What is the DC Franchise?

Ever heard of Batman? Superman? Wonder Woman? These are just a few of many legendary characters who have been a part of our lives for decades. They have created a legacy beyond the imaginable with an intent to inspire the world of fantasy. The DC Extended Universe (DCEU) is an American media franchise, centred on a series of superhero films based on the characters that appear in publications by DC Comics. DC Comics are known for their material featuring well-known superhero characters, which has shaped their tremendous fame and success.  Here are just a few to bring back some memories.

Doctor Occult [1935]

Doctor Occult is one of DC Comic’s earliest character.  He is known as “The Ghost Detective” and is a private investigator who specializes in cases involving the supernatural. Created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, the character first appeared in “New Fun Comics #6” in October 1935, three years before Superman made his debut.

In the 1980s, after nearly 50 years of no appearances, Roy Thomas revived the character as part of the World War II team, “The All-Star Squadron” developing further his backstory with the Seven. He was revived, once again, in the 1990s by Neil Gaiman for his “Books of Magic” mini-series where he was one of the mystical guides of the DC Universe for the boy “Tim Hunter.” Gaiman introduced the character as being bonded with “Rose Psychic” in one body, as male and female aspects of the same spirit. Other writers later explained this as occurring during an incident when one was dying, thus bonding their souls to restore the other.

Batman [1939]

The character, known as “Batman”, was created by artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger, and first appeared in DC Comics #2 on May 1939.  Batman became popular soon after his introduction in 1939 and gained his own comic book title, “Batman”, the following year. As the decades went on, differing interpretations of the character emerged. The late 1960’s Batman television series used a camp aesthetic, which continued to be associated with the character for years after the show ended.

Various creators worked to return the character to his dark roots, culminating in 1986 with “The Dark Knight Returns” by Frank Miller. The character has remained a huge success and fan favourite amongst the public due to Warner Bros.’ ’ live-action “Batman” feature films. Batman has been portrayed in both film and television by Lewis Wilson, Robert Lowery, Adam West, Michael Keaton, Val Kilmer, George Clooney, Christian Bale, and Ben Affleck.

Superman [1938]

The origin story of Superman relates that he was born Kal-El on the alien planet Krypton, before being rocketed to earth as an infant by his scientist father Jor-El, moments before Krypton’s destruction. Discovered and adopted by a Kansas father and his wife, the child is raised as Clark Kent and imbued with a strong moral compass. Very early on he started to display various superhuman abilities, which, upon reaching maturity, he resolved to use for the benefit of humanity through a secret “Superman” identity.

Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, the creators of the fictional character, sold Superman to Detective Comics (DC) in 1938. Superman debuted in Action Comics #1 and subsequently appeared in various radio serials, newspaper strips, television programs, films, and video games. With this success, Superman helped to create the superhero archetype and establish its primacy within the American comic book. This fictional character is widely considered an American cultural icon. He has fascinated scholars, with cultural theorists, commentators, and critics alike exploring the character’s impact and role in the United States and worldwide. Several actors have portrayed Superman in motion pictures and TV series including Kirk Alyn, George Reeves, Christopher Reeve, Tom Welling, Brandon Routh, Henry Cavill, and Tyler Hoechlin.

The DC franchise created a fictional universe full of imagination, creativity, and power. The franchise will forever remain a legacy to its followers and will continue to influence the development of future fictional superheroes.

Sources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superman

http://comicvine.gamespot.com/doctor-occult/4005-11291/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DC_Comics

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DC_Extended_Universe