Throughout the comic world, a rivalry amongst Marvel Studios and DC Comics have always existed. When evaluating the different aspects of both industries, it can be determined that Marvel Studios produces the best storylines and a realistic world.
The Amazing World of Marvel
Marvel Comics first began in 1939 and took off in 1961 when Stan Lee and Jack Kirby produced The Fantastic Four. From there, other amazing characters arose such as the Amazing Spider-Man, Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, the Hulk, Captain Marvel, and many more! The Avengers first formed in 1963 including Captain America, Iron Man, Black Widow, Thor, and just about all the other Marvel superheroes.
Marvel Comics has a strong reputation for addressing social issues from pollution to race relations. Iron Man remains as one of the most commonly known Marvel superheroes to stand out for addressing a major social issue: alcoholism. All throughout his career, Iron Man dealt with the issue of drinking. When asked about how Iron Man’s issue came about, writing contributor, Bob Layton, explained, “We were creating a corporate world. Tony’s world was a world of corporate intrigued, global. And we thought about a corporate disease, something that happens to even the guys of the highest of power still succumb to cocaine addiction or alcohol addiction or whatever. And he seemed like a ripe character to tell a very poignant story.”
Aside from the attacking of social issues head-on, Marvel Comics succeeds in producing a more realistic world in regards to the way that powers and abilities are acquired amongst superheroes. The idea of acquiring abilities revolves mainly around misfortune occurring to everyday civilians. Want to gain spider-like senses? Getting bit by a radioactive spider usually lies as the best shot. Want incredible strength beyond belief? Exposure to extreme doses of gamma radiation tends to do the trick – and make you green. Though still highly unrealistic, the idea of normal human beings faced with a chance encounter, altering their lives forever, appears more believable than naturally possessing the gift of powers. This idea creates a much more realistic perspective for viewers as opposed to naturally being born with powers such as the characters of DC Comics.
Divine DC Comics
DC Comics developed in 1934 and took off with their three core characters, Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman. The Justice League of America formed in 1960, bringing together Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, the Flash, Aquaman, and just about all the other amazing DC superheroes.
The downfall amongst DC Comics lies amongst the idea that many of their superheroes have their homeworld or genetics to thank for their abilities. The Man of Steel can thank Krypton for his immense powers. Wonder Woman, daughter of Zeus and Hippolyta, gives thanks to her mythological parents for her powers. Even Aquaman follows the mythological legacy of Poseidon and Neptune. These examples precisely show DC’s style in following the theme of the powerful mythological world.
The Avengers and Justice League of America
The great thing about both industries is the idea that they formed the concept of people of all kind coming together to accomplish one main goal. This idea was essential in the time of their formation for during the sixties, for this time period involved much war and peace. Comic industries shined a light of hope and reassurance to the world in showing them that we can all come together to defeat the “bad guy”.
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