***

I guess it’s also worth mentioning that you did leave out some of the truly overpowered Marvel characters – Jean Grey as Phoenix, Professor Xavier, Magneto (wasn’t always a villain)… these folks tended to avoid using their full potentials because they had other stuff that was personally more important. I mean, Phoenix had universe-destroying-level power (kinda ate a start system once) and Professor X had mind control and could apparently just up and psionically rip the sentience out of people if they pissed him off (as long as they weren’t wearing helmets…)

This is one of the reasons Wolverine came out as disproportionately influential in little battles here and there. He was simply more willing to USE the power that he had for all it was worth without being particularly afraid of consequences. His viciousness alone was an advantage he held over the others on a day to day basis, but it’s not going to take him far in a bracketed superhero face-off. Magneto just tore him apart when it mattered…

It’s a lot like the NBA – hustle-based teams do well in the regular season (when not everyone gives a darn), but don’t win in the playoffs because by then, even Tim freaking Thomas is diving for loose balls.

So maybe the Marvel-DC imbalance isn’t as crazily out of balance as it seemed… it’s just that the overpowered Marvel folks aren’t usually the main protagonists or have reasons why they don’t use everything they’ve got going for them.

Also knowing the names of 2 authors does not make me a nerd. My weekly Table top role-playing game makes me a nerd.

Green Lantern vs. the Beatles?

Beatles win with their ace in the hole Yellow Submarine. (not to be confused with our acehole. Here’s a clue for you all… the acehole was Paul)

Peace & SUPER love

Ringo