Top 20 Characters DC Stole from Marvel

The Lizard

Reptiles get a pretty bad rep in pop culture. As such, they’re often used for inspiration for baddies in comics. Yet, this connection is pretty suspicious. In 1963, one of Spider-Man’s first villains was Doctor Curt Connors as the Lizard in issue 6 of “The Amazing Spider-Man.” With a tragic backstory as a side effect of Connors’ limb-regenerating treatment, the Lizard became one of the web-slinger's most iconic adversaries. Over in DC, Waylon Jones as Killer Croc first arrived as a shadowy figure in 1983’s “Detective Comics” issue 523 before being properly identified in the following comic. On top of the reptile connection, both are often shown hanging out in the sewers, seemingly playing off that urban legend about flushed-away crocs and alligators.

A.I.M.

It’s not just singular characters that DC has taken inspiration from. Sometimes, it’s whole groups. All the way back in 1966, the villainous organization A.I.M. debuted in issue 146 of “Strange Tales,” complete with their notorious beekeeping-esque outfit. Known as Advanced Idea Mechanics, the group consists of morally bankrupt scientists looking to control the world. In DC, 1980’s “New Teen Titans” issue 2 brought H.I.V.E. to life. Standing for Hierarchy of International Vengeance and Extermination, this science-loving group took a lot of inspiration from A.I.M.’s costumes with the insect theme. Later, H.I.V.E. was even led by Zazzala, better known as Queen Bee!

Giant-Size X-Men

While the original Teen Titans were created in 1964 and the X-Men arrived in 1963, it’s not this depiction that has people suspicious. Instead, it’s when both teams were rebooted. In 1975, “Giant-Size X-Men,” Marvel’s mutants added a new roster with Wolverine, Colossus, Storm, and others. This iteration breathed new life into the brand, helping to turn it into the powerhouse it is today. In 1980, “The New Teen Titans” debuted and they too had massive success. It featured Cyborg – who shares features with Colossus –, Starfire – who has similarities to Sunfire –, and Beast Boy – who, while debuting a few years before, shares a likeness to Nightcrawler. The similarities got more of a spotlight when they crossed over in 1982.

The Punisher

Frank Castle, the Punisher, is known for being an intimidating threat in Marvel since his debut in 1974’s “The Amazing Spider-Man” issue 129. After all, he sees the world in black-and-white and takes extreme measures for justice. So, when DC decided to copy-paste the character, they made some changes to turn it into a parody. In 1991’s “Doom Patrol” issue 45, the terrifying Beard Hunter came to life. Suspiciously named Ernest Franklin, he, like Castle, targets criminals. But unlike the Punisher, Franklin can’t grow a beard, so he shaves his victims. Yep. As part of his uniform, Franklin even has a skull with a nifty facial fuzz. Franklin’s beard desires continued after his demise as he wanted to shave God.

Wolverine

James “Logan” Howlett has changed a lot since debuting in 1974’s “The Incredible Hulk” issue 180, becoming the best at what he does. With a tough-guy attitude, a dark past, and a violent streak, Wolverine soon became a fan favorite. Someone who followed a similar path was Lobo. After being introduced in 1983’s “The Omega Men” issue 3, the Main Man morphed into a hardcore mercenary by the ‘90s. Co-creator of Lobo, Keith Giffen, stated in interviews that he developed the character as a criticism of anti-hero characters like Punisher and Wolverine. With a near-unkillable healing factor, originally presented as one-of-kind, and a love of motorbikes and cigars in their history, Logan and Lobo even fought each other in 1996’s crossover “DC vs. Marvel.”

Hulk

While Grant Emerson’s version of Damage arrived in 1994, it’s Ethan “Elvis” Avery’s in-name-only iteration who draws the strongest connection to Marvel’s green machine. His version briefly appeared in 2017’s “Dark Days: The Casting” number 1 before getting his own self-titled book in 2018 as part of The New Age of DC Heroes initiative. Straight away, Damage has a striking resemblance to Gray Hulk with scaly arms. Thanks to a shady military procedure, Avery can turn into the being for one hour every day. In this form, Damage is invulnerable to most attacks and has super strength, reflexes, and much more. Avery even has Damage as a dual-personality, mirroring Bruce Banner’s complicated relationship with the Hulk.

