So how does Superman return? Apparently, because he can do superhuman feats by absorbing sunlight, he can also conquer death. In the real world, Superman would be a lab rat.

Here we go folks, an epic clash of the two titans of comics. Because both of these universes are so large, we will use examples of the two most arguably popular franchises from both sides. For Marvel we will have the X-Men and Spiderman. For DC we’ll use Superman and Batman.

First up are Marvel and the X-Men. Starting in 1963, X-Men have a cast of colorful characters, each with a unique power to keep things feeling fresh. It is safe to say that Wolverine is the most popular X-Man, if not one of the most popular comic book characters of all time.

The comics of the X-Men also go a little bit deeper, with the theme of mutants being discriminated against running parallel to the real life 1960’s civil rights movements.

Spiderman didn’t start in his own comic, but was inked in an issue of Amazing Fantasy 15. After that, his popularity soared and he tackled the likes of The Sandman, Doc Ock and Mysterio.

The comic itself was well-written and unique in the fact that the star player was a high school teenager. This must have rung a bell with the youth of the day, as Spiderman became of Marvels top superheroes.

On the DC side of the fence is Superman. Created in 1932, he didn’t see his first print until 1938. With a lot of super powers granted upon him, he was originally he was a different kind of Superman with less strict morals than the Big Blue Boy scout we know today. Isn’t ironic that the Man of Steel has become soft?

Batman was created in 1939 and continues to thrive today. He may be human, but he enhances his fight against crime with his gadgets and superior physical skill. Much debate has raged on about the Batman and his lack of a real social life, including physical relationships. This has raised the question of his connection with his partner, Robin.

So what great publications have these publishers put out? Where have they taken these characters? Well, for starters, DC killed Superman once. Superman died at the hands of Doomsday, a seemingly unstoppable force of destruction and chaos.

Superman sacrifices himself in order to stop the monster, taking half of Metropolis with them. So how does Superman return? Apparently, because he can do superhuman feats by absorbing sunlight, he can also conquer death. In the real world, Superman would be a lab rat.

Batman was essentially restarted with Frank Millers classic “The Dark Knight Returns.” If you have never read it, or heard of it, you are sorely missing out. It tells the story of Bruce Wayne 10 years after he hangs up the cape and cowl. Things have gotten worse, however, so he dons the persona of Batman once again, fighting to rid Gotham of its demons.

The most recent development in Marvel would have to be the Civil War story arc, where we saw Captain America get beat up by Iron Man and Spiderman, revealing his identity.

The Super Hero Registration Act was introduced and split the heroes down the middle. Iron Man led “pro” side while Captain America led the people against the act. It was a very dramatic thing to see, good guys going against good guys, fighting for what they thought was right.

What about other forms of media? The Spiderman films have become some of the most successful movies of all time, with decent games based off the films. The X-Men have a great run at the box office, too. The part of Wolverine was nailed by Hugh Jackman and with Patrick Stewart in your movie, nothing can go wrong.

That being said, modern X-Men games are lackluster. However, the four-player arcade beat-em’ up was a blast to play, and still is to this day.

DC, however, has not been so successful with its movies when it comes to the modern Superman. “Superman Returns” was an utter disappointment. Batman, however, has been reborn by the hand of Christian Bale in the newest Batman movie. It was just what the doctor ordered: A dark, gritty re-telling of everyone’s favorite detective (again). I can not recall, though, one outstanding Superman game or Batman game.

So, who wins this one? Well, DC decided to go the route of giving one of their characters all the powers in the world, while giving another character no powers at all. Marvel, on the other hand, kept things slightly more balanced, if not a little crazier (how many heroes came out of radioactive origins?). However, the success of Marvel outside of their original medium can’t be ignored. Marvel wins.

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