The End of DC Comics New 52 Animated Movies: Reasons and Recap
The End of DC Comics' New 52 Animated Movies: Reasons and Recap
DC Comics, known for its rich universe of superhero stories, took a bold step in 2011 with the introduction of the New 52. This reboot transformed its comic book series, but it had a significant impact on its animated film lineup. The DTV animated movies, specifically the New 52-inspired series, came to an abrupt end after the release of 'Justice League Dark: Apokolips War'. This article explores the reasons behind this decision and reviews the legacy of the New 52 animated films.
Understanding the New 52 Initiative
The New 52 was a major relaunch of DC's comic book series, launched in 2011. This reimagined version of the DC universe aimed to modernize and revitalize the stories, bringing a fresh perspective to classic characters. However, the initiative was met with mixed reviews.
Quality and Relevance Issues
The New 52 was praised for some of its early comic book issues, such as 'Batman: Supergirl', 'Wonder Woman', and 'Batman: Under the Red Hood'. However, it was also criticized for others that fell short of expectations. Issues like 'Justice League: Catwoman' and 'Superman' became mired in controversy, with some arguing that these stories didn't live up to the quality of their predecessors.
Controversies and Criticisms
‘Justice League Dark: Apokolips War’, the last film in the New 52 animated series, was released in 2016. By this time, the New 52comic books had already been abandoned by DC in 2016, leading to the films seeming outdated. In addition, several stories not part of the New 52 continuity, such as 'Hush' and 'Death of Superman', had to be reworked to fit within the New 52 framework. This resulted in some odd and mixed receptions, including uneven dialogue and story arcs.
Creative Burnout and Artist Resilience
The creators and artists involved in the New 52 animated films sought to move on to new projects. For many artists, creating a new style and storyline can be more rewarding than continuing to work within a established but unfinished story. This was seen in the transition away from the New 52 in comics as well, where several popular titles like 'Man of Tomorrow' and 'The Long Halloween' were well-received.
Legacy and Future Outlook
It is worth noting that after the end of the New 52 animated series, DC began to produce better and more consistent films. For instance, 'Man of Tomorrow' and 'The Long Halloween' were solid animated projects, while 'Justice Society: WWII' is often considered one of the best in the DTV line.
Conclusion
The New 52 animated films, while they brought new energy and creativity to DC's animated universe, ultimately did not find the resonance they were seeking. The mixed quality of the series, coupled with the need to create continuity with an unfinished reboot, led to the decision to focus on new, more promising projects. It is clear that the legacy of the New 52 films in DC's DTV lineup is complex, but it also sets the stage for further exploration and growth in the digital animated storytelling landscape.