They say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, yes? Well what if that imitation is better than your OG creation? Well, that’s just grounds for a rivalry…

It’s no secret that within the highly creative world of writing and illustrating comic books that liberties are taken, at times, “borrowing” aspects and characteristics of a persona already brought to life to construct your new, “improved” hero or antagonist. The Montagues & Capulets (<— I’m cultured) of the comic book platform, Marvel & DC, have a long and storied history of, well, essentially stealing s— from each other. But at the end of the day, hero theft larceny aside, which character is the BETTER character? Well, aren’t you lucky I’m here to tell you which one is better with no real justification or rationale behind it! LEGO!

….and real quick, here’s a few that just narrowly missed my list.

Batman (DC-1939) V Moonknight (Marvel-1975)

Winner: Batman

…obviously

Atom (DC-1961) V Ant-Man (Marvel-1962)

Winner: Atom

…because he was never an abusive husband

Superman (DC-1939) V like, 10 different Marvel Characters

Winner: Superman

…while I would personally choose cleaning my house after my toddler has spent 10 uninterrupted minutes “playing” over anything having to do with Superman, it speaks volumes as to just how lame Marvel’s copy cat creations were…

Elongated Man (DC-1960) V Mr. Fantastic (Marvel-1961

Winner: Godddddddd, who carreeesssssss

Top 10 Copied Characters

…and Which One is Decidedly Better Than the Other

10. Namor (Marvel-1939) Vs. Aquaman (DC-1941)

Oof. This is a rough place to start, as I very much do not care about either of these characters. When it comes to which has had more notoriety, it has to be DC’s Aquaman, Arthur Curry, who has been a punchline to casual fans outside of the “know” with this character, the ridiculous incarnation that was part of the Super Friends cartoon series of years past, the bad ass version seen in the comics over the last 15 or so years, or the “My Man!” version we are witnessing within the DCEU. Namor, on the other hand, has been one of the biggest dicks in Marvel history, toggling between anti-hero, villain, and at times knight in shining armor. These underwater kings are cut from the same cloth, but Namor fought with Cap during World War II, and there’s a version of Aquaman riding a seahorse…soooooo…

Winner: Namor

9. Red Tornado (DC-1968) Vs. Vision (Marvel-1968)

While technically debuting only a few months earlier than Vision, the origins of the Red Tornado go back to the 1940’s, and an utterly ridiculous superhero by the name of “Ma” Hunkel. When “reintroduced” to the Justice Society of America in 1968, he was a sentient android with the memories of said “Ma,” created by the villainous T.O. Morrow. The Vision was ALSO an android (called a “synthezoid” in Marvel lore) created by a Big Bad, in his case Ultron. Both eventually defected to the side of good, had incredibly similar looks, right down to the cape and questionable color schemes, but only ONE got a human witch to fall in love with him. Vision, you suave bastard.

Winner: Vision

8. Green Lantern Corps (DC-1940) Vs. Nova Corps (Marvel-1976)

Intergalactic Space Cops. I mean, that’s what they both are, yeah? While their costumes may differ, the gist of what they do has direct parallels: A Military Corps set in space, deriving their powers and abilities from a “living” power source. Aside from being the original space cops, the Green Lantern Corps has a cooler premise, a more stylish costume, a catchy oath and aliens from across the 3600 sectors of the universe suiting up, where as the Nova Corps consists of Xandarians. Also, I didn’t hate 2011’s Green Lantern.

Winner: Green Lantern Corps

7. Catwoman (DC-1940) Vs. Black Cat (Marvel-1979)

Both master thieves. Both insanely bad ass, and at times ruthless, women. Both decked in all black. Both toy with the emotions of their male protagonist (Batman & Spider-Man, respectively.) Both feline inspired. I may have mixed emotions about the current engagement of Cats & Bats, but anyone who says Selina Kyle is not your winner here, is never to be trusted about anything…

Winner: Catwoman

6. Wonder Woman (DC-1942) Vs. Power Princess (Marvel-1982)

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. I don’t know if there’s a more blatant rip-off of a character in existence. Even the names, alliteration and all, screams “copyright infringement.” Why Marvel, with their incredible stable of strong, female heroes, thought they needed a Diana Prince clone within their universe is beyond me. Wonder Woman, by like, 1,000,000…maybe more.

