Absolute DC Highlights the Perfect Moment for an Arrowverse Revival

Superman & Lois recently concluded on The CW, marking the end of over two decades of DC superhero programming on the network and evoking nostalgia for the expansive Arrowverse. With both Marvel’s Ultimate Universe and DC’s Absolute titles enjoying significant attention, there’s a compelling opportunity for the Arrowverse to evolve into a new and exciting chapter, beginning with comic adaptations.

DC has consistently expanded its narratives through comics that align with the universe of its films and TV series. Over the last ten years, notable comic titles have explored beloved projects such as Smallville, the 1966 Batman series, Superman: The Movie (1978), and the 1989 Batman film. These adaptations have even brought to life previously unrealized character concepts, including Marlon Wayans’ take on Robin and Madonna’s Harley Quinn.

The foundation of DC’s approach to outside media is deep-seated, stretching back to the 1930s. While the Arrowverse has made occasional forays into comic storytelling, the palpable nostalgia following the finale of The Flash and Superman & Lois suggests a ripe opportunity for fresh, ongoing Arrovverse comics.

Though shows like Arrow and Legends of Tomorrow averaged around a million viewers—significantly less than typical Marvel films—they still represent a noteworthy audience that could be engaged with just one new series.

Understanding DC’s Arrowverse

A Decade of Superhero Television and Beyond

Connection between Superman & Lois and Arrowverse

The Arrowverse, interchangeably known as the Berlantiverse, CWverse, or Beeboverse, represents a collective universe of superhero narratives primarily characterized through television adaptations of DC comic characters, spearheaded by executive producer Greg Berlanti. Central series include Arrow, The Flash, Supergirl, DC’s Legends of Tomorrow, and Batwoman, while Black Lightning, Stargirl, and Superman & Lois exist tangentially. Crossovers in the multiverse confirm that nearly every DC TV series and film is somehow linked to Arrowverse’s continuity, notably showcased in the impactful Crisis on Infinite Earths event.

Remarkably, the Arrowverse has outlasted DC’s cinematic universe, establishing itself as the most extensive live-action shared universe in terms of episode count and runtime, even surpassing the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Importantly, for countless casual viewers, the Arrowverse served as their introduction to various DC characters, from the more recognized figures like The Flash to lesser-known entities like Vibe and Wild Dog. Maintaining and growing this fan connection is a sound business strategy moving forward.

The last substantial crossover featured on-screen in the Arrowverse culminated in the comic series, where Superman & Lois, Batwoman, DC’s Legends of Tomorrow, and The Flash banded together in the Earth-Prime storyline.

The Arrowverse’s Comic Exploration

A Strong Tradition in Comics

While predominantly recognized as a television franchise, the Arrowverse has spanned various media, including a slew of comic tie-ins, novels catering to diverse audiences, and web-based series. Animation features like Vixen and Freedom Fighters Presents The Ray were initially released on CW Seed, subsequently compiled into home video films. The Arrowverse’s prominence extended to merchandise, featuring everything from apparel to video game DLC, ultimately cementing its cultural footprint.

The mega-event, Crisis on Infinite Earths, held in 2019-2020, led to the production of a hardcover comic one-shot, showcasing Arrowverse characters’ engagement with the original comic storyline. In the wake of pandemic restrictions that limited live-action crossovers, the last crossover event unfolded within comic pages, illustrating DC’s adaptability in challenging circumstances.

Shows like Legends of Tomorrow and Black Lightning, despite their premature endings, have unresolved narratives that hold potential for future storytelling.

Unfinished Arrowverse Narratives

Waiting for Closure

Despite the Arrowverse’s impressive legacy, not all series received the closure they deserved. Fans of DC’s Legends of Tomorrow are still eagerly anticipating further adventures. Their effort to keep awareness alive included flyovers above Warner Bros.studios and supporting the Writers Guild of America strike in 2023. Legends remains a prime candidate for revival due to its abrupt cancellation on a cliffhanger without any notice for a final season. Notably, many other series also concluded without resolution. Bitsie Tulloch, a star of Superman & Lois, expressed:

We all kind of went into this thinking… we were literally told that it would probably be at least seven seasons, and so we were all literally getting settled into Vancouver, but life happens, just like it does to Lois and Clark.

A Path Forward: The Case for a Revitalized Arrowverse

Comics Offer New Possibilities

Absolute Universe Characters — Custom Image by Kevin Erdmann

Currently, Marvel’s Ultimate Universe and DC’s Absolute Universe are experiencing remarkable sales, illustrating that fans are receptive to series set in alternate realities. Each title can begin with rich, engaging narratives that fill in character backgrounds organically, a strategy that Arrowverse comics could adopt to attract new readers.

The discontinuation of the Arrowverse on television should not signify the franchise’s demise, as comics can continue to serve its dedicated fanbase while also welcoming new audiences. With a proven track record of success in carefully crafted alternate reality tales, DC is poised to tap into the existing interest at this juncture. Comic projects have thrived with far less engagement, and a comprehensive Arrowverse comic could be a coveted addition for fans, echoing the successes of Injustice and DCeased.

It’s true that Arrow and Legends of Tomorrow had “only”approximately a million viewers, dwarfed by typical Marvel film audiences. Nonetheless, this translates into a robust potential readership for a new series. Launching a fresh chapter of the Arrowverse in comics could provide DC with a sustainable and cherished continuity, leveraging extensive prior interest in these characters. It is crucial for DC to recognize that the conclusion of live-action Arrowverse does not equate to an end for beloved characters and storylines that resonate with numerous fans.

Source: ComicBook.com

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