On screen, DC Comics is currently spread over three main mediums: feature films, TV and animation. All three offer very different and unique versions of these characters, with each being able to highlight certain comic book aspects better than the others. Fans often debate which platform is best for these adaptations. For a long time animation was King due to the limitations of special effects in movies and TV. That concern is all but gone at this point as CGI and motion capture become more and more frequent. While budget is still somewhat of an issue for TV shows, most networks do a fantastic job of making the most of their limited effects capabilities.
Today’s current crop of DC animated movies have a very strong influence from the “New 52” reboot of DC Comics. Following the Bruce Timm Golden Age of animation was always going to be a daunting task. Timm’s BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES is widely regarded as the greatest super hero show of all-time and also directly influenced the versions of Batman we are most familiar with today, with the animated Justice League series and straight-to-home-release movies following suit. For a long time DC Animation was one of the few spots where they completed dominated their Marvel competition.
The current animated movies have been met with a more of a mixed reception but overall have been fairly positive JUSTICE LEAGUE: THE FLASHPOINT PARADOX and JUSTICE LEAGUE: THRONE OF ATLANTIS being standouts. Animated movies definitely hold the edge over TV and film when it comes to faithfulness to the source material as it's easier to rip exact storylines and scenes directly from the comics. When it comes to suspension of disbelief viewers seem to be more forgiving with cartoon movies compared to live action where a certain degree, however little, of realism is often necessary.
As far as live action is concerned, one area where cinema has the advantage is popularity and overall draw. Casual fans are much more inclined to go see stars like Ben Affleck and Amy Adams then a smaller animated film or TV show. The spectacle of super hero movies is its greatest strength, no other medium (GAME OF THRONES excluded) is able to deliver the type of adventure found in BATMAN V. SUPERMAN or THE DARK KNIGHT TRILOGY. When at its full potential, combined with a great story and rich characters, superhero movies are truly in a league of their own. This has yet to be accomplished in the current DC Extended Universe (DCEU) but SUICIDE SQUAD early reactions, the exciting thought of the first ever solo WONDER WOMAN movie and the recent JUSTICE LEAGUE set visit reports has given fans a glimmer of hope that we are in store for something truly special.
DC Comics on TV has grown exponentially over the past few years and evolved into its own excellent shared universe. The CW now has four DC properties — ARROW, THE FLASH, LEGENDS OF TOMORROW, and newly acquired SUPERGIRL — in their arsenal and have already promised a huge crossover event with all four shows later this year. When ARROW first premiered fans had no idea what it would lead to and now we have some of best versions of these characters on television. What T lacks in spectacle and visuals it more than makes up for in storytelling and character development. The 22, or 13, episode format gives actors time to grow into their roles while introducing all types of comic book characters fans thought they would never get to see in live action form.
THE FLASH actor Grant Gustin specifically stands out as an actor who really became comfortable in his role as Barry Allen, evidenced by a very vocal crowd who wanted him to be part of the DCEU. Next up could be Supergirl’s Melissa Benoist who shined as an inexperienced super hero this past season and the move to The CW, combined with Benoist’s natural feel for the role, could cement her as this generation’s definitive version of Supergirl.
As the super hero genre continues to dominate the media, each medium is sure to grow even larger. With close to 80 years of source material there is more than enough content to justify all three DC universes expanding and adapting all of our favorite comic book stories in the coming years
Written by Tim Miller, DC Films Correspondent
Tim's Past Posts:
HARLEY QUINN and Her Rise in Popularity From Animated Sidekick to Big Screen VillainWhy Warner Bros., DC Films and the DCEU Need More SUPERMAN
BATMAN V. SUPERMAN: Zack Snyder Needs to Stop Trending Toward Being Another Michael Bay