The biggest problem everybody seems to be forgetting about the DC Cinematic Universe is the one that should be the most obvious: there isn't one. All we're talking about here is one film, and a very ambitious plan that keeps growing with each press release. Everyone's become so wrapped up in the casting and planning of this franchise that they've forgotten it's all very vaporous at the moment. Maybe it's because we're used to talking about Marvel's stable and developed universe, but everyone seems to treat DC as if they're at the same point of development. These are the same conversations we were having a couple of years back when Marvel was slowly unveiling its plans after Iron Man's success. Even in the planning phase, Marvel knew not to tip its hand too much, focusing on stand alone films that would enrich the crossover when it eventually happened. It was always the endgame, but not always the current task at hand. DC doesn't even have a game plan to stand on, instead just throwing together characters and elements that aren't fully tested yet. They do this in the hopes of creating a universe without a foundation, and it's a problem because it's looking to be a rather desperate scenario. DC could be telling stories that are the dark and gritty equals to Marvel's fantastic fare. If they just gave themselves some breathing room and worked from the ground up, they could build themselves into the powerhouse that takes over when and if Marvel runs out of steam a couple phases down the line. For now though, DC will be the struggling sidekick that tries to hard, and Marvel will be the hero that knows what it's doing and does it well.
Mike Reyes may or may not be a Time Lord, but he's definitely the Doctor Who editor here at What Culture. In addition to his work at What Culture, Mr. Reyes writes for Cocktails and Movies, as well as his own personal blogs Mr. Controversy and The Bookish Kind. On top of that, he's also got a couple Short Stories and Novels in various states of completion, like any good writer worth their salt. He resides in New Jersey, and compiles his work from all publications on his Facebook page.
