The comic book world has seen countless epic battles over the last few decades, but none have been more epic than the rivalry between Marvel and DC. Although the two comic companies have teamed up in the past, the publications are distinctly separate.
Over the years, fans of superheroes and fantasy adventures have placed themselves on either side of the divide when it comes to each company’s offerings. Like an avid supporter following a sports team in all their endeavors, DC and Marvel fans tend to take a shine to anything either brand releases.
image via CamEvans
For those who haven’t pitched a tent in either camp, the following is a high-level breakdown of the differences between Marvel and DC. From theme park rides and movies to online games and merchandise, we’ve held up each product side-by-side for the purposes of comparison.
Movies
Comics aside, movies have become the main battleground for DC and Marvel over the last few years. Grossing hundreds of millions of dollars every year, film franchises such as Batman, The Avengers and Spider-Man have taken the box office by storm.
However, fans of the two genres will notice some subtle differences between the two brands. DC characters tend to be more sullen and serious when it comes to saving the world from an inexplicable terror. In contrast, Marvel heroes are more light-hearted and are written to have a tendency toward cracking a joke or two in between (and during) action scenes.
For example, Marvel’s 2016-pending release, Captain America: Civil War, will star the charming Chris Evans, who is as witty as he is imposing.
Online Gaming
Another area in which DC and Marvel have excelled over the last decade is computer software. Whether it’s video games or online casino style games, multiple licensing deals have helped the brands capture new fans across the globe.
In terms of pedigree, DC comics have the edge over Marvel when it comes to video game titles. The first DC-based game came out in 1979 compared to 1982 for Marvel. Looking through the list of subsequent games, the main differences between DC and Marvel are the battle elements. While DC games often feature a solitary hero, Marvel games have elements of teamwork; especially in games such as The Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer.
In terms of online gaming, a number of high-profile casinos, such as Titancasino, offer a range of comic-themed slots. Generally offering progressive jackpots (prizes that continually increase), games such as Iron Man 2, Spider-Man and Fantastic Four all have the same basic structures. However, in terms of picking out a comparison, it’s generally the case that Marvel machines contain a greater number of in-game animations. In contrast, DC games rely heavily on embedded movie sequences to give each game more color.
Merchandise
When it comes to styling, DC and Marvel each have distinct looks and these have been carried over to the brands’ respective merchandise. Owing to DC’s penchant for mythology, its merchandise is a lot more bold and imposing. Action figures, t-shirts and badges all have larger than life, god-like characters dominating the foreground.
In contrast, Marvel merchandise is a little darker and more understated. Because Marvel’s comic characters are people first and superheroes second, there is an element of mystery and intrigue in the company’s styling. Clothing and action figures tend to be darker (lots of black) and each character always has a hint of humanity ingrained into it.
To non-comic book lovers, Marvel and DC might be identical products. However, once you peel back the pages and have a look at the inner-workings of each company, you’ll see that all is not equal. From dark and moody to bright and bubbly, DC and Marvel comics, and their connected products, are distinctly different. However, regardless of which side of the comic coin you fall on, each brand offers a slew of interesting and entertaining products you can immerse yourself in.
