Contrary to popular belief, it is possible to be a fan of both Marvel and DC comics. Sure, some people may have a larger affinity towards a particular brand of superheroes but they can still find enjoyment in all types of heroic stories despite of what logo is presented on the cover of a comic book or film/TV series. And besides, even though the Marvel vs DC battle always existed, there was always a sense of friendly competition from the brands both on the printed page and on the silver screen.
James Gunn, director of Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy and the upcoming sequel Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is a pure comic book fan through-in-through, and has grown up reading characters from both Marvel and DC. In fact, Gunn was offered opportunities to direct DC films in the past.
Gunn is one of the most prominent superhero filmmakers on social media, and recently responded to fans on Twitter in regards to a report that Guardians of the Galaxy is the deadliest film of all-time. One of the fans responded to Gunn and mentioned Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel, citing how that film is constantly criticized for all the death and destruction in Metropolis during the film’s climactic battle. Gunn subsequently responded to that tweet:
It’s criticized for Supes’ lack of empathy about the deaths. The Nova Corps dies to save the lives of its citizens.
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) October 4, 2016
Another user responded to Gunn, bringing up Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice – particularly the film’s finale where Superman sacrifices himself in the final battle with Doomsday. Gunn replied to that tweet as well, having been asked about the criticisms of Man of Steel rather than Batman v Superman.
That’s a different movie than I was asked about. And I’m not the one who was giving the criticism.
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) October 4, 2016
Another fan questioned whether or not Gunn has seen either Man of Steel or Batman v Superman, perhaps believing the notion that the director is simply repeating the same criticisms that many others have had about the films. In actuality, Gunn has seen Man of Steel and even enjoyed it.
I’ve seen and enjoyed MoS. I just read the articles about the criticisms.
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) October 5, 2016
Gunn soon followed up from these tweets, expressing that contrary to what many comic book fans believe, just because he’s directing movies for Marvel Studios does not negate him from having a love for comic book characters/stories from both Marvel and DC:
no problem. Love D.C always.
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) October 5, 2016
This isn’t the first time Gunn has expressed love and excitement for DC properties. In fact, he recently engaged in a warm and friendly Twitter conversation with Wonder Woman director Patty Jenkins, expressing his excitement for her upcoming film.
Gunn is a prime example of someone who truly loves the world of comics, even directing another superhero film (Super) before he signed on to work with Marvel. It is nice moments like this that should tell fans that it’s okay to prefer a certain brand of characters to another, but that should not negate them from enjoying other comic book stories. Both Marvel and DC have incredible characters that epitomize the hero we all should aspire to be. They all provide colorful stories and have entertained millions of readers/audiences from generation to generation. Besides, when it comes to both the MCU and the DCEU producing new films featuring our favorite heroes and villains, the real winners in this competition are the fans.
Source: Twitter
