
In the past few years, both Marvel and DC have faced challenges in appealing to their audiences. However, the upcoming releases of “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” for Marvel Studios and “Superman” by DC are seen as a comeback for these comic book giants. Notably, “Superman” marks the commencement of a new multimedia franchise called the DC Universe from Warner Bros., while “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” is the opening act in Marvel Studios’ Phase Six lineup of movies and TV shows. Although technically speaking, the DC Universe started with last year’s “Creature Commandos,” and the MCU has already produced two films this year—”Captain America: Brave New World” and “Thunderbolts”—that received mixed reactions at the box office, both “Superman” and “First Steps” have been positively received by critics. Preliminary box office data suggests that the new “Fantastic Four” film is doing well, much like “Superman” has thus far.