Every fanboy and fangirl has had this discussion at one point or the other. What is better DC or Marvel? This may seem like such a trivial matter but for legions of comic book fans this has been a long and drawn out war. Just ask any fan and you'll find that despite the seeming goodwill between both camps there are still some deeply held convictions that neither camp will give up.

The debate of course isn't really a matter of the quality of the comics on either Marvel or DC. Let's face it both publishers have practically the same writers and artists working for them. This debate all boils down to the fans themselves. Mostly it's how quickly comic book fans quickly segregate themselves into the two camps. There's something deeply satisfying in identifying with one universe and taunting the other fans that your chosen universe is way better than theirs. It's a game comic book fanboys and fangirls like to play. If the uninitiated among you ask if there has been any bloodshed over this let's just say that if insults were deadly weapons the forums over the Internet would be chock full of bodies by now.

What it really boils down to is that most fans closely identify with certain qualities that DC and Marvel espouse. This may not be as evident these days with the ideas crossing over and writers and artists doing work for both publishers, but back then you could clearly see a divide between DC and Marvel.

Marvel has always been about showing the humanity behind the heroics. The characters of Marvel were always more accessible like the wise cracking Spiderman or back then the group of adolescent X-men. DC was always more rigid in it's portrayal of their heroes. Batman and Superman were both icons and they epitomized the anti-hero and all-American boy scout respectively. Nothing seemed to daunt the heroes of DC while the folks over at Marvel got beaten up but still managed to beat the odds. DC is your classic superhero complete with capes and secret lairs while Marvel had ordinary joes with extraordinary powers.

Most fans seem to be loyal to the comics they grew up with. If you identified with Batman when you were growing up why would they even like the goofy Spidey? Fans would approach the DC heroes with reverence but would pal around with the Avengers. It really is a matter of taste and how the stories would inspire you. Those over at the DC camp like that their heroes are so extraordinary. It gives them something to live up to. While over at the Marvel side the heroes' failings and humanity resonated with them more. Reading about how Spiderman overcame terrible odds and still manage to come away with a joke is more realistic and well human.

In the end there's no way that this debate will ever be won by one side. There's too much emotional string attached that fans will never agree on one point. Besides why even choose? DC or Marvel? The answer is both!