The comic book world thrives when both DC and Marvel are firing on all cylinders. But the gap in quality between "Captain America: Civil War" and "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice" is a chasm. They both address the problems that come with superheroes having unchecked power, but Marvel tackles the topic in a far more thought-provoking way while remaining a fun blockbuster. Here are the key differences between the two.
For starters, the ideological conflict between Cap and Iron Man is fully developed. Each side makes a compelling case as to whether or not the Avengers need U.N. oversight, and Steve and Tony debate just as much as they fight.
In "BvS," Superman and Batman barely express their differences face-to-face in any manner besides fisticuffs. Superman's lines are kept to a minimum, while Batman's motives for fighting flip-flop from not trusting Superman's god-like power to deep-seated issues related to his parents' death. Without a clear understanding as to why they fight, there's little reason for the audience to get invested emotionally.
While most of the supporting characters in "BvS" serve the two main heroes and do little else, "Civil War" takes the time to show how the schism in the Avengers is affecting everyone on the team. Black Widow, War Machine, Black Panther, and Scarlet Witch get personal subplots that are crucial to the complete package.
Other heroes, like Ant-Man, do their part by balancing the tone of "Civil War" between drama and light-hearted action instead of overdosing on seriousness like "BvS." Snarky jokes between the supporting cast helps the dramatic moments feel poignant rather than exhausting.
"Civil War," by contrast, knows that its audience is already aware of Spiderman's origins and "With great power comes great responsibility." Instead of bringing that out again, the Russo Bros. and their team focus on Peter Parker's youthful enthusiasm and use his origins as a quick reference point for why he joins Team Iron Man
Read original story 'Captain America: Civil War': How It Succeeds Where 'Batman v Superman' Failed (Photos) At TheWrap
