James Gunn Teases New Classic DC Story

The New DCU Era: Embracing the Legacy of Darwyn Cooke’s ‘The New Frontier’

The dawn of a new era for DC Universe looms on the horizon. James Gunn’s fresh vision for the DCU officially kicks off this December with the debut of Creature Commandos. Next on the lineup is Superman, ready to soar onto screens next year. Although the roster of upcoming projects is known, the grand narrative arc for Chapter 1 – Gods and Monsters – remained a mystery. That is, until recently.

Thanks to a revelation from James Gunn, the influence behind the storyline could lie within one of DC’s most beloved classic comics: The New Frontier by the legendary Darwyn Cooke. In an enthusiastic announcement, Gunn declared his admiration, stating, "I love New Frontier, and its magical alternate history is a big influence on DC Studios." This acknowledgment gives fans a tantalizing hint of what to expect from this new chapter.

An Ode to the Legendary ‘New Frontier’

Written and illustrated by Darwyn Cooke, the 2004 miniseries The New Frontier is a comic book gem. The series elegantly spans from the end of World War II to the early 1960s, coinciding with the space race era. This timeline provides a rich tapestry for storytelling, integrating historical events with the DC Universe’s evolution.

Within this world, the Justice Society, who fought valiantly against the Nazis, retired by the early ’50s. They left behind juggernauts like Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman, who continued their vigil. As the landscape shifted from the ’50s into the ’60s, new faces emerged. Heroes such as the Flash, Green Lantern, and Martian Manhunter joined the fold, drawn together by an ancient, ominous threat slumbering deep within our planet.

Weaving Past Narratives Into a New Tapestry

Direct adaptation of The New Frontier isn’t on the cards. Yet, its thematic elements could very well influence the DCU’s evolving saga. While an animated iteration graced our screens in 2008, live-action stories might explore these themes differently. Rumblings suggest a rich background, dipping into stories as far back as World War II, could be central. The upcoming Lanterns series, with its narrative of the Green Lantern Corps unearthing age-old mysteries, seems auspiciously aligned with this vision.

Moreover, the DCU could tread into alternate historical paths, much like Watchmen, though expectedly less grim. History might serve as a playground, bridging the past with reimagined possibilities. Discerning viewers will clutch their popcorn with bated breath until July 2025, when Superman is slated to hit theaters. As the countdown to this new chapter ensues, the DC Universe stands on the precipice of a bold, redefined storytelling landscape.