They list around 4,903 total Marvel series in the index, including characters like Darth Vader or Conan the Barbarian. If we assume all series have about six issues (which isn't true, because some can have three while others can have 50 depending on their run) it would total 29,418 comics. About 358 comics each year.

If we go back in time, Marvel Comics introduced a total of three superheroes in its first issue back in 1939 - Human Torch, Angel, and Namor the Sub-Mariner. However, Human Torch appeared first in the list, so we can consider him to be the first Marvel Comics Superhero.

Technically speaking, DC came before Marvel, publishing as National Allied Publications in 1934. Their rivalry goes back decades. At times one has enjoyed the driver's seat in popularity while the other remained in the back seat.

On January 6, 1989, Ronald Perelman's MacAndrews & Forbes Holdings bought Marvel Entertainment Group from New World for $82.5 million. The deal did not include Marvel Productions, which was folded into New World's TV and movie business. "It is a mini-Disney in terms of intellectual property," said Perelman.