Since its debut in 1937, DC Comics has created some of the most immensely popular characters and stories in the history of the medium, but more recent attempts at capturing these heroes' daring adventures in live action have seen mixed success. However, one area that has seen persistent and significant quality is the company’s animated films. Since the release ofBatman: Mask of the Phantasmin 1993, the company has excelled in its animated filmmaking, crafting some of the most groundbreaking stories in the superhero genre and paying brilliant homage to their fan-favorite comics.
WithJames Gunn stepping in to reboot the DC cinematic universe, here are 10 lessons from DC’s animated slate that should inform the production of its upcoming films. No matter your opinions on the DCEU, few can deny that it has some room for improvement, and these animated juggernauts could provide the needed inspiration to rectify past mistakes. From explorations of DC’s vast multiverse to expansive connected storylines, the publisher’s animated films have done it all, and the opportunity to learn from these incredible adventures should not be overlooked.
10Venture into Elseworlds and Possible Futures
Some of DC’s most popular comic book series involve Elseworlds, or multiversal, narratives, and several of their most popular films have adapted these stories.Justice League: Gods and MonstersandGotham by Gaslightare but two of the highly regarded Elseworlds films produced so far, and several films, like the recently releasedJustice League: Warworld,have even brought the multiverse into the “main continuity” of DC’s animated films. By introducing these alternate realities, viewers get to see their favorite heroes in drastically different ways, showcasing a unique creative direction that gives us a new perspective.
Elseworlds' Bizarre Twists Could Open the Door for Creativity
Elseworlds stories are just fun. Seeing Batman in the Victorian age or watching Superman in Soviet Russia are fascinating twists on known dynamics. In the DCEU, outside ofThe Flash,we haven’t truly been introduced to the multiverse, only viewing glimpses of alternate realities and potential futures. A focus on adapting the popular Elseworlds comics would be fascinating, opening the doors to endless storytelling possibilities. It would also allow the actors to branch out, stepping into a familiar role in an unfamiliar fashion. Filmmakers shouldn’t be afraid of multiversal tales or possible futures. They should embrace their bizarre wonder.
9Focus More on Solo Character Storytelling
DC’s animated films have covered nearly every major character in the company’s long history, and several of these characters have even earned their own films. While Batman has the vast majority, withYear One, Mask of the Phantasm, Bad Blood,and many others tucked away in his utility belt, nearly every other hero (at least in the Justice League) has gotten the limelight. This has allowed us to delve into the histories of these beloved characters. While many aren’t origin stories, they still give us glimpses into the pasts and futures of each of these characters, thus giving their team-up films a greater impact.
A Greater Focus on Character Could Make the DCEU More Personal
The DCEU tried to introduce too many characters far too quickly, likely in an attempt to broaden their cinematic universe more efficiently. However, this left viewers wanting, especially as more characters were introduced and referenced. There’s a reasonWonder Woman, Aquaman, ShazamandBlue Beetleare so highly regarded. They give us time to understand these versions of the characters. Yes, we know who Wonder Woman is, but going into (and leaving)Batman Vs. Superman,we didn’t know who Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman was. We need to make these connections, which is something at which the DC animated films excel.
8Build Stories Up More Slowly
The DC animated films aren’t afraid of multipart stories. The main universe’s continuity completely ties together, with events in Batman affecting the Teen Titans, while theJustice Leaguefilms naturally progressed into the two-part storyDeath of SupermanandReign of the Supermen.Even in more self-contained stories, likeBatman: The Long Halloween, DC isn’t afraid to split the film, allowing for multipart narratives that slow the pacing and allow the filmmakers to expand on their world and characters. In this way, the universe has felt more defined and connected, and the stories have all felt more fulfilling.
The DCEU Could Benefit from a Focus on Narrative Progression
The DCEU’s focus on expanding their universe has led to some rushed storytelling. There is very little buildup. For example, Henry Cavill’s Superman facedall of his most dangerous roguesand died within his first two films. The DC animated films allow for their stories to marinate, for their characters to logically progress between crises. Yes, each film is packed with intense situations and a ton of new information, but it never feels overwhelming. Moving forward, Gunn needs to take a page from these animated films as well as the MCU, progressing each character through smaller battles before throwing them into a major crisis requiring a team of heroes.
