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- Embraced What Made DC Comics Special
- DC Crossovers Done Right in the Arrowverse
- DC Characters and Drama Over Spectacle
- The Arrowverse Was Topical and of Its Moment
As a lifelong fan of DC Comics and someone who has spent countless hours immersed in their rich universe, I can confidently say that the Arrowverse has left an indelible mark on the world of superhero entertainment. From its inception, it set out to be a reflection of our diverse, complex, and ever-evolving society, and it succeeded brilliantly.
In 2023, it appeared as though both the Arrowverse and the DCEU came to an end with The Flash. The TV series on The CW that spanned nine seasons concluded in May 2023, mere weeks before the long-awaited DCEU feature film for The Flash was released. The DCEU wrapped up in December 2023 with Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, while Superman & Lois, originally meant to be part of the Arrowverse, aired its final episode in December 2024. These two universes were created to intertwine and present the world of DC Comics to a wider audience, catering to people who might not typically read comic books.
Concurrently running were two universes linked to DC, but it was the Arrowverse that won over most fans’ hearts. The DCEU had a rocky beginning, yet managed impressive peaks with films like Wonder Woman, Shazam!, and The Suicide Squad. However, the DCEU often felt inconsistent. On the other hand, although the Arrowverse didn’t quite reach the heights of prestige TV, it consistently delivered fun content that embodied the jovial essence adored by DC fans.
Even though the Arrowverse had only a small fraction of the budget compared to feature films, it managed to create an interconnected DC Universe that echoed the MCU’s style, something the DCEU movies struggled to achieve. While the Arrowverse wasn’t flawless and missed some intriguing opportunities, on the whole, it provided fans with a dependable, interconnected DC Universe for over a decade. As James Gunn’s DCU begins with “Creature Commandos,” here are reasons why the Arrowverse was a more successful shared DC universe than the DCEU.
Embraced What Made DC Comics Special
Initially, the Arrowverse originated from the show Arrow, which presented a realistic version of Green Arrow, drawing comparisons to Batman Begins. However, as the series progressed, it began to incorporate more supernatural aspects that are characteristic of the DC Universe. The introduction of The Flash in October 2014 marked a shift towards embracing the vibrant characters, plots, and themes from the Silver Age of Comics, which gave birth to popular DC figures such as Barry Allen’s Flash, Hal Jordan’s Green Lantern, and The Justice League. Yet, these elements were reimagined to fit seamlessly into a contemporary 21st-century setting for a fresh audience.
Incorporating series such as Supergirl, Legends of Tomorrow, Black Lightning, and Batwoman, the Arrowverse showcased elements like extraterrestrials, time travel, superhumans, and sorcery – mirroring the captivating universe of DC Comics that fans cherish, while simultaneously carving out its unique niche.
Instead of struggling to find its identity, the DCEU appeared to grapple with defining its desired image. For instance, Man of Steel endeavored to present Superman in a grounded reality akin to Batman Begins, but this approach clashed with the superhero’s fantastical nature. Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice attempted to create a serious political drama while incorporating a large-scale CGI battle featuring Doomsday. Wonder Woman represented the DCEU’s most successful blend of the fantastical with tangible reality. However, despite transitioning towards adopting Silver Age-inspired DC comics lore, the DCEU produced a mixed outcome. It produced enjoyable films like Aquaman, but it also resulted in significant missteps such as Wonder Woman 1984, Black Adam, and Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. Conversely, the Arrowverse has wholeheartedly embraced its comic book origins.
DC Crossovers Done Right in the Arrowverse
Back in November 2017, I, as a dedicated DC fan, was fortunate enough to witness two extraordinary crossovers. “Justice League” graced the big screen on November 17th, while “Crisis on Earth X” unfolded over four episodes, spanning two nights from November 27th and 28th on the CW. In both instances, heroes from all corners of the DC Universe joined forces, but unlike Justice League, which faced harsh criticism from critics and fans alike, sparking the “Release the Snyder Cut” movement, “Crisis on Earth X” was warmly embraced by fans.
