DC animated universe
Encyclopedia
Warner Bros. Animation
Warner Bros. Animation is the animation division of Warner Bros., a subsidiary of Time Warner. The studio is closely associated with the Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies characters, among others. The studio is the successor to Warner Bros...
which share the same continuity
Shared universe
A shared universe is a fictional universe to which more than one writer contributes. Work set in a shared universe share characters and other elements with varying degrees of consistency. Shared universes are contrasted with collaborative writing, in which multiple authors work on a single story....
. Most of these series are adapted from DC Comics
DC Comics
DC Comics, Inc. is one of the largest and most successful companies operating in the market for American comic books and related media. It is the publishing unit of DC Entertainment a company of Warner Bros. Entertainment, which itself is owned by Time Warner...
properties. This continuity
Continuity (fiction)
In fiction, continuity is consistency of the characteristics of persons, plot, objects, places and events seen by the reader or viewer over some period of time...
is also sometimes referred to as the Timmverse (after producer
Television producer
The primary role of a television Producer is to allow all aspects of video production, ranging from show idea development and cast hiring to shoot supervision and fact-checking...
Bruce Timm
Bruce Timm
Bruce Walter Timm is an American character designer, animator and producer. He is also a writer and artist working in comics, and is known for his contributions building the modern DC Comics animated franchise, the DC animated universe.-Animation:Timm's early career in animation was varied; he...
, the continuity's most consistent creative influence) and in the past, the Diniverse (after writer
Writer
A writer is a person who produces literature, such as novels, short stories, plays, screenplays, poetry, or other literary art. Skilled writers are able to use language to portray ideas and images....
Paul Dini
Paul Dini
Paul Dini is an American writer and producer who works in the television and comic book industries. He is best known as a producer and writer for several Warner Bros./DC Comics animated series, including Star Wars: Ewoks, Tiny Toon Adventures, Batman: The Animated Series, Superman: The Animated...
, who had mostly departed from Warner Bros. Animation when Justice League
Justice League (TV series)
Justice League is an American animated television series about a team of superheroes which ran from 2001 to 2004 on Cartoon Network. The show was produced by Warner Bros. Animation. It is based on the Justice League of America and associated comic book characters published by DC Comics...
was in production).
In-continuity in the DCAU
While there have been several animated series based upon DC Comics characters over the decades, what is commonly accepted as the "DC Animated Universe" refers to the stable of shows and films that spin off from Batman: The Animated SeriesBatman: The Animated Series
Batman: The Animated Series is an American animated series based on the DC Comics character Batman. The series featured an ensemble cast of many voice-actors including Kevin Conroy, Mark Hamill, Efrem Zimbalist, Jr., Arleen Sorkin, and Loren Lester. The series won four Emmy Awards and was nominated...
, the original show in this universe. Older shows such as Super Friends
Super Friends
Super Friends is an American animated television series about a team of superheroes, which ran from 1973 to 1986 on ABC as part of its Saturday morning cartoon lineup...
and newer shows such as The Batman
The Batman (TV series)
The Batman is an American animated television series produced by Warner Bros. Animation based on the DC Comics superhero Batman. It ran from 2004 to 2008, on the Saturday morning television block Kids' WB...
and Legion of Super Heroes
Legion of Super Heroes (TV series)
Legion of Super Heroes is an American animated television series produced by Warner Bros. Animation that debuted on September 23, 2006, based on characters appearing in the DC Comics comic book series. The series centers on the young Superman's adventures in the 31st century, fighting alongside a...
are not part of this continuity. Other productions, like the straight-to-video
Direct-to-video
Direct-to-video is a term used to describe a film that has been released to the public on home video formats without being released in film theaters or broadcast on television...
film Superman/Batman: Public Enemies
Superman/Batman: Public Enemies
# "Markets Crash"# "Main Titles"# "Freeway Chase"# "Admit Something"# "Meteor"# "Metallo"# "High Voltage"# "Framed"# "Luthor talks to Power Girl"# "S.T.A.R...
, are not to be considered part of the DC Animated Universe, despite utilizing similar character designs and much of the same voice cast as previous DCAU series.
TV series
The DC Animated Universe primarily consists of these animated series (and their related films; see below):- Batman: The Animated SeriesBatman: The Animated SeriesBatman: The Animated Series is an American animated series based on the DC Comics character Batman. The series featured an ensemble cast of many voice-actors including Kevin Conroy, Mark Hamill, Efrem Zimbalist, Jr., Arleen Sorkin, and Loren Lester. The series won four Emmy Awards and was nominated...
