In 1934, the vast world of DC Comics launched. Similarly, just five years later, in 1939, the incredible world of Marvel Comics also launched. From the 1930s to present day, both companies continue to develop many epic characters, each equipped with their own personalities, storyline, weapons, and abilities. However, with both companies so close and so popular, many of the characters appear strikingly similar to one another. It is no wonder the times Marvel and DC copied each other through their character designs. From their comic books, television shows, movies, toys, and games, multiple characters take after one another in both appearance and ability. Throughout this blog, we will mention times Marvel and DC copied each other’s characters. We will mention comic characters, MCU characters, as well as obscure and familiar characters from each franchise.
Join Us In Seeing Times Marvel and DC Copied Characters
Continue following along through our blog with us. We will mention our long list of characters from Marvel and DC that take after one another’s design. These characters may act the same way, look the same, have the same background, or the same goal. Regardless, the similarities stand undeniable. Join us through our list of character similarities between the two loved franchises.
Catwoman and Black Cat
When looking at times Marvel and DC copied each other, Catwoman and Black Cat show striking similarities. DC’s Catwoman first appeared in 1940, while Marvel’s Black Cat appeared in 1979 through Amazing Spiderman #194. Both characters showcase their villain-like and heroic personalities as they play the role of dazzling thieves. Along with this, their unbelievable similarities in appearance make the character design copy clear. Both Catwoman and Black Cat take the role of cat-themed characters with similar masks and black sleek outfits. The characters’ love interests and incredible acrobatic skills are just other pointers that show how DC and Marvel have copied designs. However, the characters do have some differences to set them apart in their respective worlds. Known for her bad luck powers, Black Cat takes the scene in Marvel through many comics while Catwoman’s cunning personality is featured through multiple media in the DC franchise.
Aquaman and Namor the Sub-Mariner
Next up, we have Aquaman from DC and Namor the Sub-Mariner from Marvel. Back when Marvel began in 1939, Namor the Sub-Mariner took the scene as one of the earliest characters. This half-human, half-Atlantean aquatic character possesses super strength and abilities. He even holds the incredible ability to communicate with sea creatures and appears in many Marvel media from comic books to television shows to movies. Then, just two years after the featuring of Namor, DC’s Aquaman came out for the franchise with many noticeable similarities to the Marvel character. Both characters follow close histories throughout the years. However, Aquaman sparked popularity especially in recent years through the appearance of Jason Momoa’s portrayal of the character in films.
Cyborg and Deathlok
Another one of these times Marvel and DC copied character designs includes Deathlok from Marvel originally in 1974 and Cyborg from DC in 1980. Although there are some differences between these characters, the many similarities cannot be overlooked or unnoticed. Both characters experience tragic transformations through their cyborg journeys with super physical abilities and powers along with their associations with heroic teams. Since they take on the role of cyborgs, the part-human and part-machine characters face challenges through their transformations and life with enhanced bodies. They also take part in their heroic teams, Deathlok on S.H.I.E.L.D. with Cyborg on the Justice League and Teen Titans. These characters follow the same goal with similar backgrounds all while using their abilities for the good of the world.
Swamp Thing and Man-Thing
This next comparison stands undeniable of character copying with many similarities. From the beginning, Marvel’s Man-Thing and DC’s Swamp Thing already show similarities through their time of release. These two loved characters released one month apart, with Man-Thing in May of 1971 and Swamp Thing in June of the same year. Along with this, both names end with “thing” and both characters appear as walking heaps of decaying debris. Another striking similarity comes to play when looking at the characters’ origins in the Louisiana swamp. With their epic transformations and scientific background, these characters clearly have many similarities that often get these characters confused with one another. Although there are some differences between the characters, Man-Thing and Swamp Thing appear as some of the most similar characters between the two universes. Between all the times Marvel and DC copied each other’s designs, this one stands strong.
Batman and Night Thrasher
In 1939, during the first years of DC comics, the widely loved and popular character Batman came out. Then, by Marvel, Night Thrasher first appeared in comics in 1989. Both rich vigilante masked characters fight crime with their special skills, weapons, and knowledge. Batman and Night Thrasher not only dress similarly in their black sleek uniforms but they also live out similar backgrounds and goals. Night Thrasher’s background consists of the trauma from his parents’ deaths and living life while fighting crime through dedicating his life to justice. This story from Night Thrasher’s background appears as the mirror to that of Batman’s with the same backstory. Through their fighting crime, both characters also use technology and their gadgets with martial arts skills to defend their people. Though Night Thrasher came out 50 years after Batman, the copied characteristics and design appear clearly through this Marvel character.
