DC’s New Batman Series Sets Up The Next DC Animated Universe

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As a huge fan, I really think the DC Animated Universe was something special – honestly, one of the best and most creative takes on superheroes we’ve ever seen. It all started with Batman: The Animated Series way back in 1993, and it just grew from there! They started telling different stories alongside each other, adding in Superman, more Batman adventures, and eventually bringing everyone together in shows like Justice League and Justice League Unlimited. It was amazing, and I feel like we really need something like it again now.

As a longtime fan of DC animation, I really thought things were over in 2006 when Justice League finished its run. Thankfully, we got a follow-up in 2019 with Justice League vs. The Fatal Five that finally gave us some closure. Then, they started this whole separate animated universe, the DCAMU, which was cool, but that ended in 2020 too. Now, honestly, DC Studios has a big hole to fill when it comes to consistently delivering animated content for fans like me.

Luckily, DC Comics has given us a perfect starting point for a fresh series of animated stories, and, as they’ve done before, it all begins with Batman.

Absolute Batman Needs A TV Adaptation

Starting in 2024, DC Comics has been creating a connected series of stories centered around the ‘Absolute Universe,’ beginning with Absolute Batman. This new take on Bruce Wayne’s story features the iconic Batman, but explores a significantly different journey for the hero.

Bruce Wayne didn’t have a privileged start in life, growing up in the tough neighborhoods of Gotham. Adding to his unique story, his mother, Martha, is still alive and was once involved with the mysterious Court of Owls. A skilled engineer, Bruce relies on his ingenuity to create the technology that helps him fight crime and become a symbol of justice.

This story is truly captivating and would make a fantastic animated series. It offers a new perspective on a well-known character, and is sure to appeal to viewers looking for something original compared to the many retellings they’ve already seen.

The Absolute Universe Could Set Up A Whole New DCAU

The changes don’t end with just Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman. Since the start of the Absolute Universe, Absolute Superman and Absolute Wonder Woman have also revitalized classic DC stories, creating something new and exciting. Plus, many other characters are now part of this universe, with ongoing limited series and open-ended storylines, and even more planned for the future.

This opens up the possibility of developing a whole universe based on the Absolute comics, creating a strong and unique alternative to the mostly live-action DC Universe. The distinct characters and fresh approach of these new stories would give audiences something different in each universe, allowing both to thrive without competing with each other.

Elseworlds Needs The DC Absolute Series

These shows would work best as their own separate series, outside of the main DC Universe, and James Gunn has already created a way to make that happen. He’s introduced ‘DC Elseworlds’ as a brand for telling stories that don’t fit directly into the DCU. Considering the success of stories like ‘Absolute Universe,’ now is the time for Gunn to deliver on that idea.

Currently, the Elseworlds line seems to be concentrating solely on the Batman universe created by Matt Reeves and starring Robert Pattinson. To offer more diversity and finally adapt the ‘Absolute’ comic book stories for a wider audience, it would be smart to develop these unique comics into a series of connected films and stories.

Given the success of DC’s previous animated universes, like the DCAU and DCAMU – particularly when the live-action DCEU films faced challenges – it’s a smart move to create another connected animated world. With many of these stories leaning towards more mature themes, building a new universe around the ‘Absolute’ comic book storylines, beginning with Batman, feels like a natural fit.

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2026-05-24 13:38