Marvel and DC: Point and Counterpoint
Ever wonder how Marvel and DC are doing? Well, I can’t provide
sales numbers, but I can analyze the perception. Ever notice how their biggest events seem perfectly timed for coincide with one another? Let’s see just how these events are playing out in each other’s favor . . .
Major Deaths
Marvel: Captain America
DC: The Flash (Bart Allen)
Bottom Line: With a major media circus, a title running without its character AND a mini-series all focusing on reactions, Captain America’s death has rocked the M.U. is so many uncountable ways. While Wally West is just starting to trail his successor’s killer, there’s little chance Bart Allen’s death will cause the stir of Cap’s.
Gathering of Villains
Marvel: The Skrulls have infiltrated Earth, the Marauders - including Gambit and Sunfire - are posed to strike the X-Men and even the symbiotes are poised to make an appearance.
DC: Sinestro has started his own Corps, Kyle Rayner has been possessed by Parrallax, and Superboy Prime and Cyborg Superman aren’t far behind. With the Anti-Monitor the ultimate ringleader, let’s not forget everything hitting Earth - Mary Marvel corrupted by Black Adam’s power, a group of villains responsible for the death of a major DC hero and rumblings of Darkseid!
Bottom Line: Even if every hero and villain in the MU was replaced by Skrulls, it still couldn’t match DC’s villainy. While Anti-Monitor showing up soley in the Green Lantern books is a dubious move, it lifts off quite a precedent - as anything can happen!
Crossovers Galore!
Marvel: World War Hulk is the main feature, but Mystic Arcana seems an interesting backdrop as well.
DC: More like what HASN’T been a crossover yet. Countdown, JLA/JSA: The Lightning Saga and Amazons Attack have pointed DC in so many directions, its hard to keep track yet impossible take one’s eyes of the ball.
Bottom Line: Though more spread-out, DC is definitely winning the crossover game. As voiced by Green Lantern, we just don’t know what’s going to happen next, pure and simple.
Bottom Bottom Line
Even though DC wins 2 to 1, its still a tie - the death of Captain America has made a huge impression on the mainstream media. Plus, we know what cards are waiting up Marvel’s sleeves - Messiah Complex, the rise of the Hood and much more. DC is - for better or worse - very hush hush about its developments in the comic world.
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