Prepare To Be Adapted: Marvel Vs. DC: The Movie

ACT I

As the Big Two comic book publishers, Marvel and DC fans have always pit the two in an imaginary fight.

So, how is that fight going?

Well, lately it looks like Marvel is giving DC a pounding in both the big screen and in comic books.

If we take a look a the top 10 money makers (in theaters) of comic book adaptations we find a top 10 list with only two DC properties ("Batman" and "Batman Begins"). But, I wouldn't be surprised if the upcoming "Dark Knight" also makes the top 10 or at least comes close. We also have six Marvel properties (the three "Spider-Man" movies, two of the "X-Men" movies, and the recently released "Iron Man" movie). Ouch.

Oh, and while I'm talking about the top 10 I want to mention the two non-Big Two properties of "Men in Black" and "300."

So, why is Marvel doing so well? Why can't DC have a larger effect in the movies? Is Batman the only character they have that resonates well with mainstream moviegoers?

I think there are two cards that Marvel is playing well. First, they recognize that their characters are easier to relate to. We can relate to Spider-Man's financial, social and relationship problems. We can also relate to the prejudice that the mutants in X-Men face. Luckily, the writers play these elements up and audiences love it.

Meanwhile, DC characters are just a little too perfect. Except for Batman. He's just nutters. We can relate to the fear of violence and losing someone we care about. We can relate to the desire of vengeance and the want of a truer justice than what our justice system sometimes gives.

It is the exploration of these darker elements that truly attract audiences, not the goofy villains or the next gadget (although I like them gadgets). Later Batman movies forgot what made the first a hit and added a cast of ridicules villains. Luckily, "Batman Begins" got it right by returning to the core of the character.

"Superman Returns," at least for me, seemed dated. First off, it was some weird sequel to the second film that ignores the third and fourth. Huh? The bizarre love triangle with a Lois who's a mother is such a drastic change. Mix that with the old Lex Luthor and the movie just couldn't find itself.

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