Opinion: DC Studios Should Make ‘Spider-Verse’ Style Animated Films
by Tito W. James
With the success of My Adventures with Superman, DC Compact Editions, and the Absolute Universe, it’s a wonderful time to be a fan of DC Comics. We’re also in the early days of the DC Studios’ cinematic universe, so it’s the perfect opportunity to take some creative risks. James Gunn said in an interview that Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is the best superhero film ever made, therefore DC Studios should create their own animated equivalent to the Spider-Verse series.
I’d love to see Spider-Verse quality animated adaptations of Batman Beyond and Teen Titans. Both concepts are perfect choices because the generations that grew up on the cartoons have come of age. There’s also a new young audience primed and ready to engage with those heroes. These beloved animated series could look stunning as theatrical animated films.
Batman Beyond manages to blend the best elements of Batman and Spider-Man by creating a relatable coming-of-age story within a cyberpunk version of Gotham. The hero of Batman Beyond, Terry McGinnis, is faced with his own original rogues gallery of new, frightening villains. Bruce Wayne is now retired and acts as Terry’s gruff yet supportive mentor. DC Studios is looking for a way to make Batman reach a young audience without sacrificing the darkness that older audiences like — this is the perfect solution.
The original Teen Titans animated series remains the definitive version in the heads and hearts of many fans. The enduring appeal is evidenced by scores of Raven and Starfire cosplayers at every comic convention. An animated film version should use Gabriel Picolo‘s contemporary character designs while also maintaining the personalities and character dynamics of the animated series.
Animated adaptations of these two programs could provide stand-alone, evergreen animated classics that appeal to audiences old and new. I just hope DC Studios won’t squander the creative goldmine they’re currently sitting on.