(1992–1995) - The New Batman/Superman AdventuresThe New Batman/Superman AdventuresThe New Batman/Superman Adventures is a name given to a rerun package series that combined Superman: The Animated Series with The New Batman Adventures produced by Warner Bros. Animation. It aired from 1997-2000 on Kids' WB...
(1997–2000)- Superman: The Animated SeriesSuperman: The Animated SeriesSuperman: The Animated Series is an American animated television series starring DC Comics' flagship character, Superman. The series was produced by Warner Bros. Animation and aired on The WB from September 6, 1996 to February 12, 2000. Warner Bros...
(1996–2000) - The New Batman AdventuresThe New Batman AdventuresThe New Batman Adventures is the successor to Batman: The Animated Series produced by Warner Bros. Animation. Although bearing different character designs and animation styles, both shows take place in the same continuity, with TNBA set two years after BTAS. The series aired on The WB from...
(1997–1999)
- Superman: The Animated Series
- Batman BeyondBatman BeyondBatman Beyond is an American animated television series created by Warner Bros. Animation in collaboration with DC Comics as a continuation of the Batman legacy...
(1999–2001) - Static ShockStatic ShockStatic Shock is an American animated television series produced by Warner Bros. Animation. It premiered in September 2000 on the Kids' WB! block and ran for four seasons, with a total of 52 half-hour episodes....
(2000–2004) - The Zeta ProjectThe Zeta ProjectThe Zeta Project is a science fiction American animated series produced by Warner Bros. Animation. It first aired on Kids' WB in January 2001. It is a spin-off series based on the character Zeta from the Batman Beyond episode of the same name. The show was created by Robert Goodman and Warner Bros...
(2001–2002) - Justice LeagueJustice League (TV series)Justice League is an American animated television series about a team of superheroes which ran from 2001 to 2004 on Cartoon Network. The show was produced by Warner Bros. Animation. It is based on the Justice League of America and associated comic book characters published by DC Comics...
(2001–2004) - Justice League UnlimitedJustice League UnlimitedJustice League Unlimited is an American animated television series that was produced by Warner Bros. Animation and aired on Cartoon Network. Featuring a wide array of superheroes from the DC Comics universe, and specifically based on the Justice League superhero team, it is a direct sequel to the...
(2004–2006)
Films
The following spin-off films, theatrical feature films and direct-to-video, also are part of the DCAU continuity:- Batman: Mask of the PhantasmBatman: Mask of the PhantasmBatman: Mask of the Phantasm is a 1993 animated superhero film based on the fictional DC Comics character Batman, and is a spin-off of the Emmy Award-winning Batman: The Animated Series...
(1993) - Batman & Mr. Freeze: SubZeroBatman & Mr. Freeze: SubZeroBatman & Mr. Freeze: SubZero is a 1998 direct-to-video animated feature film based on Batman: The Animated Series and is a sequel to the episode Deep Freeze. It won the Annie Award for Best Home Video Animation. It was produced by Warner Bros...
(1998) - Batman Beyond: Return of the JokerBatman Beyond: Return of the JokerBatman Beyond: Return of the Joker is a 2000 direct-to-video animated film featuring the comic book superhero Batman and his archenemy, the Joker...
(2000) - Batman: Mystery of the BatwomanBatman: Mystery of the BatwomanBatman: Mystery of the Batwoman is a 2003 direct-to-video animated film based on the animated series The New Batman Adventures. It was released in the U.S. in October 2003 and was produced by Warner Bros...
(2003)
Web cartoons
- Gotham GirlsGotham GirlsGotham Girls is an American Flash animation series about the females of Gotham City, created and produced jointly by Warner Brothers and Noodle Soup Productions in 2002...
(2000–2002) – A Macromedia FlashAdobe FlashAdobe Flash is a multimedia platform used to add animation, video, and interactivity to web pages. Flash is frequently used for advertisements, games and flash animations for broadcast...
web cartoon series, this was downloadable from the WB website, and featured DCAU versions of characters voiced by their original actors. A DC Comics miniseriesMiniseriesA miniseries , in a serial storytelling medium, is a television show production which tells a story in a limited number of episodes. The exact number is open to interpretation; however, they are usually limited to fewer than a whole season. The term "miniseries" is generally a North American term...
inspired by the web series was released in 2004. All three seasons of Gotham Girls were released on the Birds of PreyBirds of Prey (TV series)Birds of Prey is a television drama series produced in 2002. The series was developed by Laeta Kalogridis for The WB and is loosely based on the Birds of Prey DC Comics series...
