Deathstroke
Slade Wilson
Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Flash, Wolverine, Spider-Man, Captain America, Iron Man, The Hulk - they are all probably the greatest comic book characters ever created and their legacy is beyond legendary. For over 7 decades superheroes have dominated pop culture and have conquered virtually every medium - comics, TV shows, movies and games. They have billions of fans and today their movies make also billions at the box office. 60 % of all blockbuster movies that come out every year are superhero movies and there is no end in sight for their popularity.
While there are many comic book publishers releasing superhero comics, two of them are the undisputed kings of the business who have been ruling supreme for decades - and probably will forever. 90 % of the most iconic and popular superheroes were created and are published by these two companies:
MARVEL and DC
This Thread is for all things that revolve around these two publishers and their characters and universes - wether its comics, movies, TV shows or video games.
Let me start by sharing a bit of the history and evolution of these two industry-giants.
THE HISTORY
When the 30s came to a close, it was new emerging comic strip publisher DC COMICS, which would change comic book history for all times and create a genre which would make groundbreaking history. Many cite "Action Comics #1" (July 1938) as the first true DC superhero comic. In this issue Superman and Lois Lane made their debut and today this comic is the most valuable comic book in the world (worth: 1 Million Dollars). This would begin what is known as the Golden Age of Comics, which lasted roughly from 1940 - 1960. many of DC Comics most iconic superheroes debuted during that time such as Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman or the first incarnations of the Flash (Jay Garrick) and Green Lantern (Alan Scott). DC also created the very first superheroteam in the 50s called "Justice Society of America" or in short JSA.
The 60s brought a lot of change to the world of superherocomics. DC established their first "Multiverse" (where different parallel earths existed in one shared universe. For instance while the comics from the 40s and 50s took place on Earth-2, the comics from the 60s onwards took place on earth-1 featuring alternate versions of the superheroes) and debuted new versions of characters like Flash (Barry Allen) and Green Lantern (Hal Jordan). At the same time comic book writer Stan Lee became a living legend when he helped turn comicstrip publisher Timely Comics into superhero-comics publisher Marvel Comics and ended up creating most of Marvels characters such as Spider-Man, Fantastic Four, Hulk, Thor, Iron Man and the original version of the X-Men. Marvel would eventually rise during the 60s to become DC Comics greatest rival and the two publishers have ruled the industry ever since. This marked the beginning of the Silver Age of Comics which roughly lasted from 1960 - 1975 and was then followed by the Bronze Age that lasted from 1975 - 1985.
The 80s then evolved the superherocomics-industry significantly when DC rebooted their entire comics universe in 1985 with the legendary "Crisis on Infinite Earths" (or in short The Crisis) event, which ended the previous (pre-Crisis) DC Universe and gave birth to a completely rebooted, modern (post-Crisis) DC Universe. This marked the beginning of what is known as the Modern Age of comics. Near the End of the 80s several comic book milestones were released (such as Frank Millers Batman Year One, The Dark Knight Returns, The Killing Joke or the Venom Saga) which completely changed the landscape of comics and evolved them from colorful gimmicky kids stories into complex, sophisticated and much more mature stories which became a very serious and complex storytelling medium which was directed more at teenagers and adults then at kids. The content of comics also became much more adult and graphic at that time. Today comics are a medium as complex and mature as movies or novels and some superherocomics are downright unsuitable for children.
When superheromovies began to rise again around 2002, Marvel launched a new comics line known as "Ultimate" which basically was (much like the movies themselves) a modern reimagining of the entire Marvel Universe, which existed parallel to the regular comics universe and was created for a new generation of fans who were looking to get into comics after becoming fan of the films. Many years later DC started a similar comics line known as "Earth One" which consists of original graphic novels that are modern retellings of the stories of such characters like Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman.
In 2011 DC relaunched their entire universe again under the "New 52" Banner though this was not a complete reboot like in 1985, it only heavily altered several characters designs and histories to make it more modern and contemporary and less burdened by decades of history. They were vastly successful with the New 52 relaunch and Marvel countered this in 2012 with the "Marvel NOW" Initiative which was a modern restructuring (though not a reboot) of the Marvel Universe.
