DC Universe To Become A Comics Subscription Service; ‘Harley Quinn’ Moves To HBO Max

The future of DC Universe is Infinite.
As most have been predicting since the massive WarnerMedia layoffs last month, the DC Universe streaming service will transform into a DC Universe Infinite this January while the remaining original scripted television series make a move to HBO Max. Additionally, DC announced on Friday a third season of Harley Quinn is in production as a Max Original.
According to a DC Entertainment press release, the reformed service will have “24,000 comic books at launch” — the existing DC Universe library — with the added incentives of “digital-first comics, member access to DC fan events, as well as a steady stream of recently released comics six months after their physical versions hit store shelves.” Additionally, the new version of the app will allow subscribers to download comics and graphic novels for offline reading and offering early access to Digital First titles like Aquaman: Deep Dives, Batman: Gotham Nights, Harley Quinn: Black + White + Red, Swamp Thing: New Roots and Wonder Woman 84. There will also be a line of “DC Universe Infinite Originals” comics in the coming year. Meanwhile, the existing community section will be unchanged and current DC Universe subscribers will automatically become DC Universe Infinite members when the transition occurs.
The move more or less aligns with the mission statement DC Comics publisher Jim Lee outlined in an interview following the layoffs. DC Universe was one of the hardest hit sectors of the DC Entertainment brand. But as soon as AT&T’s purchase of Warner Bros. was complete, it was clear the video streaming service’s days were numbered.
Nevertheless, Lee is hopeful about the platform’s switch to a comic subscription service. “Our fans love the platform’s robust library of comic books and, with the transformation, we will not disappoint,” he said in a statement. “I’m excited to share that not only will DC Universe Infinite members still be able to read all of the great comics that they’ve enjoyed but new issues are debuting on the platform quicker than before.”
As mentioned earlier, the DC Universe scripted original series will transfer to HBO Max, with the new seasons of Titans and Harley Quinn debut on that service. It is unclear what will become of archival content like Superfriends and the 1970s Wonder Woman series, but one would presume they will become part of the HBO Max roster as well.
The pricing for Infinite will remain the same at $7.99/month or $74.99 for a year’s subscription. To an extent, the change is the best destiny for DC Universe. For years, fans of the publisher wanted their own version of Marvel Unlimited and now, it will be a full-blown reality as opposed to an adjunct on a niche streaming platform. Will it be as successful as the cross-town rival’s online comic platform? Time will tell.
DC Universe Infinite launches on January 21st in the United States with international rollout to follow in the summer.