Key Comic Book publishing companies and some of the similarities and

differences between them.

Research by Oliver Wright, Media Production (BSc).

Marvel Comics Vs DC Comics“Everything in the Marvel universe is nicely connected with each other compared to the DC

universe, reason being Marvel universe was based upon vision of one man - Stan Lee.” -

• “Marvel superheroes are either born mutants, result of some scientific experiments or gods and have a good and deep backstory. DC characters barring Superman and Batman are mostly lame.”

• Marvel characters have a real live with jobs, family members, peers etc. whereas in the DC universe, the heroes and villains are usually born with their powers. EG Superman is always essentially a god among men whereas Spiderman is a teenager who is going through puberty and other usual teenage issues who changes when he gets bitten by a radioactive spider.

• The DC Universe is all fictional in their locations e.g. Gotham City (Batman) and Metropolis (Superman) but a lot of Marvel is based in New York City.

Dark Horse Comics

• No universe of related super powered characters.• Frank Miller Sin City – Comic Noir• The Legend of Zelda: Hyrule Historia – Collectors edidtion

Image Comics

• Typically 32 pages long.• Have no running theme• “every genre, sub genre and style imaginable covered”

Independent Comic Book producers

• Average length of 32, 48 or 64 pages – American comic books tend to be much shorter.• No common theme – there are way too many to all be

related.• Often relate to or reference video games.• Anti heroes were very popular in 2015 and 2016• Frequently have political connotations and not-so-subtle

political satire