Difference between Marvel Comics and DC Comics
Reading comic books is one of the most popular hobbies of children and adults alike. In reading these super heroes, the readers are brought to a different world wherein there is a never ending battle between good and evil. And because of the advancement in technology in the movie industry, the popularity of these heroes has evolved from colorful paper to the silver screen. At present, the first two comic book publications are still the ones racing for the top spot when it comes to popularity. Marvel comics and DC comics. These two comic book icons have created super heroes that culminate into the culture of America and are in the hearts and souls of each of their readers.
Founders
DC comics, founded in 1934 by Malcolm-Wheeler Nicholson, were once known as National Allied Publications. Also known as Detective Comics, this publication is one of the largest and popular company which offers comic books to American and international readers alike. DC Comics, together with its long time competitor, Marvel Comics owns 80% of the market share in comic book sales. Marvel Comics, otherwise known as Marvel Publishing, Inc. is an American publishing company that creates fantastic comic books for the young and old. Marvel Comics is owned by Marvel Entertainment, Inc. which is a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company. Compared to DC comics, the settings and locations of the super heroes in Marvel are in real cities like New York, Chicago and Los Angeles. In 1939, Stan Lee founded Timely Publications, which is known at present as Marvel Comics. In 1950, they changed their name to Atlas Comics. Together with Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko, Marvel Comics became the largest publisher of comic books overcoming its long time rival DC Comics.
Subsidiary Companies
In December 31, 2009, The Walt Disney Company bought Marvel Comics for $4.24 billion. Marvel Entertainment is now owned and managed by Walt Disney. DC Comics is a publishing division of DC Entertainment, Inc. which is a subsidiary company of Warner Bros. Entertainment which is ultimately owned by Time Warner, Inc. DC Comics holds their office at 1700 Broadway, New York, New York. The exclusive distributor of these comic books is the Random House Publications.
First Heroes
Among the first heroes created by DC Comics were the once popular Superman and Batman. Superman, known to the many as the man of steel has the ability to fly, has superhuman strength, speed and ability. He is impervious to all kinds of weaponry and elements except for kryptonite. Batman on the other hand has no superhuman powers but makes use of his parent’s multi-billion dollar company and funds to create sophisticated weapons and gadgets to save Gotham City. Marvel Comics is home to the most popular super hero on the planet – Spiderman. Spiderman possesses superhuman powers, has the ability to crawl up walls, and has the spider-sense which acts as an early warning device.
Summary
- DC comics stand in second place with Marvel Comics grabbing a total of 80% of the market share in comic book sales.
- Marvel Comics, acquired by The Walt Disney Company, is the largest selling comic book all over the world.
- DC Comics have Superman and Batman as their first heroes while Marvel Comics has Spider-man, The X-Men and Captain America.
