6. Have Characters Interact Often And For Multiple Reasons
The characters from each property should also exist and interact directly and indirectly before the big crossover. It is already established that Barry Allen and Oliver Queen know each other, and their shows should have them contact each other briefly for good purpose. Perhaps Barry Allen needs to contact the "modern" Jim Gordon for details on a case but can't reach him. John Constantine could be reading a newspaper with the Flash or Green Arrow mentioned on the front page before epiphany strikes regarding the plot he's involved in. Green Arrow and Flash both have histories with the silver-age Green Lantern, Hal Jordan, and while the WB may be looking to have him in another movie later on, it might not hurt to mention him. Perhaps he's been corresponding or communicating with them, or they've been following his stunt flying career. Something small that builds commonalities. Besides sparing us the status quo of the "fight-then-team-up," it would also lend credibility to the partnership. It is also worth nothing that the heroes don't need to like each other to work with each other. Character building is another key component of world building.
Brandon grew from the awkwardness of his youth into the awkwardness of his adulthood. He is the author of the Eat Your Serial Press title "Ten Years Gone: Pomp and Circumstance" and is a contributor on Maglomaniac, Polite on Society, and What Culture.
