DC Universe: Difference between revisions
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{{quote|''"It's the [[Weirdness Magnet|DC Universe.]] The [[The World Is Always Doomed|end of the world]] isn't even [[Seen It All|an excuse]] for [[City of Adventure|getting off work]] [[Genre Savvy|anymore."]]''|'''Linkara''', ''[[ |
{{quote|''"It's the [[Weirdness Magnet|DC Universe.]] The [[The World Is Always Doomed|end of the world]] isn't even [[Seen It All|an excuse]] for [[City of Adventure|getting off work]] [[Genre Savvy|anymore."]]''|'''Linkara''', ''[[Atop the Fourth Wall]]''}} |
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The '''DC Universe''' is the [[Shared Universe |
The '''DC Universe''' is the [[Shared Universe]] belonging to [[DC Comics]], established in 1934 and now the oldest major [[Comic Books|comic book]] publishing company. This is mostly used as a vehicle for their extensive [[Superhero]] mythos, although the [[Fantasy Kitchen Sink|nature]] of the universe allows for almost unlimited storytelling potential in many different genres. |
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The DC Universe is primarily responsible for establishing the concept of the super-hero in popular culture, with [[ |
The DC Universe is primarily responsible for establishing the concept of the super-hero in popular culture, with [[Batman]], [[Superman]] and [[Wonder Woman]] as some of their oldest and most popular characters. Their introduction of the [[Justice Society of America]] during [[World War II]] was also the first real super-hero team book, using the [[Crossover|cross-over]] to establish the first shared universe in comics history. Their massive early popularity was stunted by the invention of the [[Comics Code]] which nearly killed the industry, and many of the [[Bowdlerise|bowdlerised]] stories from this era are responsible for several negative stereotypes about the medium. There was a revival in the late fifties and early sixties with the creation of newer more imaginative updates of characters like [[Green Lantern]] and [[The Flash]], leading to DC's biggest characters forming the [[Justice League of America|Justice League]]. To explain the difference in continuity, they established a [[Multiverse]] with the different versions of the heroes occupying different world. The popularity of this team book also inspired [[Marvel Comics]] to publish their own team book [[Fantastic Four]], leading into an era of more maturely written super-hero stories dealing with the development of characters and more serious problems. |
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One of their most controversial moves was the epic storyline ''[[Crisis |
One of their most controversial moves was the epic storyline ''[[Crisis on Infinite Earths]]'' during the eighties, an effort to untangle their years of [[Continuity Snarl]] by destroying the Multiverse and establishing one linear continuity for all of the characters to co-exist in. This included revising much of the universe's history and updating the origins of many characters. The Multiverse has been brought back during [[Infinite Crisis]], although the mainstream continuity has only been changed in minor ways reflecting the story-telling needs of the writers. There was a second, much more widespread reboot of the DC Universe in September 2011 with all titles being restarted back to number 1, with these titles referred to as the "[[New 52]]". |
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Their distinguished competition is the [[Marvel Universe]], published by [[Marvel Comics]]. The two lines appear similar at first glance, but there are some very subtle differences between the two. While there are many exceptions, the main difference is that the super-hero community tends to have a stricter sense of [[Black and White Morality|black-and-white morality]] at DC. This is written as a mature philosophical stand-point, dealing with the heroic archetype and their place as trusted members of society; in the DCU the general public tend to have greater respect for their heroes and treat them with higher esteem. |
Their distinguished competition is the [[Marvel Universe]], published by [[Marvel Comics]]. The two lines appear similar at first glance, but there are some very subtle differences between the two. While there are many exceptions, the main difference is that the super-hero community tends to have a stricter sense of [[Black and White Morality|black-and-white morality]] at DC. This is written as a mature philosophical stand-point, dealing with the heroic archetype and their place as trusted members of society; in the DCU the general public tend to have greater respect for their heroes and treat them with higher esteem. |
