[Jotun]

Epiphone is a subdivision of Gibson. Guitar companies do the same thing car companies do. Gibson has Epiphone, Fender has Squier, MusicMan has some OLP models...ESP has LTD....

usually there is no physical difference to the models in regards to shape or size, but what IS different is the wood used to make the body and neck, and maybe some significant hardware changes. Epiphone actually makes some quality guitars, and are worth the money you pay for. Gibsons are nice too, although more expensive. Gibson would be better for a long term guitar, since the wood wouldnt warp as easily and the hardware wouldnt shit out.