A Comic Book Crash-Course for Nigerians Who Are Just Catching On
Even if you’ve never sat through a single superhero movie, chances are you know who Superman is. We’d wager even your grandparents in the village could spot the man of steel in his red cape and blue tights. But the superhero world goes far deeper than Clark Kent and his colourful get-up.
You’ve probably heard people talk about Avengers: Endgame like it changed the world, or seen heated debates online over which Spider-Man is the best. With Superman now showing in Nigerian cinemas and Marvel’s Thunderbolts still making waves, one thing’s clear: superhero season is alive and well.
If you’ve been curious but didn’t know where to start, or you’ve just been pretending to know what “the multiverse” means, this post is for you. OYA Magazine has got you covered.
Marvel vs DC: Davido vs Wizkid
Let’s start with the basics. Almost every superhero film you’ve heard of comes from one of two major studios: Marvel or DC. Think of them like two rival music giants with loyal fanbases — for example, Davido and Wizkid.
Marvel is the more colourful, fast-talking sibling. Their movies are known for humor, surprise cameos, and relatable characters. Think Iron Man, Spider-Man, Thor, Captain America, the Avengers, and of course, Black Panther, which left a cultural mark across Nigeria and the continent. Marvel heroes often feel human, flawed, funny, and full of heart. Their stories are easier to jump into, even if you’ve never read a comic book.
DC tends to lean into mystery, myth, and intensity. They gave us the legendary trio: Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman. DC heroes often feel larger-than-life, with stories that are more serious in tone. A perfect example is Robert Pattinson’s Batman (2022), which was dark, moody, and brooding. But DC has been lightening up lately. The 2025 Superman film is a kind of reset. It’s a fresh take on an old favourite, with a younger lead and an updated tone. So if you’ve never watched a Superman film before, don’t stress. This one is a clean slate. You can even invite your talking stage to the cinema and flex your knowledge.
Now, about that confusing term everyone throws around — what the helly is a multiverse?
What the Helly Is a Multiverse?
The multiverse sounds complicated, but it really isn’t. It’s just a storytelling trick that says there are many different universes, and in each one, a different version of the same character exists.
Think of it this way: somewhere out there could be a version of you who’s an Afrobeats star, another who’s a pilot, and maybe one who now lives in Aso Rock. That’s the multiverse.
In superhero films, this means we can have three different Spider-Men from three different timelines in one movie, like what happened in Spider-Man: No Way Home. It’s now a trend in both Marvel and DC movies because it lets studios remix stories, bring back fan-favourite actors, and throw in epic cameos, as seen in Deadpool vs Wolverine.
Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t worry. You don’t need to understand every past movie to enjoy what’s new. Just know that if things feel crazy or confusing, it’s probably a multiverse thing. Sit back, enjoy the action, and trust that it will make more sense over time.
The Perfect Time to Start
Your cousin, your bestie, or that one Marvel-obsessed younger brother may have given you a long list of films to watch. So long that you gave up halfway and said, “Abeg, I no do again.”
Here’s the good news: you don’t need a syllabus.
DC is rebooting its cinematic universe, so the new Superman is a perfect jumping-in point. No prior knowledge is needed. Just show up, grab popcorn, and enjoy.
Marvel, while deeper into its timelines, is also starting new arcs. Thunderbolts, for example, introduces fresh faces and ideas, perfect for a beginner. If you want something emotional and culturally rich, go back and watch Black Panther. And if you want something gritty with morally messy characters, Thunderbolts might be your vibe.
Final Thoughts
On the surface, Superhero movies seem to be about flying, flashy suits, and fistfights. At their core, they’re about identity, courage, loyalty, and battling your inner demons, all wrapped in big action and iconic soundtracks.
For Nigerians, those themes often hit home. We understand what it means to fight against the odds, to believe in something bigger, and to hold onto hope. That’s why Black Panther resonated so deeply here. The stories may be from Hollywood, but the emotions are global.
So don’t overthink it. You don’t need to know every Marvel or DC storyline to start. Watch one movie, then another, then another. Before long, you’ll be debating who’s stronger between Superman and Batman at your next hangout. (That was a test — of course it’s Superman. If you didn’t know, rush to Filmhouse or Silverbird ASAP. You’re welcome.