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** The characters of Fawcett Comics, such as [[Shazam|Captain Marvel]] and the Marvel Family. |
** The characters of Fawcett Comics, such as [[Shazam|Captain Marvel]] and the Marvel Family. |
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** The characters of Quality Comics, such as [[Plastic Man]], Kid Eternity and the [[Freedom Fighters (Comic Book)|Freedom Fighters]]. |
** The characters of Quality Comics, such as [[Plastic Man]], Kid Eternity and the [[Freedom Fighters (Comic Book)|Freedom Fighters]]. |
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** The characters of Charlton Comics, such as [[ |
** The characters of Charlton Comics, such as [[Captain Atom]], [[Blue Beetle]] and [[The Question]]. |
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** The characters of [[Milestone Comics]], such as [[Static ( |
** The characters of [[Milestone Comics]], such as [[Static (comics)|Static]], [[Hardware (Comic Book)|Hardware]] and [[Icon]] & Rocket. |
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** The characters of the Red Circle (formerly owned by [[Archie Comics]]) such as the Mighty Crusaders, the Shield and the Web. |
** The characters of the Red Circle (formerly owned by [[Archie Comics]]) such as the Mighty Crusaders, the Shield and the Web. |
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** The characters of [[Wildstorm]] Comics, such as [[Stormwatch]], Grifter, [[The Authority]] and the [[Wild CATS]], who have joined the mainstream continuity (along with the people in the [[Vertigo Comics]] line) as of the [[New 52]]. |
** The characters of [[Wildstorm]] Comics, such as [[Stormwatch]], Grifter, [[The Authority]] and the [[Wild CATS]], who have joined the mainstream continuity (along with the people in the [[Vertigo Comics]] line) as of the [[New 52]]. |
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** The [[Wildstorm]] universe has nominally been part of the DC Multiverse since the company was bought by DC, though crossovers are rare. With [[Flashpoint (Comic Book)|Flashpoint]], however, many Wildstorm characters have shown up as part of the main DCU. |
** The [[Wildstorm]] universe has nominally been part of the DC Multiverse since the company was bought by DC, though crossovers are rare. With [[Flashpoint (Comic Book)|Flashpoint]], however, many Wildstorm characters have shown up as part of the main DCU. |
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** ''[[Kingdom Come]]'' and ''[[Tangent Comics]]'' are perhaps the most famous of numerous works detailing specific [[Alternate Universe|Alternate Universes]]. |
** ''[[Kingdom Come]]'' and ''[[Tangent Comics]]'' are perhaps the most famous of numerous works detailing specific [[Alternate Universe|Alternate Universes]]. |
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** Occasionally mention will be made of the [[Vertigo Comics|Vertigo Universe]], but Vertigo's recurring characters ([[The Sandman]], [[ |
** Occasionally mention will be made of the [[Vertigo Comics|Vertigo Universe]], but Vertigo's recurring characters ([[The Sandman]], [[Swamp Thing]], [[Lucifer (Comic Book)|Lucifer]], etc.) really take place in their own little corners of [[The DCU]] that [[Exiled From Continuity|no longer interact with the rest of the universe]] due to [[Executive Meddling]]. Up until 2011, anyway, when they made a comeback. |
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** ''We'' are ostensibly a part of the DC multiverse, Earth-Prime. Except between 1985 and 2005, when we didn't actually exist. |
** ''We'' are ostensibly a part of the DC multiverse, Earth-Prime. Except between 1985 and 2005, when we didn't actually exist. |
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* [[No Communities Were Harmed]]: The aforementioned [[City of Adventure|Cities Of Adventure]]. |
* [[No Communities Were Harmed]]: The aforementioned [[City of Adventure|Cities Of Adventure]]. |
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* [[Present Day]]: Mostly. [[Time Travel]] is common, as are series set in [[The Wild West]], [[World War II]], or [[The Future]]. |
* [[Present Day]]: Mostly. [[Time Travel]] is common, as are series set in [[The Wild West]], [[World War II]], or [[The Future]]. |
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* [[Shout |
* [[Shout-Out]] |
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* [[Superhero]]: Of course. |
* [[Superhero]]: Of course. |
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* [[Underwear of Power]]: [[Trope Maker]], really. (Although they are technically exercise trunks, not underwear.) |
