DC Universe launches on 15th September: What to expect
David Farnor | On 08, Sep 2018
DC Universe will officially launch in the USA on Saturday 15th September, bringing together a host of DC properties and content in one exclusive subscription platform.
The service, which is produced by Warner Bros. Television and DC Entertainment, was first unveiled last year, eyeing a release date at some point this year. Now, after a beta period in August, DC has confirmed that it will fully open its doors to US fans on 15th September, promising “a first-of-its kind, immersive digital experience”.
The platform, whose operation will be managed by Sam Ades, Warner Bros. Digital Networks’ general manager and senior vice president, will combine new and old DC titles, including a curated selection of digital comic books, an expansive DC-centric encyclopaedia, and access to exclusive merchandise. Short-form news, interviews and previews will also join a line-up of original live-action and animated series, plus older TV shows and movies from the DC vaults.
The service will cost $7.99 a month, or $74.99 a year, with a free three-month trial before then. Membership offers both access to content and opportunities to win rewards and prizes, including (if users sign up before the launch) the chance to have a ride in the Batmobile. Subscribers also get an omnibus edition of The New Teen Titans in print sent to them in the post.
These details were unveiled by Kevin Smith in a video at the end of August, explaining that the platform is viewable on up to two devices at the same time, and that the library of content will be refreshed every month, in addition to its weekly and daily new titles.
Content, of course, will be the cornerstone of the platform’s appeal, and the slate of upcoming titles has swiftly grown in recent months. With DC’s investment climbing, and names such as Timothy Dalton attached to projects, you can expect an international launch in the UK in the very near future. Until then, here’s the full line-up of what subscribers in the US can expect this month:
Available at Launch
DC Daily – 15th September
This daily web series will bring the latest news to do with everything DC to subscribers, from TV series and comics to movies and more – expect everything from DC to be announced here first from now on. The programme will be hosted by Kevin Smith, alongside anchor Tiffany Smith and co-presenters John Barrowman, Samm Levine, Harley Quinn Smith, Sam Humphries, Hector Navarro, Clarke Wolfe, Brian Tong, Markeia McCarty and John Kourounis.
Classic DC TV – 15th September
Older DC TV series that will be included on DC Universe from launch include the Batman animated series, Superfriends, Birds of Prey, Teen Titans (2003), the original Wonder Woman series, Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, Constantine, Batman Beyond and the Justice League animated series, plus the first two seasons of Young Justice.
Digital DC Comics – 15th September
DC Universe will include a library of digital comics, from the first appearances by Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman, plus Batman: Gothic, Green Arrow: Year One, The New Teen Titans, Identity Crisis, The Batman Adventures, Jack Kirby’s New Gods, and more.
Titans – 12th October
DC Universe’s first scripted original series is a gritty take on the classic Teen Titans franchise. It follows young heroes from across the DC Universe as they come of age and find a place to belong. Dick Grayson and Rachel Roth, a special young girl possessed by a strange darkness, get embroiled in a conspiracy that could bring Hell on Earth. Joining them along the way are the hot-headed Starfire and loveable Beast Boy. Together they become a surrogate family and team of heroes.
12 episodes will be released weekly, starting 12th October, following a premiere at New York Comic-Con on 3rd October.
Coming in 2019
Doom Patrol
Doom Patrol is a reimagining of one of DC’s strangest group of outcasts: Robotman, Negative Man, Elasti-Woman and Crazy Jane. Led by the mysterious Dr. Niles Caulder they’re called into action by the ultimate hero for the digital age, Cyborg. Banding together these rejects find themselves on a mission that will take them to the weirdest and most unexpected corners of the DC universe. This 13-episode series stars Brendan Fraser as Robotman and Timothy Dalton Caulder.
Swamp Thing
Swamp Thing follows Abby Arcane as she investigates what seems to be a deadly swamp-born virus in a small town in Louisiana but soon discovers that the swamp holds mystical and terrifying secrets. When unexplainable and chilling horrors emerge from the murky marsh, no one is safe.
Young Justice: Outsiders: Season 3
Young Justice: Outsiders features the return of the fan favorite animated series with a huge cast of DC’s most iconic young superheroes – plus brand-new characters, many of whom are just discovering their unique meta-powers and special abilities. Set against the backdrop of a rich, deep world that touches all corners of the DC universe, the season focuses on meta–trafficking, and an intergalactic arms race for control of these super–powered youths.
Harley Quinn
Harley Quinn follows Harley’s adventures after she breaks up with the Joker and strikes out on her own in this new adult animated comedy. With the help of Poison Ivy and a ragtag crew of DC castoffs, Harley tries to earn a seat at the biggest table in villainy: the Legion of the Doom. This half-hour animated series will span 26 episodes.
Stargirl
This 13-episode live-action drama follows high school sophomore Courtney Whitmore, who inspires an unlikely group of young heroes into battle against villains from the past.
Metropolis
Gotham’s John Stephens and Danny Cannon pitched this 13-episode drama, which takes place in the City of Tomorrow before the arrival of Superman and follows Lois Lane and Lex Luthor. Expect details to change, though, as this project is being redeveloped by DC.