Alfred Pennyworth and Edwin Jarvis
Up Next, to see times Marvel and DC copied each other’s designs, we have Alfred Pennyworth and Edwin Jarvis. In 1943, DC’s Alfred Pennyworth character first released in the Batman #16 comic. Then, in 1964, Marvel’s Edwin Jarvis character released through the Tales of Suspense #59 comic. Along with the two being awesome sidekicks to superheroes, they also take the role as butlers who strive after very similar goals and personalities. Both butlers prove their loyalty to their superheroes through their support in many ways. Also, although these characters take the back seat behind the superhero and often stand in the background, their roles prove vital to the superheroes’ well-being and success.
Pennyworth and Jarvis also connect to larger organizations (S.H.I.E.L.D. and Wayne Enterprises) in helping them run smoothly. Along with their personality and job similarities, the characters also have a similar background. Their past military experiences best help prepare both characters for providing assistance to their superheroes and handling any situation that comes their way.
Deathstroke and Deadpool
Deathstroke and Deadpool come up next on our list. These two characters show similarities between their jobs, names, background, and weaponry. Both characters work as mercenaries and display their combat skills. Their names, too, sound very similar with Deadpool’s real name as Wade Wilson and Deathstroke’s as Slade Wilson. Along with these similarities, the military backgrounds of both characters add to the claim of character design copying. Deadpool and Deathstroke use katanas swords and guns as their primary weapons along with their martial art skills. Although Deadpool’s costume shows change over the years, many similarities in style and color still appear between the two. Deathstroke, the DC Comics character came out in 1980 while the Marvel character Deadpool came out in 1991. These characters show differences in age and personality, however, the many similarities makes it obvious to see the character design in both universes.
Red Lion and Black Panther
Another one of the times Marvel and DC copied each others character designs includes this one between Red Lion and Black Panther. Both characters take on the role of leading an African nation while wearing similar armored, cat-like attire. They both carry with them a large sense of diplomacy as they fight and lead. Along with this, the characters look very similar in appearance and have very similar storylines. Black Panther and Red Lion appear similar with their physical build, costumes, and facial appearance. Even the details down to the eyes of both characters appear very similar. The powerful, masked, heroic characters do have many differences as they dive into their own themes and goals within their own respective universes. The Black Panther character from Marvel came before the Red Lion DC character which released in 2016 as a parody character to the Blank Panther.
Blockbuster and The Hulk
These next two characters show similarities in their appearance, strength, and transformations. Although these characters’ backgrounds and specific abilities may differ, they show so many similarities. The characters’ appearance proves the copied character design right away. Both the Hulk and Blockbuster undergo major physical changes. This includes their height and weight as they go from their human appearance to the big, epic characters they’re known for. Going along with their appearance, both characters hold the ability of superhuman strength. While the Hulk’s strength increases with his rage, Blockbuster’s great physical power also stands as a main trait for the character.
While both characters also undergo transformations from their human selves into super powerful beings, the means this happens also differs. However, the similarities between the two characters still stands to prove the copied character design. The release of these characters also happened within just a couple years of each other. The Hulk released first in 1962 by Marvel while Blockbuster released in 1965 by DC.
Dr. Fate and Dr. Strange
Dr. Fate and Dr. Strange take the next place on our list showing times when Marvel and DC copied character designs. These two characters both take the powerful role as one who operates magic and mystical forces. The powerful sorcerers, Dr. Fate and Dr. Strange, hold the abilities to use magic and create spells to control mystical forces. Along with this, they use their magical abilities to defend the real world against outside forces from other dimensions and supernatural threats. Dr. Fate and Dr. Strange also use magical items in order to enhance their magical abilities. These characters clearly have so much in common with all of the similar traits and vast mystical knowledge. Dr. Fate by DC Comics released first, however, in May of 1940. Then in July of 1963, Dr. Strange released by Marvel.
Rocket Red and Iron Man
In 1963, Marvel released the well known and loved character, Iron Man, Then, in 1987, DC Comics released Rocket Red. Both characters feature a normal human being with great brilliance who designs and wears a powered high-tech suit of armor. This epic red suit protects the character from harm, includes a variety of weapons to fight against enemies, and allows him to fly. Before becoming superheroes, both men also experienced life as a weapon manufacturer which helps them as they take on the superhero position with great force and bravery. The suits these characters wear also grant them many abilities such as super strength and durability.
