Throughout the long history of comic books, there have always been two front-running companies: DC and Marvel comics. Both have told the stories of classic superheroes like Superman, Iron Man, Batman, Spider-Man, and more. They've even created fan-favorite teams like the Justice League, The Avengers, the Teen Titans, and the X-Men. Comic books have come a long way since their inception, creating bold and impressive worlds, characters, and stories. Without DC or Marvel, the medium wouldn't exist as it does today.
In recent years, the superhero stories have even gone mainstream, dazzling long-time and new fans alike. Now, comic books get to share their heritage with the world.
Over time, there's no surprise that the two companies end up having similar ideas or even taking notes from certain characters (some even publicly, openly on purpose). After all, between satirical jabs and simply good ideas, there's going to be some overlap.
As fans get ready to move into Phase 4 of the MCU and anxiously await Wonder Woman 1984, it'll be fun to see how far it's all come (and how no matter what, there will always be copycats).
Here are 11 Times DC Copied Marvel Character Ideas (And 14 Marvel Took From DC).
25 Deadpool Copied Deathstroke (Marvel)
By far one of the best known copies (probably because it was done entirely on purpose) was when Marvel copied Deathstroke to make Deadpool. Wanting to make light of DC's at times edgy and melodramatic nature, they particularly picked on one violent assassin, Slade Wilson. Instead of being super serious, they made a hero they called Wade Wilson and made the assassin absolutely ludicrous. Their costumes even look similar, except Deathstroke is orange and black while Deadpool is prefers red. Easier to cope with all the blood. Who knew that a joke would turn into one of the most beloved anti-heroes of comic and cinema history?
24 Aquaman Copied Namor (DC)
The Fantastic Four were early successes of Marvel, but with successful heroes there always have to come winning villains. One foe that went well with Johnny Storm, AKA Human Torch, was the complex and mercurial Namor. King under the sea, he turned hero or villain depending on the currents in his ocean.
Two years after Namor debuted, DC showed up with Aquaman, it's slightly more heroic, oceanic counterpart. Despite Namor coming first, Aquaman has garnered the majority of fame and infamy over the years. Probably has to do with that whole part-time villain versus justice league level hero thing.
Jason Mamoa playing Aquaman in the movies definitely doesn't help.
23 Black Cat Copied Catwoman (Marvel)
While Batman has become one of the best known comic book heroes, his villains are almost just as classic. Among those villains, Catwoman shines as the bad girl love interest the Bats can't keep his hands off. Ever since she debuted in 1940, she's been charming him.
However, she isn't the only cat burglar getting frisky was a famous super. Arguably just as beloved as Batman, Spider-Man's been having dalliances with the Black Cat since the 1970's. Considering she popped up more than 30 years later doing the exact same things as Selina Kyle, Felicia Hardy is a great villain but definitely a copy.
22 Rocket Red Copied Iron Man (DC)
Considering most people who read this have no clue who Rocket Red is, it's clear he didn't quite do a good job copying good ol' Iron Man.
In 1963, Marvel didn't know what a gold mine they created when they put a rich man named Tony Stark in an awkward, metal suit. Now, countless people cried after he sacrificed himself in Avengers: Endgame. He's become an absolute icon.
Twenty years later, DC revived an old hero name (Rocket Red) and tried to have arrogant, smart man in metal suit lightning strike twice. While Rocket Red isn't a bad superhero, he simply isn't Iron Man and it's unfortunate that DC even tried.
21 Hawkeye Copied Green Arrow (Marvel)
While many early heroes had flashy powers or a special, batty hard on for justice, some were just skilled Robin Hoods with green hoods. In early 1941, enter Green Arrow, the mash-up between Robin Hood and a rich man. Mildly confusing, but fans just kinda roll with it. He became a beloved member of the Justice League and his relationship with Black Canary is one of the most stable in comic book history.
However, Marvel has its own perfect marksmen hero in Hawkeye. He's a core member of the Avengers with all the same powers as Green Arrow. Coming to comics over twenty years later, they may have different personalities, but it's hard not to see the connections.
20 Black Racer Copied Silver Surfer (DC)
Fans have been itching for a Silver Surfer film ever since the Fantastic Four's sequel botched him up in the early 2000's. Despite looking metallic and robotic, Silver Surfer is a humanoid from across the galaxy whose been a hero and a villain.
Seeing Silver Surfer's popularity after debuting in 1966, DC decided to try their own speeding, non-corporeal entity: The Black Racer.
The character began as the astral projected consciousness of of Willaim Walker, using skis and a knight's helmet as parts of his costume. Immortal, flying, fast, and with a "touch of death", he was an intangible character.
In other, newer versions he's an aspect of death, even closer to the whole "other-worldly entity" vibe.
