An Unlikely Match-Up:
Lara Croft vs. Buffy

In this week’s Unlikely Match-Up, it’s Raider versus Slayer in the fight between Lara Croft and Buffy Summers. These two iconic heroines hit the scene less than six months apart, with Lara Croft’s PlayStation game Tomb Raider being released on October 25^th 1996, and Buffy’s TV series Buffy the Vampire Slayer debuting on March 10^th, 1997.

Lara Croft is an English archaeologist, whose agility and strength is only matched by her historical and cultural knowledge. By referencing the twelve games in the franchise, it is apparent that Lara Croft is well trained in hand-to-hand combat, gymnastics, and the operation of firearms. In the past, Croft has defeated dinosaurs, manticores, giant ice spiders, Atlanteans, and even Set, the Egyptian god of Evil. However, a worthy opponent awaits her in Sunnydale, California! Buffy Summers is a high school student bestowed with the powers of the Slayer, giving her the ability to overpower and outmaneuver otherworldly creatures, such as vampires and demons. Buffy’s strength is greater than that of any human, being able to lift or throw people and objects with little effort. Buffy’s speed is also beyond that of any person. This combination of superhuman strength and speed also makes her effective at acrobatics. But is Buffy's raw power enough to compete with Lara Croft's experience? You decide! Vote here.