Would it be fair to add ArchivePanic, ComicBookTime and ContinuitySnarl to the defining tropes? --DocumentN
{{Sijo}}: ComicBookTime definitely, ContinuitySnarl possibly (it isn't as bad as some people think), ArchivePanic not likely, there's plenty of easy-to-read DC collections (mostly trades.)
{{Sijo}}: Comparing Marvel's CivilWar with DC's "Decisions" is unfair; the former is about passing a law that restricts superhero activity, the latter is just a political assassination story. The "Legends" crossover (from 1986) is closer to what Civil War was (though admittedly with less CharacterDerailment than Marvel's version).
Also: Since 2004, DC has NOT been lighter than Marvel, if anything it's darker, even with the Civil War/Dark Reign stuff going on. Not only were the majority of DC's humorous characters (notably the Super Buddies) killed off or ruined, several comics have featured rape, dismemberment and even cannibalism in graphic or semi-graphic detail- with NO WARNING, either! (This is blamed largely on DC's current top executive DanDidio, though the blame may not only be his.)