Spider-Man and Blue Beetle: Marvel’s Whipping Boy vs DC’s Forgotten Hero
When considering which Marvel character might fit more in DC's universe and vice versa, Spider-Man often stands out as a prime example. Personally, my choice for a character who feels more like a DC character is Spider-Man. However, the reverse is also intriguing. Why? Because while Spider-Man faces a series of setbacks in the Marvel universe, he would feel more at home in DC. Let's delve deeper into this analysis.
Spider-Man in the DC Universe
Spider-Man has been treated like a whipping boy in the Marvel universe, especially since the events of Civil War. Peter Parker has endured a series of demoralizing events, including the break-up of his marriage to Mary Jane Watson with an ill-fated story arc called In the Marvel universe, he seems to always face challenges without much support, which can be demotivating.
Contrast this with the DC universe. If Spider-Man were to join the heroes there, he would likely receive a fresh start. More importantly, he would receive respect and acceptance from the majority of the heroes. This environment is not void of challenges, but it is more supportive and less toxic. In DC, there is a greater sense of camaraderie and mutual respect among the heroes. Spider-Man would still face his share of tribulations, but he wouldn't always have to go it alone. He might even become a member of the Batfamily or join the Spider-Army, which would provide him with a support system and a sense of belonging.
Blue Beetle in the Marvel Universe
On the other side of the coin, Blue Beetle, specifically Jaime Reyes, would be a perfect candidate for the Marvel universe. While I haven't read extensively about Jaime Reyes, the overall vibe he exudes suggests that he would mesh well with the Earth-616 heroes. In the DC universe, he faces challenges such as the Libyan Starforce and is often portrayed as a hero with a troubled past. In the Marvel universe, he could find a more supportive environment, fitting well with the group and possibly even joining the Champions.
Additionally, characters like Ray Palmer (The Ray) would fit well in the Marvel universe. He is an underrated legacy hero and, while not a space cop, shares a similar power set to Nova. His inclusion would add depth and diversity to the Marvel Universe.
Honorable Mentions
The crossover potential extends beyond Spider-Man and Blue Beetle. There are several other characters that could find their footing in different universes:
Ghost Rider: He would fit right in with the DC universe, especially the Justice League Dark. Considering Marvel's recent neglect of this character, a move to DC would be an upgrade for him. He could cause a lot of chaos in Gotham and even fight against Trigon. All of the X-Men: The X-Men would thrive in a DC Universe. They would no longer have to deal with the anti-mutant sentiment and the various mutant threats. Instead, they could be welcomed as heroes and coexist peacefully. Adam Warlock: With DC having other characters based on the Bible and Christianity such as Lucifer, Michael, Demiurgos, and Zauriel, Adam Warlock would fit in nicely due to his many Jesus parallels. Lobo: Imagine the chaos Lobo could cause in the Marvel universe. His unpredictable nature could disrupt the status quo and bring an element of unpredictability. The idea of Marvel Death falling for Lobo or Thanos discovering his presence is intriguing. Static: He would fit in well with the other teen heroes in Marvel, joining the Champions and providing a fresh perspective to the group. The Ray: This underrated legacy hero could bring a new element to the Marvel universe, sharing a similar power set to Nova but with his unique story and background.