Green Arrow and Hawkeye
Green Arrow and Hawkeye showcase another one of the times Marvel and DC copied character designs. Here, there are some differences between the characters such as their background and wealth along with personality. Other than these, not very many other differences appear. Both characters take great skill in archery, known for their ability to accurately use a bow and arrow in battle. Along with their archery skills, both characters use specialized arrows to make trick shots. Green Arrow and Hawkeye also take on leadership roles as they mentor younger heroes and partner with others to work as a team. Although another difference found in the color of their uniforms, with one green and one purple, those minor differences stand short compared to the many similarities in character design. The Green Arrow came out first in 1941 by DC Comics while Hawkeye released in 1964 by Marvel.
Atomic Skull and Ghost Rider
The Atomic Skull and Ghost Rider characters also appear with many similarities. Although Ghost Rider made his first appearance in Marvel Comics in 1972 and Atomic Skull made his first appearance in DC Comics in 1978, the characters look very similar when placed side by side. The body structure and flaming skull stand out similarly among both characters. Along with this, the two share a common origin story and powers. Ghost Rider and Atomic Skull both hold the ability to control and launch flames. They use fire to defend themselves, fight, and create a fierce appearance against other characters. Also, Ghost Rider and Atomic Skull can heal from injuries, resulting in epic survival skills and not aging while in their skeletal forms.
Bumblebee and The Wasp
The next characters up on our list of times Marvel and DC copied designs includes Bumblebee and the Wasp. Aside from these characters sharing a stinging, insect-like appearance, they also share many other qualities. Bumblebee and the Wasp share powers such as the ability to shrink down to a smaller size, resembling their respective insect resemblance. They can also both fly around and launch energy blasts in defense against enemies. Not only do these characters share similar powers, but they also share personality traits. The characters, both very intelligent, use their knowledge to best defend, plan, and use their powers against their enemies.
While Bumblebee appeared on the Teen Titans team and the Wasp appeared on the Avengers team, they know what it is like to use teamwork and resemble a team larger than themselves when on their own. Their suits also show similarity in how they grant the characters abilities and powers. From Marvel, the Wasp character released in 1963, while DC’s Bumblebee released in 1976.
Darkseid and Thanos
Like a lot of the other character similarities, these two appear with the same body structure and immediate facial expressions. DC created Darkseid in 1970 while Marvel created Thanos in 1973. Both characters share the similarity of their dominance as powerful villains. They also share some of the same powers, including super strength and resilience. Darkseid and Thanos desire to use their powers to control and reshape the universe in their own likeness. These characters use their intelligence and knowledge to form impressive strategies using technology to plan their control of the universe.
Guardian and Captain America
Nearing the end of our list of times Marvel and DC copied character designs, we have the Guardian and Captain America characters. These loved characters show similarities in their shield-wielding heroic roles. Both Captain America and Guardian protect other people as they fight for justice and use their shields as the primary weapon in defense tool. Along with these similarities, both characters prove their effectiveness in defending and weapon choice through their battles against other heroes and villains. First, in 1940, the loved character of Captain America was created by Marvel. Then, just two years later, DC introduced their Guardian character in 1942.
The Flash and The Whizzer
Coming last on our list, the Flash and Whizzer characters make their appearance. Although the Flash appears in his classic bright red uniform and the Whizzer appears in his own yellow uniform, both share the same sleek look. Perfect for aerodynamics, their uniforms cover their head in a mask-like way and provide the best attire for their super speed abilities. The Flash and the Whizzer use their super speed abilities as their primary power and can get anywhere they need to in a blink of the eye.
Along with this, they both share a similar background of how they gained their incredible powers. They both gained their powers through accidents, resulting in the amazing way the characters help people and defend their universes. The Flash released in 1940 by DC and the Whizzer released just a year later in 1941 by Marvel, making these two speedy characters very close in comparison throughout the years.
Concluding Times Marvel and DC Copied Character Designs
Throughout this blog, we have observed how Marvel and DC have taken character designs from the other universe and used them in their own. This includes the origin and background, appearance, personalities, and abilities. Despite all the similarities between the characters, both universes show incredible popularity and depth even still today as the universes continue to expand. These characters still each show their differences, making each character still unique even though the copied characteristics stand clear. Thank you for following along with us through different characters and observing the similarities along the way.
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About the Author
Chris Ingledue is the founder and owner of Wheeljack’s Lab pop Culture and Toy Shop. His vision has always been to reunite customers with their favorite childhood toys and pop culture, triggering fond memories, and reigniting their imaginations. Every day he works in the “lab” where it’s Christmas 365 days a year; scouring the internet – like we did the Sears Catalog of yesteryear – for the next great treasure, awaiting the arrival of the postman as if he was Santa Claus himself and helping collectors worldwide with their own versions of Christmas. For Chris, every day as a vintage toy buyer is an absolute joy!