The Universes
All comic series published by Marvel or DC take place in a shared fictional universe (one universe for each publisher) that is based on our real life earth though both Marvel and DC also add several locations to their universes that dont exist in real life. While most of the major cities in the MU (Marvel Universe) are real life cities such as New York, Los Angeles or washington, most major cities in the DCU (DC Universe) are fictional cities such as Metropolis, Gotham or Central City.
magic and alien races exist in both universes. The deities of greek mythology (Zeus, Ares etc.) exist in the DCU, while the deities of the norse mythology (Odin, Frigga, Loki etc.) exist in the MU. The history of both universes is based on Earths real life history.
Both universes also have global peacekeeping organisations that operate under federal or UN jurisdiction (SHIELD in the MU and ARGUS in the DCU) and both universes have their great superheroteam that consists of the most famous superheroes in the respective universes (The Avengers in the MU and the Justice League in the DCU)
Here a list of the most important Superheroes that exist in the Marvel and DC Universes:
MARVEL
Spider-Man
Wolverine
Iron Man
Thor
Captain America
The Hulk
The Punisher
Daredevil
The Fantastic Four
X-Men
The Avengers
DC
Superman
Batman
Wonder Woman
The Flash
Green Lantern
Green Arrow
Aquaman
Shazam (formerly known as Captain Marvel even though its not a Marvel character)
Hawkman
Black Canary
Martian Manhunter
Cyborg
Teen Titans
Justice Society
Legion of Superheroes
Justice League
The Movies
While there were already serials in the 50s and 60s starring Batman and Superman, the first true superherofilm was Richard Donners Superman in 1978 starring Christopher Reeve and Gene Hackman. It became a huge milestone that created the genre of the superherofilm and has influenced many filmakers ever since. It was followed by Superman II - IV from 1981 - 1987. After the Superman films declined more and more in quality, Warner Brothers (who have the movierights for all DC characters) began focusing on Batman instead, starting with Tim Burtons original Batman in 1989 starring Michael Keaton and Jack Nicholson. Much like the first Superman, Burtons Batman had a huge influence on the genre and triggered a phenomenon in the 80s and 90s known as "Batmania".
But like the Superman films, the Batman films declined more and more in quality, eventually hitting rock bottom with the abysmal Batman & Robin in 1997. After this the superherogenre seemed dead but then was unexpectantly revived by Marvels first big movieadaptation, which was Bryan Singers X-Men in 2000. Together with Sam Raimis Spider-Man in 2002 this sparked the beginning of a new era in the superherocinema. From that point onwards superherofilms became suddenly one of the biggest moviegenres of all time, studios began to invest enormous sums of money into the films and superherofilms became enormous box office successes and eventually by 2007 had become the most successful and popular moviegenre in the world.
Warner and DC noticed that too and began to produce movies again, most notably Christopher Nolans enormously successful Batman-trilogy (2005 - 2012). However Marvel remained the market leader and eventually founded their own movie studio (Marvel Studios) which would produce all Marvel movies except Spider-Man, X-Men and Fantastic Four (whose rights lie with Sony and Fox respectively, not Marvel). In 2012 Marvel was acquired by Disney, which has been distributing the Marvel Studios-produced movies ever since.
In 2008 Marvel Studios created something that had never been done before in cinematic history: They established a shared movieuniverse (The MCU - Marvel Cinematic Universe) that worked much like the comics universe. Every movie produced by Marvel Studios takes place in that universe (which unfortunately excludes Spider-Man and X-Men who are not produced by Marvel Studios), starting with Iron Man in 2008.
The Story of the MCU is split into different "Phases". Every Phase ends with an Avengers film that brings together the different heroes of the solo films for a big event movie, which then leads into the next phase.
