8 Times DC Copied A Marvel Character

Marvel and DC have long stood as two giants in the world of iconic superheroes and villains. Over the years, there have been numerous instances where both companies have drawn inspiration from one another. Characters like Captain America and Superman, or Batman and Iron Man, are prime examples of similarities between the two universes.

However, there are also cases where the parallels seem almost too obvious, as if one character was borrowed from the other. Sometimes, the timing of the characters’ introductions may play a role, while in other instances, the character design, backstory, and even names are dead giveaways. Regardless, the reality remains that both Marvel and DC have, at times, copied elements from each other.

1

Aquaman

Similar To Namor The Sub-Mariner

In 1939, one of Marvel’s earliest characters, Namor the Sub-Mariner, was introduced. Namor is an underrated hero who was a half-human, half-Atlantean hero, possessing superhuman strength and aquatic abilities, including the power to communicate telepathically with sea creatures. Just two years later, DC introduced its own underwater hero, Aquaman, who shared some starting similarities with Namor.

Over time, however, Aquaman’s popularity far surpassed that of Namor, particularly after Jason Momoa’s iconic portrayal of the character in recent films. Nevertheless, it’s important to recognize that Namor was the first to make waves in the spotlight.

2

Red Hood

Similar To Winter Soldier

In 2005, Marvel reintroduced Bucky Barnes as the Winter Soldier, transforming Captain America’s once-optimistic sidekick into a much grittier character with a darker persona and a mechanical arm.

Just a month later, DC brought back Jason Todd, the deceased Robin, as Red Hood, with a similarly dark persona. Both characters were loyal sidekicks who returned from the dead, taking on much darker roles that contrasted sharply with their original selves. While the two characters are not exactly the same, the timing of these events makes it seem too close to be a mere coincidence.

3

Swamp Thing

Similar To Man-Thing

In some cases, the comparisons between characters are not so easy to point out, but in the case of Swamp Thing, the similarities are undeniable. Marvel’s Man-Thing debuted in 1971, and just a month later, DC’s Swamp Thing followed suit.

But that’s just the beginning. Both characters share a similar origin story: a scientist caught in a failed experiment, which transforms them into monstrous creatures made of vegetation. Over time, the two characters diverged in their roles, with Swamp Thing evolving into a symbol of supernatural horror, while Man-Thing became infamous for his ability to secrete a corrosive fluid.

4

Red Lion

Similar To Black Panther

If imitation truly is the sincerest form of flattery, then DC went all-in with Red Lion, who made his debut in 2016—nearly 50 years after Marvel’s Black Panther. Black Panther has become a household name and needs no introduction. He is the ruler of the African nation of Wakanda, equipped with claws and exceptional martial prowess.

However, in 2016, DC introduced their own version of T’Challa. While the character is notably different in appearance, with a red-themed design, the similarities between the two are striking. Both characters share nearly identical storylines and even resemble each other visually.

5

Imperiex

Similar To Galactus

Imperix is arguably one of the worst knock-offs, strikingly similar to Marvel’s cosmic destroyer archetype, Galactus. The main difference between the two is that while Galactus debuted in 1966, Imperiex made his appearance in 2000.

Beyond that, nearly everything else is the same. Galactus is a galactic-level threat who destroys entire galaxies to satisfy his insatiable hunger, while Imperiex is based on the concept of entropy, with nearly identical destructive aims.

6

Atomic Skull

Similar To Ghost Rider

Marvel’s Ghost Rider is a classic character who debuted in 1972 and later received his own show. The character has become an icon, known for his flaming skull head and motorcycle.

Enter Atomic Skull, a character with a name and supernatural origins strikingly similar to Ghost Rider’s. Despite the resemblance in looks and background, Marvel’s Ghost Rider far outshines Atomic Skull, thanks to his iconic imagery and rich mythology.

7

Bumblebee

Similar To The Wasp

Marvel’s The Wasp debuted in the early 1960s as one of the earliest members of the Avengers. As her name suggests, The Wasp possesses the ability to shrink to the size of a wasp, fly, and even fire bio-electric blasts.

However, just a decade later, DC introduced their own version of The Wasp, known as Bumblebee, with a nearly identical set of powers and abilities. Despite the similarities, Bumblebee’s status as the first female superhero in DC and her later inclusion in the Teen Titans helped her develop into a character with her own unique identity, ultimately far surpassing her Marvel counterpart in terms of significance and depth.

8

Tracer

Similar To Sabretooth

DC’s Tracer is essentially a carbon copy of Sabretooth, with an uncanny resemblance that’s hard to ignore. However, the real issue lies in the lack of depth in Tracer’s character. While Sabretooth was carefully crafted with a fierce legacy as Wolverine’s arch-nemesis, Tracer was introduced as an alien, but without the same level of development, which makes their similarities seem almost embarrassing.

Marvel’s X-Men universe relies heavily on Sabretooth’s pivotal role in shaping its narrative, a depth that Tracer entirely lacks. In the end, while Tracer’s design clearly draws inspiration from Sabretooth, the character falls far short in comparison.