Are Marvel and DC Comics the same thing?

No, Marvel and DC Comics are not the same thing. They are two separate and competing comic book companies.

Here's a breakdown:

* Marvel Comics: Founded in 1939 as Timely Comics, Marvel is known for iconic characters like Spider-Man, Iron Man, Captain America, the Hulk, and the X-Men. They have a more "realistic" and relatable tone, focusing on characters with flaws and struggles.

* DC Comics: Founded in 1934 as National Allied Publications, DC Comics is known for characters like Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, and The Flash. They are known for their more "epic" and heroic stories with larger-than-life characters.

While both companies have published a wide variety of stories and characters, they have distinct histories, publishing styles, and overall universes.