* [[Underwear of Power]]: [[Trope Maker]], really. (Although they are technically exercise trunks, not underwear.) |
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* [[Adam Strange]] |
* [[Adam Strange]] |
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* [[Ambush Bug]] |
* [[Ambush Bug]] |
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* [[Amethyst |
* [[Amethyst, Princess of Gemworld]] |
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* [[Angel and |
* [[Angel and the Ape]] |
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* [[ |
* [[Animal Man]] |
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* [[Aquaman (Comic Book)|Aquaman]] |
* [[Aquaman (Comic Book)|Aquaman]] |
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* [[The Atom]] |
* [[The Atom]] |
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* [[Aztek]] |
* [[Aztek]] |
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* [[Batgirl (Comic Book)|Batgirl]] |
* [[Batgirl (Comic Book)|Batgirl]] |
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* [[ |
* [[Batman]] |
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* [[ |
* [[Batwoman]] |
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* [[Black Canary]] |
* [[Black Canary]] |
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* [[Blackest Night]] |
* [[Blackest Night]] |
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* [[Blackhawk]] |
* [[Blackhawk]] |
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* [[ |
* [[Black Lightning]] |
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* [[ |
* [[Black Orchid]] |
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* [[Blue Beetle]] |
* [[Blue Beetle]] |
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* [[Blue Devil]] |
* [[Blue Devil]] |
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* [[Booster Gold]] |
* [[Booster Gold]] |
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* [[Brightest Day]] |
* [[Brightest Day]] |
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* [[ |
* [[Captain Atom]] |
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* [[Captain Carrot and His Amazing Zoo Crew (Comic Book)|Captain Carrot and His Amazing Zoo Crew]] |
* [[Captain Carrot and His Amazing Zoo Crew (Comic Book)|Captain Carrot and His Amazing Zoo Crew]] |
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* [[Shazam|Captain Marvel]] |
* [[Shazam|Captain Marvel]] |
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* [[Checkmate]] |
* [[Checkmate]] |
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* [[The Creeper]] |
* [[The Creeper]] |
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* [[Crisis |
* [[Crisis on Infinite Earths]] |
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* [[Deadman (Comic Book)|Deadman]] |
* [[Deadman (Comic Book)|Deadman]] |
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* [[ |
* [[Demon Knights]] |
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* [[Dial H for Hero (Comic Book)|Dial H for Hero]] |
* [[Dial H for Hero (Comic Book)|Dial H for Hero]] |
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* [[Doctor Fate]] |
* [[Doctor Fate]] |
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* [[ |
* [[Doom Patrol]] |
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* [[Elongated Man]] |
* [[Elongated Man]] |
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* [[Enemy Ace]] |
* [[Enemy Ace]] |
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* [[Flash]] |
* [[Flash]] |
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* [[Flashpoint (Comic Book)|Flashpoint]] |
* [[Flashpoint (Comic Book)|Flashpoint]] |
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* [[ |
* [[Flex Mentallo]] |
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* [[Freedom Fighters (Comic Book)|Freedom Fighters]] |
* [[Freedom Fighters (Comic Book)|Freedom Fighters]] |
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* [[Global Guardians]] |
* [[Global Guardians]] |
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* [[Green Arrow]] |
* [[Green Arrow]] |
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* [[ |
* [[Green Lantern]] |
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* [[ |
* [[Harley Quinn]] |
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* [[Hawkman]] |
* [[Hawkman]] |
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* [[Hourman]] |
* [[Hourman]] |
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* [[Infinite Crisis]] |
* [[Infinite Crisis]] |
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* [[Jimmy Olsen]] |
* [[Jimmy Olsen]] |
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* [[Hellblazer |
* [[Hellblazer|John Constantine]] |
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* [[The Joker]] |
