Comic fans are embracing the latest showdown between Marvel and DC as their superhero films Fantastic Four and Superman compete for box-office dominance, reigniting a rivalry spanning eight decades.
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See subscription optionsWhether it's the thrill of seeing the comic book superhero The Thing shout "It's clobbering time!" before throwing a punch or watching Superman and his faithful pup Krypto save the day, fans are heading to cinemas to support their favourite films.
"Well, clearly I'm a Marvel fan," said Danielle Stroski, who was dressed as the shapeshifter character named Mystique from Marvel's X-Men comics, at the San Diego Comic-Con.
"But I have a little white dog at home, so I love me some Superman as well.
"And I know the little white dog is stealing the show for Superman, so it's going to be close, but I've got to go Marvel."
The 42-year-old from California predicted Fantastic Four would outperform Superman at the box office.
DC fan Lito Loza, dressed as Superboy, voiced his support for Superman.
"I've already seen Superman three times, and I'm very, very happy with what James Gunn did with it," he said, referring to the director.
"It makes me feel hopeful."
The filmmakers, meanwhile, encourage fans to support both movies.
"I'm a huge Superman fan. I'm a huge James Gunn fan. I'm thrilled that both of us are coming out this month," Fantastic Four: First Steps director Matt Shakman told Reuters at the film's London premiere.
"I think we share a lot of similar optimism in our tone and our feeling in the worlds that we're building. And there's room for Superman; there's room for Fantastic Four.
"I'm thrilled. Go see both," he said.
Australian Associated Press
