Nananananana— BATMAN…Would win in a fight against Captain America…. right?

That’s right. There’s a battle going down in the comic world: DC Comics versus Marvel. Time to see whose cape is prettier.

DC Comics is the not-so-obvious winner—it’s given the world its original superheroes. DC Comics boasts the classic, traditional superheroes. You know, the ones you think of when someone says “superhero.” That flying, super buff guy or girl with the fluttering cape and outstretched fists, soaring over a crowd of grateful cheering people into the skyline.

“DC Comics started the “Silver Age” of comics, creating the iconic superheroes that everyone knows,” junior Juli Malacane said. “Their superheroes are timeless, as are their stories.”

No matter what anyone says, DC must be doing something right, seeing as the words “Batman” or “Superman” prompt an immediate response of “I am Batman” in a deep, growly voice, or “It’s a bird, it’s a plane…it’s Superman!”

When someone says “Avengers,” there’s silence for a minute while everyone racks their brains for a theme song or slogan. Sorry, guys. There isn’t one.

Now, no one can judge a battle between two huge comic franchises without splitting them up into comic books and films. Each category is a huge part of the franchise’s name, even though they may be at odds with one another.

According to AP Psychology teacher Jared Pulliam, the difference between any comic and its movie is like the “difference between a book and its film adaptation.”

The way a person imagines the characters in their heads will always be different from what the screen has to offer. Or in some cases, it won’t, and the movie will be en pointe.

But in general, comic books are still a happening thing. Faith in humanity and nerddom restored. Yes, there are still comic stores, with their sought-after comic books and graphic novels. In fact, DC Comics covers both.

Whereas comics are widely accepted as an adolescent to young adult pastime, grown adults might find themselves getting some strange sideglances if they’ve got a Superman comic book cracked open at work.

Not to worry —DC Comics provides a more mature alternative to comic books with its graphic novels that are considered legitimate literary works. DC Comics is behind The Watchmen, which is on the New York Times list of the Top 100 Books. That’s right, books.

DC Comics: making nerdy habits acceptable in this mean old world since 1934. Your move, Marvel.

But the substance within those glossy covers is what actually attracts comic lovers of all ages. The characters are beloved and timeless; the Justice League of America has been around since our parents were kids, and it seems like they haven’t aged a day.

“DC Comics superheroes are godlike, invincible, and always role models for all,” Malacane said.

Marvel fans like to tout that DC Comics give their characters too much of a divine status.

According to Pulliam, it’s hard to relate to DC superheroes like Superman because they’re “too perfect, and they hardly ever have conflicts that normal people go through.”

It seems rational, except the whole idea behind superheroes is that they’re supernatural—they’ve got abilities and qualities ordinary people don’t have. However, this can only apply when the multi-colored Spandex uniforms are on. When they aren’t, DC superheroes do have a human side.

Marvel-lovers have missed the Batmobile on this one. In the DC Comics universe, superheroes who actually have part-time human lives keep their identities a secret. The result? Bruce Wayne and Clark Kent are actually living the struggle. (OK, maybe not Bruce Wayne so much.) But they have conflicted, messed up lives—it all just disappears when they get a distress call.

And let’s be real here—people would much rather have a flawless godlike figure saving the world than a troubled human who’s bound to make multiple mistakes.

“DC Comics supers can stand up for themselves, whereas Marvel characters have to deal with more personal problems,” junior Liz Humphries said. “This means that they hesitate and sometimes could end up failing.”

But comic franchises aren’t all about the comic books—most people are more familiar with the films. DC Comics is widely known for its high-grossing films—the Batman and Superman series, which honestly don’t have much wrong with them at all.

“The Dark Knight was a great movie because of both the extraordinary special effects and the phenomenal acting by Heath Ledger, who exceeded my expectations when depicting the Joker,” Malacane said.

Basically, this showdown has strong contenders, both with bright futures and admirable pasts. But the jury has spoken and the verdict’s out: Marvel is ahead of the game in the film universe, but DC Comics comics come out on top.