10 Marvel Characters Shamelessly Ripped Off From DC Comics

9. Hawkeye Was Marvel's Answer To Green Arrow

Deadpool Deathstroke
Marvel/DC

Most comic book ripoffs aren't quite as blatant as the Thanos-Darkseid case. Often one publisher will put their own spin on an existing creation and change the character just enough to avoid an expensive lawsuit, and that was how Hawkeye was born.

DC Comics introduced its own master archer in 1941's More Fun Comics #73 when Oliver Queen made his arrow-slinging debut, while Clint Barton didn't make his first appearance until Tales of Suspense #57 in 1964.

The similarities between the two characters are undeniable. Both are sharpshooters whose weapon of choice is a bow and arrow, and they're each partial to tech enhancements. The pair also went on to become key members in their publisher's superhero team, the Justice League and the Avengers, respectively.

The success of Green Arrow is no doubt what inspired Marvel to put out a rival character, but in all fairness, they put a unique spin on the concept by making their version a master assassin and introducing him as a villain initially.

Plus let's not forget that Green Arrow wasn't exactly earth-shatteringly original to begin with. He's basically an amalgamation of Robin Hood and DC's own Batman.

Contributor
Contributor

Been prattling on about gaming, movies, TV, football and technology across the web for as long as I can remember. Find me on Twitter @MarkLangshaw