7Put a Greater Focus on More Obscure Characters
DC’s animated films have seen the introduction of hundreds of characters, which means that the films have had to branch out beyond the main Justice Leaguers. Jessica Cruz, Mr. Terrific, Vixen, the Demon Etrigan, Captain Atom, Major Force, and so many others have gotten to share the spotlight with the more familiar faces. From a comics-selling perspective, this makes plenty of sense, as introducing these obscure characters increases interest in their stories. They also inject their films with new life and a sense of curiosity. I already know who Green Lantern and Aquaman are, but Zatanna? Power Girl? The Justice League Dark? Give me more!
Placing Obscure Characters First Might Be the Right Step for the DCEU
In general, the DCEU has had a fairly decent track record of this. Gunn’sThe Suicide Squadonly had one truly recognizable face in Harley Quinn, andBlue BeetleandShazamintroduced characters with great comic book importance but less widespread popularity. They could still definitely do better. Many of the films have focused solely on the main Justice League, leaving much of the grander universe feeling untouched. Adding in these obscure characters would also help freshen up their storytelling. We’ve seen Batman and Green Arrow before, so we know what to expect. A film featuring new, unknown characters, though, would keep our attention.
6Stick Closer to the Source Material
Several of the DC animated films are direct adaptations of popular comics.The Doom that Came to Gotham,Under the Red Hood,andAll-Star Supermanall follow their inspiring stories, with certain elements changed to aid the story or pacing. Some even take this concept further, withJustice League: The New Frontiereven emulating elements of Darwyn Cooke’s art style in the inspiring story. Others, likeJustice League: War, drastically change several elements of an established arc, but the key story beats remain the same. This helps bring the comics to life in new and fulfilling ways, drawing in readers of these beloved narratives.
Filmmakers Don’t Have to Sacrifice Their Creative Vision for a More Faithful Adaptation
Few can say that DC’s live-action films are entirely comic accurate. DC Comics is responsible for some of the greatest stories ever written, but few seem willing to truly build upon this established foundation. It is understandable to want to make an original contribution to the DC Universe, but these don’t have to be 1-to-1 remakes.Aquamanis one of the closest adaptations in the DCEU, taking several pivotal story points from theThrone of Atlantiscomic book event but mixing them with director James Wan’s creative perspective. Fans want to see their favorite stories come to life, which is why the animated films have drawn such a fan base.
Related:DC’s Highest-Grossing Movie Ever is Aquaman, Here’s How That Happened
5Create More Original Characters
This is a strange point, asonly one of DC’s animated filmshas truly introduced a new character.Batman: Mask of the Phantasmintroduced the Phantasm, a terrifying villain with a slasher movie quality. However, several of the company’s most popular characters made their debut in animated series.Batman: The Animated Seriesintroduced the now iconic Harley Quinn, while Terry McGinnis, the Batman of the future, first appeared inBatman Beyond.While DC’s animated storytelling has leaned into the source material to make fan-favorite films, they have also managed to create compelling, original stories with characters never before seen.
It Only Benefits DC to Bring New Original Characters Into Their Live-Action Films
While I extolled the virtues of using the source material in the previous point, it also benefits DC to introduce some new characters in their live-action films. It gives them the chance to expand on the storytelling, building a new part of the universe for fans to fall in love with. It is also a brilliant marketing move, as they can then bring the character into the comics. This was the case with Harley Quinn, who has since become one of the biggest pop culture phenomena of all time. This also extends to unique iterations of established characters, something we have seen in the Marvel Cinematic Universe on a number of occasions.
4Be Willing to Get Weird
The DC animated films aren’t afraid to get a bit weird. Filmmakers are free to make a number of unique decisions, allowing for stories likeBatman: Ninja’smecha and monkey-infused tale. Other stories take this weirdness to dark places, leaning into the hellish horrors of DC’s magical realms. Others are just plain fun, adding a touch of the surreal and metafictional to balance everything out. Only in the animated space can you see Batman piloting a giant mech against kaiju versions of his villains, like inBatman Unlimited: Mechs vs. Mutants.Comics have always featured a touch of the ridiculous. Why shouldn’t comic book films?
