

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Thus Capcom Fighting Evolution months one and two come to a close. Be here next week as Hyper Combo Wallpaper presents War Machine redux in Weapon of S.H.I.E.L.D. Month!

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I hope Kenji kicks Guile's ass and uses his head for a broom at the Kenji Ninja Academy. Guile deserves it for letting that ridiculous hairdo get so out of control. Be back next week for the final Capcom Fighting Evolution Hyper Combo Wallpaper!

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Either Alex has a thing for Rose or he really wants to kick her ass. You decide as Capcom Fighting Evolution month two continues here on Hyper Combo Wallpaper!

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As opposed to last week's pair, I think Bison and Chun-Li would make a horrible couple. He'd always be trying to brainwash her and she'd always be trying to kill him. Be back next week for more Capcom Fighting Evolution Hyper Combo Wallpaper!

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I feel like Yun and Felicia would make a great couple in some sort of bizarre Capcom inhabited reality. Too bad they're busy fighting to the death in Hyper Combo Wallpaper! Next Friday, enter month two of our Capcom Fighting Evolution feature.

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Hydron = a giant fighting mollusk. Excellent! Dimitri? Meh, one of my lesser favorite Darkstalkers. But they make such a great pair. The good times keep jamming next Friday with another Capcom Fighting Evolution Hyper Combo Wallpaper!

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You already know Zangief. Hauzer? Maybe not. Either way, Capcom Fighting Evolution month #1 battles on. Be back next week for another Hyper Combo Wallpaper!

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Ingrid and Sakura welcome you to Capcom Fighting Evolution month numero uno. This game might be the least deserving of a Hyper Combo Wallpaper feature, but damn that character art sure looks good! Catch you next Friday.

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Storm Month has blown away! What's in the wind for Hyper Combo Wallpaper, you ask? Be back next Friday as Capcom Fighting Evolution jams its way on over!

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Oh Ororo, you could've been a hand model! Get ready for one more Storm Hyper Combo Wallpaper next Friday!

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The forecast? Storm Month continues to pour down as Storm gets fingered in the next Hyper Combo Wallpaper!

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See, I told ya that was a big black hairy pussycat! Seeing as how it's Storm Month and all, be back here next Sunday to see Storm get wet in Hyper Combo Wallpaper!

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Storm Month is on! Be back next Sunday to see Storm's big black hairy pussy in Hyper Combo Wallpaper!

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War Machine Month is ruined! See you in 2010 when Hyper Combo Wallpaper swirls into Storm Month!

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War Machine Month continues its streak! Come and get the best of the best next Sunday in Hyper Combo Wallpaper!

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Is this a cheat? YES! But in the comics, James Rhodes is War Machine and he's previously piloted a personalized Sentinel armor... so this still sorta works! Whatever. War Machine Month gets streaky in the next Hyper Combo Wallpaper!

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Enter the War Machine Month... it's Hyper Combo Wallpaper!

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Here's an extra special non-schedule wallpaper to get War Machine Month started off right. Check ya next Sunday for our regularly scheduled Hyper Combo Wallpaper!

P.S. BTW, here's the hi-res (1500 px X 2221 px) Iron Man 2 movie poster jpeg.

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Awesome art by Stanley "Artgerm" Lau. Sadly, this is it for Street Fighter Month. But things get explosive next Sunday as Hyper Combo Wallpaper introduces War Machine Month!

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Awesome Chun-Li art by Stanley "Artgerm" Lau. It's Street Fighter Month... could things get any more awesome? Maybe next Sunday with our Street Fighter femme fatales Hyper Combo Wallpaper!

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We're knee deep in Street Fighter Month, so be back here next Sunday for some Chun-Li Hyper Combo Wallpaper!

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Street Fighter Month chugs along! Git yer booty back here next Sunday for more Hyper Combo Wallpaper!

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Street Fighter Month begins! Git yer backside back here next Sunday for more Hyper Combo Wallpaper!

Morrigan, Felicia, and B.B. Hood want to kick your ass.

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Sayonara, Darkstalkers Month. It was nice knowin' ya. Don't let November hit ya in the ass on the way out! Be back next Monday for the start of Street Fighter Month here on the Hyper Combo Wallpaper network!