A Breakdown of the Phases of the MCU (so far):
PHASE ONE
Iron Man (2008)
The Incredible Hulk (2008)
Iron Man 2 (2010)
Thor (2011)
Captain America: The First Avengers (2011)
The Avengers (2012)
PHASE TWO
Iron Man 3 (2013)
Thor: The Dark World (2013)
Captain America: The Winter Soldier (April 2014)
Guardians of the Galaxy (August 2014)
The Avengers: Age of Ultron (May 2015)
PHASE THREE
Ant-Man (July 2015)
Thor 3 (2015/2016)
Captain America 3 (2016/2017)
As of Yet Unknown Movie (2017)
The Avengers 3 (2018)
Marvel Studios has been extremely successful with this model and their MCU has gained immense success and popularity. The Avengers, which was written and directed by comics-fan and Buffy the Vampire Slayer-Mastermind Joss Whedon is the most successful superheromovie of all time (1.5 Billion at the Box Office) with the sequel already highly anticipated.
Sony and Fox have begun to follow Marvels idea and are currently turning the X-Men/Fantastic Four and Spider-man franchises into bigger shared universes with multiple-movies storylines and spin-offs films as well.
Rival Warner/DC has also begun to to do the same with their properties and have begun to create a DC movie-verse, starting with the Superman Reboot Man of Steel in 2012, which will be followed up by Superman & Batman in 2016, Justice League in 2018 and Solo Mobies for Flash, Batman and Wonder Woman afterwards.
TV SERIES
NOTE: This is about the live action adaptations, not animated series
But Marvel and DC have not only conquered the comics and movies mediums but have also branched out to the small screen to adapt their properties and characters. Starting in the 50s and 60s with series like Adventures of Superman (starring George Reeves) and The Batman Adventures (starring Adam West) though those were very silly, cheesy kids-series. From 1988 - 1990 there was also a short-lived Superboy series.
The first really more sophisticated and immensely popular series was DCs "Lois & Clark: The Adventures of Superman" which ran from 1993 - 1997 and was enormously popular. Dean Cain and Teri Hatcher were the stars of the series and especially for Hatcher her role as Lois Lane was her breakthrough on TV (Today she is one of the highest paid TV-actresses of all time who gained fame for her role on Desperate Housewives).
In 2001, the TV series "Smallville" debuted which ran for 10 years (2001 - 2011) and was undoubtedly the most sophisticated, longrunning and most popular superhero TV show yet. The series was a modern retelling of Supermans origins as well as the entire DC Universe and was so beloved and popular that it was continued in 2012 with a Season 11 comic book series which is still ongoing and praised as one of the best DC comics series in years.
One year after Smallville ended, Warner created the TV-series "Arrow" , which is a modern reimagining of DC superhero Green Arrow fused with a lot of Batman elements and much like Smallville is also a completely new interpretation of the DC Universe. After Season 1 of the series was received decently well, Season 2 (which is currently airing) has met with enormous critcial acclaim and praise by the fans and a 3rd Season is already certain.
Season 2 of Arrow also introduced Barry Allen (superhero the Flash) to the series universe and the character was so well received that currently a Pilot episode for a Flash spin-off series is produced which will most likely be picked up by the CW network and lead to a The Flash TV series (set in the Arrow universe) in Fall 2014.
There are also a number of other DC TV-series in production right now for the next TV-season, most notably the Batman-show "Gotham" which will portray Bruce Waynes journey from young boy to Batman and feature many of Batmans famous foes as well.
Marvel has begun to branch out into television as well. In 2013 the TV series "Agents of SHIELD" started which is set in the same universe as the MCU films and occasionally crosses over with characters from the films. In 2015 there will also be several other Marvel series such as Daredevil, Jessica Jones and Iron Fist debuting on Netflix which will lead to an Outsiders TV-series (also on Netflix).
It has become evident that the success of Smallville and now Arrow has really opened up the realm of Television for Marvel and DC and both companies begin to focus immensely on it besides the comics and movies. Which certainly can only be good for the fans. In fact it was probably never a better time to be a Marvel and/or DC fan than today.
