12 Years Ago, DC Made a Massive Mistake (& It’s Too Late to Make Things Right)

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I’ve always admired how deeply rooted DC is in television history. As early as the 1950s, this iconic comic book publisher started granting studios permission to utilize their characters, but it wasn’t until the late ’90s that things truly began to shine with the debut of “Batman: The Animated Series”. While the live-action films directed by Joel Schumacher were veering towards camp, this animated series allowed Batman to remain authentic, battling villains without relying on credit cards. The impact of “Batman: The Animated Series” was so profound that it birthed an expansive franchise known as the DC Animated Universe.

For over a decade, the DCAU (DC Animated Universe) entertained numerous series and films, instilling a love for the Justice League in many. Although the franchise eventually reached its end, DC decided to explore new territories. In 2010, Young Justice debuted on Cartoon Network, centering around a young team of superheroes. However, despite an encouraging start, the series encountered various obstacles, including some self-inflicted ones.

Young Justice Killed Off Its Best Character

In the series titled “Young Justice“, we are introduced to a universe brimming with superheroes. The Justice League is already operational, and several of its members have their own apprentices. Some of these young champions begin to suspect they’re about to graduate to the major league, but things don’t go as planned, leaving them to take charge themselves. Robin, Aqualad, Kid Flash, Superboy, and Miss Martian establish a team known as “The Team”, an independent division of the Justice League that embarks on their own missions. The Team experiences significant success initially, defeating Vandal Savage and rescuing their mentors from his mind control. However, in the second season of “Young Justice“, a time leap occurs, resulting in many of their major victories taking place off-screen. Upon their return, they emerge stronger than ever.

In this reimagined scenario, Earth’s legendary champions are pitted against an ominous extraterrestrial threat known as The Reach, a malevolent cosmic entity intent on annihilating our planet. To counteract its destructive power, they strategically position Magnetic Field Disruptors worldwide, leading the Justice League and their auxiliary team to share responsibilities. As time passes, all but one MFD remains active, with The Flash and Impulse laboring over it at the North Pole. However, the device’s intensity proves too formidable for them, compelling a third speedster, Wally West, to intervene. Known for his infectious exuberance, Wally expresses a growing desire to abandon his heroic path by the culmination of Season 2. He yearns for a tranquil life with Artemis instead of perpetually battling common criminals. Tragically, he never gets the opportunity to pursue such dreams, as the magnetic field from the MFD claims Wally’s life, leaving his comrades and loved ones devastated by their profound loss.

Wally West Never Got a Second Chance on Young Justice

Although boasting a dedicated fanbase, the series Young Justice was unfortunately terminated following its second run. However, thanks to the DC Universe streaming service, there was renewed life for the show, allowing it to produce two more seasons. Yet, despite persistent fan campaigns, Wally West’s return remained elusive. He made brief appearances as a hallucination and in a vision during Artemis’ magical mishaps, but those instances were limited. Sadly, Wally never reconnected with his friends Nightwing and Aqualad nor shared a future with Artemis. The selfless hero Wally West was given an unfortunate farewell, deserving far more in return.

In a refreshing turn, James Gunn’s DC Universe presents an opportunity to properly introduce Wally as a Justice League member, since Barry Allen held that role in the previous DC Extended Universe. Given that the DCU’s Wally may deviate from his portrayal in ‘Young Justice’, fans of the character will appreciate any development at this stage. After all, though Wally is equally heroic as his mentor, he often seems underrepresented, much like he’s receiving only a small portion of the limelight.

Young Justice is streaming on HBO Max.

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2025-07-20 21:42