Does In Flash's New Issue 87 Confirm the Dragon Ball Universe in DC?

Recently, a discussion sparked around the upcoming issue of In Flash, specifically issue 87, aiming to uncover if it confirms the existence of the Dragon Ball universe within the DC multiverse. However, the latest available information suggests that this is merely a reference or Easter egg, and not a definitive confirmation.

The Possibilities

When examining the outcome of issue 87, there are two primary possibilities:

It's merely a reference to or Easter egg in In Flash for fans of Dragon Ball. Maybe the characters in DC Earth-0 are fans of Dragon Ball, similar to fans in the real world, which is highly unlikely because intertwining stories would require significant plot changes and explanations.

No Direct Confirmation

So, what does this prove? It shows that, on Earth-0 in the DC universe, people also see, read, and follow the Dragon Ball anime/manga. However, this does not indicate that the Dragon Ball universe exists as an independent reality within the DC multiverse.

To confirm that the Dragon Ball universe exists within the DC multiverse, we would need a clear crossover point, such as seeing the Flash transition through multiple realities, one of which being Dragon Ball. A scene similar to the Gogeta vs. Broly fight with the Flash popping in and out of the fight without being noticed would be evidence of this crossover.

It's Just a Reference

Since this is not the case, the correct interpretation is that the reference in In Flash is simply a homage or nod to the Dragon Ball series, not an official confirmation of its existence in the DC multiverse. The writers are likely referencing the Dragon Ball series as a form of entertainment known in the DC universe, akin to similar references in the real world.

Coexistence and Possible Crossovers

The mere existence of a reference in In Flash does not necessarily mean that the universes of DC and Dragon Ball coexist. This is a different question altogether. Fans often wish for such an occurrence, but there are several complications:

It would imply that the writers of both universes would need to cooperate more closely, a task that may not be easy given their creative freedom and established characters. There would be a need to explain the intertwining of the two universes, which could lead to a heated debate among fans.

Furthermore, even if both universes were to coexist, the narrative complexities and fan expectations would make it challenging to achieve a seamless integration.

The Writers Conundrum

The writers of both universes would ultimately have to consider the desires of their fans who are eager for a definitive answer to the question of a crossover. However, they are unlikely to do so due to the potential conflict it would introduce into their established storylines. Greater fan pressure and ongoing discussions are likely to continue until such an answer is provided.

The potential for a cross-universe event between DC and Dragon Ball also raises the question of why Marvel would not be included in such a crossover. The logistics and storytelling complexities of such a grandiose event make it a significant challenge, but fan curiosity and anticipation will no doubt continue to push for an answer.