Marvel Versus D.C.
Since the dawn of time (perhaps), the age-old question at the core of every comic book geek is who makes better comics Marvel or D.C.? Is Batman really the coolest superhero ever or is it Wolverine? Questions have been asked, time has been spent (or wasted) but the debate goes on. For our first column we’d like to present the two sides and let you, our dear readers, decide.“Make Mine Marvel!” was used when Stan Lee thought of creating a closer community through the letter columns at the end of each comic book. Everyone wanted to be heard at the end of each issue. Stan would print their names and addresses at the end that created a community. Fans would sign off with the phrase “Make Mine Marvel!” That’s how passionate Marvel fans are. They’d even call themselves “Marvel Zombies.” They’re the reason why Marvel is the dominant force in the comic book industry.
A better movie studio
The age-old question: Marvel or DC? Comic giants Superman (DC) and Spider-Man (Marvel) duke it out for the fans Marvel Studios came out of nowhere. Back in 2008, Iron Man, their first movie as a studio, paved the way for their first big movie event, the upcoming Avengers. Mind you, Marvel didn’t have a parent studio unlike the “distinguished competition,” which had Warner Brothers to fund big-budget flicks. They could have made the Justice League movie years ago. They already had the advantage. Now look who came first? They’ve managed to string together four big characters — namely Iron Man, Hulk, Thor and Captain America. I’m not saying that Christopher Nolan’s films are bad. Don’t get me wrong. I think they’re amazing! But it’s hiring Marvel writers and making them the creative consultants for the movie that worked. Joe Quesada and Brian Michael Bendis are a part of that team, so you can’t go wrong!
Best writers and artists
Marvel’s prime example: Andrew Garfield portrays the superhero-next-door in the upcoming The Amazing Spider-Man (2012). I’ll admit that the DC has great writers and artists. They have Geoff Johns and Jim Lee! But Marvel has somehow managed to get some of the best and the brightest talents! It’s a pretty long list! Writers include Jonathan Hickman, Matt Fraction, Jason Aaron, Ed Brubaker, and of course, the top two with Brian Michael Bendis and Mark Millar! Artists include Steve McNiven, Stuart Immonen, Mike Deodato Jr., and our very own Filipino artists — Leinil Francis Yu, Carlo Pagulayan and Stephen Segovia! What’s good to note here is that a number of these guys were also working for DC but they’ve signed exclusive contracts with the “House of Ideas.” It just shows where they want to belong!
Character driven
The characters are much easier to relate to. The prime example is Spider-Man. Almost everyone relates to Peter Parker growing up. He had problems in school, problems in getting a date, and problems getting money. He was the hero that didn’t get good publicity. Media hated him and the people of New York couldn’t care any less. Here was a superhero whose work was taken for granted. He wasn’t a billionaire, an alien, or an Amazon goddess. He was a regular average Joe. Also, they dealt with real-life problems. The X-Men were the minority, Daredevil was blind, Iron Man had a drinking problem, Captain America didn’t fit in and The Hulk couldn’t control his temper. Plus, these characters didn’t live in imaginary cities. They lived in New York City! They would fly or swing by real buildings! These characters because they became less fictional every time you’d read about them.
Goodbye, Gotham: Christian Bale finishes off the Nolan Brothers’ Batman trilogy in The Dark Knight Rises (2012). * * *
Next week: DC: Whose side are you on? Are you more of a Marvel Zombie or do you belong to the Distinguished Competition? Send us your opinions over at our e-mail: jiggyandjonty@gmail.com.
