DC’s Unstoppable Winning Streak Will Shock You!

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Being a devotee of DC Comics isn’t always a walk in the park. Throughout the years, fellow enthusiasts like me have endured our fair share of sorrow – the highs and lows of the New 52, the letdown of the Green Lantern movie, the rollercoaster ride of the DCEU, and some comic book status quo changes that initially seemed promising but ultimately fell flat. But things have taken a turn for the better in recent times. DC has been operating at full capacity, offering top-tier superhero tales through its comics, movies, and TV series. The budding DC Universe and DC Studios are generating buzz around the brand. While Marvel might be raking in the dough, it’s DC that is receiving all the accolades.

In recent years, DC hasn’t failed to deliver, and it’s quite straightforward to substantiate this claim. Examining the specific productions from DC, one can see success after success after success. When it comes to superheroes, DC has consistently pushed boundaries, and if this trend continues, DC could very well become the dominant force in the superhero genre.

DC Is All Killer, No Filler, & Has Been for Years

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Reflecting on the cinematic journey of DC, it’s clear that 2021’s “The Suicide Squad” served as a transformative milestone. As my first encounter with James Gunn’s DC work, I was utterly captivated. This film brilliantly reworked the foundation laid by the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), addressing its shortcomings and infusing it with the essence of humor and affection that had been missing in earlier installments.

Unfortunately, the cinematic landscape didn’t transform overnight; subsequent DCEU productions like “Black Adam“, “Shazam!: Fury of the Gods“, “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom“, “Blue Beetle“, and “The Flash” all experienced varying degrees of box office underperformance. Yet, I wouldn’t categorize them as complete failures. Most of these movies were average superhero flicks at best, and at worst, they embodied the less-than-impressive standards set by “The Flash“.

In the early phase of the 2020s decade, superhero movies and TV series didn’t exactly shine – with one notable exception being DC. The hit show Peacemaker, spinning off a beloved character from The Suicide Squad, has emerged as arguably the best live-action superhero TV series ever produced. It offered a perfect blend of humor, action, and emotional depth, resonating with viewers on multiple levels. The show told an engaging superhero tale that also tugged at heartstrings, delivering everything DC fans had been hoping for from these adaptations. Lastly, the Arrowverse has earned respect over the years, and even its final series, Superman & Lois, garnered much admiration and acclaim from fans as it concluded this year.

On the large cinema screen, “The Batman” proved to be another major triumph for DC. Interestingly, it didn’t belong to either the DCEU (DC Extended Universe) or DCU (DC Universe), but it delivered the kind of Batman film that fans have been yearning for: a gripping detective drama that ventured away from the paths taken by other Batman movies. Moreover, it is generally considered superior to most Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) films since 2019, with the exception of those directed by James Gunn.

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The shift from DCEU to the new DCU, spearheaded by James Gunn and Peter Safran, marked a significant improvement in quality. Gunn, arguably the most accomplished writer/director in comic book films today, has a knack for crafting superhero tales that effectively balance plot development with character growth, something many others struggle to achieve. Since Gunn and Safran took charge, DC has seen remarkable success. The show “Creature Commandos,” under Gunn’s direction once more, is demonstrating this expertise. While the overall storyline may be simple, it’s the meticulous character development that makes the series a standout – a nearly flawless illustration of how adaptations can excel when done right.

The Penguin” series isn’t your typical DC superhero spinoff show. Although it doesn’t fall under the umbrella of the DC Universe (it belongs to Matt Reeves’ Batman universe), it shares similarities with the storytelling approach of the DCU. Unlike other shows, “The Penguin” is a crime drama that takes place in Gotham City and its criminal organizations, serving as an engaging backdrop for the narrative. The show was highly praised in 2024 because it focused on telling its unique story rather than being a direct adaptation from a movie. It wasn’t created to cash in on a film; instead, it stands independently as a captivating piece of fiction.