19 Bullseye Copied Deadshot (Marvel)
Neither Bullseye nor Deadshot are the most popular comic book villains, but they are important to certain heroes and franchises. Bullseye is a classic Daredevil foe and Deadshot is a well-known member of the Suicide Squad and Batman's rogues gallery.
Gist is, both men are absurdly good shots, and that's their whole shtick. But who did it first?
Well, Deadshot beat Bullseye to the mark by 26 years.
Once a gentlemen in a tux, Deadshot now wears a fancy super-suit that helps his aim be even better than it is on its own.
Considering they both have shown up in TV series, movies, animation, and comics, they seem to be doing equally well for themselves despite their similar affect and roles.
18 Atomic Skull Copied Ghost Rider (DC)
If there needs to be a "least subtle" title in this list, it easily goes to the Atomic Skull. While some are well-known and openly discussed copies, just looking at their character designs alone completely says it all. Between biker jackets and flaming skulls these two characters couldn't not be a copycat situation.
Ghost Rider is one of Marvel's best known anti-heroes, a stuntman who turned all flaming skull because of a family curse. Atomic Skull was a college student with radiation poisoning, whose condition turned him into a nuclear bomb face.
With Ghost Rider debuting in 1972 and Atomic Skull in 1991, perhaps DC should have been a little less obvious with who their visual inspiration was.
17 Sentry Copied Superman (Marvel)
Arguably, Superman is the most important and most popular character in the DC universe (don't start anything, Batman fans). The Man of Steel was an alien who learned to love earth as his own home and protect it with the powers of his alien physiology: bullet-proof skin, flight, strength, laser eyes, the works. DC started his story in 1938 and has never stopped.
In 2000, Marvel decided to try their own hand at a big, burly, indestructible man named Sentry. Created with a stronger version of the super soldier serum used on Captain America, Sentry gained all the same Superman powers and more. They could have been a little less obvious with the giant "S" in the middle of his costume, but oh well.
16 Bumblebee Copied Wasp (DC)
With the recent Ant-Man and The Wasp movie, The Wasp is getting significant recognition in the MCU (even if it's Hope Van Dyne instead of the original, her mother Janet). Brilliant and determined, The Wasp has always been the impressive counterpart to the often lug-headed Ant-Man.
DC saw the simultaneous fierceness and cute look of a hero in a bug costume and, in 1976, made Bumblebee. A member of the Teen Titans, Karen Beecher was the girlfriend of a member who eventually became a hero in her own right.
Though the hero is an obvious derivative, both brilliant women are cool enough to deserve all the praise they both get.
15 Mr. Fantastic Copied Elongated Man (Marvel)
Even though the Fantastic Four was one of Marvel's earliest super groups, DC beat out their leader, Mr. Fantastic, by a year. They created the first strech-man superhero in The Elongated Man who. While having a terrible name, he saved lives from 1960 until his untimely passing in 2007.
If it makes Fantastic Four fans feel any better, Elongated Man just was a friendly sort of prankster with a good heart. Reed Richards is a super-genius who also stretches incredible lengths. When it comes to being important, Mr. Fantastic does a lot more for his universe than Elongated Man does.
But that doesn't mean comic fans shouldn't respect Ralph Dibny for all he's done. R.I.P Elongated Man.
14 Guardian Copied Captain America (DC)
Captain America is one of the most classic and beloved heroes in the Marvel universe. Not only is he a WW2 hero, but he's always reflected the country he seeks to protect.
Though no one can quite compare to Steve Rogers, only a year after Cap's debut (1941), Guardian showed up in DC comics (1942). At first, the copying was unmistakable. Guardian had an indestructible shield just like his Marvel counterpart and even wore a similar war helmet. Other than the costume color changes, they were nearly identical.
Over time, the Guardian has found his own identity. Whether it's Michael, Jim Harper, or anyone else, they serve a more ruthless version of justice and defense.
Captain America is still the well-meaning boy next door.
13 Doctor Strange Copied Doctor Fate (Marvel)
Doctor Strange has become one of the top favorite new MCU heroes. Though he and Tony share the same arrogance, pride, and look, his powers have turned Strange into a dedicated and pragmatic mystic. Tony puts a lot more heart into everything. Fans eagerly await the Doctor Strange sequel slotted in stage 4.
However, Doctor Strange is not the first famous intellectual turned master sorcerer. Once an archaeologist alongside his father, Kent Nelson unearthed the mystical helmet holding the impressive and demanding Nabu the Wise, who taught him his powers.
With Doctor Fate created in 1940, it's clear Marvel took some origin inspiration when making Doctor Strange. The Ancient One and Nabu probably would have loved to exchange mystical notes.