* [[The Joker]] |
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* [[Jonah Hex]] |
* [[Jonah Hex]] |
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* [[Robin (Comic Book)|Robin]] |
* [[Robin (Comic Book)|Robin]] |
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* [[The Sandman]] |
* [[The Sandman]] |
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* [[Scare Tactics ( |
* [[Scare Tactics (comics)|Scare Tactics]] |
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* [[Secret Six]] |
* [[Secret Six]] |
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* [[Sgt Rock (Comic Book)|Sgt Rock]] |
* [[Sgt Rock (Comic Book)|Sgt Rock]] |
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* [[ |
* [[Shadowpact]] |
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* [[The Spectre]] |
* [[The Spectre]] |
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* [[Starman (Comic Book)|Starman]] |
* [[Starman (Comic Book)|Starman]] |
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* [[Static ( |
* [[Static (comics)|Static]] |
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* [[Steel]] |
* [[Steel]] |
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* [[Suicide Squad]] |
* [[Suicide Squad]] |
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* [[Superboy]] |
* [[Superboy]] |
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* [[Supergirl]] |
* [[Supergirl]] |
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* [[ |
* [[Superman]] |
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* [[ |
* [[Swamp Thing]] |
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* [[Tangent Comics]] |
* [[Tangent Comics]] |
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* [[Teen Titans (Comic Book)|Teen Titans]] |
* [[Teen Titans (Comic Book)|Teen Titans]] |
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* [[Unknown Soldier]] |
* [[Unknown Soldier]] |
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* [[Vixen ( |
* [[Vixen (comics)|Vixen]] |
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* [[ |
* [[The Warlord]] |
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* [[Wonder Girl]] |
* [[Wonder Girl]] |
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* The [[Wonder Twins]] |
* The [[Wonder Twins]] |
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TV series set in (parts of) [[The DCU]]: |
TV series set in (parts of) [[The DCU]]: |
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[[ |
[[Superman]]-based (mostly in Metropolis, but given ol' Kal-El's range all bets are off): |
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* ''[[ |
* ''[[The Adventures of Superman]]'' |
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* ''[[ |
* ''[[The New Adventures of Superman]]'' |
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* ''[[The Adventures of Superboy]]'' |
* ''[[The Adventures of Superboy]]'' |
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* ''[[ |
* ''[[Lois and Clark]]'' |
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* ''[[Superman: The Animated Series |
* ''[[Superman: The Animated Series|Superman the Animated Series]]'' |
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* ''[[ |
* ''[[Smallville]]'' (Obviously, not set in Metropolis. Well, not for the majority of the series. Set mostly there towards the end, though.) |
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* ''[[Krypto the Superdog ( |
* ''[[Krypto the Superdog (animation)|Krypto the Superdog]]'' |
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[[ |
[[Batman]]-based (in Gotham City, with rare field trips): |
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* ''[[Batman (TV)|Batman]]'' |
* ''[[Batman (TV series)|Batman]]'' |
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* ''[[Batman: The Animated Series |
* ''[[Batman: The Animated Series|Batman the Animated Series]]'' |
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* ''[[ |
* ''[[Batman Beyond]]'' |
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* ''[[Birds of Prey]]'' (short-lived series focusing on "Batman Family" members) |
* ''[[Birds of Prey]]'' (short-lived series focusing on "Batman Family" members) |
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* ''[[Gotham Girls]]'' (2002 female-centric online cartoon series) |
* ''[[Gotham Girls]]'' (2002 female-centric online cartoon series) |
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* ''[[ |
* ''[[The Batman]]'' |
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* ''[[Batman |
* ''[[Batman: The Brave And The Bold|Batman the Brave And The Bold]]'' |
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[[Justice League of America]]-based: |
