Sharing is Caring

Marvel invented the modern conception of a shared universe.

True, Superman and Batman always liked to team up, but the built-in interconnectivity of the Marvel Universe was a huge deal at the time. And it created a very different universe for Marvel to play in. Pretty much all DC villains, for instance, are tied to specific heroes for the most part. While Marvel’s famous foes are pretty free-wheeling.

For example, Dr. Doom has regularly fought the Fantastic Four, the Avengers, Doctor Strange, and Spider-Man, and that’s just off the top of my head. The Marvel Universe was built in one city; everything is New York. The DC Universe is spread across the whole United States. Gotham is built for Batman. Metropolis is designed for Superman.

Yeah, Superman visits Gotham and Batman does business in Metropolis, but they mostly stick to their own turf, with exceptions. The Marvel Universe is made to be shared. The DC Universe is a series of pockets.