I am going to update this thread regularly with news, pictures etc. of Arrow, Flash and upcoming Marvel and DC films and provide lots of backgroundinformation about the comics.
While there are many comic book publishers releasing superhero comics, two of them are the undisputed kings of the business who have been ruling supreme for decades - and probably will forever. 90 % of the most iconic and popular superheroes were created and are published by these two companies:
MARVEL and DC
This Thread is for all things that revolve around these two publishers and their characters and universes - wether its comics, movies, TV shows or video games.
Let me start by sharing a bit of the history and evolution of these two industry-giants.
THE HISTORY
When the 30s came to a close, it was new emerging comic strip publisher DC COMICS, which would change comic book history for all times and create a genre which would make groundbreaking history. Many cite "Action Comics #1" (July 1938) as the first true DC superhero comic. In this issue Superman and Lois Lane made their debut and today this comic is the most valuable comic book in the world (worth: 1 Million Dollars). This would begin what is known as the Golden Age of Comics, which lasted roughly from 1940 - 1960. many of DC Comics most iconic superheroes debuted during that time such as Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman or the first incarnations of the Flash (Jay Garrick) and Green Lantern (Alan Scott). DC also created the very first superheroteam in the 50s called "Justice Society of America" or in short JSA.
The 60s brought a lot of change to the world of superherocomics. DC established their first "Multiverse" (where different parallel earths existed in one shared universe. For instance while the comics from the 40s and 50s took place on Earth-2, the comics from the 60s onwards took place on earth-1 featuring alternate versions of the superheroes) and debuted new versions of characters like Flash (Barry Allen) and Green Lantern (Hal Jordan). At the same time comic book writer Stan Lee became a living legend when he helped turn comicstrip publisher Timely Comics into superhero-comics publisher Marvel Comics and ended up creating most of Marvels characters such as Spider-Man, Fantastic Four, Hulk, Thor, Iron Man and the original version of the X-Men. Marvel would eventually rise during the 60s to become DC Comics greatest rival and the two publishers have ruled the industry ever since. This marked the beginning of the Silver Age of Comics which roughly lasted from 1960 - 1975 and was then followed by the Bronze Age that lasted from 1975 - 1985.
The 80s then evolved the superherocomics-industry significantly when DC rebooted their entire comics universe in 1985 with the legendary "Crisis on Infinite Earths" (or in short The Crisis) event, which ended the previous (pre-Crisis) DC Universe and gave birth to a completely rebooted, modern (post-Crisis) DC Universe. This marked the beginning of what is known as the Modern Age of comics. Near the End of the 80s several comic book milestones were released (such as Frank Millers Batman Year One, The Dark Knight Returns, The Killing Joke or the Venom Saga) which completely changed the landscape of comics and evolved them from colorful gimmicky kids stories into complex, sophisticated and much more mature stories which became a very serious and complex storytelling medium which was directed more at teenagers and adults then at kids. The content of comics also became much more adult and graphic at that time. Today comics are a medium as complex and mature as movies or novels and some superherocomics are downright unsuitable for children.
When superheromovies began to rise again around 2002, Marvel launched a new comics line known as "Ultimate" which basically was (much like the movies themselves) a modern reimagining of the entire Marvel Universe, which existed parallel to the regular comics universe and was created for a new generation of fans who were looking to get into comics after becoming fan of the films. Many years later DC started a similar comics line known as "Earth One" which consists of original graphic novels that are modern retellings of the stories of such characters like Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman.
In 2011 DC relaunched their entire universe again under the "New 52" Banner though this was not a complete reboot like in 1985, it only heavily altered several characters designs and histories to make it more modern and contemporary and less burdened by decades of history. They were vastly successful with the New 52 relaunch and Marvel countered this in 2012 with the "Marvel NOW" Initiative which was a modern restructuring (though not a reboot) of the Marvel Universe.