12 Red Lion Copied Black Panther (DC)
In 1966, Marvel made history by headlining a comic with a black superhero who led an entirely black nation, Wakanda. Over 50 years later, they made history again when the film Black Panther became a blockbuster hit even nominated for Academy Awards.
T'Challa is a unique and powerful character who deserves all the recognition he's getting.
A little uncomfortably and in a bit of poor taste, DC created Red Lion in 2016, an African dictator who often hires Deathstroke and is a villain. While maybe comic artists were trying to be tongue-in-cheek by naming him Matthew Bland, the characters look absurdly similar and doesn't feel like clever satire. Instead, it just seems like they're poking fun at a great and popular character. Ouch, DC.
11 Mockingbird Copied Black Canary (Marvel)
Despite CW's complete disaster in portraying her, Black Canary is one of the most classic DC heroines. A tough fighter with a powerful voice, she's beauty and brawns. With her boyfriend Green Arrow as back-up, she keeps the streets clean. A fierce staple since 1947, she's never stopped being an idol for young, female DC fans.
Also a street-smart lady with an fighting attitude, Mockingbird became a Marvel hero in 1980. While Black Canary, Mockingbird became her Marvel counterpart. Trained with SHIELD and earning a PhD in biology, Mockingbird is a diverse agent who once was married to Hawkeye.
Both ladies are cool, but they could be siblings. They even both have romantic ties to the DC/Marvel archers, Green Arrow and Hakweye. That's pretty deliberate.
10 Vision Copied Red Tornado (Marvel)
With Vision's tragic passing at the end of Avengers: Infinity War, fans saw the end of his and Wanda's tender romance. The MCU taught a robot to love, that's pretty neat. However, the character has been making the lady swoon for a long time, since his debut in October, 1968.
That said, DC got to this whole Robot Avenger idea first and ran with it in their own comics. Combining an android and a sentient tornado (no joke), in August 1968, they created Red Tornado.
Considering these comics took 3-4 months to create, though, it's more likely a cosmic coincidence (or some similar popular trends around robots) that led to the similarly timed debuts.
9 Quicksilver Copied Flash (Marvel)
Both Marvel and DC have a bunch of fast heroes, but only two big names rise above as the top speedsters: Quicksilver and Flash, respectively.
While they're from completely different companies, both heroes have gotten a lot of buzz. Flash has a TV series and is a member of the justice league movies. Quicksilver was a big part of Avengers: Age of Ultron as well as the most recent X-Men series.
However, despite their fame combating, Flash will always have the upper hand in his own way. One, because he has several different guys under the moniker, and two because he was created first.
When Flash debuted in 1940, Quicksilver didn't appear in Marvel comics until 1964.
8 Imperiex Copied Galactus (DC)
While everyone is still freaking out about Thanos and his infinity snapping, he's not the only horrible entity out there in the galaxy. After all, Thanos, just destroys lives. Galactus eats worlds.
Yes, we're talking about the 1966 power villain, Galactus. Without morality, he's a unique villain that serves more a more destructive, functional purpose in the universe, even though the whole destroyer thing is still frightening.
In 2000, DC decided to try their hand at an energy-eating lad, Imperiex. The embodiment of entropy, he just destroys universes because that's his role in the galaxy. However, of course, the DC heroes want to stop him from destroying theirs. Sound familiar at all?
7 Ultron Copied Brainiac (Marvel)
One of Superman's most intimidating and indomitable villains ever is Brainiac, the mastermind computer with countless copies of himself in the multi-verse. From his early days in comics, Brainiac has been getting under Clark Kent's skin since 1958. In the pursuit of knowledge and control, Brainiac does some terrible and merciless actions.
Similarly, Ultron is the sentient robot created by Hank Pym (or in the films, Tony Stark). Ultimately, Ultron decides that humans are beneath him and becomes a powerful, intelligent adversary.
Though Brainiac doesn't quite have his own major motion picture (yet), he beat Ultron to the comic book shelves by a decade. It hardly matters who beats who, though, when each time someone destroys either one, there seems to be countless more.
6 Zatanna Copied Scarlet Witch (DC)
Scarlet Witch is one of the most powerful people in the Marvel comics universe. At her strongest, she can bend reality at her whim. Most of the time, though, Marvel just treats her like a mildly unstable magician lady. Considering she magicked her children into existing, she's an interesting one.
DC's lady magician counterpart has less magical babies, but she's still intelligent and strong. Zatanna, who appears like a traditional magician with a hat and a rabbit, is really a strong magic user. Much like Scarlet Witch, she easily works with magic around her.
Only debuted months apart, Scarlet Witch was in comics first while Zatanna trailed behind.