Felicia tears Rikuo a new one! OUCH!

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Darkstalkers Month chugs along! This time Felicia gets ferocious and scratches Rikuo. Next Monday? Our furry femme is joined by two more Darkstalkers ladies to form another great Hyper Combo Wallpaper!

Anakaris... either he's trying to kill you or cop a feel.

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Anakaris is my favorite of the "I'm not just in the Darkstalkers games!" Darkstalkers characters. He's got some sweet moves. Plus, he's a mummy. That's awesome. Be back here next Monday for some fun and furry Felicia Hyper Combo Wallpaper as Darkstalkers Month continues!

Ooo Morrigan... you're sooooo saucy, girl!

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Welcome to Darkstalkers Month. We're kicking off the festivities with a little bit of slutty Morrigan, which never hurt anybody (except for countless Darkstalkers and Marvel vs. Capcom opponents). Next Monday? Anakaris Hyper Combo Wallpaper!

Armored grudge match! Iron Man throws down with Doctor Doom!

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Sadly, with this post, Versus Month has ended. But make sure to git yer asses back here next Monday for the start of the super-timely Darkstalkers Month! It's Hyper Combo Wallpaper, Halloween style!

Spidey throws down with Orange and Green Hulks!

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Be back here next Monday for Iron Man vs. Doctor Doom in the final installment of Hyper Combo Wallpaper Versus Month!

Laser eyes versus lightning limbs!

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Be back here next Monday for a Spider-Man vs. Hulk(s) Hyper Combo Wallpaper as Versus Month battles on!

Behold War Machine's tiny yet threatening fist!

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Be back here next Monday for a Cyclops vs. Storm Hyper Combo Wallpaper as Versus Month continues!

The House of Mouse vs. the House of Ideas!

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Sadly, this will be another week without a new Super Haters comic strip. While last week was a time crunch for me with my impending Las Vegas trip, this week I'm simply uninspired.

Luckily, my friend Muffins came to the rescue. After learning that Disney purchased Marvel Entertainment, he felt like a new iconic image was needed to represent this most unholy of unions. Thus I present to you... Disney vs. Marvel Hyper Combo Wallpaper!!!

Fits in nice with September's Versus Month theme, don't it? Anyway, make sure to be back here on Monday for your regularly scheduled installment of Hyper Combo Wallpaper featuring Iron Man vs. Mouse Machi- errr, I mean War Machine! (Pssst... check out tomorrow's Top 9 for a sneak peak at Mouse Machine!)

Capcom, in the evil clutches of Magneto!

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Magneto is a mainstay of the Marvel vs. Capcom series. From X-Men: Children of the Atom to Marvel Super Heroes to X-Men vs. Street Fighter to Marvel vs. Capcom 2, the master of magnetism is one of most formidable baddies in the Marvel lineup.

The Mags you see here is from the cover of House of M: Masters of Evil #4, drawn by Mike Perkins (with a bit of Photoshop magic by moi). Be back here next Monday for another Hyper Combo Wallpaper and the start of September a.k.a. Versus Month!

Say WAZZZUP to Amingo, the Living Cactus

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I used to think that Marvel vs. Capcom 2 was the weak link in the Marvel vs. Capcom series, but I've since changed my mind and embraced the final (for now!) MvC installment.

Amingo is one of the new characters Capcom put in MvC2. Design-wise, I think he's the best looking of the newbies (though probably not the best fighter... sorry, amigo!).

Be back here next Monday for special Magneto Hyper Combo Wallpaper!

Captain Commando strikes a classic Capcom pose

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It's safe to say that Marvel vs. Capcom revived Captain Commando's career. Not that it was his first appearance by any means - he had his own self-titled game years before and he had graced Capcom packaging as a company mascot for many moons.

But the cyborg whose name was reverse-engineered from the Capcom moniker (Captain Commando) had his breakout role in MvC1. He made it into countless homes around the world thru the console versions of that game, and did the same all over again with MvC2. Thus he became the greatest captain of all-time (sorry, Steve)!

Thanks to The Fighter's Generation for the Capcom art. Be back here next Monday for another Hyper Combo Wallpaper!

Ryu and E Honda are ready to throwdown old school!