Celestials

Thanks to MCU films like “Guardians of the Galaxy” and “The Eternals”, the Celestials have left their mark on the public consciousness after debuting in the comics in 1976. As powerful cosmic beings, they like nothing more than experimenting on planets and the races that live upon them. Well, over in DC, they have their own armor-clad humongous space-gods that are told apart by different colors with the Omega Titans. Introduced in 2018’s event, “Dark Nights: Metal” issue 6, the ancient creatures were thought to seed universes. Instead, they took a page from Galactus’ book by consuming planet energy to make sure superbad Perpetua is kept in her prison.

Silver Surfer

Is it stealing when you’re copying from yourself? Well, that's the question for the legendary Jack Kirby. In 1966’s “Fantastic Four” issue 48 massive story “The Coming of Galactus,” Kirby created the planet-eater’s herald, the Silver Surfer. Amped up by the Power Cosmic, the former Norrin Radd uses a surfboard to travel the galaxies. During his stint at DC and working on issue 3 of 1971’s “New Gods,” Kirby put in the Black Racer. Instead of using a surfboard-slash-snowboard, Racer uses skis to get around. Later, the mode of transportation would appear more like scythes as the character leaned into the physical manifestation of oblivion. This perception is something he shares with Surfer, whose presence indicates to a planet their upcoming destruction by Galactus.

Spider-Man

The New Age of DC Heroes initiative was pretty shameless in taking massive inspiration from Marvel's biggest stars. This time, it was Spider-Man, who first arrived in 1962’s “Amazing Fantasy” issue 15. In his debut in issue 1 of the self-titled 2018 series, Sideways was clearly nodding towards the webhead with his costume. Just the eyes alone are enough. But the character is specifically compared to the Ultimate’s version of Spider-Man due to the young age, characterization, and costume. Derek James, the teen behind Sideways, also shares several Spidey powers like super strength, reflexes, and durability. But he does stand out a little with his teleportation rifts. Then again, Spidey has traveled the multiverse a lot… so maybe it’s not too different.

Iron Man

Tony Stark is one of the most important characters in Marvel. After debuting in 1963’s “Tales of Suspense” issue 39, Iron Man went on to co-found the Avengers and usher in the MCU. While DC already had Stark's mammoth wealth with Batman, Rocket Red shares Stark’s love of armor. Dmitri Pushkin took the Rocket Red Brigade role in 1987’s “Justice League” issue 3, while Gavril Ivanovich inherited it in “Justice League: Generation Lost” issue 4 in 2010. DC answered the question, “What if Iron Man was Russian?” This isn’t the only time DC has replicated ol’ Shell Head. Tin Man of Earth-8, who debuted in 2007, was the president and mirrored Stark in Marvel’s “Civil War” event from 2006 by promoting hero registration.

Sabretooth

We understand that Tracer comes from a group of villains entirely based on Marvel villains called the Extremists, but that doesn’t excuse blatantly copying the design. The long-flowing hair and the blades on his arms still make us think Tracer is just another design for Sabretooth. Credit where credit is due, at least they didn’t completely copy Sabretooth’s backstory. Tracer comes from the planet Angor, which was wiped out by a nuclear explosion. Yeah, that ought to keep him from seeming more like Sabretooth! Oh, and spoiler alert: this won’t be the only member of the Extremists on this list.

Ghost Rider

You know what's really cool? Flaming skull heads! Just look at Ghost Rider! The kickass biker from 1972 is easily recognizable from a crowd with his forever-burning head of hellfire. Does DC have anything like him? Well, their first Atomic Skull, Albert Michaels, was a scientist who looked more like a zombified Doctor Strange. Yet, when Joseph Martin became Atomic Skull in 1991, it was pretty clear where the inspiration for his design came from. Later on, he gives his soul to a demon in exchange for enhanced powers. The similarities just couldn't stop at the flaming skull head…

The Wasp

We could easily just say, “The Wasp came first” and compare bees to wasps, but there’s a little more below the surface. Karen Beecher-Duncan possesses the same kinds of powers as Janet and Nadia van Dyne. Like our favorite Wasps, Bumblebee can fly, shrink herself, and use electrical powers. Despite debuting in 1976 (thirteen years after the Wasp), we put Bumblebee so low on the list because of how her character has managed to become more unique over the years. Yes, she follows the same concept as the Wasp, but that doesn't detract from her interesting story...nor does it keep her from being labeled as a rip-off, unfortunately.

