I’m going to start my first article by getting right into the good stuff; the never-ending battle between the big two. I came to this conclusion after reading Issue #5 (of 7) of “Salvation Run” by DC, a story showing what happens to the villains of the DCU when they are teleported to a mysterious planet with defenses that could kill them if they cannot put their egos aside and work together. Interesting story because it taps into an element we all love and which is rarely seen in the DCU compared to Marvel, team-ups. In this case it is especially sweet because it is every major villain we all know and love from Luthor to Joker to Giganta to Captain Cold, etc., etc. It also serves as a clean up act because it’s removing some more minor villains from the fold, like Psimon, by killing them off. Of course, in comics it does not mean it is permanent, but I understand what DC is trying to do.
In the comic, the story breaks off into two factions, a camp of crazies led by the Clown Prince of Crime himself, Joker, and another that is working on trying to get off the god-forsaken rock led by good ol’ cue-ball, Lex Luthor. If you have been reading this, then keep doing so, it is only getting better. If you haven’t, try to find the first four issues and catch up! All I will say is that now a spy has been ousted and the origin of this deadly planet has been revealed in this issue. I’m such a nice guy, leaving out any spoilers for you fine people.
Anyway, back to the main point of this article though. It is that the two warring factions made me realize something about DC. DC has their villains and heroes very clear cut. Good vs. evil, black vs. white, snow vs. sunshine, mayonnaise vs. mustard, with little or no shades of gray. Even in this particular comic, the two warring villain groups are very clear cut. Marvel on the other hand, strives on shades of gray. The X-Men fighting issues of race and whether they should do what’s right for themselves or for mankind. Spider-Man always trying to do the right thing and help out as many as he can while choosing to sacrifice his morals or time spent with his loved ones. Civil Wars have erupted in the Marvel Universe over things that remind you of the Patriot Act, and although many people side with the rebels in the comics, interesting to see how few did anything in real life. Personally, I prefer DC because comics have always been an escape for me and the clear cut sides helps me to forget about my troubles and the real world, even if only for 15 minutes. If I wanted all the shades of gray, I wouldn’t read comics and would go run for mayor or something. Now here comes the time to decide on which is better. Well go ahead. The decision is completely up to you. I can’t tell you what decision to make. I can only give my opinion. Do you want the shades of gray? Or do you prefer the clear cut sides given in DC? I want to hear from you so go ahead and respond! Marvel vs. DC! DC vs. Marvel! Let the debate begin!
-Ray Carsillo
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