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Though Edmond Honda never made it into any of the Marvel vs. Capcom games, Ryu had his dirty little fingers all over them. But that's not what we're here to discuss today anyway. Above you will find a little old school fighting screen shot from the seminal Street Fighter II, complete in an old school arcade screen frame.

The hi-res source for this lo-fi classic was found in THE ARCADE COLLECTION of JESPER CARLSSON. It took me a bit of Photoshop magic, but I fixed the pic and made it into this delicious wallpaper. Be back next Monday for a Captain Commando Hyper Combo Wallpaper!

U.S.Agent tussles with Iron Man, 1980s style!

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Last week, you though I was @#$%ing with you when I put up a U.S.Agent wallpaper. I was 100% legit with that - he's a secret character in Marvel vs. Street Fighter (as well as a "helper" character in MvC).

However, this week is a bit of a cheat. But not because of Iron Man's Silver Centurion armor - you can at least mimic the color scheme in Marvel Super Heroes on the PlayStation by holding the down button for five seconds while highlighting Iron Man, and then pressing a punch or kick button to select him as your fighter.

No, the cheat is actually this image, which is a depiction of Iron Man battling the Captain, not U.S.Agent. However, Steve Rogers wasn't the Captain for long, and the black and reds would soon belong to John Walker instead. You can just use your imagination to pretend he's already wearing them in this picture.

Thanks to Mark Bright, Bob Layton, and Bob Sharen for giving us this awesome art from Armor Wars' Iron Man #228. And thanks to Marvel Avalon for the image. This has been the second part of a U.S.Agent Double Shot, so be back next Monday for an unrelated Street Fighter Hyper Combo Wallpaper!

Khoi Pham delivers mighty U.S.Agent action

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I bet you're really confused right now. U.S.Agent isn't in any of the Marvel vs. Capcom games, right? WRONG! John Walker just happens to be a secret character in Marvel vs. Street Fighter. Need proof? Check out my victory pics.

To play as U.S.Agent (who is just a recolored Captain America with slightly faster moves) on the PlayStation version of MvSF, highlight M. Bison on the character select screen and hold down the select button as you push any of the punch or kick buttons (depending on which button you hit, you'll get a different costume color - I think the triangle (a.k.a. default light punch) button gives you the classic black and red suit).

Thanks to Khoi Pham, Danny Miki, and Dean White for this week's U.S.Agent image (from the cover of Mighty Avengers #22). And thanks to the now defunct MySpace Comic Books for the hi-res image. This is the first part of a U.S.Agent Double Shot, so be back next Monday for another U.S.Agent Hyper Combo Wallpaper!

Omar Dogan makes Chun-Li look legendary

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Chun-Li goes beyond Street Fighter Legend - she's a Marvel vs. Capcom Legend (and a straight up video game legend) too. The wallpaper you see here is a collage of UDON's covers for Street Fighter Legends: Chun-Li #1-3, three excellent installments from my new favorite comic book miniseries. For you Street Fighter completists out there, this wallpaper also features Gen and Lei Fong (NOT in MvC), and Dan Hibiki (who pops up in Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter).

On a personal note, this was the most difficult wallpaper making experience I've ever had for the Hyper Combo Wallpaper series. The above image you see is a miniature representation of the 1440 X 900 size, but the 1280 X 1024 and 1600 X 1200 sizes look a little different. They had tons of blank space above the image, so I slapped the Street Fighter Legends: Chun-Li logo up top.

Thanks to Omar Dogan's deviantART account for these images. I've been totally blown away by his work on this comic book and his awesome covers are no exception. Be back here next Monday for a brand new Hyper Combo Wallpaper!

Paul Pope loves him some sweet Marvel orgy

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Oh, how I love a good orgy! Don't we all though? Apparently Paul Pope agrees because he drew this orgy-themed image for September's Strange Tales #1. But the real fun of this image isn't the orgy. No sir, it's determining which of these characters can be seen in the Marvel vs. Capcom video games!

I spy with my little eye the following MvC fighters:

• Dr. Doom
• Sentinel
• Iron Man
• Hulk
• Wolverine
• Spider-Man
• Colossus

Thanks to Comic Box for this image. I'm there every month when they post the best hi-res comic book solicitations on the Internet. Be back here next Monday for a brand new Hyper Combo Wallpaper!