Characters who can Appear in Both Marvel and DC

Over the decades Marvel and DC have become synonyms of comics and superheroes globally. The two comics giants have had some of the most popular superhero characters. However, Marvel and DC are also known for their rivalry. The two brands have been constantly battling out each other in a race of supremacy. The fan wars and storylines have also fueled this rivalry. The epic rivalry has divided the comics and superhero spectrum into two. However, there are still few characters who have appeared in both Marvel and DC comics. So let’s talk about 7 characters who can appear in both Marvel and DC Universe.

Access

The first name on the list has to be Axel Asher aka Access. Axel Asher’s character was created for a crossover storyline (Marvel vs DC). This weird event was only possible because of the 90’s comics crash. In the comic book crash era, editors and creators often looked for something exciting or sensational that could grab people’s attention. Access was also one of those experimental tools to draw readers backs to comics.

In the storyline Access A drifter who never stays in the same place too long. He is cursed with nightmares of 2 gigantic monstrous creatures (one monstrous creature is ‘Red’ and the other one is ‘Blue’) who are fighting each other to the death. Access is able to switch between the two universes and apparently solves the brothers problem (Red and Blue). It seems very unlikely that the character will ever reappear in the DC or Marvel Universe. But legally both Marvel and DC can use the character whenever they feel like. However, both Marvel and DC are barred from killing Axel Asher’s character.

Hercules 

Hercules is one of the strongest characters in the Greek Myths. Which makes him a very desirable figure for any superhero genre book or comics. The Greek mythology Hero finds himself in both the Marvel and DC comics. Hercules’ character was first introduced in the DC Comics, the superhero made his debut in 1942 and was initially a part of the Wonder Woman storyline. But later Hercules also featured in the Superman storylines. On the other hand Marvel introduced Hercules in 1965. In the Marvel Comics Hercules has also featured in the Avengers team. Who do you think has better utilized Hercules’ character?

Zeus 

The King of Olympians ‘Zeus’ is another character from Greek mythology who can appear in both Marvel and DC Universe. Zeus was introduced in the DC comics in 1944 and was created by Jerry Siegel and Ira Yarbrough for the comics. The character of Zeus first appeared in the Superman storyline. However, Zeus was part of prominent events in Wonder Woman’s storylines. On the other hand Zeus’ character was created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in 1949. The character has had multiple associations in the Marvel Comics but his association with Thor is the most popular & notable one in his kitty.

Loki 

Loki is a popular Marvel character who has been utilized by both the Marvel Comics and the MCU. Over the years the character has transformed into an antihero. Loki’s on screen appearances have only elevated the character’s status & popularity in the masses. However, Loki too is a Norse mythology figure where he’s represented as the ‘God of Mischiefs’. Being a character from mythology allows others to use Loki. Loki’s character also finds a place in the DC Comics. The portrayal isn’t prominent but it is out there. 

Ares 

Ares is a prominent character both in Marvel and DC comics which is inspired by the Greek God ‘Ares’. Ares aka ‘Mars’ made his debut for DC 1942 and made his first appearance in ‘Wonder Woman #1’. Whereas in the Marvel Comics the Greek God of War ‘Ares’ made his first appearance in 1966. In the Marvel Comics Ares constantly finds himself in feud with Thor or Hercules.

Poseidon 

It seems like a trend to create a character around some mythical figure or Gods, especially Greek Gods. It seems logical too as the mythological figures have a well established character and storyline. This makes it easy for the creator to form a superhero or villain out of the mythological figures. Poseidon is also a character from the Greek myths. Poseidon aka Neptune was created by Marvel in 1965. The character finds its association with popular characters like  Namor the Sub-Mariner. Whereas in the DC Comics the character of Poseidon came into existence in 1940. Poseidon has been involved in storylines with iconic characters Wonder Woman and Aquaman.

Thor

Now comes the most tricky and controversial name on our list ‘Thor’. Thor is one of the most popular comics characters in the Marvel Comics and has also gained immense success on the big screen in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, Thor’s copyright is a very tricky topic. As the character is inspired from the Norse myths. And has kind of similar powers and origin in the myths too. So, it becomes very difficult for Marvel to save Thor’s name or powers being used by other publications or brands. So, this is the reason that the DC Comics too has a version of Thor as ‘Thor the Asgardian God of Thunder’. Thor has appeared several times in the DC comics and was also seen in ‘Wonder Woman #770’.

Also Read: 10 Strongest Human Characters in DC Comics