“Is Spiderman DC or Marvel?”
It seems like an awfully ridiculous question to ask, especially with the overwhelming popularity of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, asking whether Spiderman is also part of DC Comics is warranted.
In this article, we’ll answer the question of whether the Amazing Spider-Man truly belongs to Marvel Comics or is owned by both DC and Marvel.
Is Spiderman From Marvel or DC?
It can’t be denied that Marvel and DC have many similar characters. From Slade Wilson (a.k.a. Deathstroke) and Wade Wilson (a.k.a. Deadpool) to Superman and Hyperion, and even Wonder Woman and Power Princess.
With that also comes a DC version of Spider-Man (a.k.a one of the most loved characters).
Stan Lee and Steve Ditko created Spider-Man’s character during the Silver Age of comics in 1962.
Following the success and sales figures from the Fantastic Four and X-Men, Stan Lee crafted Peter Parker, a teenager bitten by a radioactive spider that turned him into Spider-Man. He is a Marvel superhero. Here's how to watch the Marvel movies in order.
Why Spiderman Is Still A Marvel Character
Ever since the comic era up to today’s big screen performances, Spider-Man has always been one of Marvel’s superheroes, along with Thor and Hulk. He appeared first in the Amazing Fantasy #15 and has consistently been a staple in the Marvel comics since.
There are iterations or similar variants of Spider-Man within the DC universe, like Tarantula. In the comics, this superhero is also proficient in fighting and disguise.
He can perform Spider-Man swings too via his webgun, but the DC hero uses suction cups to walk along walls.
Read: Top Spiderman Gifts For Adults
Does Marvel Own The Character?
MCU owns Spider-Man, but the 90s was a rough era for any superhero comic book. While they technically own the web-slinger, they had to sell the rights to Spidey to Sony [1].
Even before the popularity of the Avengers, Sony managed to create two iterations of Spider-Man:
- Spiderman 1-3 with Tobey Maguire (2002-2007)
- The Amazing Spider-Man 1 and 2 with Andrew Garfield (2012-2014)
The creation of both teenage superheroes saved the comic book company from its impending death.
In 2015, Marvel, Sony, and Disney collaborated to integrate friendly neighborhood crime-fighting superhero into the MCU. Then enter the new character in Captain America: Civil War. Look for the best Marvel movies here.
Why People Think It’s Related To DC
DC and Marvel have been at it since the very beginning, but at one point, both worked together to produce DC Versus Marvel #1 in 1996. In this miniseries, we witnessed DC Comics characters clash with Marvel heroes, like Wally West defeating Quicksilver.
The collab between Marvel and DC may be the idea causing the confusion why some believe Spider-Man is from DC Comics.
The miniseries set the stage for Marvel and DC to develop a publishing imprint called Amalgam Comics, where an “amalgamation” of characters occurred. For instance, Wolverine and Batman were combined to create The Dark Claw.
In this fantasy world, Spider-Man (Marvel) was amalgamated with Superboy (DC Comics) to form Spider-Boy (Amalgam Comics).
Check out our favorite Spiderman toys here.
Who Really Owns The Character
Spider-Man/Peter Parker is a full-fledged Stan Lee-owned Marvel hero. It just so happens that the rights to him, like Hulk and the other Avengers, are currently owned by Marvel. That’s why we have an MCU Spider-Man portrayed by Tom Holland.
While DC has nothing to do with Spider-Man, one superhero is owned by both DC and Marvel - Access (Axel Asher) who can traverse both Marvel and DC Universe. If DC does well with their public image, we guess we’ll see Access link the Justice League of America with the Avengers and X-Men.
Read: Recommended Spiderman Gift Ideas
Is There A DC-Owned Spiderman Version?
While there is a DC comics version of Spider-Man, John Law’s Tarantula was not exactly a carbon copy of Spider-Man. Marvel and DC are known to poke fun at each other regarding comic book characters, but Young Justice teased at a web-slinging Spiderling in Young Justice #12 [2].
To answer the question, many believe Nightwing or Dick Grayson from Batman is DC’s direct equivalent of Spider-Man in terms of personality. But how many Spiderman movies are there?
FAQs
Is Spider-Man inspired by DC’s Tarantula character?
There’s no story that says Tarantula inspired Stan Lee as he was crafting Spider-Man. According to Stan, he took inspiration from a fly crawling on a wall.
Marvel and DC are known to inspire one another’s Supes in their comic books. Ask any casual comic fan, and they’ll say Spider-Man is the first spider-inspired wallcrawler. However, a die-hard comic fan will know it’s Tarantula.
Who is the equivalent of Spider-Man in the DC Universe?
To date, there are no direct equivalents of Spider-Man in DC Comics. While there are iterations similar to Marvel Comics’ wallcrawler, they’re hardly “equivalents.” One example is John Law or Tarantula, a crime novelist by day and vigilante at night. Another is Black Spider, who is a mercenary under the League of Assassins.
Final Verdict
Whether inspired by DC or not, it’s undeniable that Spider-Man is unlike any other. From his skills to his funny quips, it’s no surprise many kids and adults appreciate the creation of this persona. Spider-Man is of Marvel, despite variants and amalgamations appearing from the other side of the spectrum.
If you’re looking for Spider-Man merchandise, it’s best to buy from official retailers like Toynk.
References:
1. https://comicbook.com/marvel/news/how-the-hell-did-sony-get-spider-mans-movie-rights-anyway/
2. https://screenrant.com/marvel-spiderman-dc-comics-version/