Black Panther

This could not be any less subtle. As the newest entry on our list, Red Lion debuted in 2016, and he's… he’s Black Panther, but Red. He's the permanent leader of an African kingdom, uses razor-sharp claws in combat… yeah, Red Lion doesn't try too hard to deviate from T’Challa in any meaningful way. Well, DC, we suppose it's better to make a clone fifty years later than to never make a clone at all!

Doctor Doom

We told you there would be another Extremists member on the list! To Lord Havok’s credit, the two maniacal geniuses have very different backstories. Lord Havok was originally part of a terrorist group on a parallel Earth while Victor Von Doom was raised by a Latverian nobleman. (You know, normal life!) What makes them so identical is their concept. Both are super intelligent beings who wear suits of silver power armor that enhance and grant them additional superhuman powers. With Doctor Doom debuting in 1962, however, Havok seems nothing more than a copycat.

Deadpool

Comic fans are familiar that Deadpool was a rip-off of DC’s Deathstroke. The similar names alone are striking enough. But after his debut in 1990’s “The New Mutants” issue 98, Wade Wilson carved out an identity of his own as the Merc with a Mouth, becoming a fan fav. With popularity like that, DC has tried to copy a copy. In 2016, after briefly appearing 2 years prior, Red Tool, AKA Wayne Wilkins, arrived in “Harley Quinn” issue 26. The parody character’s unable to feel pain and is a master in using DIY tools as weapons. Even Tool’s speech bubbles resemble Deadpool’s. A more recent addition to the Deadpool DC copycat was Death Masque, who looked like Wade's X-Force version.

Man-Thing

In 1971, DC debuted an antihero called Swamp Thing. A scientist is caught in a chemical blast whose body was dumped in a nearby swamp. He awakens as a creature made of vegetation. Oh, wait, that’s also the backstory for Marvel’s Man-Thing, which debuted just a month earlier than Swamp Thing. Some of Swamp Thing’s abilities are also found in his counterpart, but at least Man-Thing has the power to secrete acid! Oh, but there’s a plot twist here; Man-Thing was a rip-off of another comic book character: The Heap from Hillman Periodicals.

Galactus

What makes Galactus such an intimidating, frightening villain? Aside from his massive size, he’s the devourer of worlds! Now, how could you make that a little lamer? Enter Imperiex, DC’s own Galactus and the destroyer of galaxies... how original! Debuting in 2000 (a whopping thirty-four years after Galactus), Imperiex is a living embodiment of entropy that seeks to destroy the universe in order to create a perfect one. Absurd? Yep. Ridiculous? Oh, absolutely! His design is so visually overwhelming that it's really hard to look at him.

Captain America

Much like Marvel’s numerous attempts at making their own Superman, DC has tried many times to make their own Captain America. Commander Steel premiered in 1978 with a patriotic color scheme to match Steve Rogers. His series only ran for five issues. Then, there's General Glory, whose patriotic values are often used to parody the Captain. Lastly, we have Guardian, who premiered a year after Cap and wields a gold shield. You know, guys, at least General Glory is trying to be the Deadpool to Cap’s Deathstroke.

Namor the Submariner

Namor the Submariner - often referred to as “Marvel’s first mutant” - made his debut in 1939. As a half-human and half-Atlantean, he possesses numerous aquatic abilities, including communicating telepathically with animals. Sounds like a certain king of Atlantis… However, Aquaman is the real copycat here, debuting in 1941, just two years after Namor. As most of us know, he can communicate with underwater animals and wields many aquatic abilities. Guess who ended up becoming the most famous of the two.