[[Justice League of America]]-based: |
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* ''[[ |
* ''[[Superfriends]]'' (Along with its many sequels and permutations.) |
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* ''Legends of the Superheroes'' (A short-lived 1970s series which attempted to bring the campy style of ''[[Batman]]'' to the JLA, and failed miserably.) |
* ''Legends of the Superheroes'' (A short-lived 1970s series which attempted to bring the campy style of ''[[Batman]]'' to the JLA, and failed miserably.) |
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* ''Justice League of America'', a failed [[Pilot Movie]] based around the post-''Justice League International'' incarnation of the team. |
* ''Justice League of America'', a failed [[Pilot Movie]] based around the post-''Justice League International'' incarnation of the team. |
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Other single characters: |
Other single characters: |
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* [[Catwoman (Comic Book)|Catwoman]] |
* [[Catwoman (Comic Book)|Catwoman]] |
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** Widely-panned [[Catwoman ( |
** Widely-panned [[Catwoman (film)|2004 movie]], with few links to either the comics or other movie versions. |
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* [[Flash]] |
* [[Flash]] |
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** ''[[The Flash]]'', 1990-91 series with John Wesley Shipp as Barry Allen. |
** ''[[The Flash]]'', 1990-91 series with John Wesley Shipp as Barry Allen. |
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* [[ |
* [[Green Lantern]] |
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** [[Green Lantern ( |
** [[Green Lantern (film)|2011 film]] |
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* [[Supergirl]] |
* [[Supergirl]] |
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** 1984 movie |
** 1984 movie |
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Other TV series: |
Other TV series: |
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* ''[[Aquaman (Comic Book)|Aquaman]]'' (Failed [[Pilot]]) |
* ''[[Aquaman (Comic Book)|Aquaman]]'' (Failed [[Pilot]]) |
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** Although a successful 1960s cartoon was why he was included in the [[ |
** Although a successful 1960s cartoon was why he was included in the [[Superfriends]] to begin with. |
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* ''[[Wonder Woman]]'' |
* ''[[Wonder Woman]]'' |
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* ''[[Shazam]]!'' ([[I Am Not Shazam|Not actually the hero's name.]] His name is Captain Marvel. The wizard who gave Billy Batson his powers ''is'' named Shazam. However, no series using the character can use the "Captain Marvel" name because [[Marvel Comics]] has its own character with that name and regularly publishes comic book series with that name. He was featured in a 1974 live-action series, 1981 cartoon (both produced by [[Filmation]]), and a planned 2008 cartoon.)) |
* ''[[Shazam]]!'' ([[I Am Not Shazam|Not actually the hero's name.]] His name is Captain Marvel. The wizard who gave Billy Batson his powers ''is'' named Shazam. However, no series using the character can use the "Captain Marvel" name because [[Marvel Comics]] has its own character with that name and regularly publishes comic book series with that name. He was featured in a 1974 live-action series, 1981 cartoon (both produced by [[Filmation]]), and a planned 2008 cartoon.)) |
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* ''[[Swamp Thing]]'' (1990 live action series, 1991 cartoon, plus movies made in 1982 and 1989) |
* ''[[Swamp Thing]]'' (1990 live action series, 1991 cartoon, plus movies made in 1982 and 1989) |
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* ''[[Static Shock]]'' (Originally a Milestone title) |
* ''[[Static Shock]]'' (Originally a Milestone title) |
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* ''[[Isis ( |
* ''[[Isis (comics)|Isis]]'' (Originally by virtue of crossovers with ''[[Shazam]]'', though DC [[Canon Immigrant|did eventually publish a short-lived Isis comic book]]. More recently, they've added a DCU version of the character as Black Adam's consort and, eventually, wife, though {{spoiler|they killed her off not long after. She's now alive again though}}.) |
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** And she {{spoiler|[[Taken for Granite|was a statue]] for a while. Then she came back. Go fig.}} |
** And she {{spoiler|[[Taken for Granite|was a statue]] for a while. Then she came back. Go fig.}} |
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Other team shows: |
