Buzz
The debate over whether Marvel or DC reigns supreme has sparked endless discussions, from schoolyards to online forums. Thanks to USDish.com, this map offers a data-driven answer. Using Google Trends, it reveals each state’s preferred comic publisher and even highlights the most popular superhero in every region (shoutout to Indiana for its love of Martian Manhunter).
The map reveals Marvel as the top choice in 37 states, while DC claims victory in eight, with five states evenly split. The competition was tight, with states like Mississippi, Iowa, and Pennsylvania showing only a one-point difference. Interestingly, a state’s overall preference doesn’t always align with its favorite hero—Hawaii leans Marvel but adores Aquaman, while DC-favored Maryland has a soft spot for Black Panther (likely influenced by his upcoming film). Check out the standout state preferences below:
How did Marvel dominate so many states despite DC’s extensive TV and movie presence? Dr. Andrew Selepak, a professor and social media expert at the University of Florida, attributes this to Marvel’s rich storytelling and character depth, which resonate deeply with audiences.
“Superman and Batman may stand as iconic figures,” Selepak noted, “but the DC Universe struggles to introduce other widely recognized heroes or villains. When these characters appear in films or TV shows, they often fail to resonate with audiences.” In contrast, Marvel consistently introduces new heroes across both cinema and television, keeping their universe fresh and engaging.
Does this map provide the full picture? That’s debatable. In terms of comic sales, DC and Marvel are neck and neck: In January 2018, DC claimed six of the top 10 best-selling comics, including four of the top five. Marvel secured three spots, while Image Comics rounded out the list with The Walking Dead. However, Marvel narrowly led in overall retail market share, holding 34.3 percent compared to DC’s 33.8 percent.
This rivalry has been ongoing since the 1960s, and in an industry built on the timeless clash between good and evil, the Marvel vs. DC debate is unlikely to be resolved anytime soon.
