With Superman achieving remarkable success at both the box office and from critics, it’s clear that James Gunn‘s DC Universe (DCU) is poised for a thriving future. However, this isn’t the first time the DC franchise has attempted a shared universe; it’s worth noting that Zack Snyder‘s “Snyderverse” was not the inaugural attempt. The true pioneer of a connected DC universe originated on television: the DCAU. This universe showcased some of the greatest DC series ever created, including the iconic Batman: The Animated Series.
Beyond the DCAU, numerous fantastic DC animated series have emerged, such as Teen Titans and Young Justice. The animated offerings from this brand have garnered immense success and popularity, primarily due to the exceptional quality of these shows. If James Gunn aims to ensure that the DCU remains a hit, he could draw valuable lessons from these animated series and their standout features that contributed to their greatness.
Superman
- Release Date
-
July 11, 2025
- Runtime
-
130 minutes
10
Maximize League Roster Rotation for Engaging Storylines
‘Justice League Unlimited’ (2004)
Following the exceptional success of Justice League in its original animated series, Warner Bros. Animation and DC Comics made the strategic decision to continue the franchise under a new title: Justice League Unlimited. This sequel was particularly unique because it featured a significantly expanded roster of characters from the broader DC universe, allowing the Justice League’s lineup to evolve dynamically based on the specific challenges they faced.
Implementing a rotating roster for the League not only keeps the narrative fresh and engaging but also provides a platform for lesser-known characters to shine. This dynamic creates opportunities for character development and allows audiences to witness diverse interactions, especially when these characters team up with iconic heroes like Superman (David Corenswet), ensuring that the spotlight is shared effectively.
9
Craft Compelling Villains for Engaging Storylines
The DCAU
The entirety of the DCAU excelled at ensuring that the villains faced by the heroes were far from typical “Saturday morning cartoon” caricatures. While some villains may have fit that mold, the most significant adversaries were given ample development time, making them compelling and intriguing for audiences. Almost every one of Batman’s (Kevin Conroy) foes in Batman: The Animated Series was crafted with engaging character arcs and substantial depth.
A standout illustration of this approach can be found in Justice League Unlimited, specifically in Season 3, Episode 5, titled “Flash and Substance.” In this episode, the heroes seek critical information from Flash’s (Michael Rosenbaum) notorious antagonist, Trickster (Mark Hamill). Rather than resorting to aggression, Flash chooses to engage Trickster in dialogue, recognizing him as a troubled individual rather than just a villain. He genuinely attempts to support him, even inquiring about his mental health and medication. This approach deepens the connection between heroes and villains, making both sides more relatable and enhancing the overall narrative.
8
Showcase “World’s Finest” Team-Ups for Dynamic Storytelling
The DCAU
Audiences have witnessed Batman and Superman clash on screen, but the demand for such confrontations is waning. Instead of repeating the formula of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, it would be far more innovative and entertaining to present the “World’s Finest” as allies, showcasing their camaraderie and friendship as they are meant to be portrayed.
Many of the most compelling narratives in the DC universe stem from the cooperative efforts of these two legendary figures. While glimpses of their partnership have been seen, particularly in the latter portions of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, a genuine portrayal of their friendship would differentiate the DCU from previous adaptations and highlight the dynamic synergy between these iconic characters.
7
Highlight Street-Level Heroes for Relatable Storylines
‘Static Shock’ (2000)
While epic characters like Superman and Green Lantern certainly have their place, the DC Universe should not overlook the importance of street-level heroes like Static Shock, who have become fan favorites. Characters such as Static Shock, Green Arrow, Nightwing, Cassandra Cain, and Wildcat are not only integral to the tapestry of the DC universe, but they also help broaden its appeal.
In contrast, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has faced challenges in incorporating street-level heroes, only recently introducing characters like Daredevil (Charlie Cox) and Kate Bishop (Hailee Steinfeld). Heroes who focus on the everyday struggles of citizens and confront local villains often resonate more deeply with audiences than those who battle cosmic threats like Darkseid.
