I watched Shazam (2019) last night, and it made me realize a big difference between Marvel and DC comic book movies. DC movies are standing on the shoulders of two superheroes: Batman and Superman. Those two disparate boys have legacies that are so indomitable that lesser movies like Shazam have to remind us of them in nearly every iteration. I would argue that Marvel does not have that same problem. Sure, they’ve got A-list and B-list superheroes, but they can at least let their B-listers breathe without constantly reminding you of the existence of Iron Man and the Avengers. 

Even if DC doesn’t appreciate its B-listers, I love them. The Green Lantern will always have the biggest place in my heart, solely based on how lame he is. I will watch Shazam without secretly wishing I was watching Deadpool instead. If you like DC movies good enough but will always prefer Marvel, these Marvel memes might be a better use of your precious time.