Arrow Vs The Flash: Which TV Show Is Better?

8. Comic Book Roots

Even though Arrow came first, The Flash enjoys a slightly higher status in part due to how recognisable its hero is. Flash, and certainly the Barry Allen iteration, is a comic book icon, hence why we'll also be seeing him on the big screen later this year. But it's more than just being based on a big character: The Flash knows where it comes from, and wholeheartedly embraces it. Whether it's lifting panels directly from the comics, hueing (somewhat) closer to the core of the characters, or just having a lot of ridiculous, comic book fun (from multiverses to multiple Flashes, Gorilla City to King Shark) this pays homage to the source material and, in some cases elevates it.

Arrow has largely gone the other way. Green Arrow has its fans, but it's a B-list comic that isn't as well known to a wider audience (and that was definitely the case when the show debuted). To that end the character was retooled, his humour and lightness being swapped for darkness and angst, and very much heading down the Batman Begins route. The show has flirted with the comics since, including eventually giving him the Green Arrow moniker in Season 4 - and trick arrows and more of a social conscience are supposedly on their way in Season 6 - but it doesn't match the comic bookiness of its sibling.

Both shows may have been inspired by comic books, but only one can be called a comic book show at heart.

Winner: The Flash