By Drew Dietsch
| Revealed
The DC Universe is off and operating beneath the steerage of James Gunn. With Creature Commandos and Supermanwe’ve been given a barrage of Gunn’s particular riff on the DC characters and their world, however we’ll quickly begin seeing different initiatives the place his direct presence will likely be much less evident.
And it’s right here the place the DCU has its strongest alternative to succeed, and Gunn is certainly conscious of this reality. Gunn has mentioned that he doesn’t need there to be a “firm type” to how the DCU films are made as a result of he doesn’t need folks to get bored.
Taking A Stab At Marvel
You understand that’s a sly stab at Marvel Studios. The Marvel Cinematic Universe has gone on lengthy sufficient that there was a noticeable “home type” evolve over time. That’s not by chance both because the MCU has made its bread by guaranteeing a uniformity to their initiatives so the viewers by no means feels too removed from dwelling.
Whereas I’m not right here to debate the optimistic/unfavorable/successes/failures of the MCU, I’m right here to say that DCU is off to an amazing begin by doing issues very in a different way from the MCU.
We’ve already seen a extra “bounce proper in” angle to the DCU with James Gunn’s Superman and it doesn’t appear to have turned of us off if the field workplace numbers are any indication. As a substitute of taking the MCU’s now-laborious method to setting issues up and making each single character really feel like crucial individual on the earth, the DCU is showcasing a willingness to throw a number of new issues at viewers with little-to-no institution.
Feeling Extra Like Comedian Books
Frankly, that really captures the sensation of choosing up a random comedian e-book far more than the MCU. Comics usually needed to do their finest to proceed ongoing tales whereas nonetheless welcoming new readers. It means flexing a special set of storytelling muscle mass than the meticulous table-setting method Marvel made so profitable.
In my view, that method is definitely extra inviting. I’ll admit to being a lifelong comics reader so I may be more proficient at this sort of “shut up and benefit from the journey” sort of construction, however after nearly twenty years of Marvel pretending each character must be arrange in a post-credits scene that frames them as The Most Vital Particular person, I’m far more welcoming of the DCU’s mannequin of trusting the viewers to hold round as a result of the characters themselves are fascinating and entertaining with out making an attempt to make them really feel like The Most Vital Particular person.
Add to that James Gunn’s declaration that the DCU will try to supply very completely different film experiences and it feels just like the DCU is doing its finest to supply an expertise the MCU hasn’t offered. For as a lot as Marvel touts its numerous filmography, there’s no argument that all of them need to enact a particular tone with a purpose to hyperlink up with the remainder of their universe. If the DCU can keep a common continuity whereas truly providing distinct movies that stand on their very own, they’ll depart the MCU within the mud. Right here’s hoping.