Going Beyond Opinions
Despite the controversial title, this article is more than a subjective opinion piece. Whether you agree or disagree, here are 20 in-depth and logical points that put DC a league above. From relatable characters to better world-balancing, here is why Marvel pales in comparison to its competitors.
1. Power Balance
There is a misconception that DC has overpowered characters, but that’s not true considering everyone has either a weakness or a contingency plan capable of taking them down. Superman has his kryptonite, meanwhile hurting Hulk just makes him angrier, and Wolverine is practically impenetrable.
2. Relatable Characters
In terms of relatability, ask yourself who you have more in common with. A smug, rich billionaire who gives himself superpowers (Iron Man) or a depressed loner who’s trying to right a wrong (Batman)? Or instead, do you find you have more in common with a military man frozen in time (Captain America), or an immigrant who’s trying to balance work with family (Superman)? And before you throw in the Peter Parker argument, note how the supposed every-man nerd is also a genius, conventionally handsome, and has several ladies fawning over him.
3. Gods and Monsters
Many people relate DC’s roster to Gods, thinking them too extreme or unrealistic. But what sounds more compelling to you, gods trying to live as men or men trying to live as gods? Superman and Wonder Woman have a deep understanding and admiration for the human experience despite being literal gods among men.
4. Realism
Speaking of realism, DC has many characters that are simply humans who have pushed themselves to their limits. Batman is just a guy with resources and willpower, a fact that applies to every member of the Bat-family. Similarly, Question is an overzealous detective while Deadshot is an expert marksman. One of the most infamous villains in comic history, the Joker, doesn’t even have powers. You could argue that Marvel also has powerless B-listers, but the fact that DC has established powerless characters as some of their most popular says a lot.
5. Gender Equality
If you’re a follower of the MCU, you’ve probably noticed all the controversy they’ve experienced attempting to solidify female characters. Scarlet Witch, She-Hulk, and Black Widow were side characters for the longest time before the movies attempted to elevate them. However, while Marvel comics were printing mainly male-centered comics, DC was already ahead of the game with Wonder Woman, Harley Quinn, Starfire, Supergirl, and more.
6. Legacies
DC has always done legacies far more effortlessly than Marvel. While newer movies have attempted to solidify new iterations of Iron Man, Captain Marvel, and Captain America, this wasn’t a thing the comics were known for. However, DC’s extensive Bat family and Super-Family were always popular, and spin-offs for popular villains were a staple of the comics.
7. Versatility
DC borrows inspiration from so many different cultures and theologies, ranging from aliens (Superman) to mythology (Wonder Woman), to the occult (John Constantine). You’ve even got space police (Green Lantern) and Atlanteans (Aquaman). There is a story for everyone. From the darkest Watchmen stories to bittersweet Kingdom Come to family-friendly Super Sons.
8. Iconic Characters
In certain parts of the world, Superhero culture is pretty in-grain with daily life, so its easy for fans to name a bunch of heroes. But if you visit a developing country for instance and ask someone to name a superhero, Superman and Batman are who come to mind. That being said, there’s a good chance the third-likeliest hero they name is Spiderman.
9. Complex Villains
Returning to iconic characters, no villain has had the world as mesmerized as the Joker. Unless you’re a hardcore Marvel fan, it’s very hard to name the villains. Ask someone who doesn’t watch the movies to name a comic villain and see what they come up with. It’s probably Harley Quinn or Joker. That comes as no surprise considering the complexity and crazy antics of those characters make them quite entertaining.
Annette Wamser from Elk Grove, USA on Wikimedia
10. Else Worlds
Before Marvel’s “What If” series, DC had been doing Else Worlds for decades. Else Worlds are stories that explore other variations or iterations of the characters. For example, what if Superman crash-landed in Russia instead of America during the Cold War? Well, Superman: Red Son explores exactly this. Or what about if Batman was set in the 19th Century? Well, Gotham by Gaslight is the one for you.
11. Movies and Memories
Some might say the recent success of Marvel’s movies makes them the better competitor. However, if the success of shows is all you judge by, then consider the success of DC’s CW soaps, or the industry-defining reception of the four-time Emmy-winning Batman: The Animated Series, or Justice League Unlimited, or Teen Titans. These cartoons practically raised a generation.
12. Queer Representation
In recent years, it may seem like Marvel has been pushing for diversity and inclusion. In reality, they actually introduced the first openly gay character in Uncanny X-Men #120 in 1979 with Northstar. However, it got quiet after that. Meanwhile, DC, put their foot to the pedal with mainline LGBTQ+ characters such as Batwoman. They also have extensive queer stories being told through Sandman, Doom Patrol, and Midnighter.
13. Better Role Models
This is subjective, but most would agree that DC characters serve as far better role models than their Marvel counterparts. With a heart of gold, Superman preaches kindness and compassion. Even Batman has a rule he refuses to cross, and puts his money towards doing good. Wonder Woman shows girls they’re on the same playing field as boys, and is regarded as the strongest character in the trinity due to her lack of kryptonite.
14. If It’s a Race, DC Won
If you’ve ever wondered who the first superhero was, you might end up down a rabbit hole that leads to Superman. While many agree that Superman is the first “true” superhero with his debut in 1938, he was preceded by 1936’s prototype superhero, the Phantom. Still, DC technically beat Marvel.
15. Sidekicks
Sidekicks are a relatively novel phenomenon in the Marvel universe, and the characters are used moreso as carriers of the legacy than traditional sidekicks. Think of the multiple Captain Marvels or what Bucky means to Captain America. Meanwhile, DC has solidified sidekicks since its inception, with stand-puts like Robin. Better yet, these characters go on to become their own people.
16. Darker Themes
There is an argument to be had over who has a darker universe, as it may surprise you to see the lengths Marvel will go to. However, in terms of who does it better, the answer is DC. Consider the praise received by the Dark Knight Returns comics, Injustice, or the Batman Who Laughs. Which have rightfully gone on to inspire movies and games.
17. Plans Versus Agendas
When it comes to politics, it can be a bit polarizing topic that makes comics hard to access. With that in mind, DC has always been more inclusive than Marvel. For instance, the X-Men comics and recent MCU shows have been very politically motivated.
18. Different Mediums
Many will simply say Marvel has the better movies and leave it to that. While most Marvel movies struggle to surpass the acclaim of academy-award-winning Dark Knight, it is worth noting that DC also dominates the world of animated shows and video games. The Arkham Games have won Game of the Year and have solidified DC as a PlayStation giant.
19. Groundbreaking Titles
There are so many DC stories that reshaped the comic-world. While Marvel has kept up the status-quo, and will likely continue to do so under Disney’s watchful eye, DC has been taking risks since its inception. Consider the ramifications of Crisis Events, Flashpoint, and the Killing Joke. Marvel only started shaking it up recently with End Game, which seems to be a one-off considering the lack of world-changing activity since.
Richie S from Brooklyn, NY, United States on Wikimedia
20. Beyond DC
If you take a step away from the Justice League, you’re left with an award-winning fictional world. Watchmen and The Sandman are often considered the best graphic novels of all time, as further proven in Time’s 100 Best Novels list. The ingenuity and innovation of these works show just how far DC is willing to go to explore the world of stories.