6
Integrate More Animal Heroes for Whimsical Appeal
‘Krypto the Superdog’ (2005)
Krypto the Superdog (Ozu the Dog) was undoubtedly one of the standout features of this year’s Superman, capturing the hearts of audiences with his charm. Many viewers may not realize, however, that the DC Comics universe is rich with a variety of other beloved animal sidekicks, such as Ace the Bat-Hound, Dex-Starr, and Storm the Seahorse.
If James Gunn aims to harness the affection that audiences have for Krypto within other DCU media, it would be wise to include additional animal heroes. The inclusion of animal protagonists can significantly enhance audience engagement, as they often foster a stronger emotional connection and serve as a delightful entry point for viewers, ultimately drawing them deeper into the narrative.
Krypto the Superdog
- Release Date
-
2005 – 2005
- Network
-
Cartoon Network
5
Introduce the Bat-Family for Rich Character Dynamics
‘The Batman’ (2004)
While many fans are excited about Robert Pattinson‘s portrayal of Batman in The Batman, there is a strong case for introducing a distinct version of Batman within the DCU—a Batman who already has a well-established Bat-Family. This could be achieved by introducing characters like Batgirl (Danielle Judovits) and Robin (Evan Sabara) from the animated series The Batman.
Having a Batman who is surrounded by a Bat-Family, including fan-favorites such as Nightwing, Red Hood, and Tim Drake, would offer a fresh perspective for the character on screen. It has been a while since audiences have witnessed a Batman project that features this supportive network, and the DCU could be the perfect setting to bring this concept to life.
The Batman
- Release Date
-
2004 – 2007
- Network
-
The WB, The CW
4
Introduce Lesser-Known Characters for Fresh Perspectives
‘Justice League Unlimited’ (2004)
One of the remarkable achievements of the entire DCAU, particularly in Justice League Unlimited, was its ability to introduce viewers to lesser-known characters from the expansive DC mythology. For instance, in the previously mentioned episode where Flash interacts with Trickster, audiences were introduced to Orion, a character who many had not previously recognized.
The DCU has already begun to explore this concept with upcoming projects such as Creature Commandos and Superman, which feature characters like Mister Terrific (Edi Gathegi) and Guy Gardner (Nathan Fillion). James Gunn’s established affinity for lesser-known characters, evident from his work with the Guardians of the Galaxy, suggests a promising future for the DC universe to cultivate new fan-favorites, creating opportunities for merchandising and media expansion.
Creature Commandos
- Release Date
-
December 5, 2024
- Network
-
Max
3
Achieve a Perfect Balance of Tone for Engaging Content
‘Teen Titans’ (2003)
Among the many beloved DC animated series, Teen Titans stands out as one of the most cherished from the early 2000s. This series masterfully balanced tone, seamlessly transitioning between lighthearted comedic moments and surprisingly dark and serious themes.
Teen Titans showcased the ability to shift from humorous, chibi-style antics to intense situations, such as Robin (Scott Menville) grappling with hallucinations of Slade (Ron Perlman), who continues to haunt him even after his demise. This skillful execution of contrasting tones enriches both the comedic and dramatic moments, allowing the series to resonate deeply with its audience.
Teen Titans
- Release Date
-
2003 – 2006
- Network
-
Cartoon Network
2
Embrace the Comic Book Essence for Authentic Storytelling
The DCAU
The entire DCAU excels at embracing the essence of comic books, refusing to let the inherent quirks and campiness associated with the medium hinder their storytelling. This is achieved while maintaining a serious tone, treating the narratives with the respect they deserve without descending into mockery. Superman already embodies this approach effectively.
Going forward, the key will be ensuring that for characters with flexible tones, Gunn selects directors proficient in managing tonal balance. Upcoming projects, including the live-action Teen Titans series and Supergirl, will need to navigate this balance adeptly to resonate with audiences.
1
Highlight Sidekicks for Diverse Narratives
‘Young Justice’ (2010)
