I watched Shazam (2019) for the first time recently, and it made me realize the 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 such indomitable legacies 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 well enough but will always prefer Marvel, these Marvel memes might be a better use of your precious time.