After 20 movies, billions and billions of dollars at the box office, and massive critical and fan acclaim, it’s safe to say MarvelOpens in a new tab has the whole “connected universe” thing figured out. If someone suggested it should be more like the DCEU, even The Joker would call them crazy. But that doesn’t mean the MCUOpens in a new tab hasn’t been inspired by the teamwork of Warner BrosOpens in a new tab. superheroes… only it wasn’t DC’s big screen outings that taught Marvel a few lessons; it was its animated series. As this week’s Animation InvestigationOpens in a new tab deep dive explains, Marvel fans should thank the DC Animated Universe for paving the way for the MCU.[brightcove video_id=”5850109720001″ brightcove_account_id=”3653334524001″ brightcove_player_id=”rJs2ZD8x”]
Host Hector Navarro, who previously explored why Batman: The Animated Series is the most influential cartoon of all timeOpens in a new tab, has devoted this episode to explaining just how much the MCU borrowed form the DCAU. From establishing its tone and universe with a wealthy, technologically advanced hero, to world building with references and cameos, to lesser known superheroes taking center stage, to the franchise pushing itself outside of its comfort zone, to enlisting a diverse cast of characters, the fingerprints of DC’s beloved Animated UniverseOpens in a new tab can be seen all over Marvel’s worldwide cinematic phenomenon.Which of course raises the most obvious question ever: if Marvel learned so much from the success of the DCAU, why can’t Warner Bros. do the same with their own cinematic universe?What influences from the DCAU do you see in Marvel’s big screen franchise? Assemble your thoughts in our comments section below.
