User blog comment:Battlefan237/Season finale :The Joker (Nolanverse) vs. Balalaika (Black Lagoon)/@comment-379205-20180101220215

'''119's "In Soviet Russia, Joke's On You!" Edges'''

Melee: Both sides are armed with similar weapons, including knives as well as blunt instruments (the butt/grip of their guns being among them). Edge: Even

Handguns: I think you made a mistake here- the Stechkin APS is a fully automatic weapon like the Glock 18, though it is possible to switch it to semi-auto for more accurate shooting, which was probably what she was doing in the scene in Black Lagoon. As for the two weapons, the Joker's Glock 18 takes the edge for its more modern design.

SMGs: The S&W M76 probably has a longer range, given that it is a copy of the Carl Gustav m/45, which has a much longer 250 meters effective range vs the 50 to 70 meters of the MAC-10. On the other hand, the MAC fires a .45 ACP round for greater stopping power and has a higher rate of fire. Edge: Even- depends on distance.

Rifles: This one is where Balalaika really takes a win. The M1 Garand is a classic, reliable battle rifle, but it was made obsolete by weapons such as the AK-47, with their higher rates of fire and larger magazine, both proving more important in infantry combat. Edge: Balalaika

Heavy Weapons: OK, this is an interesting one. The Type 69 is basically a Chinese version of the RPG-7, giving it greater firepower and portability, but a lower rate of fire, and its utility is limited to areas where the backblast will not harm or kill the user or his allies. On the other hand, the HMG mounted on Balalaika's ex-military jeeps is an NSV 12.7mm machine gun- essentially a Russian .50 cal, which, while lacking the portability (it basically can be either mounted on a vehicle or a tripod, you're not going to be walking around firing that thing) and one-shot firepower, it is still a force to be recognized with, firing heavy-caliber rounds that will tear the Joker's unarmored thugs to shreds. Edge: Even- situation dependant

X-Factors: The Joker is a psychotic genius and a master of planning his schemes, taking intelligence. In terms of brutality, Balalaika is certainly more than willing to kill without hesitation, and she might have a sadistic streak- Revy once said she'd give up sex before she gave up murder (as if anyone is surprised), but that is nothing compared to the Joker, who will kill people in a brutal manner, often just for fun. However, in a stand up fight 8 vs 8 fight, Balalaika and her ex-military thug's experience in the Spetsnaz and other elite Soviet military units that saw action in Afghanistan will prove for more valuable. For this reason, I give the edge to Balalaika.

Overall Winner: While the Joker is a sick son of a bitch and a psychotic genius, I have to give the edge for the cold Soviet efficiency and the extreme levels of military discipline, training, and combat experience that Balalaika and her gang use to rule the criminal underworld of Roanapur. Given her military structure and ex-military origins, Balalaika will likely also have personnel with military intelligence backgrounds, as well as trained combat troops in her gang, which will help her keep up with the Joker's schemes, while her soldiers will likely be able to turn any gunfights in their favor with the firepower of their AKs and their superior combat training. This same lethal efficiency will give Balalaika the victory over the Joker.