The Universes
All comic series published by Marvel or DC take place in a shared fictional universe (one universe for each publisher) that is based on our real life earth though both Marvel and DC also add several locations to their universes that dont exist in real life. While most of the major cities in the MU (Marvel Universe) are real life cities such as New York, Los Angeles or washington, most major cities in the DCU (DC Universe) are fictional cities such as Metropolis, Gotham or Central City.
magic and alien races exist in both universes. The deities of greek mythology (Zeus, Ares etc.) exist in the DCU, while the deities of the norse mythology (Odin, Frigga, Loki etc.) exist in the MU. The history of both universes is based on Earths real life history.
Both universes also have global peacekeeping organisations that operate under federal or UN jurisdiction (SHIELD in the MU and ARGUS in the DCU) and both universes have their great superheroteam that consists of the most famous superheroes in the respective universes (The Avengers in the MU and the Justice League in the DCU)
Here a list of the most important Superheroes that exist in the Marvel and DC Universes:
MARVEL
Spider-Man
Wolverine
Iron Man
Thor
Captain America
The Hulk
The Punisher
Daredevil
The Fantastic Four
X-Men
The Avengers
DC
Superman
Batman
Wonder Woman
The Flash
Green Lantern
Green Arrow
Aquaman
Shazam (formerly known as Captain Marvel even though its not a Marvel character)
Hawkman
Black Canary
Martian Manhunter
Cyborg
Teen Titans
Justice Society
Legion of Superheroes
Justice League
The Movies
While there were already serials in the 50s and 60s starring Batman and Superman, the first true superherofilm was Richard Donners Superman in 1978 starring Christopher Reeve and Gene Hackman. It became a huge milestone that created the genre of the superherofilm and has influenced many filmakers ever since. It was followed by Superman II - IV from 1981 - 1987. After the Superman films declined more and more in quality, Warner Brothers (who have the movierights for all DC characters) began focusing on Batman instead, starting with Tim Burtons original Batman in 1989 starring Michael Keaton and Jack Nicholson. Much like the first Superman, Burtons Batman had a huge influence on the genre and triggered a phenomenon in the 80s and 90s known as "Batmania".
But like the Superman films, the Batman films declined more and more in quality, eventually hitting rock bottom with the abysmal Batman & Robin in 1997. After this the superherogenre seemed dead but then was unexpectantly revived by Marvels first big movieadaptation, which was Bryan Singers X-Men in 2000. Together with Sam Raimis Spider-Man in 2002 this sparked the beginning of a new era in the superherocinema. From that point onwards superherofilms became suddenly one of the biggest moviegenres of all time, studios began to invest enormous sums of money into the films and superherofilms became enormous box office successes and eventually by 2007 had become the most successful and popular moviegenre in the world.
Warner and DC noticed that too and began to produce movies again, most notably Christopher Nolans enormously successful Batman-trilogy (2005 - 2012). However Marvel remained the market leader and eventually founded their own movie studio (Marvel Studios) which would produce all Marvel movies except Spider-Man, X-Men and Fantastic Four (whose rights lie with Sony and Fox respectively, not Marvel). In 2012 Marvel was acquired by Disney, which has been distributing the Marvel Studios-produced movies ever since.
In 2008 Marvel Studios created something that had never been done before in cinematic history: They established a shared movieuniverse (The MCU - Marvel Cinematic Universe) that worked much like the comics universe. Every movie produced by Marvel Studios takes place in that universe (which unfortunately excludes Spider-Man and X-Men who are not produced by Marvel Studios), starting with Iron Man in 2008.
The Story of the MCU is split into different "Phases". Every Phase ends with an Avengers film that brings together the different heroes of the solo films for a big event movie, which then leads into the next phase.
