When it comes to comics, Marvel and DC are two of the most notable names in the entire industry. With characters like Superman, Batman, Spider-Man, The Punisher, and many others, the two publishers have been churning out content since before World War II. In fact, several of their main characters were created during World War II as propaganda. The first issue of Captain America featured the titular hero knocking Adolf Hitler out on the cover, something that was highly controversial at the time if you can imagine that.
While both companies have been around for a good chunk of time, they have only ever combined forces to tell stories a handful of times. The first time they ever shared the pages together was in 1976 with the publication of Superman vs. The Amazing Spider-Man. That comic would set off a lasting legacy that is still being defined to this day because for the first time ever, readers can now get their hands on two special collected books featuring every story told with Marvel and DC characters on the same page.
The first omnibus is DC vs. Marvel and it contains the following works. Batman/Captain America #1, Batman/Daredevil #1, Batman/Punisher: Lake of Fire #1, Batman/Spider-Man #1, Daredevil/Batman #1, DC Special Series #27, Darkseid vs. Galactus: The Hunger #1, Green Lantern/Silver Surfer: Unholy Alliances #1, Incredible Hulk vs. Superman #1, Marvel and DC Present Featuring the Uncanny X-Men and the New Teen Titans #1, Marvel Treasury Edition #28, Punisher/Batman: Deadly Knights #1, Silver Surfer/Superman #1, Spider-Man and Batman #1, Superman vs. the Amazing Spider-Man #1, and Superman/Fantastic Four #1.
That omnibus is available for purchase now and I was lucky enough to get my hands on a review copy for BSO. I’m here to tell you that these collected works will be the definitive way to read these comics. Every feature that was in those comics can be found in these collected works, printed in stunning color and detail. Once these books sell out, they will not be able to be purchased again as this is a one-time deal for reprinting these works. Those who have worked in the industry know there is quite a bit that goes into these agreements and they often have limited periods during which they can be sold before going back into the proverbial vault.
The second omnibus will be out before Christmas and that omnibus features the actual DC vs. Marvel event in addition to the Amalgam Age of Comics series that were put out following those books. If you’re the uninitiated, Amalgam Age of Comics books are one-shots featuring characters that blend a DC character and a Marvel character into one hero with both qualities. For instance, Batman and Wolverine combine to make Dark Claw. Ororo Monroe (Storm) and Diana Prince combine to make Amazon. Dr. Strange and Dr. Fate combine to make Dr. Strangefate and so on.
The second omnibus is titled DC/Marvel: The Amalgam Age Omnibus and contains the following works: DC Versus Marvel #1-4, DC/Marvel: All Access #1-4, Unlimited Access #1-4, Bat-Thing #1, Bruce Wayne: Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. #1, Bullets and Bracelets #1, Challengers of the Fantastic #1, Doctor Strangefate #1, Iron Lantern #1, Legends of the Dark Claw #1, Lobo the Duck #1, Speed Demon #1, Spider-Boy #1, Super Soldier #1, Thorion of the New Asgods #1, X-Patrol #1, and more, plus a treasure trove of behind-the-scenes material.
If you’re a fan of comic history or simply just a fan of either of the two major publishers, there’s really no reason for you not to own these titles. They’re going to be an essential part of anyone’s collections and they will not be available for long. As these books require the collaboration and approval of two different publishers, they’re subject to different agreements and I was informed by someone in the publishing industry that as soon as these books are sold out, that’s it. There will not be a second printing.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to own a collection of these works all in one place. I am extremely fortunate to have received this review copy and cannot recommend it enough. I’ve been plowing through it today and enjoying the stories they print in the back explaining how some of this came together. I may not be as big of a fan of DC as I am of Marvel, but I have a deep appreciation for how both companies have shaped the landscape of American mythology.
The Greeks had Zeus and Olympus. The Canaanites had El and Asherah. The Akkadians had Sargon and the Americans had Captain America. The hero of a thousand faces continues its amazing tradition in the works of these amazing publishers. If you have the chance to run out to your local comic book store and buy this omnibus, I cannot recommend you do so enough because once they’re gone, they’re gone.
BSO Review: 10-of-10
