There is no universal winner in Marvel vs. DC matchups: the outcome changes with the characters’ versions, the story’s setup and what counts as a win. The clearest event-level answer comes from DC’s account of the 1996 DC Versus Marvel crossover: Marvel received the final verdict after Storm beat Wonder Woman in the last reader-voted bout. That is the outcome of one event, not a definitive ranking of every hero.
What the 1996 DC Versus Marvel event decided
DC describes DC Versus Marvel as a fan-decided battle story built around the question, “Who would win in a fight?” In its November 4, 2024 retrospective, DC says the event featured eleven battles: six with scripted outcomes and five whose winners were decided by comic readers. The scripted bouts were tied three to three, according to DC’s account; the five reader-voted results supplied the event’s final tally. DC’s retrospective and bout-by-bout account is the source for these results.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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DC vs. Marvel Comics | $27.98 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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DC/Marvel: The Cosmic Kiss Caper & Other Stories | $19.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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DC/Marvel Crossover Classics, Vol. II | $22.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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The Marvel/DC Collection: Crossover Classics, Vol. I | $35.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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DC Versus Marvel Omnibus | $110.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| Reader-voted matchup | Winner in DC’s retrospective |
|---|---|
| Superman vs. Hulk | Superman |
| Spider-Man vs. Superboy | Spider-Man |
| Batman vs. Captain America | Batman |
| Wolverine vs. Lobo | Wolverine |
| Wonder Woman vs. Storm | Storm |
Four of those five reader-voted wins went to DC characters, but Storm’s victory over Wonder Woman was the final result and gave Marvel the event verdict in DC’s telling. Treat that as a record of a particular fan-decided crossover, not a neutral contest that settles all possible versions of these characters. DC’s official event page identifies the story as fan-decided and highlights several of its headline matchups.
Why other published fights do not make a universal scorecard
A crossover result answers only the question posed by that story. The characters may be different versions, the encounter may have a special premise, or the action may stop before either side is clearly defeated. Even the same matchup can produce different apparent outcomes in different stories.
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Superman vs. Hulk
DC recounts Superman winning the 1981 encounter. Its account of the 1999 Incredible Hulk Vs. Superman issue is less straightforward: the first half ends with Superman knocked into orbit while Rick Jones calms Hulk. Superman appears to win a rematch, but the defeated Hulk is revealed to be a robot. DC labels that issue a Marvel verdict. Those episodes are distinct story results, not one timeless ruling about who is stronger.
Batman vs. Captain America
DC describes their 1997 meeting as an intense but brief fight between allies who do not initially know one another’s identity. They recognize each other’s moves and shake hands. DC calls the encounter a draw, rather than a decisive win for either character.
Wonder Woman vs. Storm
Storm’s win has a specific scope: she won the final reader-voted fight in the 1996 event. It establishes the result of that event’s vote, not how every version of Storm and Wonder Woman would fare under different conditions.
How to assess a Marvel vs. DC matchup
Before treating a result as evidence for a broader claim, pin down what the story actually compares. A useful reading checklist is:
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- Which versions? Identify the continuity or incarnation of each character; a result involving one version does not automatically apply to all others.
- What conditions? Note the characters’ abilities, gear and vulnerabilities as the comic presents them, plus any special setup or restrictions.
- What kind of encounter? A misunderstanding that turns into an alliance is not the same as a fight intended to settle who prevails.
- What counts as winning? A knockout, retreat, ring-out, objective achieved and reader vote are different outcomes.
- How does it end? Check for interruptions, a draw, a reveal or a reversal before calling the result decisive.
This approach keeps a story’s actual ending separate from fan hypotheticals. Published crossovers show what happened under their particular premises; they do not supply a universal method for comparing every Marvel and DC character.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Where to read the crossovers
For historical matchups, Penguin Random House Retail describes the DC Versus Marvel Omnibus as collecting crossover stories from 1976 through 2000, including Superman vs. The Amazing Spider-Man, Batman/Captain America, Batman/Spider-Man and Incredible Hulk Vs. Superman. Check the current edition and retailer listing before buying. See the omnibus listing from Penguin Random House Retail.
DC’s October 1, 2025 announcement scheduled facsimile reprints of the 1976 Superman vs. The Amazing Spider-Man and 1981 Superman and Spider-Man, followed by new Superman/Spider-Man issues planned for March and April 2026. Those dates reflect the publisher’s announced schedule; the announcement alone does not confirm present stock. Read DC’s 2026 Superman and Spider-Man announcement.
DC also announced DC/Marvel: The Cosmic Kiss Caper & Other Stories, a 224-page hardcover and paperback collection of recent crossover comics, for September 8, 2026. Since that announced date has passed, check a current retailer listing for availability. DC Universe Infinite may be useful for exploring DC comics, but the cited announcement does not establish that these specific cross-publisher issues are included or available in every country. Read DC’s collection announcement.
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