This weekend sees the launch of DC Universe, the new DC Entertainment streaming service/app. It is an attempt to be a one-stop spot for everything DC: comics, films, collectibles, etc. The scope and scale of the app are still somewhat difficult to comprehend because, even though it launched a few days early, it is still very much a work in progress. There are a number of features for the service, and we thought a good reader poll today would be to get a gauge on what exactly you, our readers, are most excited about on the app. Let’s see what’s in there:
Comics
Though not exactly Marvel Unlimited, DC Universe boasts a fair amount of comics as part of its collection. We don’t really know details about the library – will books come and go? What is the criteria for things being added? – but so far, the experience of reading the actual comics is pretty good. Much like comiXology, there is a panel by panel or a full page option. The search function is pretty intuitive, but the browsing needs a little work.
DC is also grouping a lot of books as collections, so you can browse by first appearances, or ‘new to DC,’ or a few other topics. This is much more aimed at new/casual readers, but we can’t really fault DC for doing so.
There are some cool books with fuller runs up there (“Impulse,” for instance) and, starting next month, the ‘full’ DC library will be available for purchase through the app.
Films
Due to the complexities of streaming rights, the film side of the service is a little light at the moment. The four Christopher Reeve Superman films are there, and they are a delight, so that’s great launch material for the service. Also featured are a number of recent DC animated features, like Batman: Gotham by Gaslight and The Death of Superman. We presume that, over time, more films will be added.
Classic Live Action Shows
From relative obscurities like Birds of Prey and the barely remembered, at least in my anecdotal experience, Superboy TV series (that somehow lasted FOUR seasons!), to Adventures of Superman and Wonder Woman starring Lynda Carter, there’s a lot to dig into here.
Obviously, there are some huge holes here: all the CW shows are missing, including Smallville, as is the Adam West Batman series, but I’m sure that as streaming contracts come to an end, those will pop up eventually.
Classic Animation
This is the category with both the most here, and the most missing. We’ve got all nine seasons of Superfriends (including my personal favorite, Challenge of the Superfriends), three seasons of Batman: The Animated Series, and most of the Timm-verse. We’ve also got Static Shock, which is a welcome addition.
But there were a lot of weird DC cartoons from the 60s to today that should be a part of this service and, hopefully, will show up sooner than later. I’m talking specifically about some of the fun Shazam and Aquaman cartoons, the early 90s Superman series, and DC Super Pets.
Plus, we need some Teen Titans GO!, mama.
Shorts
Speaking of Shazam, those shorts are among the many DC Nation shorts already on the service. These are super fun and highly recommended.
New Shows
Titans, is the first out of the gate here, but the third season of Young Justice, a Stargirl series, and a ‘hard R’ Swamp Thing show are in the works, as is a Doom Patrol series with a cast including Timothy Dalton and Brendan Fraser.
We obviously have no idea what the quality of these shows will be, but DC producing such a big slate of exclusive shows is an interesting move.
Shopping
There’s not a ton in the storefront yet, but this looks to be the place that DC will launch their exclusive products from, and so collectors will likely pay the subscription fee simply for access to those products. There are some cool statues and a shirt or two that is appealing, but this is one of the most bare bones parts of the service thus far.
Continued belowCommunity
Though not as bare bones as the community section. Maybe it is user error on my part, but I can’t seem to find a way to browse established topics on these message boards, only how to make new ones. This community is a nice idea, but I can only imagine how fast it will be overrun by #ReleasetheSnyderCut folks.
Encyclopedia
While it is not my beloved “Who’s Who,” this is a fun feature, allowing folks to learn more about the various characters in DC’s library. For a service that could, and should, give folks a greater appreciation about the scale and scope of what DC does, this seems essential.
So, what are you most excited for? Vote in the poll, and tell us why in the comments!
