Warning! This post contains SPOILERS for James Gunn’s Superman
James Gunn’s Superman drops a hint at the DCU debut of a famous Arrowverse hero introduced in The Flash, who’s teased even before Barry Allen. After only one movie and one show, the DCU has already introduced dozens of metahumans. However, most of these have only appeared as cameos.
In James Gunn’s Superman, a Hall of Justice mural features twenty-six characters from DC Comics. These range from obscure DC characters like Hugo Danner and Rip Graves to more easily recognizable heroes like Sandman and Zatara. Several of these characters may not be playing a big role in the DCU, but a couple of them might appear on screen, sooner or later.
Superman Confirms Francisco Ramon A.K.A Vibe Exists In The DCU
Arrowverse Hero Vibe Makes His DCU Debut In The Form Of A Painting
One of the many heroes depicted in Superman‘s Hall of Justice mural is Vibe, who appears standing on one hand next to Wildcat. The DCU hasn’t confirmed Vibe’s active role in the Justice Gang or its predecessors. Still, Francisco Ramon’s inclusion in the mural strongly suggests that he’s a legacy hero or early metahuman who helped lay the groundwork for organized heroism.
Before the New 52 reboot, Francisco Ramon was a founding member of the short-lived Justice League Detroit. After the 2011 reboot, Vibe was reintroduced as a member of a government-sponsored JLA. The latter scenario is likely to be translated to the DCU courtesy of Maxwell Lord, who sponsors the Justice Gang and also appears in the Hall of Justice mural.
The DCU’s Vibe Will Likely Be Really Different From The Arrowverse’s
The DCU’s Francisco Ramon Already Looks Like A Totally Different Take On The Hero
In the Arrowverse, Carlos Valdes’ Cisco Ramon primarily served as a tech-savvy sidekick to the Flash, often confined to S.T.A.R. Labs as Barry Allen’s “man in the chair.” However, the DCU may reimagine Francisco Ramon as a more proactive metahuman hero with direct ties to other superpowered figures and organizations. The DCU’s Vibe may be part of a larger team.
Even Jay Garrick, who may have been active at the time the mural was painted, may have a closer link to Vibe than Barry Allen
The DCU’s Vibe might not even interact with Barry Allen at all. Francisco Ramon may have stronger connections to speedsters like Max Mercury, whose appearance in the Superman mural suggests he has operated publicly for some time. Even Jay Garrick, who may have been active at the time the mural was painted, may have a closer link to Vibe than Barry Allen.
It’s A Good Sign The DCU Hasn’t Teased The Flash Yet
The DCU Is Taking Its Time To Introduce The Flash
Two installments in, the DCU hasn’t acknowledged Barry Allen’s existence yet. Barry was at the center of the Arrowverse and multiple DCEU movies. Instead of retreading familiar ground with The Flash, DC Studios is probably reserving Barry’s DCU arrival for the right time and context.
Although Wally West technically appeared in Creature Commandos’ apocalyptic flashforward, his cameo barely counts as an official DCU appearance. When a DCU Flash eventually appears, he will likely feel quite distinct from Grant Gustin’s and Ezra Miller’s portrayals. Before that, the DCU might revisit the early days of the Justice Gang’s predecessor team, which may include a small appearance by Vibe.
