Why DC & MARVEL Need Each Other

When people read the statement “Dc and Marvel need each other” some will say b---s--- while others would agree. I believe while the numbers along with their longevity would say different, that they need each other. Dc comics was founded in 1934 and for five years was the only major comic book distribution company in North America. They made a name for themselves by bringing some of the most iconic characters(Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman) to the world. DC had no competition to challenge them until 1939 when Marvel Comics was founded but known as Timely Publications at that time. Throughout the years the name changed from Timely Publications to Atlas Comics until in 1961 changed the name to Marvel Comics and it hasn’t changed since. Superhero comic books saw a decline in its popularity until DC comics re imagined heroes like the Flash and Green Lantern, then introduction of the modern all-star team Justice League of America during what historians called the Silver-Age of comics.

Dc forced Marvel's hand which lead them to present The Fantastic 4. This was followed by Marvel introducing more characters such as Spiderman, Ironman, The Hulk, and others. Marvel Comics was threatening to remove Dc Comics from the number one spot that they held for years. So with that threat , it forced Dc Comics to hire former Marvel comic book artist,round up any up and coming artist and hire top editors to counter Marvels success. Dc made their heroes god like but with human vulnerabilities as Marvel made their heroes more human, to be more relatable to its readers.

Throughout the years both approaches to their respective characters have worked. Whether it was during the 50's , 60's, 70's, 80's, or 90's both companies had their fair share of success. As the times changed so did the way these heroes were presented. Dc animation universe became a huge success which has led to a animated cinematic universe that reigns supreme. For years Dc owned the silver screen thanks to Superman and Batman but in 2001 that all changed with the success of Spiderman. Since 2001 Marvel has brought such characters to the silver screen like the X-men, Blade, and the Fantastic 4. In 2008 Marvel Studios began what they called Phase 1 which brought forth solo films for Ironman, Capt. America, The Hulk, and Thor, which culminated with The Avengers.

Dc properties to grace the silver screen were Superman, Watchmen, The Losers, Red, and Green Lantern. Theses films had some success but compared to Marvel they were failures. 2005, Batman Begins was the first in what would be one of the greatest trilogies ever in movie history. So with Marvels success, it forced DC to change the way they presented their heroes. The New-52 was the change that DC needed and with that change, along with the billion dollar success of the Dark Knight came Man of Steel, which was a summer blockbuster that has lead to the most anticipated movie ever a Batman/Superman cross over film.

So in the huge scheme of things DC needs Marvel and vice versa because like anything competition brings out the best in everybody. Marvel has beat down DC when it comes to the silver screen, while DC owns the animated universe as well as video games, but it even outs when it comes to comic books. The bottom line is that every since 2008 these companies have shared 80% of the comic book market in the United States. 1996 we saw these companies come together and give fans a jewel with a 6- comic book series called DC versus Marvel. Both companies have given fans both young and old entertainment for years, and whether it is admitted or not they can truly thank each other for bringing out the best in one another. So I pose this question to you ” Do you ever think we will see a DC versus Marvel live action movie made or at least a animated one?”