2023–24 Marvel Annual vs. DC Annual Trading Card Sets (Upper Deck)

Product Review: 2023–24 Marvel Annual vs. DC Annual Trading Card Sets (Upper Deck)
Reviewed by David Codye Satterwhite, Cardboard Addict DCS

The eternal rivalry between Marvel and DC Comics finds a new battleground — the world of trading cards. In this head-to-head showdown, I cracked open both the 2023–24 Marvel Annual and the debut 2023–24 DC Annual hobby boxes from Upper Deck, and put them through a three-round box battle to find out which set delivers the best value, art, and collector appeal.

🎨 Artwork & Design

Let’s start with aesthetics. The Marvel Annual continues its tradition with a vibrant, comic-book-style design. It feels modern, energetic, and visually engaging. However, the DC Annual introduces a unique flair — artwork that leans more into digital or graphic design territory. Characters look sharper and bolder, giving the set a more cinematic vibe.

Verdict:

• Marvel: Classic comic art style, colorful and nostalgic.

• DC: Cleaner, more graphic-focused art — a fresh direction for the brand.

🟩 Edge: DC Annual (for art lovers)

🔍 Base Set & Inserts

Both sets offer a 100-card base checklist, but DC goes the extra mile by including a full variant cover parallel set with unique art for each card — a dream for collectors and completists. Marvel focuses more on insert variety with Canvas Variants, Suspended Animation acetate cards, and the highly sought-after 1 of 1 Sketch Cards.

DC's inserts tie directly into story arcs like Night Terrors, Dawn of DC, and Beast World, while Marvel delivers themes like Summer of Symbiotes, Sins of Sinister, and Cold War.

Verdict:

• DC: Strong thematic tie-ins, standout variant set.

• Marvel: Greater variety in inserts and parallels.

🟩 Edge: Marvel Annual (for insert chasers)

💰 Hits & Numbered Cards

Across three rounds of box breaks, the Marvel Annual consistently outperformed DC in terms of numbered cards, insert frequency, and overall box value. Pulls included:

• Suspended Animation Wolverine /199

• Black Panther acetate /699

• Miles Morales /23

• She-Hulk /88

• Premiere Sentinels /99

By contrast, DC boxes averaged fewer numbered cards per box (3–4 vs. Marvel's 5–6) and featured fewer chase pulls. However, DC's lenticular Titans cards and variant Poison Ivy, Joker, and Batman cards were visual standouts.

Verdict:

• Marvel: More hits, higher card value, stronger inserts.

• DC: Solid effort but fell behind in raw box value.

🟩 Edge: Marvel Annual (for return on investment)

🧠 Final Thoughts

If you’re a die-hard collector looking for value, variety, and hits, the 2023–24 Marvel Annual is the stronger product — more numbered pulls, higher-tier inserts, and big-name characters that dominate the collector market. On the other hand, if you’re chasing artistry, variant diversity, and are a fan of the newer DC aesthetic, the DC Annual has a lot to offer, especially in the base and variant departments.

Overall Winner: Marvel Annual (3-0 in our box battle series)

That said, both products are fantastic additions to any collector's shelf and represent the growing strength of non-sport trading cards in the hobby space.

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