The DC and Marvel Universes Are Being Threatened By The Same Force

Warning! Spoilers for Justice League Dark Annual 2021 and Excalibur #26

It seems that both the DC and Marvel Universes might be facing a threat in the form of the same being: Merlin. The legendary wizard who has access to the multiverse could be the one to bridge the worlds of the Justice League and the Avengers.

There are several points of overlap between the DC and Marvel Universes, from their emphasis on their individual multiverses to their teams of teenage superheroes. However, one strange detail that both universes share is being expanded upon in two recently published comics. With the timing of their release and their similar storylines, it feels like a DC and Marvel crossover could be in the cards. The character who threatens the multiverse appears in both Excalibur #26 written by Tini Howard with art by Marcus To, and Justice League Dark Annual 2021 writtenby Ram V and Dan Waters with art by Christopher Mitten and Romulo Fajardo Jr.

In Excalibur #26, the mythical wizard from Camelot known as Merlyn attacks the Starlight Citadel, gaining authority over the multiverse and planning to eliminate all mutants. Meanwhile in Justice League Dark Annual 2021, Merlin attacks the Tower of Fate, bringing the multiverse into jeopardy as he inherits power over the multiverse. Although these are two different versions of the wizard from Camelot with alternate spelling in the name, it’s worth noting how similar these two events are, and how odd it is they are taking place at the same time. Both stories are making it seem inevitable for the two Merlins to consolidate their power as one ultimate Merlin, or join forces as they become the gods of the DC and Marvel Universes.

In the past, both versions of the wizard have played integral parts in their comic book universes. While Merlyn is key in the Black Knight’s origin story, Merlin was the reason that Jason Blood converged with Etrigan the demon. Both wizards from the Marvel and DC Universes exhibited power that rivals the greatest heroes they have to offer. Considering their heroics, this recent trend toward godhood and vengeance has felt out of character.

Now, the ancient wizard might be instrumental in the destruction of both Marvel and DC. If a publisher-wide crossover was on the table, now would be the ideal opportunity for the Justice League Dark and the X-Men to join forces. Unfortunately, they remain unaware of each other’s existence in their most desperate hour.

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