MCU vs DCU Multiverse: What’s the actual difference?

Variant Villains, Reality Keepers, and Incursions

Kang the Conqueror, the primary antagonist of MCU’s Multiverse Saga, presents a new spin on the variant concept. The Council of Kangs, introduced in Phase 5’s Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, is an assembly of numerous Kang variants, each created due to Kang’s time-traveling endeavors.

In addition to multiverse-dwelling villains, the MCU also features teams like Earth-838’s Illuminati and the Guardians of the Multiverse tasked with keeping an eye on the stability of the multiverse, a concept not yet present in DC’s multiverse.

The concept of incursions is another innovative feature introduced by the MCU. Incursions occur when universes collide, leading to the potential destruction of one or more realities. This major plot point, set to play out in Avengers: Secret Wars, could pose a significant threat to the MCU’s stability. So far, such a concept remains unexplored within the DC Universe.

Vastness of the Multiverses

Although the MCU’s multiverse rules and definitions are more detailed, it doesn’t necessarily mean one interpretation is better than the other. Both Marvel and DC offer captivating versions of the multiverse that are unique to their brand and storytelling style.

The Marvel multiverse, with its infinite timelines, dimensions, and realms, like the Dark Dimension or the Quantum Realm, appears far more expansive than DC’s version. However, it’s crucial to remember that DC has only just begun exploring its multiverse on the big screen (its Arrowverse on TV was a prime example of how to do the multiverse right), and we could see it grow into an equally intricate network of realities.

In the end, whether you’re a fan of the Marvel’s branching realities or DC’s separate universes, there’s no denying that the exploration of the multiverse has injected fresh excitement and limitless possibilities into superhero stories, old and new.