Books were never my thing; I couldn’t stare at a page where ‘KAPOW’ wasn’t written in big bold yellow text with flames coming out of the back. However, I wouldn’t call myself a comic book ‘connoisseur’ either. In 2013, I dove into the world of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) with my first ever Marvel movie, The Avengers. I instantly fell in love, from Iron Man’s incredible tech to The Hulk’s ability to keep his pants on while becoming a giant rage-monster. Curiosity took over me. Before my fascination began with the MCU, I had only seen Tobey Maguire’s Spider-Man, so then I began to wonder, ‘Who are these new superheroes?’
After The Avengers, I set my mind on watching every Marvel movie — and I mean everything. I downloaded and watched Fox’s cinematic timeline, X-Men, Deadpool, Logan, Sony’s The Amazing Spider-Man, Netflix’s Daredevil and of course, the MCU movies along the way.
Then came along my first ever DC television series, CW’s The Flash. I initially wanted to check out the competition because as a loyal Marvel fan I was, by default, obligated to be a DC hater.
One of my favorite guilty pleasures includes rewatching superhero movies and series while trying to find Easter eggs and connect them along the timeline of every movie. That’s one of many reasons I love the MCU. The Infinity Saga was so beautifully placed, with the introduction of the Infinity Stones spread throughout the movies until Avengers: Infinity Warand End Game really tied everything together. This is something I did not get from the DC movies.
DC’s movies and series have always felt cumbersome compared to the quality of Marvel. Arguably, DC’s animated series were far more story dense than the movies. CW’s universe was interconnected in its own way, but my problem was comparing it with MCU.
James Gunn, co-writer and director of Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxytrilogy, introduced a different and fun version of space in the MCU. I got to see a different team since Avengers, with creatures, dancing aliens and an emphasis on each character’s unique abilities. IMDB gave the trilogy an average rating of 7.8, which I completely agree with.
In 2021, ever since Gunn was called to direct The Suicide Squad, DC has never been the same. I could feel the spice he put into Marvel in the movies he directed for DC. Peacemaker, a character created by Joe Gill and Pat Boyette in 1966, remained very unpopular and relatively obscure in DC Comics. However, after John Cena, directed by Gunn, appeared as Peacemaker in The Suicide Squad and the HBO hit series Peacemaker, the character has become a fan favourite. Now, DC cannot be imagined without him.
Gunn also directed this year’s Superman. The movie was comic accurate, featuring the most relatable Superman ever. Gunn’s vision and David Corenswet’s passion for the character are truly shown in the movie. The shots of Superman getting hit and flying over just to save a squirrel were magnificent. The film also showcased the first ever live action Krypto.
Gunn also saved us from having a disappointing representation of the character Green Lantern (like Ryan Renold’s Hal Jordan, sorry Ryan), now giving us Nathan Fillion’s Guy Gardner. Edi Gathegi’s Mr. Terrific also shone with an insane one-man Yondu-esque fight scene. All of these characters I have gotten to know much better in this film, and I instantly fell head over heels for them.
Nowadays, Marvel movies turn out to be more of a hit or miss. Despite some movies in the MCU falling short, I can not wait for Tom Holland’s Spiderman: Brand New Day. I will always remain loyal to my first superhero cinematic universe, the MCU. However, I think Gunn is the saviour of DC. People might argue that he is still ‘getting there’ because they are stuck in the dark version of DC, but I know he’s already there.
Gunn took the best of Marvel’s pages and formulas and used them to create greatness with DC. Gunn’s ‘closed casting’ of groups of people who get along has done wonders for his films.
I am really optimistic about Gunn’s continuing journey with DC.
