DC Comic books began under different names back in 1935. It was called everything from “National Periodical Publications” and “All-American Comics” to “Detective Comics” and “Action Comics.” Superman came out in 1938, thus putting graphic novels on the map. Soon, Batman followed, as did other characters like Wonder Woman, the Flash and Green Lantern. Over the next few decades, TV series and radio shows would stem from DC comics and most recently, movies have brought a series like “Batman” to a revolutionary realm. Marvel comics, the other major publisher, began in 1938 following a merger between “Timely” and “Atlas Comics.” In the 1940s, Captain America paralleled WWII and gave Americans something to feel proud of. However, much of Marvel’s success is credited to writer Stan Lee, who emerged in the 1960s with his legendary Fantastic Four, Iron Man, the Incredible Hulk and X-Men. Now, movies and online comics keep Marvel fresh and ever-changing.
Motivation, cause and effect are all very important considerations when analyzing the difference between Marvel and DC. Marvel characters often struggle with a myriad of internal forces and mental battles. For instance, the Hulk has struggled with an explosive temper, while Spiderman has always struggled to balance his personal life with the demands of being a superhero. Wolverine also has competing nuances of animalistic urges and human civility.
Once action has been taken, these characters often ponder what has happened and sometimes second-guess themselves. These “very human-like” characters were generally ordinary but gained powers from science accidents, radiation exposure, spider bites, genetic mutation or some other event. The setting for Marvel graphic novels are in real places like New York, Los Angeles or Toronto. Some say Marvel puts a more modern spin on comic books and fulfills a more psychological need for its readers.
There are subtle but noticeable differences between Marvel and DC comic books. DC superheroes are focused on their own lives and purpose, whereas Marvel heroes are being hit with villains and extreme situations at every turn. DC characters are proud of their abilities and strong in their beliefs, often delving into superhero life because they feel tremendous emotional/psychological drives to do what’s right and seek justice. In contrast, Marvel comic characters struggle with the burden of their powers more often than not and long to pursue other ambitions.
In the end, it’s hard to really say which comic book series reigns supreme. DC, the old dinosaur, has the oldest legacy of all comic books and can rightfully claim the invention of superheroes as we know them (with Superman debuting in 1938). Their characters were perfect, supreme, and almost god-like in their abilities and powers. However, Marvel Comic Books brought a whole new spin on superheroes with their modern take; that many superheroes were just ordinary people with day jobs and complex emotions, yet wound up finding their callings as heroes (or villains) following a series of unusual events. Many comic fans will read both so the rivalry has always been friendly, but a person’s favorite character may say a lot about why he or she reads.
