True artists see what is there before they start
Both Safran and Gunn are true artists. Michelangelo believed that “The sculpture is already complete within the marble block before I start my work. It is already there, I just have to chisel away the superfluous material.” They want to use mega characters as tools to reveal the hidden star characters that can be pulled from DC Comics history.
Much like those before them, both Safran and Gunn appear to have missed the genres that could truly elevate DC Comics television and film projects. They are there for all to see because they already hold a special place for comic book collectors. The best part is that DC Comics could be visionary and do something that Marvel Comics could never hope to duplicate.
War, what is it good for?
DC Comics has a long history of producing war comics. These series have long publishing records and are still desirable among collectors. The fact that one can tell a period war story and integrate "diamond in the rough type" heroes as ancillary characters has great potential. The number of established war characters to choose from is vast, but there are a few standouts that should not be ignored.
1. A true icon
A heroic ideal
Sgt. Rock first appeared in Our Army at War #83. His run in comics only rivals Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman. He had no special powers and yet this character succeeded through sheer desire and grit. Sgt. Rock comic stories are ones of hope marred in tragedy. This leader of men truly was witness to self-sacrifice and bravery among his troops. The potential tales that could be told are endless.
Ignored by everyone but comic fans
Film and television executives may have forgotten, but Sgt. Rock is a tentpole character. Fans snatch up his older comics because of the compelling nature of his stories. Rarely does the Rock get his due from industry leaders who tend to shy away from the non-superpowered characters. That is a major mistake that should be corrected sooner than later.
Priced Right but...
The first appearance of Sgt. Rock is not that expensive when one considers the importance of the character. Where this book is challenging to both collectors and investors is that it rarely comes up for sale. When it does come up for sale, the asking price is high with very little room to negotiate. The census numbers are just not there to make it common. The irony is that raw copies still can be found out there. This issue appears to both war and key collectors and investors.
2. The Unknown Hero
Common in everyday society
Heroes can exist in all shapes and sizes. The problem is that many heroes never receive accolades, but that does not mean they are not heroes. During the pandemic, heroes existed. These individuals performed their jobs to keep society going in spite of the danger. Very few news stories mentioned them nor will any movie ever be made to highlight their deeds. They are, in fact, faceless heroes.
Based upon history
The Unknown Soldier was another hero that lasted a long time and had no powers. He was a soldier who could make a difference and inspire people based on his deeds. He represented the nameless and faceless soldiers who fought the good fight but never had their exploits memorialized in our history. The Unknown Soldier made numerous appearances in comics but only a few outside of comics. That is short-sighted.
A steal of a deal
Our Army at War #168 was the first appearance of the Unknown Soldier. His first appearance has a great story. The best part is that the story can be adapted to happen in any time period. Furthermore, it could be a legacy character where other people take on the mantle of the Unknown Solider. The versatility of an established character like this is not a diamond in the rough, but a shiny diamond found on a royal's crown.
The horror, the profitable horror
Horror films are profitable to make. They require fewer special effects than true superhero films. That does not mean the story telling can be void of heroes. DC Comics has a long list of horror-themed characters beyond the Swamp Thing that usually take a back seat to other company intellectual properties. The irony is that DC Comics has such a wide array of characters that could dwarf the MCU's offerings. Gunn and Safran should exploit this advantage.
1. Twilight Zone DC Comic's style
Two houses, one company
House of Mystery and House of Secrets have long publication histories. These stories were short in nature but could be very compelling. DC Comics could use its past formats to produce a movie with multiple stories into one feature film. This concept could also be ideal for television. Rather than trying to duplicate a competitor's past successes, Gunn and Safran could be truly creative and do something new.
Here's Johnny
Who better to host these projects but the cruel Cain? He first appeared in House of Mystery #175 along with Gregory the Gargoyle. Cain was inspired by the Bible's Cain and Abel, but this character was not that incarnation. This allowed writers to be creative with how the character was used in the series. With the success of "Wednesday", "American Horror Story", and other similar projects, why would DC Comics not venture into this realm?
Intel on Cheap Keys
House of Mystery #175 is not even considered a key comic by many collectors and investors. This book languishes on the shelves because it is ignored by many fans. The series had just transitioned to a horror title an issue before, so many target that book instead of Cain's first appearance. DC Special #4 has Cain's brother Abel's first appearance.
That book is even cheaper than those two books. Characters with that type of potential should not be ignored to that extent.
2. A poetic character
The King's main man
The MCU has relied on stories and characters created by a list of iconic writers and artists. DC Comics has the same type of roster. One man G & S should look to for inspiration is a creator known as the King. Jack Kirby may be known for his Marvel work, but he also had a nice run at DC Comics. One of his more lasting characters was Etrigan the Demon.
A transcendent character
Etrigan can fight the Man of Steel one moment but then shift to a true horror story; he is a very versatile character. Bonded to the Knight, Jason Blood, his immortality would allow the character to appear in different time periods. A man displaced in time was a nice theme in the first Captain America and Wonder Woman films. Why not do it with a hint of horror?
Imagine the list of characters that could appear in such a film or television show. Wonder Woman missed out on that potential and did not incorporate any known characters from their library. The Demon should correct this defect.
It is a steal
Rarely does one see such an undervalued comic with this type of potential. The Demon #1 is a book that has so much going for it. The first appearance of Demon and Morgaine Le Fay is one feature. The fact that this book has a Jack Kirby iconic cover is another. It defies logic that this book is still so affordable. Keys like this should cost more, and yet collectors and investors seem to frown upon Kirby's DC work. That is truly a crime.
Final Thoughts
Gunn and Safran have two choices in regard to the future of DC Comic films. They can try to duplicate the past successes of the MCU or they can create their own path to success. The second path is the one they should choose. People are already losing interest in the MCU so following that path is not advantageous. Giving something new to fans might be the key to making the next DC Comic batch of films triumphant.
DC Comics has a deep bench of characters that could be utilized in films. Only a few have been used as of today's date. It is a tragedy to use only a fraction of those characters. Even those that have been announced have already appeared on tv or film for the most part.
Characters such as the Demon, Cain, Sgt. Rock, and the Unknown Soldier and others have untapped potential that could expand DC Comics' film footprints. Opportunities exist, but will Gunn and Safran be bold enough to go for it.
And James Gunn...
James Gunn, if you are reading this column, here are some final words of advice... Use your brother Sean Gunn in one these projects in a featured role. He truly is a gifted actor, but an even better person. At the Motor City Comic Con this reporter had to tap out after three long days.
On the way out, your brother was observed still entertaining attendees with the same enthusiasm as he displayed on day one. Each guest was treated as if they were the most critical fan in the room. Good guys need not finish last. His passion for his roles was on full display to his fans so tap into that energy to make your DC Comics film launch a successful one.
"Fortune favors the bold."
Playwright Terence