Without a doubt, discussing the DC Universe wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the elephant in the room: Superman. The year 2024 was filled with exciting fan interactions, and the December unveiling of the Superman trailer sent the internet into a frenzy. For two minutes and 19 seconds, we were treated to an ideal representation of what a superhero trailer should offer. Superman has been somewhat overshadowed in recent years as a character; yes, people appreciated Henry Cavill’s portrayal of Superman, but it’s hard to argue that the world was fully satisfied with his role in the DCEU films. The Superman trailer seemed more like the genuine Superman in just three minutes compared to the hours of Superman we received from the DCEU. The second trailer is equally impressive, showcasing Superman gracefully flying through the skies.

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Indeed, DC’s influence extends beyond movies and television shows, as their success is also evident in the realm of comics. While Marvel held the top spot for many years in the comic market, DC was a close second. However, it’s worth noting that when it comes to quality, DC has been consistently impressive, especially in recent times (2020s).

The transformation for DC began with the publishing initiative called “Infinite Frontier” in 2021. This soft reboot of their comics line was not without its flaws, as there was an emphasis on Batman comics and a lack of other publications. Nevertheless, titles like Action Comics, Detective Comics, Nightwing, and The Flash received positive reviews from fans.

The “Infinite Frontier” storyline culminated in the event comic titled Dark Crisis On Infinite Earths, which I personally enjoyed, despite some criticism. However, even those who didn’t appreciate this particular storyline have to acknowledge that it marked a significant turning point for DC. Following the release of Dark Crisis On Infinite Earths, the quality of DC’s titles has noticeably improved overall.

2023 marked the commencement of the “Dawn of DC” publishing venture, which aimed primarily at rejuvenating the DC Universe. The “Dawn of DC” initiative stood out because it chose to set aside the often complex continuity that DC comics are known for. Fans were delighted as this approach allowed them to appreciate these stories without getting lost in the intricate web of continuity. It was a return to essentials, rich with high-quality comic books. Titles like Superman, Action Comics, Batman/Superman: World’s Finest, Detective Comics, Poison Ivy, Nightwing, Titans, Steelworks, Superboy: Man of Tomorrow, Green Arrow, Justice Society of America (when it was released), Wonder Woman, and many others were all enjoying a surge in popularity. Sales figures were climbing, and the event comic “Absolute Power” set the stage for one of the most significant changes to DC in decades – the introduction of the Absolute Universe.

In a striking resemblance to Marvel’s innovative Ultimate Universe, the All-Encompassing Cosmos has essentially mirrored its structure – a universe conceived by villains, where superheroes experience vastly different beginnings and lifestyles compared to their counterparts on our primary Earth.

The spotlight character in Absolute Batman is a grittier, less affluent Bruce Wayne who dons the cape and cowl as Batman. In contrast, Absolute Superman presents a Superman who arrived on Earth later in his life, embodying more Kryptonian traits than earthly ones. The female lead, Absolute Wonder Woman, portrays a version of her raised in the underworld, battling to protect our world from its darkest evils. These captivating titles have been sweeping sales charts, giving DC an almost uncontested top spot since their launch. DC’s superhero comics, both in their main series (with the new “All-In” initiative) and the Absolute line, are currently unmatched in quality.

It’s a Perfect Time To Be a DC Fan

2023 marked a significant shift in DC’s creative direction. With many of the old guard stepping aside, the new DC Studios have stepped up to lead the adaptations. This change has brought about a surge in exceptional storytelling, with DC comics consistently climbing to the top of the charts. The future looks promising and continues to improve as we move forward.

2025 seems poised to be a stellar year for DC, with shows like Creature Commandos demonstrating that audiences are eager for the quirkier aspects of DC, and Superman (2025) appearing to be on track to become a cultural juggernaut. The comics are seeing a resurgence in popularity; The Penguin series has shown that DC Studios’ TV productions can reach prestige levels and garner more acclaim than the assembly line of Marvel Disney+ shows. It appears that DC is proving me right, as I’ve long maintained, that it doesn’t miss its mark.

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2025-01-31 02:10