Today, when you hear the name of "Marc Guggenheim," you may very well be instilled with a measure of confidence, probably because he's one of the chief architects behind The CW's Arrowverse. But, like anybody, the man encountered some trials and tribulations on his way to the top.
In stark contrast to how the live action superhero movie landscape looked decades ago, the genre is fortunately no longer anathema when it comes to attracting A-list actors. Sure, Tim Burton's Batman - and, to an extent, Richard Donner's Superman: The Movie - helped to shift the paradigm, but now that comic book-inspired flicks are among the highest grossing around, studios never need look far for big name directors and actors to enlist. Sometimes it takes baby steps, but at least we eventually got here, right?
Whenever the next big superhero movie comes around, you tend to see the comic book publishers place more focus on characters set to appear on the silver screen. In the case of Avengers: Infinity War, it only makes sense that Thanos be given the spotlight. And, in this rare instance, the guy who created the Mad Titan, Jim Starlin, is still in the game, so who better to pen the books, right?
One reason why the character of Batman has endured for 78 years is that he’s so malleable. Sure, there are intrinsic qualities that unite various interpretations such as his superior intellect, martial arts skills and care for his fellow man, but that doesn’t mean there haven’t been portrayals on opposite ends of the spectrum. For example, both Adam West and Ben Affleck have brought something very different to the table, but neither man’s efforts were no less valid than the other – and the same sentiment can be extended to comics and animation.
Even though we finally received a live action Justice League movie this year, there are those who'd argue that its effort was bested by what DC was doing on the television side of things, that being the latest Arrowverse crossover. And while it may take a few more viewings of both to make a definitive decision of my own, it's impossible to deny that Crisis on Earth-X was quite the achievement.
With various DC properties having made it to screens big and small in recent years, we've naturally found ourselves being acquainted with heroes and villains beyond the A-list. Truth be told, we owe most of the thanks to the television side of things, especially the ever-expanding Arrowverse over on The CW.
With such an expansive Marvel Cinematic Universe currently existing, it may be easy for moviegoers - especially younger ones - to forget how important of a role Blade played in the history of comic book cinema, but those of us who've been around a little longer have some pretty fond memories.
No matter what your level of Supernatural fandom may be, there's a reasonable chance you've heard the term "SPN Family" at some point. And while I myself may be a diehard viewer that's been on board ever since the pilot episode originally aired, I admittedly take no part in the whole Tumblr thing. Still, it's always great to see how a slice of fiction such as this little horror series that could has united folks the world over.
While we've all certainly pondered the red tape that separates WB's motion picture and television divisions, it's probably best we not think about all the specifics that decide which DC characters can and cannot be used for each because, let's face it, there's not enough migraine medication in this world.
With the Dark Knight having existed for nearly eight decades, it comes as no surprise there have been alternate takes on the character. From popular Elseworlds tales like Gotham by Gaslight to possible futures in which someone such as Damian Wayne takes up the mantle, there never seems to be any shortage of ways to explore the mythos. But one particular addition that has arguably risen above all others has to be that of Batman Beyond.
