10 Public Domain Characters Present in Both Marvel and DC Comics

The world of comic books is vast, with Marvel and DC Comics being the two titans of the industry. While each publisher has its unique characters, they also share a few public domain characters. These characters, having roots in mythology, folklore, or classic literature, have been adapted by both Marvel and DC, often with different interpretations. Here’s a look at 10 public domain characters that have appeared in both Marvel and DC Comics, along with details on their origins and why they fall under public domain.

Thor

Marvel’s Thor: Introduced in Journey into Mystery #83 (1962), Thor is a central figure in the Marvel Universe, known as the God of Thunder and a founding member of the Avengers. He wields the enchanted hammer Mjolnir, which grants him immense power. Marvel’s Thor is depicted as a hero with a deep connection to Asgard, blending Norse mythology with superhero elements.

DC’s Thor: Thor has also made appearances in DC Comics, although less prominently. In DC, Thor is often portrayed in mythological contexts, interacting with other gods and characters like Wonder Woman. The depictions vary, sometimes portraying Thor as a warrior or even an antagonist.

Public Domain Status: Thor originates from Norse mythology, which dates back to ancient times. As mythological characters are not tied to any specific creator and have been part of the public consciousness for centuries, they fall into the public domain. This allows any writer or artist to reinterpret these figures in various forms.

Hercules

Marvel’s Hercules: First appearing in Journey into Mystery Annual #1 (1965), Marvel’s Hercules is a demi-god with incredible strength and a heroic spirit. He is a member of the Avengers and often portrayed as both a noble warrior and a jovial, larger-than-life figure.

DC’s Hercules: DC’s Hercules has appeared in several storylines, often in relation to Wonder Woman. He is portrayed in varying lights, sometimes as a hero, other times as an antagonist influenced by the darker aspects of his mythological lore.

Public Domain Status: Hercules, or Heracles in Greek mythology, is a figure of ancient legend known for his Twelve Labors and numerous adventures. Like Thor, his origins in ancient myths place him in the public domain, allowing creative reinterpretations across various media.

Dracula

Marvel’s Dracula: Marvel introduced its version of Dracula in The Tomb of Dracula #1 (1972), making him a central figure in their horror comics. This Dracula is a complex character, sometimes depicted as a villain and other times as an anti-hero battling supernatural forces.

DC’s Dracula: DC has featured Dracula in various forms, usually as a classic villain in horror and supernatural stories. His appearances often involve clashes with characters like Batman or supernatural heroes.

Public Domain Status: Count Dracula was created by Bram Stoker in his 1897 novel. The character entered the public domain as copyright laws eventually expired, making the iconic vampire free for use by other creators. This has led to countless adaptations and reinterpretations in literature, film, and comics.

Robin Hood

Marvel’s Robin Hood: Robin Hood in Marvel Comics has appeared in different storylines, often as a historical figure or inspiration for characters that embody his spirit of rebellion against tyranny.

DC’s Robin Hood: DC’s depiction of Robin Hood includes appearances as a time-traveling hero, part of teams like the Seven Soldiers of Victory, and as a historical or mythical figure influencing other heroes.

Public Domain Status: Robin Hood is a legendary English folk hero whose tales date back to medieval times. As a figure from folklore, there is no singular creator, and the character has been freely adapted and retold across generations, placing him firmly in the public domain.

King Arthur

Marvel’s King Arthur: In Marvel Comics, King Arthur is often linked to the mystical and magical elements of their universe. His stories tie into broader narratives involving characters like Doctor Strange or the Black Knight, connecting the Arthurian legend with superhero lore.

DC’s King Arthur: DC portrays King Arthur in various timelines, sometimes as a historical king and other times as a mythic figure connected to characters like Etrigan the Demon. His legendary status adds a sense of gravitas to DC’s mystical stories.

Public Domain Status: King Arthur is a legendary British figure whose tales have been told and retold since the Middle Ages. With no definitive author and roots deep in cultural mythology, King Arthur is in the public domain, making him a versatile character for adaptation.

Merlin

Marvel’s Merlin: Marvel’s Merlin is depicted as a powerful sorcerer who interacts with characters like Thor and Doctor Strange. He is portrayed as a wise, ancient figure with immense magical abilities.

DC’s Merlin: DC’s Merlin often appears in stories involving magic and mysticism. He is connected to various characters, such as Etrigan the Demon and Shining Knight, serving as a mentor or enigmatic guide in the mystical realms of DC Comics.

Public Domain Status: Merlin, like King Arthur, is a figure from Arthurian legend, with roots in medieval folklore and literature. His status as a public domain character allows for varied interpretations, making him a staple in stories involving magic and ancient wisdom.

Zeus

Marvel’s Zeus: Zeus in Marvel Comics is depicted as the king of the Olympian gods, interacting with characters like Hercules and Thor. He is often portrayed as a powerful, paternal figure who oversees the affairs of gods and mortals alike.

DC’s Zeus: In DC Comics, Zeus is closely tied to Wonder Woman’s mythology, being the father of many characters in her stories. He is depicted as both a powerful deity and a complex character with his own agenda.

Public Domain Status: Zeus is a figure from ancient Greek mythology, known as the ruler of the gods on Mount Olympus. As with other mythological figures, his ancient origins place him in the public domain, allowing for multiple interpretations across different media.

Achilles

Marvel’s Achilles: Marvel’s Achilles appears in various storylines, sometimes portrayed as a warrior in modern times or in stories that blend ancient myth with contemporary settings.

DC’s Achilles: In DC Comics, Achilles is often depicted in connection with the Greek pantheon and Wonder Woman, portraying him as a hero of great strength and honor, sometimes with a tragic or complex backstory.

Public Domain Status: Achilles is another character from Greek mythology, known for his role in the Trojan War and his near-invincibility except for his famous heel. His status as a mythological hero places him in the public domain, allowing for creative reinterpretation.

Ares

Marvel’s Ares: Marvel’s Ares is depicted as both a villain and a hero, at times joining the Avengers. He embodies the chaos and destruction associated with the Greek god of war but also shows a more complex, sometimes heroic side.

DC’s Ares: In DC Comics, Ares is one of Wonder Woman’s primary adversaries. He is depicted as a malevolent force of war and conflict, often clashing with Wonder Woman and representing the darker aspects of human nature.

Public Domain Status: Ares, like other Greek gods, is part of ancient mythology and therefore in the public domain. This allows writers and artists to explore different facets of the character, from his warlike nature to his interactions with other gods and heroes.

Loki

Marvel’s Loki: Loki, introduced in Journey into Mystery #85 (1962), is one of Marvel’s most iconic villains, known for his trickery and complex relationship with his brother Thor. He is a key figure in many of Marvel’s major storylines, often walking the line between villainy and heroism.

DC’s Loki: In DC Comics, Loki has appeared in various forms, usually as a trickster god causing mischief in stories involving magic and mythology. His presence in DC is less central but still significant, especially in stories exploring Norse mythology.

Public Domain Status: Loki, the Norse god of mischief, is a figure from ancient mythology and is therefore in the public domain. His mischievous nature and complex mythology have made him a popular character for adaptation across different forms of media.

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