I’m Glad The DCU Isn’t Afraid To Explore A Major Superhero Question The MCU Has Been Using For 17 Years

Finally, the DCU

is actually focusing on one of the most interesting aspects of superhero stories that the MCU has been exploring since it began. While both studios often get compared to one another due to the fact that they both explore comic book superhero stories, in general, DC and Marvel both have their own strengths. However, that doesn’t mean they can’t stand to learn a thing or two from each other. And now that DC Studios is delivering a total overhaul to the DCEU, it’s the perfect time to start their stories on the right track, including one pivotal detail that the MCU has been openly exploring for years.

While the MCU has proven to have a very different tone to the DCEU, with the MCU putting more focus on comedy and upbeat emotions while also telling powerful stories, it has also been able to successfully build an extensive and connected world. And the way that it was able to achieve this comes from how the MCU grounded its stories. Despite following superhumans, gods, and intergalactic space fights, the MCU has approached its storytelling with a level of realism, taking into account the consequences of the hero’s actions, and how they impact the world around them. And it seems like the DCU is taking note.

The MCU Has Been Exploring The Question Of How Superheroes Can Legally Operate Since It Began

The MCU’s Careful Approach To How Heroes Engage With The World Around Them

While the impact that heroes had on the world around them began guiding the narrative in movies like Captain America: Civil War, when the Sokovia Accords were put in place, the MCU has always paid attention to how the heroes affect the world. In Iron Man, Tony Stark is a weapons dealer who supplies the military with their latest weapons of mᴀss destruction. This leads to him being kidnapped by terrorists, and finding out about his weapons being sold on the black market. Then, Stark decides to end his contracts with the military, and change course.

Following this, Stark meets Nick Fury, the director of SHIELD, who is interested in recruiting him to the Avengers Initiative under the official banner of a government agency. Despite this, Stark is seen on trial in Iron Man 2 for his acts of “heroism.” In Avengers: Age of Ultron, the hero problem reaches a new fever pitch as Stark’s creation, Ultron, advances to such a degree that it begins to put all of humanity in danger. This ultimately leads to a mᴀssive battle in the country of Sokovia, where there are many casualties of war that get caught in the firing line between the heroes and Ultron. In all instances, the MCU has been exploring how the world and laws respond to the heroes.

The Newest Superman Trailer Shows The DCU’s Story Will Explore The Same Ideas

Superman Is Getting Grilled For His “Heroic” Actions

In James Gunn’s Superman, it appears as though the тιтular hero will also be facing some criticism from the people he is trying to protect. Superman is often seen as a symbol of hope, and his actions save countless lives all around the world, but as a superhuman and an alien, Superman is not always seen as a source of hope. This idea was explored in the DCEU, when Batman chose to work against the immense threat that Superman presents to ordinary people, but as far as how the rest of the world responds, it seems like that narrative took a backseat.

Thankfully, the official Superman trailer sees Clark Kent’s Superman sit down to be interviewed by his girlfriend, Lois Lane, as he reveals the truth about his life as Superman. Lois, being the thorough and persistent journalist that she is, isn’t afraid to ask the hard questions, and it’s clear that Clark is frustrated. This is because Lois poses questions about how Superman’s actions have become an international issue, with governments discussing the possibility that Superman and his almost endless powers may pose a threat. In addition, there appear to be official organizations backing different hero teams.

All The DC Universe’s First Releases Look Set To Explore This Idea

The DCU Is Building This Grounded Approach In From The Start

This idea of having the heroes take accountability, and governments and corporate sponsors working with or against superheroes, appears to be important in Superman, but the DCU is already exploring the same idea in other projects. Creature Commandos was the first official release of the DCU, and the series sees a new team of monstrous heroes join forces to help handle major political situations. These heroes were ᴀssigned on covert missions, and also operated in public as they helped to maintain a balance of peace between the United States and allied countries.

Peacemaker season 2 appears to also be following suit as it will see Christopher Smith and his allies approach the Maxwell Lord-sponsored hero team in an effort to become legitimate. Up to this point, Peacemaker has been a part of secret task forces, and his reputation isn’t the best. A new Waller series following Amanda Waller will likely intersect with both of these as she has been instrumental in organizing these teams. And beyond that, Lanterns will look at the Green Lantern Corp, with a particular focus on the heroes that are ᴀssigned to protect Earth and have been working here for a long time. In all cases, it seems likely that these stories will look closely at how the real world is being shaped and changed in response to the heroes.

Why It Makes Sense For The DCU & MCU To Both Explore This Superhero Story

The World-Building Around Superheroes Is Equally Important To The Heroes Themselves

superman in dcu chapter 1 gods and monsters with the avengers in the mcu

While the MCU has made this exploration a priority in their world-building, the DCEU did not. Of course, there were a few examples where it saw governments and citizens engage with the heroes, but for the most part, the rest of the world faded into insignificance while the heroes and villains duked it out. But for superhero stories to expand into a superhero universe, there needs to be a credible, believable, and engaging world for them to exist in. And it appears that the DCU is starting out strong by building this in from the very start.

While the MCU has made this exploration a priority in their world-building, the DCEU did not.

Without proper world-building, the stories will eventually hit a ceiling, and the action will become less interesting. The comics also provide a clear example of the importance of exploring how the world engages with the heroes, with both Marvel and DC frequently releasing stories that see the heroes coordinate and contradict governments. It makes stories more grounded, presents consequences for the heroes, and provides a foundation to build on. Thankfully, James Gunn understands this and has made sure that the DCU will include these core details about how the heroes impact the world at large throughout.

DC Universe

Created by: Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson
First Film: Man of Steel
First TV Show: Peacemaker
Cast: Henry Cavill, Ben Affleck, Gal Gadot, Ezra Miller, Ray Fisher, Jason Momoa, Amy Adams, Jesse Eisenberg, Laurence Fishburne, Jeremy Irons, Will Smith, Jared Leto, Margot Robbie, Joel Kinnaman, Viola Davis, Jai Courtney, Jay Hernandez, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Cara Delevingne, Chris Pine, Robin Wright, Zachary Levi, Dwayne Johnson, Amber Heard, Patrick Wilson, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Mark Strong, Asher Angel, Jack Dylan Grazer, Djimon Hounsou, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Jurnee Smollett, Rosie Perez, Ella Jay Basco, Ali Wong, Ewan McGregor, Idris Elba, John Cena, Michael Keaton, George Clooney, Xolo Mariduena