Does the Cthulhu Mythos Exist within DC and Marvel?

Have you ever wondered if the cosmic horrors of H.P. Lovecraft's Cthulhu mythos might lurk within the vast universes of DC and Marvel? While it’s true that these mythologies predominantly exist as standalone entities in their respective universes, there are intriguing hints, references, and direct inscriptions that suggest the presence of Cthulhu and his fellow cosmic entities in both realms.

Understanding the Cthulhu Mythos

H.P. Lovecraft's Cthulhu Mythos is a rich tapestry of horrific, ancient beings whose worship is spread by cultists seeking knowledge and power over the universe. Cthulhu himself is one of the most iconic figures in the mythos, known for his gelatinous form, inscrutable consciousness, and eternal slumber in the sunken city of R'lyeh.

The Presence of Cthulhu in DC Comics

In the world of DC Comics, the Cthulhu mythos has made its presence felt in various ways. Although DC comics and other companies cannot directly name these entities without running into copyright issues, the influence is undeniable.

For instance, Orion, one of the most powerful forms of the Cthulhu mythos, has made a significant appearance in DC comics under the guise of Calcuha. This entity is visually strikingly similar to its Lovecraftian counterpart, suggesting a clear thematic connection. Additionally, there are entities in DC’s universe that bear resemblance to other Lovecraftian monsters, such as Bathomet and perhaps a few more.

Marvel’s Connection with Cthulhu Mythos

Marvin, on the flip side, has referenced and even directly included Cthulhu in its comics. The Marvel universe, with its vast array of cosmic beings and mystical entities, has found a suitable home for Lovecraftian horrors. Notably, Shuma-Gorath, a Lovecraftian creation, appeared in the Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness film. The entity bore a strong resemblance to Cthulhu, but to avoid copyright disputes, Marvel called it Gigantos. Interestingly, Shuma-Gorath is a direct homage to Cthulhu, both in appearance and in terminology, with the word “fhtagn” being one of Lovecraft's most iconic terms.

There have been more references to Cthulhu and Lovecraftian entities in the Marvel universe. In Doctor Strange, both Cython, the Darkhold, and the Many-Angled Ones have Lovecraftian undertones. These entities are unmistakably drawn from the same wellspring of cosmic horror that inspired Lovecraft.

Direct References and Crossovers

There have been instances where DC and Marvel have directly referenced each other, creating intriguing crossovers. One such example is the Cthulhu character in Justice League Unlimited. This character was clearly a representation of Cthulhu and was designed to fight a team akin to Marvel’s Defenders. This cross-referencing further cements the shared inspiration from the Cthulhu mythos in both universes.

Further, Moon Knight also contains hints of Cthulhu, with some characters being heavily influenced by Cthulhu-like entities. Additionally, the version of Cthulhu in Justice League Unlimited is a direct reference to the iconic Cthulhu mythos.

The Ubiquity of Cosmic Horror Influence

Both DC and Marvel, being major publishers of cosmic and horror elements in their universes, have inevitably been influenced by the Cthulhu mythos. While these references may not always be as direct as one might expect, the cosmic horror genre is pervasive in modern fiction. Lovecraftian horror has permeated not just the pages of comic books but also across various media, including film and literature.

In conclusion, while the Cthulhu mythos may not reside directly within DC or Marvel in the same way it stands alone, its influence is unmistakable. The shared fascination with cosmic horror and the strides taken by both publishers to include similar entities from the mythos affirm the deep connection between these universes and the broader Lovecraftian influence.