DC Universe’s first original series ‘Titans’ is a dark reimagining that will divide fans

DC
Universe

• DC Universe’s first original series, “Titans,” is a dark
  reimagining of a classic comic book superhero team.
• It’s violent and moody — similar to Zack Snyder’s DC films.
• But fans who can accept that will find plenty to enjoy in the
  series.

There’s a scene in “Deadpool 2” in which the title character
says, “So dark! You sure you’re not from the DC universe?”

It’s one of many jokes satirizing Marvel’s competition for its
grit and gloom, but there’s a lot of truth behind it. Director
Zack Snyder’s “Man of Steel” and “Batman v Superman: Dawn of
Justice,” notably, were panned by critics for being devoid of the
kind of joy seen in other, more fun superhero films today. 

Last month, DC launched a new streaming service appropriately
called DC Universe, and its first original series, “Titans,”
premieres October 12. It finds Dick Grayson, a.k.a. Robin
(Brenton Thwaites), recruiting old allies Hawk (Alan Ritchson)
and Dove (Minka Kelly) to help him protect a young girl with
demonic powers named Rachel (Teagan Croft).

Deadpool may have been referring to the DC films with his “So
dark!” quip, but he might as well have been referring to the DC
Universe streaming service itself, if “Titans” is any indication.

After the two episodes I’ve seen, it’s apparent that the show is
more reminiscent of Snyder’s take on DC’s superheroes, which is
perplexing considering that DC and Warner Bros. are pivoting away
from that tone in future films like “Aquaman,” “Shazam!” and
“Wonder Woman 1984.”

READ MORE:  A DC Comics exec gave us a rundown
of its new streaming service, and addressed the controversy over
the violent ‘Titans’ trailer

While “Titans” isn’t connected to DC’s film universe, and
therefore doesn’t come with its baggage, it’s hard not to notice
the similarities to the Snyder-era of those films, both in the
show’s tone and the overall structure of its plot. Like “Batman v
Superman,” “Titans” introduces an already established universe
where Batman (who is referred to by name but isn’t seen) has been
operating for years in Gotham City. In fact, he already has a
young protege.

But this Robin is not your grandpa’s Robin. By day, he’s a
detective, and by night, a brooding vigilante who has distanced
himself from Batman to carry out his own brand of bloody justice.

That’s the brand of the entire show. “Titans” is a dark
reimagining of a classic comic book superhero team. It’s not just
dark in mood (the body count is high and everyone seems to be
struck with an unusual amount of angst), but in lighting, too.
It’s hard to make out what is happening in most scenes because
it’s so damn dark. Someone turn on a light!

But that’s not to say that the show won’t find an audience.
There is plenty to enjoy in “Titans,” and as a TV
series, it has time to develop its world and characters more than
the DC Extended Universe films did. There are some funny bits and
Anna Diop, who plays Koriand’r/Starfire, is a standout character
in the first episode. I would have preferred to see her more.

DC fans who can accept that this is unlike any previous
interpretation of these beloved characters will like it. For
those who can’t accept that, it will be harder to enjoy. DC
Universe has lauded itself as a “service for the fans.” But it’s
going to be reminded very quickly of the fact that fandom can
either be your greatest ally, or biggest enemy.

Watch a new trailer for the series below: