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DC vs Marvel

Which universe is better?

The world decides.

Burbank, California

DC

New York City

Marvel

About the debate

DC published its first comic, New Fun #1, in 1935 and introduced Superman in Action Comics #1 in 1938; Marvel began as Timely Comics in 1939 and took the Marvel name in 1961. Marvel has been owned by Disney since 2009, while DC has belonged to Skydance since that company’s takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery closed on 6 October 2026.

With DC’s Clayface due on 23 October 2026 and Marvel’s Avengers: Doomsday on 18 December 2026, the rivalry is far from settled. Now the world votes.

Major honours
DCHonourMarvel
1935First comic published1939
Highest-grossing film (worldwide)
$1.15bn$2.94bn
4Films past $1bn worldwide12
2Acting Oscars0
Owner
Skydance (since 2026)Disney (since 2009)

As of October 2026.

The case for DC

  • Superman first appeared in Action Comics #1 (cover-dated June 1938), and Batman followed in Detective Comics #27 (May 1939).
  • Aquaman (2018) is DC’s highest-grossing film at $1.15 billion worldwide, one of four DC films to pass $1 billion alongside The Dark Knight Rises, Joker and The Dark Knight.
  • Heath Ledger (The Dark Knight, 2009) and Joaquin Phoenix (Joker, 2020) both won acting Oscars for playing the Joker.
  • James Gunn’s Superman (2025) grossed $618.7 million worldwide, more than any other superhero film released that year.

The case for Marvel

  • Marvel Comics #1, cover-dated October 1939, featured the Human Torch and Namor the Sub-Mariner.
  • The 38 released Marvel Cinematic Universe films have grossed more than $35 billion worldwide (The Numbers, October 2026).
  • Avengers: Endgame regained the title of highest-grossing film of all time in October 2026 after its Encore re-release, reaching about $2.94 billion.
  • Black Panther (2018) was the first superhero film nominated for Best Picture and won three Academy Awards.

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DC vs Marvel: your questions

Which universe is better: DC or Marvel?

That’s for the world to decide. WHOISTHEGOATS.COM runs a live public vote on DC vs Marvel: cast yours in one tap, then see how every country has voted. DC published its first comic, New Fun #1, in 1935 and introduced Superman in Action Comics #1 in 1938; Marvel began as Timely Comics in 1939 and took the Marvel name in 1961. Marvel has been owned by Disney since 2009, while DC has belonged to Skydance since that company’s takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery closed on 6 October 2026.

What has DC won?

Superman first appeared in Action Comics #1 (cover-dated June 1938), and Batman followed in Detective Comics #27 (May 1939). Aquaman (2018) is DC’s highest-grossing film at $1.15 billion worldwide, one of four DC films to pass $1 billion alongside The Dark Knight Rises, Joker and The Dark Knight. Heath Ledger (The Dark Knight, 2009) and Joaquin Phoenix (Joker, 2020) both won acting Oscars for playing the Joker.

What has Marvel won?

Marvel Comics #1, cover-dated October 1939, featured the Human Torch and Namor the Sub-Mariner. The 38 released Marvel Cinematic Universe films have grossed more than $35 billion worldwide (The Numbers, October 2026). Avengers: Endgame regained the title of highest-grossing film of all time in October 2026 after its Encore re-release, reaching about $2.94 billion.

How do DC and Marvel compare?

As of October 2026: First comic published: DC 1935, Marvel 1939; Highest-grossing film (worldwide): DC $1.15bn, Marvel $2.94bn; Films past $1bn worldwide: DC 4, Marvel 12; Acting Oscars: DC 2, Marvel 0; Owner: DC Skydance (since 2026), Marvel Disney (since 2009).

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