Since comic book superheroes were first introduced, children have been asking the age-old question: which one of their favorite heroes would win in a fight? The debates get even more heated when the characters in question belong to two separate companies – namely Marvel Comics and DC Comics.
Fortunately, the companies picked up on this and put out some very entertaining crossover comics over the last few decades that pitted Spider-Man, the Hulk, and Wolverine against Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, and many more.
Related: Marvel vs. DC: The Amalgam Crossover Heroes Explained
For those who want to fully immerse themselves in the pop culture goodness of crossover battles, the following collections offer the best graphic novels for Marvel and DC fights. Be warned – the action level gets pretty intense.
The Marvel/DC Collection: Crossover Classics, Vol. 1
Containing crossovers from the late 1970s and early 1980s, The Marvel/DC Collection: Crossover Classics, Vol. 1 delves into Marvel and DC Comics first major crossover clash between its flagship heroes Superman and Spider-Man. While the battle may have seemed terribly one-sided at first, Spidey fans should know that the webslinger did get several good punches in during the actual fight thanks to some unexpected help.
The collection also contains an even more (apparently) one-sided battle between Batman and the Incredible Hulk which actually answers the question, which is more useful in a fight – brains or brawn? Joker fans should also know the comic features one of the Clown Prince of Crime’s more cosmic level adventures with Marvel’s Shaper of Worlds.
Meanwhile, the third offering, The X-Men and the Teen Titans, provides a hidden gem among crossovers as the second-generation X-Men and Teen Titans (led by Dick Grayson’s Robin) team up in a creative follow-up to the Dark Phoenix Saga. Surprisingly, the teams end up setting aside their differences and teaming up earlier than expected, and the story is all the better for it.
DC/Marvel Crossover Classics, Vol. II
The 1990s were actually a great time from crossovers, and DC/Marvel Crossover Classics, Vol. II showcases this with two team-ups between Marvel’s Punisher and DC’s Batman (including one featuring Jean-Paul Valley/Azrael’s more violent Dark Knight from “Knightfall”). Superman also gets a sparring partner who’s more in his league in the Silver Surfer/Superman crossover, while Batman/Captain America proves the most creative entry as it teams up the Dark Knight and the Sentinel of Liberty during World War II!
DC Vs. Marvel: Showdown of the Century
Ever wonder just how Marvel and DC crossovers actually happen? While this is probably the last concern on most fanboys’ minds, DC Vs. Marvel: Showdown of the Century answers this question anyway by revealing the universes are also represented by two cosmic beings that want to determine which of their universes has a greater right to live.
Naturally this means one thing – plenty of fights between the universes’ champions! With the actual outcomes decided by reader votes, this collection is a must-read for anyone who’s ever wanted to see matches between the Incredible Hulk and Superman, Flash and Quicksilver, Wonder Woman and the X-Men’s Storm, and many others. The comic also contains many other short blink-and-you’ll-miss-them duels (the Captain America vs. Bane is one highlight) and even includes the debut of the popular Amalgam Universe! While crossovers seem to have cooled off a bit since the 1990s, more could be on the way as both DC Comics and Marvel Comics have indicated a desire to team up their heroes once again (after they get a chance to beat the tar out of each other, of course).
Next: Marvel & DC Comics’ Crossover Could Start By Breaking [SPOILER]