A Breakdown of the Phases of the MCU (so far):
PHASE ONE
Iron Man (2008)
The Incredible Hulk (2008)
Iron Man 2 (2010)
Thor (2011)
Captain America: The First Avengers (2011)
The Avengers (2012)
PHASE TWO
Iron Man 3 (2013)
Thor: The Dark World (2013)
Captain America: The Winter Soldier (April 2014)
Guardians of the Galaxy (August 2014)
The Avengers: Age of Ultron (May 2015)
PHASE THREE
Ant-Man (July 2015)
Thor 3 (2015/2016)
Captain America 3 (2016/2017)
As of Yet Unknown Movie (2017)
The Avengers 3 (2018)
Marvel Studios has been extremely successful with this model and their MCU has gained immense success and popularity. The Avengers, which was written and directed by comics-fan and Buffy the Vampire Slayer-Mastermind Joss Whedon is the most successful superheromovie of all time (1.5 Billion at the Box Office) with the sequel already highly anticipated.
Sony and Fox have begun to follow Marvels idea and are currently turning the X-Men/Fantastic Four and Spider-man franchises into bigger shared universes with multiple-movies storylines and spin-offs films as well.
Rival Warner/DC has also begun to to do the same with their properties and have begun to create a DC movie-verse, starting with the Superman Reboot Man of Steel in 2012, which will be followed up by Superman & Batman in 2016, Justice League in 2018 and Solo Mobies for Flash, Batman and Wonder Woman afterwards.
TV SERIES
NOTE: This is about the live action adaptations, not animated series
But Marvel and DC have not only conquered the comics and movies mediums but have also branched out to the small screen to adapt their properties and characters. Starting in the 50s and 60s with series like Adventures of Superman (starring George Reeves) and The Batman Adventures (starring Adam West) though those were very silly, cheesy kids-series. From 1988 - 1990 there was also a short-lived Superboy series.
The first really more sophisticated and immensely popular series was DCs "Lois & Clark: The Adventures of Superman" which ran from 1993 - 1997 and was enormously popular. Dean Cain and Teri Hatcher were the stars of the series and especially for Hatcher her role as Lois Lane was her breakthrough on TV (Today she is one of the highest paid TV-actresses of all time who gained fame for her role on Desperate Housewives).
In 2001, the TV series "Smallville" debuted which ran for 10 years (2001 - 2011) and was undoubtedly the most sophisticated, longrunning and most popular superhero TV show yet. The series was a modern retelling of Supermans origins as well as the entire DC Universe and was so beloved and popular that it was continued in 2012 with a Season 11 comic book series which is still ongoing and praised as one of the best DC comics series in years.
One year after Smallville ended, Warner created the TV-series "Arrow" , which is a modern reimagining of DC superhero Green Arrow fused with a lot of Batman elements and much like Smallville is also a completely new interpretation of the DC Universe. After Season 1 of the series was received decently well, Season 2 (which is currently airing) has met with enormous critcial acclaim and praise by the fans and a 3rd Season is already certain.
Season 2 of Arrow also introduced Barry Allen (superhero the Flash) to the series universe and the character was so well received that currently a Pilot episode for a Flash spin-off series is produced which will most likely be picked up by the CW network and lead to a The Flash TV series (set in the Arrow universe) in Fall 2014.
There are also a number of other DC TV-series in production right now for the next TV-season, most notably the Batman-show "Gotham" which will portray Bruce Waynes journey from young boy to Batman and feature many of Batmans famous foes as well.
Marvel has begun to branch out into television as well. In 2013 the TV series "Agents of SHIELD" started which is set in the same universe as the MCU films and occasionally crosses over with characters from the films. In 2015 there will also be several other Marvel series such as Daredevil, Jessica Jones and Iron Fist debuting on Netflix which will lead to an Outsiders TV-series (also on Netflix).
It has become evident that the success of Smallville and now Arrow has really opened up the realm of Television for Marvel and DC and both companies begin to focus immensely on it besides the comics and movies. Which certainly can only be good for the fans. In fact it was probably never a better time to be a Marvel and/or DC fan than today.
I am going to update this thread regularly with news, pictures etc. of Arrow, Flash and upcoming Marvel and DC films and provide lots of backgroundinformation about the comics.