Other team shows: |
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* ''[[Teen Titans ( |
* ''[[Teen Titans (animation)|Teen Titans]]'' (The last season is full of the same mix, albeit focusing on the ''TT'' and ''[[Doom Patrol]]'' characters. This may or may not also be in continuity with the DCAU below, despite its very different look and style, and fan debates over this continue as the [[Word of God]] has been lacking, instead giving what amounts to the continuity version of a [[Ship Tease]].) |
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* ''[[Legion of Super-Heroes (TV)|Legion of Super-Heroes]]'' |
* ''[[Legion of Super-Heroes (TV series)|Legion of Super-Heroes]]'' |
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* ''[[Young Justice ( |
* ''[[Young Justice (animation)|Young Justice]]'' (Though it shares the title of the comic book series it is not a straight up adaptation of it and includes a wide variety of DCU stories, including Teen Titans and Justice League.) |
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A subset of [[The DCU]] is the [[DCAU|DC Animated Universe]] (AKA the "Timmverse" or the "Diniverse"), consisting of ''[[Batman: The Animated Series |
A subset of [[The DCU]] is the [[DCAU|DC Animated Universe]] (AKA the "Timmverse" or the "Diniverse"), consisting of ''[[Batman: The Animated Series|Batman the Animated Series]]'' and every other series that takes place in the same universe. It has its own [[Canon]], with more than one [[Crossover]] between series, and is best known for its distinctive artstyle, based on the works of Paul Dini and Bruce Timm. This universe has ended with the final season of ''[[Justice League|Justice League Unlimited]]''. |
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Series in the DCAU: |
Series in the DCAU: |
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* ''[[Batman: The Animated Series |
* ''[[Batman: The Animated Series|Batman the Animated Series]]'' |
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* ''[[Superman: The Animated Series |
* ''[[Superman: The Animated Series|Superman the Animated Series]]'' |
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* ''[[ |
* ''[[Batman Beyond]]'' |
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* ''[[ |
* ''[[The Zeta Project]]'' |
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* ''[[ |
* ''[[Static Shock]]'' |
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* ''[[Gotham Girls]]'' |
* ''[[Gotham Girls]]'' |
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* ''[[Justice League ( |
* ''[[Justice League (animation)|Justice League]]'' and ''Justice League Unlimited'' |
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DC and [[Warner Brothers]] recently began a new series of animated movies, released straight to DVD, called [[DC Universe Original Animated Movies]]. Mostly they focus on individual characters, including some, like [[Wonder Woman]], who have never had their own animated series. All movies with the exception of the Superman/Batman titles (which are loosely related to each other) are standalone stories. |
DC and [[Warner Brothers]] recently began a new series of animated movies, released straight to DVD, called [[DC Universe Original Animated Movies]]. Mostly they focus on individual characters, including some, like [[Wonder Woman]], who have never had their own animated series. All movies with the exception of the Superman/Batman titles (which are loosely related to each other) are standalone stories. |
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* ''[[The Death of Superman|Superman: Doomsday]]'' |
* ''[[The Death of Superman|Superman: Doomsday]]'' |
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* ''[[Justice League |
* ''[[Justice League: The New Frontier]]'' |
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* ''[[Batman |
* ''[[Batman: Gotham Knight]]'' |
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* ''[[Wonder Woman]]'' |
* ''[[Wonder Woman]]'' |
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* ''[[Green Lantern First Flight |
* ''[[Green Lantern: First Flight|Green Lantern First Flight]]'' |
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* ''[[Superman |
* ''[[Superman/Batman: Public Enemies]]'' |
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* ''[[Justice League Crisis On Two Earths]]'' |
* ''[[Justice League Crisis On Two Earths]]'' |
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* ''[[Batman Under the Red Hood]]'' |
* ''[[Batman: Under the Red Hood]]'' |
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* ''[[Superman |
* ''[[Superman/Batman: Apocalypse]]'' |
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{{reflist}} |
{{reflist}} |