The year was 1996 when comic book stores are filled with a number never before imagined by fans: Amalgam Comics, a saga in which two brothers gods faced to define which of the universes they created was the best. Why this argument stood out? The all-powerful beings were nothing more and nothing less than the representation of Marvel and DC, and the saga was the confrontation of the most iconic characters of both publishers. Thus, the three main issues of the history faced Batman against Captain America, Superman vs. Hulk, Storm and Wonder Woman, and so on.
It was a meeting of giants never seen before, but in reality it was only the most recent episode of the eternal rivalry between DC and Marvel. Twenty years later, the “battle” continues. In the coming months, cinemas around the world will be filled with two blockbusters: “Batman vs. Superman” and “Captain America: Civil War” , and all moviegoers the world want to see which movie will reign at the box office.
beyond the rivalry of the characters, i want to ask which of the two firms has the best business model. Which of these giants have you managed to win the public? Here are some possible answers.
A little history …
Modern comics were born in the late 19th century, but had its golden age during the World War II . In 1938, a small publishing firm called Detective Comics or DC launch “Action Comics”, a serial that narrate the adventures of the first modern superhero, Superman. In the following years, this brand would be positioned with characters like Batman, Wonder Woman, Flash, Green Lantern and Aquaman.
Meanwhile, a modest rival firm called Timely Comics presented to one super soldier known as Captain America to fight the Nazis.
Some years later, after overcoming a great era of censorship and loss of popularity after the defeat of the Axis, came what would be known as the age Silver comics when Timely Comics, Marvel Comics now published new comic characters such as Spiderman, Fantastic 4 and X Men.
“Infinite Crisis”
Despite the maturity that the arguments reached in the 80s and early 90s, the global comics industry to the near annihilation faced late 20th century because the general public reduced its comic consumption and because collectors seeking titles that could be used to invest, bought too many numbers. This, ironically, cheapened the product and reduced its value as a single material.
The crisis was such that in 1996 Marvel filed for bankruptcy. Years later, it emerges Marvel Entertainment, a new branch that would take the company to the new era. In 2009, it happened than anyone had imagined: The Walt Disney Company announced the purchase of the company for 4.24 billion dollars
For DC, the crisis was not easy.. Although a merger with Time Warner , in 1989, prevented the company went bankrupt, also suffered the loss of readers mid-90s was experienced throughout the industry. The company tried to refresh its image with the brand Vertigo Comics, a line that brings together more mature and darker than the usual titles.
If we ask only the fans what is the best company, the answer would be balanced . Although people are more attracted by the darkness of Batman by Avengers bizarre, the evidence indicates that there is a business model that is better.
Let’s analyze the different aspects of both companies to find the absolute winner.
1. Movies
DC films tend to leave more profit than Marvel. Batman had a gain of 38.66% on its budget, while The Avengers “only” reached 30.24%.
“Marvel was able to create a universe model crossover of characters, where each film is connected more [...] in addition, the company benefits from having his characters with all the major studios like Fox and Paramount, and emulate the licensing model of a giant as it is Disney, “explains Mario Székely, film critic, in an interview .
So why say that Marvel movie business is better than DC? For Diversity. Batman and Superman are the “workhorses” of DC, as their top five grossing films are about these characters, while the Top5 Marvel has at least three different franchises, appearing with greater frequency than DC ( there are literally up to five years away from deliveries of Batman)
Winner:.. Marvel of course there are weak titles in this production house, but none of their big bets has divided critics and fans as much as it did at the time Man of Steel.
“This company was able to put together a strategy that includes a plan of action for decades. Since the release of Iron Man, Marvel knew I wanted to build a complex universe with different stories and franchises, while DC depends on the strength of a single character, who is Batman “talk Mr. X, the famous videoblogger the huge channel YouTube The Top Comics.
2. TV
Székely said that the house of Batman has managed to position itself on the small screen for years, with series like Smallville, Gotham, Arrow and The Flash , something Marvel has only succeeded in streaming television and Jessica Jones Daredevil.
“Marvel limps on television. Agents of Shield has positioned itself, but DC has done very well on television from Smallville; is a format that has served to tell good stories, “says film critic.
Ivan Martinez, editorial director Film Premiere, believes that precisely one of the weaknesses of DC is that it does not explode more . this means
“DC seems aimless: at the same time want to emulate the model” multiverse “of Marvel, and make their own way. However, this path changes both mind is clear they do not know what to do. The other important point is that DC is determined to ignore the greatest asset and already proven to have:. The TV universe and works and the fanbase loves, “says
Granador. DC in addition, it must be emphasized that it was the first brand to make animated successful, as the favorite “Batman: the animated Series” products., and innovative products such as thematic podcasts
3. Licenses
True, Batman defeats the Man of Steel (sorry, Superman) with 494 million dollars in commissions worldwide licenses against 277 million dollars for the son of Krypton, but in battle of global sales, Spiderman Marvel Comics outperforms all other characters with a total of 1.3 billion dollars in licensing fees. And yes, The Avengers (also Marvel) wins $ 325 million
. Winner: Marvel , quite simply because it has the strength of a mega corporation entertainment as it is Disney.
3. Video games
Actually, no big Marvel titles that stand out as much as Batman: Arkham City or Injustice. Gods Among Us
Winner: DC , with Batman: Arkham City received general approval than 95%
4.. Comics (because we must not forget that this is their core business)
Today, the home of Spiderman is a better deal than Superman. Input, Marvel had a market share of 44.38% of comics over the 22.16% of DC in January 2016. This is because Marvel has more sagas available with stories of lesser-known characters who have become smash hits (as Spider-Gwen). DC remains too dependent on its best-known for selling comic characters
Winner:.. Marvel
And the winner is …
despite what you see, there is no clear winner. Today Marvel has the advantage, but this could not be forever. No author in this publishing house currently is as prolific as it was Stan Lee (who is, in part, the father of the most successful Marvel) and DC have the two most recognizable stars of medium: Batman and Superman. Everyone on the planet knows who these two characters.
The real question to ask is what really matters. As fans should expect both companies to continue “competing” with good content for modern mythology continues to grow. We want comics forever!
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