Winner. Wonder Woman

5. Red Hood (DC-2005) Vs. Winter Soldier (Marvel-2005)

You see, at first glance, some would choose not to compare these 2 vigilantes turned anti-heroes, but let’s dig a bit deeper. Both were sidekicks to 2 of the biggest names in comics, Jason Todd as the 2nd Robin to Batman, & Bucky Barnes played 2nd fiddle (<- did I use that right?) to his BFFL Captain America during WWII. Both died horrible, horrific deaths (or in Barnes’ case, a horrible, horrific supposed “death”) at the hands of top tier villains. Both are “resurrected” with new, much sweeter monikers, to become major foils for their former mentors. Both eventually turned from their completely evil ways to become fan favorite protagonists (we’ll use that term loosely.) Both become leaders of their own set of rag tag misfits (Red Hood has the Outlaws, while the Winter Soldier leads the Thunderbolts). Last but not least, both pick up a new persona that is way, WAY cooler than their original, lame ass iteration. Man, this is a tough call. Tough enough to where I won’t call it. **One hand in the air emoji as if to say “oh well!”**

Winner: Draw

4. Darkseid (DC-1970) Vs. Thanos (Marvel-1973)

The ruler of Apokolips debuted about 3 years earlier than the Mad Titan, and the parallels between the 2 are uncanny, so much so that I believed my Darkseid figure, as a kid, was in fact Thanos until I was 11 (….okay, 21.) Thanos creator Jim Starlin is on record as saying his inspiration for his most popular creation was in fact DC’s “New Gods,” and that a Marvel editor at the time told him that if he was going to base his character off of a New God, might as well be Darkseid, since the God of Evil was the best out of all of them. So Darkseid wins, yeah? Well, maybe if we’d seen the Lord of Apokolips payoff in the DCEU’s Justice League that was so clearly set up in Batman V. Superman: Dawn of Justice. But instead we got CGI Goldar, and we’re about to witness the cataclysmic destroyer of worlds that IS Thanos, in Avengers: Infinity War. Is that a fair way to judge these 2? Of course not, but let’s be honest with ourselves, you’re pissed about that DCEU thing too!

Winner: Thanos

3. The Flash (DC-1939) Vs. Quicksilver (Marvel-1964)

Barry Allen may have married a woman that was very much like a sister to him growing up. BUT, he didn’t bang his ACTUAL sister, like many Quicksilver storylines alluded to (and some downright confirmed.) Excuse me while I throw up all over my computer…

Winner: The Flash

2. Green Arrow (DC-1941) Vs. Hawkeye (Marvel-1964)

Other than being archers and drawing obvious inspiration from Robin Hood, these 2 actually aren’t that similar. Oliver Queen, the Green Arrow, was a spoiled playboy who was stranded on a desert island, honing his skills and returning to his home as a reformed man with a penchant for vigilantism and protecting the downtrodden. Clint Barton, also known as Hawkeye, was literally a circus performer that was inspired by Iron Man, and ended up aiding the Avengers in a crucial battle, earning a spot on the team. When it comes to marksmanship, they’re 1A & 1B, and both have a penchant for trick arrows. Truth be told, they’re pretty even. But I look much better in green than purple, so…

Winner: Green Arrow

1. Deathstroke (DC-1980) Vs. Deadpool (Marvel-1991)

I saved this one for last, as most know, because one of the biggest fandom battles is over which character is better. Granted, Deadpool (originally) ripped off nearly everything about the mercenary known as Deathstroke. Let’s take a look here. Name with a “death” reference? Check. Mercenary status? Check. Real name (Slade Wilson vs. Wade Wilson) essentially the same god d— thing? Check. Imaginative expertise in the use of swords? Check. It’s pretty clear that the brass over at Marvel maybe, sort of, could’ve intended Deadpool as a bit of satire in relation to DC’s Deathstroke. The difference is, since these characters’ individual creations, they have become wildly contrasting personas. So, with 2 amazing creations such as these, it’s not enough to ask which is better, since both have incredible resumes to peruse. No, you just have to decide which is your favorite. And for me, the answer is clear! Hands down, the winner is…………..

…wait, I was supposed to pick up my son from daycare today?? Yuuoooohhhh boy. Alright, I’m out folks! Tell me within the comments whether I was wrong about my choices or if I forgot anything, and I mean anything, at all.

READ MORE: “Slugfest: Inside the Epic, 50 Year Battle Between Marvel and DC”

Lou Mattiuzzo is a full time teacher, full time husband, full time father & full time superhero enthusiast. If you care about any of the mindless s— he writes, please give him a follow on Twitter

If you want to see more fresh Geeky content, support us through our Official Patreon Page & simultaneously earn perks & exclusive rewards.

If you enjoyed this article, be sure to keep up with The Geekiverse across social media platforms on Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram and share with a friend. View live video game streaming on our Twitch Channel. Watch The Geekiverse Show on YouTube and listen to The Geekiverse Podcast Station on iTunes or Soundcloud today!