DVD box set in 2008. - Lobo (2000) – A flash cartoon series starring Lobo, the galactic bounty hunter, the web-series is a spin-off of the SupermanSuperman: The Animated SeriesSuperman: The Animated Series is an American animated television series starring DC Comics' flagship character, Superman. The series was produced by Warner Bros. Animation and aired on The WB from September 6, 1996 to February 12, 2000. Warner Bros...
episode "The Main Man". A wax statue with the same character design as Lobo in this series appeared in an episode of Gotham GirlsGotham GirlsGotham Girls is an American Flash animation series about the females of Gotham City, created and produced jointly by Warner Brothers and Noodle Soup Productions in 2002...
and he also made a reappearance in the Justice LeagueJustice League (TV series)Justice League is an American animated television series about a team of superheroes which ran from 2001 to 2004 on Cartoon Network. The show was produced by Warner Bros. Animation. It is based on the Justice League of America and associated comic book characters published by DC Comics...
episode "Hereafter" briefly becoming a member of the Justice League. Both of these examples somewhat support that the webseries is part of the official DCAU, although this is still disputed.
Comic books
Many of the DCAU productions have also had comic bookComic book
A comic book or comicbook is a magazine made up of comics, narrative artwork in the form of separate panels that represent individual scenes, often accompanied by dialog as well as including...
s created based on the characters of the various series. The comics are:
- The Batman Adventures (vol. 1)The Batman AdventuresThe Batman Adventures was a DC Comics comic book series featuring Batman. It is different from other Batman titles in that it is set in the continuity of Batman: The Animated Series as opposed to the regular DC Universe.-Overview:...
(#1–36) - The Batman Adventures Annual (#1–2)
- The Batman Adventures: Mad LoveMad Love (comic)The Batman Adventures: Mad Love is a one-shot comic book written by Paul Dini and Bruce Timm...
- The Batman Adventures Holiday Special
- Batman and Robin AdventuresThe Batman AdventuresThe Batman Adventures was a DC Comics comic book series featuring Batman. It is different from other Batman titles in that it is set in the continuity of Batman: The Animated Series as opposed to the regular DC Universe.-Overview:...
(#1–25) - Batman and Robin Adventures Annual (#1–2)
- Superman AdventuresSuperman AdventuresSuperman Adventures is a DC Comics comic book series featuring Superman. It is different from other Superman titles in that it is set in the continuity of Superman: The Animated Series as opposed to the regular DC Universe. It ran for 66 issues between 1996 and 2002...
(#1–66) - The Batman Adventures: The Lost Years (#1–5)
- Batman: Gotham AdventuresThe Batman AdventuresThe Batman Adventures was a DC Comics comic book series featuring Batman. It is different from other Batman titles in that it is set in the continuity of Batman: The Animated Series as opposed to the regular DC Universe.-Overview:...
(#1–60) - Adventures in the DC UniverseAdventures in the DC UniverseWhile Batman and Superman had their own animated series and comic book follow-ups, the rest of the characters in the would appear in the following comics often.-Adventures in the DC Universe:...
(#1–19) - Batman Beyond (vol. 1) (#1–6)
- Batman Beyond (vol. 2) (#1–24)
- Gotham Girls (#1–5)
- Justice League Adventures (#1–34)
- Batman Adventures (vol. 2)The Batman AdventuresThe Batman Adventures was a DC Comics comic book series featuring Batman. It is different from other Batman titles in that it is set in the continuity of Batman: The Animated Series as opposed to the regular DC Universe.-Overview:...
(#1–17) - Batman: Harley and Ivy (#1–3)
- Justice League Unlimited (#1–46)
- Superman Adventures Special: Superman VS Lobo (#1)
- Superman Adventures Annual (#1)
Video games
There have also been a number of DCAU tie-in video games released to correspond with the various animated television series and films. Some of these games have original plots, while others follow previous stories; their status in DCAU canon is unknown as of yet. The games are:- Batman: The Animated SeriesBatman: The Animated Series (video game)Batman: The Animated Series is the first video game to be released based on the actual Batman animated series which was broadcast at the same time...
- The Adventures of Batman & Robin
- Superman
- Batman Beyond: Return of the JokerBatman Beyond: Return of the Joker (video game)Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker was released by Ubisoft for Nintendo 64, Sony PlayStation and Game Boy Color in December 2000 in North America and January 2001 in Europe...
- Batman: Chaos in GothamBatman: Chaos in GothamBatman: Chaos in Gotham is a video game that was released in 2001 by Ubisoft for the Nintendo Game Boy Color. It was based on The New Batman Adventures.-Plot:...
