The 90s were a strange time, especially for comics. The previous decade, the industry had seen two of the most important works in the history of the ninth art: The Watchmen and The Dark Night Returns. These were stories that revisited the very concept of the superhero, taking them to the extremes of their humanity, elevating them and bringing them down to the level of human beings. Both Marvel and DC left us unforgettable stories.
But as the years passed, many wondered how to make superhero comics after these works. The answer wasn't no... but it was quite interesting. In 1998, Marvel vs. DC Comics hit stores, a story that pitted the heroes and villains of both publishers against each other.
The story is about two divine beings representing each universe. Once each becomes aware of the other, they decide that only one can exist at a time. They decide to pit the "champions" of each universe against each other. Thus, the heroes and villains of each company faced off in... intense? Exciting battles? To decide which universe deserved to continue existing...
The truth is that, as a child of the 90s, this comic can seem strange (although never as strange as that Punisher Frankenstein that also emerged around that time at Marvel, and it's by no means the strangest thing ever made).
But it is interesting to read it as a popularity contest. These fights were decided by fan call-ins. Thus, the "champion" who received the most votes was declared the winner of their respective bout. Of course, this wasn't the case for all matches.
What did he leave us for Marvel and DC?
Well, this one comic was not forgotten. Its publication marked the first appearance of The Access, a hero who exists in both universes, whose mission was to maintain balance between both realities and who would be the point of union between Marvel and DC that would allow future crossovers between both publishers.
Also (and pay close attention to these spoilers), it would leave us with the stories of the Amalgam Universe. When the two brothers decide to make peace upon meeting Batman and Captain America, their universes and realities merge. Resulting in the creation of new superheroes, such as Super Soldier (a fusion of Superman and Captain America) or Darkclow (a fusion of Batman and Wolverine). Stories we hope to cover on Geekine in the future.
And you, dear reader, please tell us: Have you read this comic? What did you think? What was your favorite fight?
Image: The hovel
Español de Colombia
English
Português do Brasil