Marvel vs DC Compare And Contrast Essay Sample

In recent years, movies and television have become an integral part of people's daily life. People enjoy immersing themselves in a variety of worlds, from romance to sports to humor, horror, and fantasy. The superhero universe is one of the most popular fanbases and one that generates a lot of debate. Marvel and DC Comics, in particular. Since the dawn of superheroes and the controversial world they bring, the debate has centered on whose superhero universe is superior. However, it is undeniable that Marvel has greater ratings, significant characters, emotion, and timely planning. The topic is very important because superheroes are significant to children specifically and people who look up to them, not only for their super cool powers or abilities but for the positive values such as standing up for others and defending one another. People are also frequently frustrated when a story is not what it promises to be and ends up wasting their time, therefore it is important to identify which one will do the reverse and most likely lead to a binge session.

The first thing to consider is what the general audience, as well as critics, have to say about each film. Superhero movies, from both Marvel and DC, control the box office, according to Trevor Wheelwright in his article "Marvel vs. DC: A Battle of Big Budgets and Rotten Ratings," and there is no sign of them going away anytime soon. After analyzing all the box office numbers and ratings, it has been concluded that Marvel is the clear winner. According to Wheelwright, “In the ratings game, Marvel wins by a large margin: 66% of Marvel films are certified fresh compared to 54% of DC films. Between the box office numbers and ratings, Marvel is still coming out on top” (Wheelwright).  Marvel also holds the number two and number five spot for highest grossing films of all time with Avengers: Endgame and Avengers: Infinity War, and they win the top four of most viewed movie trailers. With the release of Spider-Man: No Way Home just around the corner, Marvel's following and earnings will only increase, as it is one of the year's most anticipated films. Marvel has been able to accomplish this since they have over twenty-three films, whereas the DC Extended Universe has fewer than twenty. While DC dominates in television series, Marvel is returning with Disney Plus productions such as Wandavision, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, and Loki. While the numbers play an important role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe's success, the characters also play a significant role.

In the superhero universe, the Marvel superheroes have become the most popular and well-known figures. This is unexpected given that DC has well-known heroes like Superman, Batman, and The Flash on its side. Marvel has worked their way from the ground up, introducing characters like Iron Man, Thor, and Doctor Strange who were not well-known prior to the MCU's introduction. They have developed relatable characters by showing them in their most vulnerable states. Each character in the MCU is distinct and interesting, which appeals to a wide audience. The inclusion of Spider-Man in the MCU in 2016 also aided them in their battle against DC, as Spider-Man is one of, if not the most, popular superheroes of all time. “New Study Reveals the World’s Favorite Superhero,” an article written by John Mangan states, “Peter Parker’s web slinging alter ego Spider-Man claimed the top spot in 57 countries, including the United States, for a remarkable 48.7% of the share of search volume” (Mangan). The element of humor is also something that attracts individuals to Marvel's side. Everyone enjoys a good laugh, and Marvel understands exactly how to do just that for people of all ages. In general, Marvel simply brings more to the table.

Lastly, Marvel knows how to plan far better than DC. Things that happen in the MCU were most likely planned years before they were even introduced. Marvel knows just when and which characters to bring in, something DC fans will find difficult to locate in the DC Extended Universe. Marvel also selects the most dedicated performers that are devoted to their characters, which is something DC struggles with. Crossovers are also a key component of the MCU's success. DC has done a nice job with crossovers in their television series like The Flash, Arrow, and Supergirl, but nothing compares to seeing every single superhero you've watched develop for the past ten years in the most ultimate conflict, as Marvel did in Avengers: Endgame. Seeing every MCU character from every film appear in Thanos' battle was the most jaw-dropping event, leaving everyone in the audience stunned and on the edge of their seats.

Overall, each side has their strengths, and it all comes down to personal preference. With their exceptional ratings, their infamous characters, emotion, and their timely preparation, Marvel is the most honestly preferred choice above DC. People across the world like finding themselves in this world and feeling at home, which is something Marvel's characters excel at. They show characters that are not always as powerful as they appear to be and who may need help from time to time, which is a valuable lesson for children to learn. Nothing beats sitting back and watching the famous line that started it all, "I am Iron Man," from beginning to end (Favreau & Russo).