Why DC Did Not Create the Squadron Supreme Like Marvel Copied the Justice League

The creation of the Squadron Supreme by Marvel in the 1970s is often seen as a direct response to the rising popularity of the Justice League, a flagship team from DC Comics. However, several factors point to why DC chose not to directly emulate the Avengers, Marvel's successful team.

Established Characters

By the time the Avengers were introduced in 1963, Marvel had already established a rich universe with individual superheroes. DC, too, had an extensive roster of well-known heroes. Instead of creating a direct counterpart to the Avengers, DC focused on developing their unique storylines and characters, a strategy that served them well and differentiated them from Marvel.

Creative Direction

DC's approach to its characters often emphasized a more mythic and archetypal storytelling style. This was in stark contrast to Marvel's heroes, who were portrayed as more flawed and relatable. This difference in tone and style influenced how each company approached team dynamics and character interactions. While Marvel might have seen the Avengers as a way to solidify their brand, DC chose to continue crafting stories that resonated with their audience in a distinct and authentic manner.

Market Strategy

After the success of the Justice League, DC continued to focus on its flagship character stories while exploring different team dynamics through various groups such as the Teen Titans or the Outsiders. They might have felt that duplicating a successful Marvel concept like the Avengers would not align with their brand identity. DC recognized the importance of maintaining its own unique market position, a strategy that has been consistently successful over the years.

Ownership of Concepts

The Squadron Supreme was crafted by Marvel as a means to explore themes and characters similar to those in the Justice League. DC, being precautionary, might have been cautious about creating a team that could be perceived as a direct knockoff of Marvel's Avengers. Legal or branding issues could arise from such duplication, and DC might have avoided potential pitfalls by sticking to their own brand.

Furthermore, the comic book industry in the 1970s was highly competitive. Each company sought to carve out its own niche rather than simply copying the successful formulas of others. This competitive environment encouraged innovation and creativity, allowing each to stand out on its own merits.

Historical Context

The timing of comic book publishing and the creative decisions made by writers and editors played a significant role in these choices. The Squadron Supreme was indeed created as a Marvel reflection of the Justice League, but the narrative and thematic scope of DC's approach were driven by their strategic focus on character development, storytelling style, and market positioning.

In summary, while the Squadron Supreme served as a way for Marvel to explore themes and characters similar to those in the Justice League, DC's strategic focus on character development, creative storytelling, and market positioning led them to pursue different creative avenues rather than directly emulating the Avengers.