"Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice" opens this weekend, followed by "Captain America: Civil War" a month later. Both DC Comics and Marvel are building hype for their franchise films and hope to bring in huge box office totals, but what will distinguish these films from the many other super hero films currently being produced?

DC Comics Goes for Dark Tone

One thing that separates these two films is tone. Just from the trailer of "Batman v. Superman," it is clear that the movie is going to be dark and extremely gritty. The colors are all gray scale, and if "Man of Steel" was any hint at the way DC Comics is approaching the "Justice League" films, all of the franchise installments will be brooding.

Meanwhile, Marvel has distinguished its series with lighter fare. While individual films can sometimes get extremely dark, they often include a lot of comedy between the heroes, as they bicker or make one liners. While "Civil War" will definitely have a darker theme than previous movies, the Marvel heroes like won't stop being funny altogether.

Battling Superheroes

Both films will feature superheroes fighting against each other. However, Marvel is splitting the Avengers, except for Thor and the Hulk, into teams of heroes ready to face off. The film primarily follows the conflict between Captain America and Iron Man over the fate of Winter Soldier.

From promos, it looks like Batman and Superman will be working together by the end of their film. Unlike Captain America and Iron Man, who legitimately disagree, it seems Lex Luther is behind the conflict between Superman and Batman. It has not been confirmed, but it is likely that "Batman v. Superman" will end with the two protagonists joining Wonder Woman in a fierce battle against another villain.

Setting up "Justice League"

"Civil War" is definitely not a setup film, instead continuing where the second "Avengers" film left off. However, it will likely continue the storyline of the Infinity Stones, setting up for the third and final "Avengers" film.

"Batman v. Superman" is the second film in the DC Comics world, and it is going to be a setup for the upcoming "Suicide Squad" film, as well as the "Justice League" film, which is scheduled for next year. "Batman v. Superman" will likely end with many plot holes, creating a world that audiences will be excited to explore further.

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