How Batman Could Add More DCU Stability

The Dark Knight has risen. The Dark Knight has returned. But for the DCU, the Dark Knight has yet to arrive. Slowly, the DCU is introducing the individual members of the Justice League. Superman for sure. Wonder Woman is heavily rumored to be introduced. And John Stewart is looking to be the Green Lantern. As of now, The Flash, Aquaman, and Martian Manhunter or even Cyborg have yet to have any sort of involvement. But one particular Justice League member is confirmed to have a movie. Obviously, that is Batman. Whenever Batman enters a room, regardless if it’s his project or not, he demands attention and that attention swings to him instantly. So, his presence in the DCU will be highly impactful. But how would that look like and feel like within the DCU and among the fanbase?

So far, even though no official signs are pointing toward the Justice League, there has been some mentions of Batman. The first was his cameo in Creature Commandoes. That cameo might have been the best so far in the DCU due to it coming from nowhere. Nothing about the Creature Commandoes at first glance suggested that Batman might be involved so when he did appear it was a delightful and exciting surprise. Gotham on a traffic sign was briefly, very briefly seen in Superman. But more recently, he has had some connections to Lanterns. Gotham was once again referenced when Sheriff Kerry Kane mentioned she fled from there. Some rumors have suggested she might be related to Kate Kane a.k.a. Batwoman a.k.a. Bruce Wayne’s cousin. Which by going off that logic, Sheriff Kane is related to Bruce Wayne. But in the latest episodes of Lanterns, he was nearly name dropped. He was reduced to the ‘bat guy’ by Hal Jordan. So, although, it’s slow going, Batman is getting closer. And when that day comes, it will be a huge moment for the DCU.

Why? One reason is the borderline frustration of the DCU’s selection of characters. A near mutual agreement about the DCU is the line up of characters in the DCU’s DNA. Although DC is spoiled with iconic characters, the lesser known or in some cases virtually unknown characters are getting movies and shows. This is a James Gunn trope and fans are sounding their frustration with that approach. Instead of fast tracking a project with a fan favorite or big character, other characters like Jimmy Olsen have their projects smooth sailing. That alone has annoyed fans. But once Batman arrives, it might feel like things are getting back on track.

Although the DCU is young, a mix bag of differing quality and a host of random characters, fans and movie goers are critiquing the universe, sometimes maybe too harshly and prematurely. Given the success and recognition Gunn gave the Guardians of the Galaxy – a virtual unknown group – there was confidence he would do wonders for DC since the brand has characters that are monumental. After some released projects, the tone has shifted a bit. Some fans are pressing the panic button, others are practicing some patience while others are sitting in indifference. It’s no secret though the first chapter isn’t quite what fans envisioned or expected. Again, that partially comes from the fact that lesser-known characters are being prioritized. If that path were to be continued, it will lead to a wider spread annoyance among the fanbase. And if that were to happen, parts of the fanbase could potentially be lost. That’s where a major character like Batman could come in and help.

As of now, Batman’s arrival may capitalize on a perfect storm. One side, you have fans that are frustrated that C to D list characters are being prioritized. On the other side, you have fans that are eating up all the teasing that the DCU is dropping for Batman. So, when he does officially arrive to the DCU, Batman could easily satisfy both sides. He could, at least for short term, silence the groans among fans. Instead of going through another project with a questionable character, a major movie with a major character will finally be the main thing for the DCU. And at the same time, all this built up toward Batman will pay off. Batman is a sacred character. To put in down the line does make some sense. One it does help build up his arrival. Give some breathing room. Maybe even help give more depth to the shared universe before his arrival. But within that window, use the opportunities to build up his mythical statues, something the DCU is in fact doing. And obviously, Batman’s arrival will give fans a super beloved character that needs no introduction. A character whose presence is never in question. People know Batman is coming and when he does officially arrive it might feel like a sigh of relief. It would be that ‘about damn time’ moment for the DCU.

It’s not like the DCU is outright struggling. Even though Superman did not perform as well as everyone wanted, it did win over the hearts of a big part of the fanbase. They were and still are relieved that the Man of Steel is back to his hopeful image. And all the shows have and are doing exceptionally. From the surprise of Creature Commandoes to the hottest point of conversation in the superhero genre, Lanterns, the DCU has handed out gold after gold on the small screen. So, although consistency has been a topic, the DCU does have solid momentum. But it remains the same in all avenues. What fans will push on is the fact that DC A-Listers have to move to the side, or out the picture entirely, for lesser-known characters. Until the premier characters start to have consistency, the DCU will continue to have fans that criticize this method. But having Batman introduced might solve both problems. Despite the success, fans are still holding their breath for something big and Batman could deliver that. Once Batman arrives, fans will be pleased that one of the biggest flagship characters in all of fiction has finally entered this universe. So, due to the character selection and the differing levels of quality, Batman could act as the savior so to speak. It might be a safe bet that everyone who will be attached to this Batman film are fully aware what this character means. What this movie means for the fans and the brand. That could lead to one hell of a movie. To drop the ball on any Batman related project is borderline blasphemous. So, a highly successful Batman film for the DCU, means fans will be pleased with the character selection and relief that DCU has set a new standard for themselves when it comes to quality.

Although the DCU is young, it has exceeded some expectations. Creature Commandoes was criticized for being a show about out-of-left-field characters but turned out to be one the highest rated superhero shows ever. Lanterns was also criticized for grounding cosmic level characters. But it too has become a popular and highly rated shows. Superman is back in his bright hopeful light, a quality that fans feared he lost. But there are some blemishes on the DCU that fans will continue to point at. Yet, with the teasing of Batman within the DCU, that alone is pleasing fans. It’s building up Batman’s allure. Batman’s mythical, boogeyman status. That method is getting fans hyped. And if Batman’s landing from the shadows pays off, fans are going to be excited because, again, a premier character in DC is at center stage, all the build up will lead to something big, and a near guarantee that the Batman movie will be of high quality.