Marvel and DC Each Have Their Own Versions

Dracula and Frankenstein: Icons of Horror in Comics

Behind the curtain of gothic literature and the glam of Hollywood’s golden age stand two towering icons of horror: Dracula and Frankenstein. Since their inception in the 19th century, these titans have crept into every corner of pop culture, including the vibrant universes of DC and Marvel Comics. With their stories nestled in the public domain for decades, it was only a matter of time before the world’s leading comic publishers embraced these characters. The narrative weave surrounding them differs between DC and Marvel, offering fans unique takes on these classic monsters.

The DC Universe Dracula

In the sprawling landscapes of DC Comics, Dracula makes several notable appearances. One encounter features Dracula battling none other than Superman. This particular Dracula resulted from magic, conjured forth as a once-fictional entity brought vividly to life in Superman #344. Crafted by Paul Levitz and Curt Swan, this 1980 tale arrived years after Marvel led the charge in embracing Dracula.

In 2002, DC finally introduced Dracula in his true form. Superman came face-to-face with the vampiric Count in Superman vol.2 #180. Characters like Clark Kent and Lois Lane found themselves in the heart of Transylvania, famously encountering Count Rominoff, a thinly veiled Dracula disguise. This Transylvanian showdown concluded with Dracula meeting his doom due to Superman’s sunlight-infused blood.

Batman vs. Dracula of Earth-43

Elsewhere in the DC Multiverse, Dracula clashed with another legendary figure: Batman. On Earth-43, a universe where legends blur, Dracula took center stage battling the Dark Knight. Within Doug Moench’s and Kelley Jones’ celebrated "Red Rain" trilogy, this narrative pits a terrifying hybrid Dracula against Batman. In an eerie twist, Batman succumbs to his bloodlust, marking a grim alliance of horror and heroism.

The Marvel Universe Dracula

In contrast, Marvel Comics has embraced Dracula robustly, crafting rich tales with the Count at their heart. When the Comics Code Authority loosened its grip on supernatural stories, Marvel didn’t hesitate. Tomb of Dracula, primarily under Marv Wolfman’s pen, thrust Dracula back onto the scene. A hit from the start, it clocked 70 issues of thrilling vampire tales.

Crossovers with Marvel’s finest soon followed. Dracula encountered the X-Men and moved through the pages of Doctor Strange. Each clash with Marvel’s heroes amplified his malice. Doctor Strange, armed with the Montesi Formula, even managed to wipe vampires off the Marvel map temporarily.

Dracula in Modern Marvel

Fast forward to the 21st century, and Dracula again became a key player in the Marvel Universe. In the 2010 series, X-Men: Curse of the Mutants reanimated old conflicts. Dracula’s kin clashed with mutants, rekindling the ancient horror. Regional ambitions also gripped the Count, notably creating a vampire nation in the Chernobyl ruins. This audacious move set the stage for chaos across Europe, seamlessly blending real-world locations with jaw-dropping comic fantasies.

The DC Universe Version of Frankenstein

Shifting lens to Frankenstein within DC Comics, depictions of Mary Shelley’s creature span decades. The DC journey began in the 1970s, introducing an adaptation named The Spawn of Frankenstein. This homage closely aligned with Shelley’s literary depiction.

DC’s modern take sees Frankenstein reimagined as a brawny agent of S.H.A.D.E. Piloted by Grant Morrison, this version retains a sinister charm juxtaposed against military might. Following the launch of The New 52 universe, Frankenstein re-emerged with deeper story arcs. Not confined to periods past, he fights alongside superheroes, solidifying his place within DC’s pantheon.

The Marvel Universe Version of Frankenstein

At Marvel, Frankenstein roams a similar path yet carves a distinct identity. Emerging alongside Dracula, Frankenstein’s comic legacy starts with The Monster of Frankenstein in the 1970s. Unlike Dracula’s grand success, Frankenstein struggled to maintain a foothold. Nevertheless, he occasionally teamed up with others, holding his own in stories spanning across Marvel’s realms.

Despite initial challenges, Frankenstein saw a resurgence. Most recently, Marvel re-enlisted him into the supernatural military ranks under the command of S.H.I.E.L.D. Though he may live in Dracula’s shadow, Frankenstein’s presence remains a constant, prepared to leap forth into the pages of future narratives.

Across both universes, Dracula and Frankenstein achieve endless resurrection—each telling offering new intrigue. Both monsters remain timeless, clutching the imaginations of horror and hero fans alike. Their stories await, forever restless under the comic world’s starry eye.