by D. Kearney Sparano

Created on: May 18, 2009   Last Updated: May 19, 2009

I've devoted a good portion of my life to comic books. I am an avid reader of many titles both DC and Marvel; however,I have always leaned a little more toward Marvel. In another article, I discussed the major difference between the universes. Marvel is squarely founded in the idea of science. Not necessarily accurate science, but there always seems to be a fantastic scientific explanation for the things that happen in the Marvel universe.

A common theme in Marvel is the scientific accident. At the heart of a majority of Marvels characters is some kind of force, greater then the individual(s), imbuing the character with powers; no greater is there an example of this than Spider-man, the ultimate everyman, given extraordinary powers. Similar to him there is Daredevil, who loses his sight to toxic sewage but gains extraordinary sense to compensate. Also there are mutants, an entire group of people with powers due to genetic mutation.

There origins, as well as many other Marvel characters always gave me more of a sense of connection to the characters. These characters were everyday people thrown into extraordinary circumstances; Peter Parker is a middle class teenager from Queens when he gets his powers. He is awkward and geeky. A character every person can relate to in their life. The same could be said of mutants, a sub-group of people that develop powers typically due to an emotional experience in adolescence. What person cannot identify with that situation?

I actually felt more akin to Marvel growing up then I did DC. DC's characters don't come across as easily relatable. I am not the last survivor of a planet or a rich orphan. DC's characters serve more as ideals, what human being can aspire too. Marvel characters though are much more grounded in the commonality of human experience. I was the geeky outsider. Growing up as a Marvel reader I understood this subconsciously. That is why I began with Spider-man and the X-men. It was not until I got older, into my teens that I looked to DC.

Relate-ability is how I reflect on growing up as a marvel reader. Being persecuted by your peers is something almost every person can relate to at some point in their life. Having fate upset your plans and put you on a different path is common to everyone. Rising above crushing odds and making your life matter is the hope of all. These were the stories I read while growing up a Marvel reader.

Learn more about this author, D. Kearney Sparano.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.