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Slugfest

304 pages, 2017

arts & entertainment

arts & entertainment

401 books
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THEY ARE THE TWO TITANS OF THE COMIC BOOK INDUSTRY--the Coke and Pepsi of superheroes--and for more than 50 years, Marvel and DC have been locked in an epic battle for spandex supremacy. At stake is not just sales, but cultural relevancy and the hearts of millions of fans.

To many partisans, Marvel is now on top. But for much of the early 20th century, it was DC that was the undisputed leader, having launched the American superhero genre with the 1938 publication of Joe Shuster and Jerry Siegel's Superman strip. DC's titles sold millions of copies every year, and its iconic characters were familiar to nearly everyone in America. Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman -- DC had them all.

And then in 1961, an upstart company came out of nowhere to smack mighty DC in the chops. With the publication of Fantastic Four #1, Marvel changed the way superheroes' stories were done. Writer-editor Stan Lee, artists Jack Kirby, and the talented Marvel bullpen subsequently unleashed a string of dazzling new creations, including the Avengers, Hulk, Spider-Man, the X-Men, and Iron Man.

Marvel's rise forever split fandom into two opposing tribes. Suddenly the most telling question you could ask a superhero lover became "Marvel or DC?"

Slugfest, the first book to chronicle the history of this epic rivalry into a single, in-depth narrative, is the story of the greatest corporate rivalry never told. Complete with interviews with the major names in the industry, Slugfest reveals the arsenal of schemes the two companies have employed in their attempts to outmaneuver the competition, whether it be stealing ideas, poaching employees, planting spies, or launching price wars.

The feud has never completely disappeared, and it simmers on a low boil to this day. With DC and Marvel characters becoming global icons worth billions, if anything, the stakes are higher now than ever before.

The Rivalry Between Marvel and DC

In Slugfest, Reed Tucker explores the intense rivalry between Marvel and DC, the two giants of the comic book industry. He takes us on a journey through their history, revealing how competition has shaped their stories and characters.

Impact of Cultural and Social Changes

Tucker shows how these comic book companies have responded to cultural and social changes over the decades. From the civil rights movement to the rise of digital media, you'll see how these events influenced the stories and characters we love.

Behind the Scenes Drama

Slugfest gives you a peek behind the curtain, revealing the drama and power struggles that took place behind the scenes. From lawsuits to creative differences, you'll get a new perspective on the comic book industry.

Evolution of Comic Book Industry

Reed Tucker takes a deep look into the evolution of the comic book industry. From humble beginnings to blockbuster movies, you'll see how Marvel and DC have grown and adapted over the years.

Influence of Key Individuals

In Slugfest, you'll find out about the key individuals who shaped Marvel and DC. From Stan Lee to Jack Kirby, these influential figures left a lasting impact on the comic book industry.

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