2019 marked a significant year for both the Marvel Cinematic Universe, with the release of the monumental crossover film Avengers: Endgame, and the Arrowverse on television. The latter managed to deliver an equally exhilarating experience to its audience with “Crisis on Infinite Earths”, a five-part saga that spanned over two years, from 2019 to 2020. This epic crossover event not only merged every Arrowverse series but also incorporated beloved cameos and references from DC’s rich history of adaptations, ranging from the 1966 Batman, Lucifer, Smallville, Birds of Prey, the 1989 Batman, the short-lived Swamp Thing, Doom Patrol, and even brought back Kevin Conroy as an older Batman, while Brandon Routh reprised his role from Superman Returns as Superman. Fans who had been longing for such a team-up event in the DC Extended Universe found what they were looking for in “Crisis on Infinite Earths”.
As a devoted cinema enthusiast diving into the world of superheroes, I’ve noticed the attempts made by both the Arrowverse and DCEU to mirror the interconnected universe of DC Comics, with characters crossing paths in exciting crossovers. However, the DCEU has had its struggles when it comes to maintaining this sense of unity.
It appears that the DCEU had finally found its stride in creating an interconnected universe, with Wonder Woman making appearances in “Shazam! Fury of the Gods” and “The Flash,” Superman (portrayed by Henry Cavill) showing up in “Black Adam,” and both Ben Affleck’s and Michael Keaton’s Batmans appearing in “The Flash.” However, the planned cameos for “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” did not materialize. By that time, the DCEU had been replaced by James Gunn’s new DCU, as the original franchise was a bit behind in hopping on the interconnected universe bandwagon.
In the Arrowverse, the universe felt vibrant and well-established, as if these superheroes were part of a close-knit community. Each year, grand crossover events would take place around the holiday season, reminiscent of the traditional DC Comics Justice League/Justice Society crossovers. During these spectacular occasions like “Invasion” or “Elseworlds,” there were also smaller crossovers happening within individual episodes. Characters from Team Arrow and The Flash often exchanged information and technology. Moreover, occasional mid-season crossovers would occur for fun, such as when The Flash and Supergirl joined forces for a musical episode just because it seemed enjoyable.
In the vast cosmos, there were countless captivating figures which inspired the production of a series called “Legends of Tomorrow,” providing a platform for some of these fascinating heroes and antagonists to shine. Over time, the primary trio – Oliver Queen, Barry Allen, and Kara Danvers – developed a bond reminiscent of the original DC Comics trinity consisting of Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman. Their dynamics evolved significantly, contrasting the interactions within the DCEU’s Justice League, where Superman and Wonder Woman rarely exchanged words.
DC Characters and Drama Over Spectacle
As a passionate fan of the small screen and particularly The CW’s Arrowverse, I must acknowledge that these series don’t have the same financial backing as the grandiose DCEU films. This meant being mindful about our spending, and while our CGI could occasionally be less than flawless (a fact we can graciously overlook given the medium), it was never the focal point. Instead, the Arrowverse chose to prioritize character development, ensuring that the emotional turmoil of our heroes was as gripping as their battles against adversaries.
Fans grew attached to the romantic relationships between Barry Allen and Iris West, and Oliver Queen and Felicity Smoak. They appreciated the friendships that these superheroes formed, which extended into shows like Supergirl and Batwoman. These characters had a stronger resemblance to the best friend dynamic seen in the comics compared to their DCEU counterparts. The performances of Grant Gustin as Flash, Melissa Benoist as Supergirl, and Stephen Amell as Green Arrow have made lasting impacts on their characters. Moreover, the franchise has introduced lesser-known characters to a larger audience who have since become fan favorites. In essence, due to budgetary constraints, the characters in the Arrowverse were more developed and relatable.
