13 Characters Who Are Nearly Identical in DC and the Marvel Cinematic Universes
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There are only so many ideas in the word — just ask the creators behind these eerily similar movies. While there are hundreds of bona fide superheroes gracing the pages of comics as well as big and small screens, some of them may strike you as familiar. Why? Well, there are two major comic book companies: Marvel and DC. Each have their own stable of unique heroes and villains, but every so often, they create characters that are shockingly similar. Sure, it might be by accident, but it could also be because the companies have been in constant competition with each other for decades. Now that there are a handful of DC shows on The CW and a bushel of Marvel movies on the big screen (including the newly released Captain America: Civil War), it's a good time to take a look at a few characters who are undeniably identical.
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DC: The Flash
The Flash's powers are pretty self-explanatory: he moves at the speed of light. Grant Gustin plays the titular hero in The CW's series, and Ezra Miller will portray him in the upcoming Justice League films.
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Marvel: Quicksilver
Quicksilver, played by both Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Evan Peters on the big screen, also has the gift of super speed.
Who was created first? The Flash first appeared in 1956; Quicksilver came later in 1964.
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DC: The Atom
Brandon Routh has portrayed The Atom on both The Flash and DC's Legends of Tomomrrow. Not only does he have an incredibly sophisticated suit of armor, he also has the ability to shrink down. Recently, he's also discovered that he can also increase in size.
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Marvel: Ant-Man and Iron Man
Basically if Ant-Man and Iron Man had a baby, it would be The Atom. Paul Rudd and Robert Downey Jr. play the Marvel heroes in the movies, and they come face to face for the first time in Captain America: Civil War.
Who was created first? The Atom was created in 1961, Ant-Man showed up in 1962, and Iron Man originated in 1963.
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DC: Black Canary
Two characters have taken on Black Canary's crime-fighting duties on Arrow: Laurel (Katie Cassidy) and Sara (Caity Lotz). She doesn't have any crazy abilities, but she does wear a cool black suit and she can kick ass like no one's business.
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Marvel: Black Widow
If you take off Black Canary's mask, you essentially get Black Widow. The character, played by Scarlett Johansson in the Marvel films, is highly intelligent and a natural-born fighter.
Who was created first? Black Canary first appeared in 1947, while Black Widow didn't show up until 1964.
DC: Sand Demon
Sand Demon (played by Kett Turton on The Flash) is a metahuman who has the unique ability to transform into particles of sand.
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Marvel: Sandman
Who would have thought that turning into sand would be a popular superpower? Thomas Haden Church played Sandman, who can turn all or part of his body into sand, in 2007's Spider-Man 3.
Who was created first? Sandman showed up in 1963, while Sand Demon is relatively new, having first appeared in 1986.
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DC: Deathstroke
After volunteering for some dangerous medical experiments, Deathstroke (Manu Bennett on Arrow) becomes virtually indestructible. He's faster and stronger than the average person, and his body is incredibly durable.
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Marvel: Deadpool
Meanwhile, Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds) is also subject to inhumane experiments. They cause his body to be constantly fighting off his cancer, and his physical appearance is altered forever. Like Deathstroke, he's nearly unstoppable, and also like Deathstroke, he's a mercenary.
Who was created first? Deathstroke first appeared in the comics in 1980, while Deadpool came along a decade later in 1990.
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DC: Arrow
Once a billionaire playboy, Oliver Queen (Stephen Amell) is shipwrecked and transforms into Arrow, then later Green Arrow. He's skilled at hand-to-hand combat, but he's known for his way with a bow and arrow.
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Marvel: Hawkeye
Orphaned at a young age, Clint Barton becomes an important part of the Avengers team as Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner), a guy who also loves him some archery.
Who was created first? Arrow dates back to 1941; Hawkeye was created in 1965.