‘Arrowverse’ shows realize DC Comics’ vast worlds
OCCASIONAL crimefighting duo: The “Scarlet Speedster”(left) and Arrow (Stephen Amell)
UNLIKE Marvel’s cinematic world, DC’s live-action realm is new, which will be officially introduced in this month’s epic, “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.”
But a thriving and vast universe—or multiverse, as inspired by the comics—already exists on TV, gradually being populated with other iconic superheroes.
In the Greg Berlanti-created “Arrow” (Jack TV, Saturdays, 6:10 p.m.), the hooded archer Green Arrow (Stephen Amell) and his tight-knit band are self-appointed guardians who protect a city from an assortment of foes.
In its four years of existence, the series has reimagined other heroes, including The Flash, spun off into his own series starring Grant Gustin.
Mirroring “Arrow’s” ensemble, “The Flash” (Jack TV, Saturdays, 5:15 p.m.) also utilizes a team, this time of scientist-confidants who work closely with the “Scarlet Speedster.”
THE FLASH (Grant Gustin) and Supergirl (Melissa Benoist) will team up soon.
It’s a deviation from the comics, where the heroes mostly deal with problems on their own, and worked only with people who knew their secret identities on special occasions.
“Supergirl” (ETC, Mondays, 6 p.m.), also developed by Berlanti, happens in a different Earth in the same multiverse—the Kryptonian heroine Kara (Melissa Benoist), Superman’s cousin, was briefly glimpsed upon when The Flash traversed dimensions in a recent episode.
The two characters are set to meet soon, it was recently announced. Like the aforementioned shows, “Supergirl” has a support team that includes a fan-favorite hero, the Martian Manhunter (David Harewood).
Spinning off from “Arrow” and “The Flash” is “Legends of Tomorrow” (Warner TV, Fridays, 9 p.m.), featuring an eclectic team of time travelers hunting an immortal villain, who was likewise introduced in crossover episodes.
The past and future of the now-monikered “Arrowverse” is explored, adapting and interpreting more concepts from various DC comics. Amell even appeared as a wizened, alternate-future version of Green Arrow recently.
It truly is a good time for superheroes and comics on television and in film, and these Arrowverse series, in particular, are taking advantage of current special effects innovations and complex storytelling styles to bring to life colorful sagas from an altogether different medium!