In contrast to the DCEU, which had ample resources to produce grand action sequences but frequently neglected character development, the Arrowverse prioritized character over story. While the DCEU showcased Superman and Batman in iconic ways and emphasized their significance, it failed to provide audiences with opportunities to connect with them on a personal level. Movies like Man of Steel, Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice, and Suicide Squad focused more on explaining why these characters are important rather than crafting engaging stories that would make viewers care about them. Essentially, the DCEU tended to concentrate on narrative elements, whereas the Arrowverse was more concerned with character development, as evidenced by the fact that many people have learned more about The Flash from Grant Gustin’s portrayal in the Arrowverse compared to Ezra Miller’s depiction in the DCEU.
The Arrowverse Was Topical and of Its Moment
One striking feature of the Arrowverse was its ability to tackle contemporary themes head-on, making it feel relevant to the times when each episode aired. Despite being an alternate universe, the series often reflected real-world issues, thereby connecting with its audience and reflecting its own unique period.
In essence, the TV series Supergirl openly displayed political themes throughout its duration. This was during Trump’s first term in office, a situation that wasn’t initially anticipated as even a joke was made about a female president (portrayed by original Wonder Woman Lynda Carter) winning and Supergirl expressing disbelief about people voting for the opposition with the line, “‘I can’t believe anyone would vote for the other guy.’“. However, from the middle of Season 2 through to Season 5, the show focused heavily on the struggle of aliens seeking refuge on Earth and those who wish to expel them due to their differences. The political commentary became more explicit in Season 4 as the antagonist was Lex Luthor (Jon Cryer), a businessman who manipulates both the American public and Russia to further his goals, appearing to only be stopped by the power of journalism.
Throughout its four-season span, Black Lightning tackled issues such as gangs, drug abuse, racial discrimination, and gun violence. Later on, The Flash’s Captain Joe West (Jesse L. Martin) introduced a non-lethal weapons unit. As for Ryan Wilder (Javica Leslie), the new Batwoman, her arrival marked a shift towards examining themes of class as well as their intersection with race. Although some storylines were complex and potentially problematic, it was commendable that the creators of the Arrowverse aimed to convey significant messages through these characters intended to inspire positive change. This approach resonated strongly with classic storylines such as Superman’s struggle against the KKK in The Adventures of Superman radio show or Dennis O’Neil and Neal Adams’ influential Green Lantern/Green Arrow comic book run.
As a movie enthusiast, I’ve always been impressed by the Arrowverse’s commitment to reflecting the diverse world we live in. They boldly introduced heroes from all walks of life, years ahead of many other superhero franchises. Characters like Sara Lance/White Canary, Alex Danvers, Mr. Terrific, John Constantine, Kate Kane, and multiple versions of Batwoman, were just a few of the prominent queer superheroes that graced our screens. The franchise also broke new ground by featuring Zari Tomaz (Tala Ashe), the first Muslim superhero on television.
It was more challenging for full-length movies to resonate with contemporary culture in the same way as compared to TV series. This difficulty stemmed from the extended production period of a movie, which often resulted in topical themes emerging years later, making it difficult to incorporate these into the film. On the other hand, television shows can easily adapt to current or upcoming seasons. Additionally, feature films have significant budgets that demand a wide audience appeal, limiting their risk-taking and potential for controversy as any controversial stance could affect their box office performance. This means that TV shows have more creative freedom than movies.
The current focus of DCEU (DC Extended Universe) can be seen as a series of responses to the prevailing trends in superhero movie production at the time. For instance, “Batman v Superman” was a response to “Man of Steel,” and “Justice League” was a reaction to “Batman v Superman.” “Suicide Squad” initially attempted to emulate Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy,” but five years later, “The Suicide Squad” brought on the director who made “Guardians of the Galaxy.” Lastly, “Black Adam” indicates a franchise seeking guidance and a leading actor’s effort to take charge.
The Arrowverse ventured out into the wider world to create its stories, whereas the DCEU seemed more focused on internal discussions. Though the DCEU does have its supporters, the influence of the Arrowverse is expected to be significant and beneficial for DC characters, expanding their reach to a wider public. For almost a decade, viewers could experience a TV week that mirrored the excitement of reading a DC Comic.
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2024-12-22 03:02