- Batman: Gotham City RacerBatman: Gotham City RacerBatman: Gotham City Racer is a racing game released in 2001 by Ubisoft for the Sony PlayStation. It was based on The New Batman Adventures and incorporated many clips from the series into the game....
- Batman VengeanceBatman VengeanceBatman Vengeance is a video game that was released on all major platforms of the sixth generation of console games. It was developed and published by Ubisoft in conjunction with Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and DC Comics...
- Superman: Shadow of ApokolipsSuperman: Shadow of ApokolipsSuperman: Shadow of Apokolips is a video game that was released in 2002 by Atari for the PlayStation 2 and Nintendo GameCube consoles. It was developed by Infogrames and published by Atari in conjunction with Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and DC Comics...
- Justice League: Injustice for AllJustice League: Injustice for AllJustice League: Injustice for All is a video game that was released in 2002 by Midway Games for the Nintendo Game Boy Advance and it was based largely on the Justice League animated television series, including its character portrayals, and artistic style...
- Superman: Countdown to ApokolipsSuperman: Countdown to ApokolipsSuperman: Countdown to Apokolips is a video game that was released in 2003 by Atari for the Nintendo Game Boy Advance. It was based largely on Superman: The Animated Series, including its character portrayals, and artistic style...
- Batman: Rise of Sin TzuBatman: Rise of Sin TzuThe game received substantial publicity. Many critics found the beat 'em up gameplay repetitive.Game Informer reviewed this game and gave it a 5 out of 10...
- Justice League: ChroniclesJustice League: ChroniclesJustice League: Chronicles is a video game based on the Cartoon Network animated show and it was released on November 12, 2003. This game has 3 levels and each has two characters...
Five of these games feature voice acting from the casts of the original shows. These are: The Adventures of Batman and Robin (SEGA CD/Mega CD version), Superman 64, Batman Vengeance, Superman: Shadow of Apokolips, and Batman: Rise of Sin Tzu. The SEGA CD/Mega CD game, The Adventures of Batman and Robin, also features animation from one of the studios that animated Batman: The Animated Series.
Characters adapted from the DCAU
Though the DCAU is an off-shoot of the mainstream DC comics universe, it has also affected the DC universe in return. The following characters were originally created for their respective series' in the DCAU, but were eventually adapted into the mainstream DC comic continuity:- Nora FriesNora FriesNora Fries is a fictional character from DC Comics and a supervillainess enemy of Batman known as Lazara. She is the wife of villain Mr. Freeze, and is introduced in Batman: The Animated Series.-History on Batman: The Animated Series:...
(Batman: The Animated Series) - Harley QuinnHarley QuinnHarley Quinn was first introduced as a villain on September 11, 1992, in the animated series Batman: The Animated Series, later adapted into DC Comics' Batman comic books. As suggested by her name , she is clad in the manner of a traditional harlequin jester...
(Batman: The Animated Series) - Renee MontoyaRenee MontoyaRenee Montoya is a fictional comic book character published by DC Comics. The character was initially created for Batman: The Animated Series, and was preemptively introduced into mainstream comics before the airing of her animated debut in 1992....
(Batman: The Animated Series) - Lock-UpLock-Up (comics)Lock-Up ' is a DC Comics villain and an enemy of Batman. He first appeared in one episode Batman: The Animated Series and was incorporated into DC's mainstream continuity Robin #24 .-Batman: The Animated Series:...
(Batman: The Animated Series) - Sewer King (Batman: The Animated Series)
- Mercy GravesMercy GravesMercedes "Mercy" Graves is a fictional supervillain who appears in comic books published by DC Comics. She debuted on Superman: The Animated Series as the bodyguard/personal assistant of Superman's archenemy, Lex Luthor...
(Superman: The Animated Series) - LivewireLivewire (DC Comics)Livewire is a fictional character and a supervillain in the . She first appeared in 1997 in Superman: The Animated Series and was voiced by Lori Petty. Her first appearance in the comic books was in the publication of Action Comics #835 .-Animated series:Leslie Willis was once Metropolis' most...
(Superman: The Animated Series) - Roxy RocketRoxy RocketRoxy Rocket is a fictional character, a minor comic book supervillainess. Originally created in 1994 for The Batman Adventures Annual #1, a series published by DC Comics, based on Batman: The Animated Series, Roxy was incorporated into The New Batman Adventures in the episode "The Ultimate Thrill",...
