Firestorm is the greatest Marvel character DC ever produced. Confused? Let me explain…
There are certain traits one expects from characters produced by Marvel Comics, and certain traits one can expect from a character created by DC Comics. One particular web page suggests that DC characters are designed with an eye towards perfection, whereas Marvel characters are designed with an eye towards being relatable. Superman and Batman are near perfect characters that don’t typically suffer from psychological issues that impair their effectiveness as a superhero. However, Marvel characters are constantly doubting their decisions and actions. The site goes on to explain that DC characters’ weaknesses are typically external, whereas Marvel characters’ weaknesses are usually internal. Examples of DC’s external weaknesses include Superman/Kryptonite and Green Lantern/the color yellow. Marvel examples of internal weaknesses include Hulk/intelligence and Iron Man/alcoholism.
Using those criteria, Firestorm as he was created in 1978 definitely comes down on the side of relatable rather than perfection. And while Firestorm does have the external weakness of being unable to affect organic material, the challenges surrounding his dual identity outweigh any external weakness.
Some other Marvel superhero characteristics typical of the Silver and Bronze Ages include:
- An origin featuring accidental exposure to radiation (Spider-Man, Fantastic Four, Hulk) – CHECK!
- Teenage hero with lots of angsty subplots (Spider-Man, Nova, Rick Jones of Captain Marvel) – CHECK!
- A hero that cracks jokes during combat (Spider-Man and Beast) – CHECK!
- Outlandish appearance that prevents them from passing for “normal” (Thing, Ghost Rider, and Beast) – CHECK!
Hopefully now you can understand why Firestorm is the greatest Marvel character DC ever created! Apparently I’m not the only one who feels this way – the “Seven Hells” blog posted a similar analysis a while back. While Firestorm may be built like a Marvel character, we’re happy to keep him in the DC Universe.
Support Firestorm! Fan the flame!
Jim’s Big Ego did a song called the Ballad of Barry Allen that demonstrates how easy it is to turn a DC character into a Marvel character. They present an alternate Flash who can’t turn off his powers, making him one of the most powerful beings in the universe as well as one of the most tragic.
You forgot one Marvelism:
Lives in a real city (Pittsburgh). CHECK