The Marvel vs DC issue...

I've never written an opinion piece like this, I hope it goes okay...

One thing I've noticed that the Avengers movie has reignited is the debate about why Marvel is succeeding with their big screen offerings. DC on the other hand, Dark Knight Trilogy aside, have failed to produce the same level of quality and movies with wide ranging appeal. Let's face it, Superman Returns was far from great and the Green Lantern movie left a lot to be desired.

Personally, I think the root of the problem lies in DC's apparent reluctance to create any kind of fully formed universe across their comic book titles. If you look back at when Marvel introduced the Ultimate Universe and how, across most of the titles, they made sure you knew that what happened in one book had a direct impact on another. From little references in news bulletins on TV, to Nick Fury appearing to link things together, Marvels efforts to create a dynamic and living universe were there for all to see. I've recently re-read the entire three volumes of The Ultimates, the first 100 issues of Ultimate X-men and the first 40 issues of Ultimate Spider-Man, as well as the Ultimate Six series. There are so many references to each other across the titles, from mentions of Iron Man helping a stricken submarine in Ultimate X-men, to Nick Fury appearing in Ultimate Spider-Man and telling Peter Parker that once he hits 18 he belongs to him and will be part of the Ultimates. Whether or not the consistency across the titles as a universe and what Marvel have created across their movies was part of the same train of thought, I do not know. Regardless of that, the Ultimate Universe was a sign that Marvel was willing and able to take on this approach.

Looking to DC's New 52, there is a very obvious lack of consistency in terms of a universe feel. In the titles I read, the only crossing over of Justice League members into another book has been in Batman: The Dark Knight, which is easily the poorest Batman comic. All we had was a pointless cameo from Flash where he got infected with a toxin, then had to run as hard as he could to prevent his body metabolising it. It had no bearing on the story at all, what little story there is in that title! Another example is Hal Jordan, his character is massively different in the Justice League book when compared to the Green Lantern comic. I would have thought the 52 reboot would have been the perfect opportunity to align the comics and create a look and feel that runs throughout all the major titles. There's plenty of scope to play with characters like Batman and Superman etc. due to them appearing in multiple titles, but make the main runs into a universe where one title impacts on another and the foundations are laid for it to be carried into the movies. Apart from that, it would make the DC universe even more fun. I'm not looking to bad mouth DC at all, as I've said in previous posts Batman is my favourite comic and I enjoy all of the 52 books I buy (Dark Knight aside, I'm hoping that won't be terrible forever). They're well written, exciting, sometimes humorous and usually a rewarding read. The fact of the matter is, I want to see the Justice League characters each get a damn good movie and have a Justice League movie get made as a result. When you look at the superheroes it will have involved, if it's handled right, it could be something really special.

When you look at how Marvel have gone about things since around 12(ish) years ago, when the Ultimate universe was created, it seems they've been setting things up. A long-term plan is there to see, from creating the comics, then beginning to release a series of movies that tie-in, then the pay-off with the Avengers. Marvel's stock in terms of cinema attendances and comic sales will only rise from here. If they carry on as they are, they are in for prolonged success and I'm excited to see what they have in store, both in print and on screen. If DC do wish to follow suit and release a Justice League movie in the future, the ball needs to start rolling very soon. Batman will be rebooted after Nolan's trilogy ends, if they're smart they will get things moving with that. But then there's the issue of getting movies for all the other characters made and released. Superman could be tied in with a sequel to the upcoming Man of Steel. You have to feel that the JL characters relationships with each other are rather more complicated than that of the Avengers so it's going to be very tricky to get right. As things stand, I cannot see how DC could get things in place for a JL movie in the next ten years. At current pace they run the risk of the comic book movie trend being dead by the time it comes about, but then their output for the big screen has historically been pedestrian in terms of its regularity.

I speak as a fan. After seeing the wonderful job Marvel and Joss Whedon did with the Avengers, I'm now hungry to see the likes of Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Flash, Green Lantern and Martian Manhunter together in a movie. Marvel has left DC in its wake hugely and they must be loving every second, maybe the added knowledge of Disney is playing a part in how they're going about things, that's a pretty big wealth of talent to draw on when it comes to releasing films. Marvel are now sat with their feet up watching the money roll in, this must be hugely gratifying to them when it is often mentioned that sales of comics are down, as are sales of many things right now.
That being said, since the New 52 was launched, DC titles have regularly filled the top ten selling titles each week, so it's obvious that people enjoy what they're doing in their comics. If that was translated into a series of films leading into a JL movie, it could be absolutely huge. But time is very much of the essence if DC want to ride the coat tails of Marvel and make an absolute behemoth of a money making, as well as a critical, success.

 What they do from here remains to be seen, I just hope they don't fall flat on their face if/when they get things moving.