(The New Batman Adventures) - Terry McGinnis/Future Batman (Batman Beyond)
In addition, the backstory of Mr. Freeze
Mr. Freeze
Mr. Freeze, real name Dr. Victor Fries , is a DC Comics supervillain, an enemy of Batman. Created by Bob Kane, he first appeared in Batman #121 ....
was adapted from his portrayal in Batman: The Animated Series, and the visuals and/or characterization of Green Lantern
John Stewart (comics)
John Stewart is a fictional character, a comic book superhero published by DC Comics. He first appeared in Green Lantern vol. 2, #87 , and was created by Dennis O'Neil and Neal Adams.-Publication history:...
, Tim Drake, Supergirl
Supergirl
Supergirl is a female counterpart to the DC Comics Superman. As his cousin, she shares his super powers and vulnerability to Kryptonite. She was created by writer Otto Binder and designed by artist Al Plastino in 1959. She first appeared in the Action Comics comic book series and later branched out...
, Toyman
Toyman
The Toyman is the name of three comic book supervillains and one adolescent superhero in the DC Comics universe. They mostly appear in Superman stories. The first Toyman appeared in Action Comics #64 . His real name is Winslow Schott.The Toyman uses toy-based or toy-themed devices and gimmicks in...
, Two-Face
Two-Face
Two-Face is a fictional comic book supervillain who appears in comic books published by DC Comics. and is an enemy of Batman. The character first appeared in Detective Comics #66 , and was created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger....
, Parasite
Parasite (comics)
The Parasite is the name of several fictional characters that appears in Superman comic book stories published by DC Comics. A supervillain, Parasite has the ability to temporarily absorb the energy, knowledge and super-powers of another being by touch, making him a formidable foe for the Man of...
, Metallo
Metallo
Metallo is a comic book supervillain and cyborg who appears in Superman stories published by DC Comics. Metallo's trademark is his kryptonite power source, which he often uses as a weapon against Superman. His traditional identity is John Corben...
, Clayface
Clayface
Clayface is an alias used by several DC Comics fictional characters, most of them possessing claylike bodies and shape-shifting abilities. All of them have been enemies of Batman.-Publication history:...
, and many others have been applied to their comic counterparts. On a different note, issue #22 of DC Comics' Superman/Batman
Superman/Batman
Superman/Batman was a monthly comic book series published by DC Comics that features the publisher's two most popular characters: Batman and Superman...
series, which explores alternate realities, had Bizarro
Bizarro
Bizarro is a fictional character that appears in publications published by DC Comics. The character was created by writer Otto Binder and artist George Papp as a "mirror image" of Superman and first appeared in Superboy #68...
transported to an alternate version of Gotham City
Gotham City
Gotham City is a fictional U.S. city appearing in DC Comics, best known as the home of Batman. Batman's place of residence was first identified as Gotham City in Batman #4 . Gotham City is strongly inspired by Trenton, Ontario's history, location, atmosphere, and various architectural styles...
patrolled by a Batman
Batman
Batman is a fictional character created by the artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger. A comic book superhero, Batman first appeared in Detective Comics #27 , and since then has appeared primarily in publications by DC Comics...
using the Batman Beyond version of the costume. The future of Batman Beyond made an appearance on Countdown to Final Crisis #21, as part of the new Multiverse in the wake of the Infinite Crisis and 52. A Batman Beyond-inspired universe is currently being labeled as Earth-12 and a six-issue Batman Beyond miniseries is planned.
The future of the DCAU
With the conclusion of the Justice League Unlimited animated series, Warner Bros has moved on to adapting new versions of the various DC comics properties, rather than reviving the DCAU counterparts.The last script written for DCAU continuity was titled Justice League: Worlds Collide. This screenplay was created to bridge the several month gap between Justice League and Justice League Unlimited. The draft was eventually adapted into the February 2010 film Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths
Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths
Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths is a 2010 original direct-to-video animated film released on February 23, 2010. It is based on the abandoned direct-to-video feature, Justice League: Worlds Collide, which was intended as a bridge between the then-concluding Justice League animated television...
, with the removal of any references specific to DCAU continuity, replacing Green Lantern John Stewart with Hal Jordan, and the casting of celebrities rather than the voice actors of the DCAU.
The latest update on the DCAU:
Despite this, the current Batman Beyond comic series is seen by DC as a continuation of the future time period of the DCAU. The miniseries began in June 2010, under the title Future Evil. In August 2010, the series was announced to continue following the completion of the first arc as an on-going series, leaving the door open to future work on the universe in the comic book medium.