A Diversity of Tone Would Give the DCEU More Variety
Until recently, the DCEU has been a bitter, bleak world, especially in the Zack Snyder-ledJustice Leaguespin-offs. However, several directors have made their mark on the live-action films with their fun, weird takes on the DC Universe.Blue Beetle’sgun-toting grandma,The Suicide Squad’sbizarre atmosphere, andShazam’smagical mystery have infused the universe with a better sense of humor. This isn’t to say that the bleaker, more intense films don’t have a place. The tone needs to fit the film and filmmaker, and some filmmakers just need the creative freedom to let loose and dive into the strangest corners of this massive universe.
Related:The Top 10 DC Movies (Non-DCEU), Ranked by Box Office Numbers
3Stray Away from the Main Justice League
Many of DC’s animated films follow the adventures of the Justice League (with the vast majority focused on Batman), but several have branched out to focus on the adventures of other characters. This may seem similar to the previous point about obscure characters, but it goes beyond obscurity. Even famous teams like the Teen Titans, the Justice Society or the Suicide Squad get a great deal of focus in these films, not just the League. Superman and Batman are famous for a reason, and they deserve a spotlight. However, there are plenty of other heroes looking for just a minute of fame, and the animated films give it to them.
DC Needs to Recognize that Their Other Heroes Sell As Well
Yes, the Justice League is DC’s most recognizable team. Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, and all the rest have been around for decades, and stories about them sell. However, the DC Universe is vast, filled with an abundance of some truly fascinating characters that deserve a starring role. TheSuicide Squadfilms and several of the company’s more recent films have leaned into this to positive effect, proving that viewers are interested in more than just the main team. Even the popularity ofPeacemakershows that there is potential in more than just the League, if only the right creative is behind it.
2Play with Genre
One of the most satisfying elements of DC’s animated films is their variety. There is almost a film for every viewer, whether you want to follow along with the hilarious adventures ofDC’s League of Super Petsorscare yourself silly with the demon-infested horrorofConstantine: City of Demons. Any story is possible in the DC animated suite of films, as is the case in the comics, and this variety has given filmmakers a number of opportunities to shine despite the constraints of superheroics. Fans of fantasy, martial arts, science-fiction, and any other genre can find a superhero story for them.
The DCEU Needs to Recognize that There are More Possibilities in the Superhero Genre
The DCEU has largely only consisted of one genre: superhero action. While some of the films outside ofthe universe, like Robert Pattinson’sThe Batman,have branched out, the vast majority of DC’s live-action films fall solely into the superhero genre. These are stories about superheroes, but the comics and animated films have proven that they can be so much more. Comedy, interstellar adventure, old-school martial arts, supernatural horror, political thriller… The list goes on and on. There are so many opportunities for varied storytelling in the overarching superhero genre, but the live-action films have largely failed to branch out into them.
1Place Emphasis on the Next Generation of Heroes
While DC is known for its adult superheroes, the company is responsible for some of the best young superheroes in the medium. Robin made his debut in 1940, inspiring an entire new generation. Since then, DC has made it a point to focus stories on these characters, and their animated films have followed suit. In the main DC Animated continuity, every Batman story centers around Robin, namely his biological son Damian. The Teen Titans have taken center stage on a number of occasions, and even more recently,Legion of SuperheroesandBattle of the Super Sonshave shined a light on this new wave of superheroics.
DC Needs to Bring Their Younger Heroes to Life.
Why are DC’s live-action films so afraid of Robin? It seems like a silly question, but outside ofBlue BeetleandShazam,DC has largely forgotten about its younger heroes in the live-action realm. We have seen them in series, but they are often overlooked in the films. We have hints of Robin inBatman v. Superman,but we have yet to see the character represented on the big screen outside ofBatman Forever.Given the vast popularity of these young heroes and the demographics of the typical viewers, it only makes sense to direct some focus toward this new generation, so it is so surprising that DC has failed to do so.
