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Why are Marvel movies SO much better than DC?

Seriously though?

By Kayla BloomPublished 4 years ago Updated 3 years ago 3 min read
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Marvel vs DC

The epic show-down between two giants has long been the topic of debate in my household. And the long-standing conclusion is that Marvel movies have done a considerably better job at bringing comic books to the big screen. But why? What makes them better than DC? Let’s break it down...

Relatable Characters

While I LOVE the DC characters, let's face it, they are iconic. They are super, more-than-human. Superman and Wonderwoman are literally superbeings sent to safe humans. While Batman isn't quite that super, he seems to have endless wealth and gadgets that achieves nearly the same goal. We can't exactly relate to Amazonian or Kryptonian culture. And that is an emphasis in most DC characters, there superpowers or specialness. They spend less time in their secret "human" identity. However, Marvel characters seem to try to emphasize the human aspect of characters. Spider-man is a restless teenager, Steve Rodgers is an army veteran concerned with the past, and Tony Stark is an eccentric party boy who turned over a new leaf. They spend most of their time in their human identities. They are super, but they have flaws like us. They are younger and more a part of the younger generations. The iconic DC characters are iconic precisely because they have been around for so long and are in need of a bit more modernity.

Aesthetics

DC movies tend to have a darker tone. There’s more subtle drama and slow motion scenes that provide suspense. The Batman vs Superman movie dealt a lot with the serious theme of loss. However, Marvel movies are brighter, louder, and more action packed. One only has to view the posters to understand this concept.

Different Humor

As in their aesthetic styles, DC and Marvel movies vary in their humor as well. Marvel movies are known for its comedy, despite its action label. Ant-Man and Guardians of the Galaxy, for example, are wonderful examples of this combination of action and comedy. I know a few might wish for the serious style more representative of the original comics, but the comedy provides a welcome relief. I thoroughly enjoyed both of those movies - especially the Guardians of the Galaxy soundtrack! The humor in these instances in the MCU makes the universe feel lived in and connected even as characters shuffle in and out of focus. It cements relationships across movies and story lines. The MCU is certainly peppier and brighter, but the real distinction is a willed effort to make comedy not just a point of contrast, but a storytelling device. Funnier jokes wouldn’t have made either Justice League or any of the Ben Affleck Batman movies less incomprehensible.

No matter which fandom you decide to support, or if you are like myself and like both of them, they provide many forms of entertainment for just about anyone. I personally have not gotten into actual graphic novels or comic books yet, but I would love to in the near future. Interestingly enough, this very show-down actually occurred in a comic book series published by both brands in 1996 called DC vs. Marvel. In the four-part series, two god-like personifications of the brands are brothers who become aware of the other's existence. They challenge one another to a series of duels to determine whose universe would win and whose would cease to exist. Some of the outcomes of the primary battles involving the universes’ respective superheroes were determined by readers' votes, allowing real-world participation! I have to say, though, that the real wonder of this series is the ending, as the brothers withdraw and congratulate each other upon realizing the pointlessness of their conflict. In the end, it may not be about who wins or loses, but the stories and adventures you share along the way.

If you enjoyed this article, please feel free to leave a tip. Anything can help as I try to deliver all kinds of interesting content to readers. Please consider reading some of my other works, and I thank you so much for the support!

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About the Creator

Kayla Bloom

Just a writer, teacher, sister, and woman taking things one day at a time in a fast-paced world. Don’t forget to live your dreams.

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