‘Invincible’ Creator Robert Kirkman Weighs In on Marvel vs DC Movies and the Debate

The discussion surrounding superhero films is never far from the spotlight, and few figures in this realm are as influential as Robert Kirkman.

The mastermind behind ‘The Walking Dead’ and ‘Invincible’ has been at the crossroads of comics and their screen adaptations for years, observing how both Marvel and DC have navigated the challenges of constructing shared cinematic universes. When Kirkman shares his thoughts on superhero filmmaking, the industry pays attention.

Kirkman has a history of commenting on the Marvel versus DC debate. In a recent appearance on Robservations with Rob Liefeld, he suggested that both Marvel and DC often limit their offerings to audiences, especially when compared to the diverse genres found in manga. However, his latest comments specifically target the current state of DC films, and they are quite direct.

Kirkman expressed his views candidly. “There’s still like things about Marvel that are relevant today and the DC stuff is less and less relevant as time goes on,” he stated. “So you have to in a sense fundamentally alter what DC is built upon to make DC appeal to a modern audience and therefore I think anyone that is doing a DC movie has an uphill battle ahead of them.”

Kirkman’s argument is not new. He previously told ComicBook.com that “anyone would be foolish to think that Marvel hasn’t done something extremely special,” highlighting the organic and surprise-driven development of the Marvel Cinematic Universe from ‘Iron Man’ onward. This sense of earned momentum is something Kirkman believes DC has struggled to replicate.

The perception of both franchises has fluctuated over the years, but the structural challenges he describes are evident. Marvel’s characters, from Iron Man to Spider-Man, have become cultural icons, remaining part of mainstream discussions even during periods of superhero fatigue. In contrast, DC’s lineup carries a complex history that resonates differently with various audiences.

However, it’s important to acknowledge that the reboot under James Gunn and Peter Safran has sparked real momentum. James Gunn’s ‘Superman’, featuring David Corenswet as the titular hero, was a critical and box office hit in 2025, laying a solid groundwork for the future of the DCU, which includes this year’s ‘Supergirl’ movie and HBO’s ‘Lanterns’ series. The film continues to attract viewers on streaming platforms, indicating that the new DCU has genuine staying power.

Prior to Gunn’s leadership, DC films often suffered from a chaotic approach, with scripts being rewritten during production, third acts being reshot under studio pressure, and release dates set before a cohesive story was in place. Gunn’s more thoughtful, architect-like strategy for building the new DCU has been praised as a remedy for that tumultuous era. In 2026, two DCU films, ‘Supergirl’ and ‘Clayface’, are set to release, with the former directly benefiting from the goodwill generated by ‘Superman’.

Yet, Kirkman’s critique remains relevant despite the recent improvements. Reestablishing cultural significance from a fractured base poses a different challenge than maintaining the kind of relevance Marvel has enjoyed for nearly two decades. DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn has likened ‘Supergirl’ to his ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ franchise at Marvel, indicating his aim to infuse the new DCU with a similar blend of humor, emotion, and action. Whether this strategy will bridge the relevance gap that Kirkman identifies is still uncertain.

Kirkman’s insights come at a pivotal time for both studios. Marvel is making a significant investment in ‘Avengers: Doomsday’, with Robert Downey Jr. and the Russo brothers returning, seen by many as Marvel’s potential comeback after a series of mixed results. Meanwhile, DC is carefully laying the groundwork for its future. Both franchises are striving to demonstrate that they can still capture the cultural attention they once commanded effortlessly.

What makes Kirkman’s perspective particularly intriguing is his unique position. He created ‘Invincible’, a superhero universe that now competes directly with both studios for audience engagement and loyalty. He has a vested interest, with no clear incentive to favor either side in the Marvel versus DC debate. His assessment of DC’s cultural hurdles feels less like a dismissal and more like a genuine industry evaluation from someone who has closely observed both giants.

Whether DC’s filmmakers can meet the standards Kirkman describes will shape the next chapter of superhero cinema. Share your thoughts in the comments about whether you believe DC’s recent films have succeeded in narrowing that relevance gap.

Have something to add? Let us know in the comments!