How To Make The DC Comics Movies Universe Better Than Marvel's

Rumors are flying around the casting of Man of Steel 2: Batman vs Superman. Here are some hints to the Powers -That-Be to make this one and all the following DC Universe movies AMAZING.

1. The Cape and Cowl

It's time for a movie Batman to look like Batman. We're talking grey suit and either black cape and cowl, or even finally go blue. We also need a big bat logo across the grey chest. Marvel is making billions with superheroes in costumes that match their comic book counter parts. The time is ripe for Batman to don his real costume.

And if you can decipher the hidden excitement from Kevin Smith's recent comments on seeing a picture of Affleck in the bat suit, we may be getting what we want!

2. Wonder Woman Will Be a Blockbuster

Wonder Woman is the most recognized female superhero of all time. The fact she hasn't had her own blockbuster movie is baffling. A decade ago, Joss Whedon penned a script, but it collapsed in development. Now, more than ever, movie studios need to realize that a female superhero movie can be just as successful. Rumors are she may show up in Batman Vs. Superman. Either way, get her on the big screen and get her franchise up and running. She's the Thor of DCU and ready to wrap her lasso of truth on audiences around the world.

3. Nightwing Rises

We're well past having to tell origin stories in superhero movies. Since we are getting an older Batman we can jump ahead in the Batman storylines. Which means Dick Greyson is no longer Robin; he's Nightwing. Introducing Nightwing into Gotham City could allow for his own series of movies. Plus, wouldn't you love to see Dick's reaction to Batman eventually bringing on a new Robin in a movie? Also... rumors suggest Nightwing is going to make an appearance on the CW'S Arrow...

4. Target TV and Movies Together

Arrow is arguably the best superhero show ever. Why mess with continuities and introduce movie versions of all the DCU characters appearing on the show. If Marvel's The Shield can crossover with the movie franchises, than DCU can exist across multiple platforms. Think about how satisfying it will be to see Stephen Amell's Oliver Queen meet Ben Affleck's Bruce Wayne? Or even better, Felicity and Alfred teaming up to help Batman and the Green Arrow from their trusty computers?

5. Green Reboot

Look, The Green Lantern movie stunk. But DC and Warner Bros. get a clean slate thanks to the mythos of The Lantern Corp. Whether they introduce him in a Justice League movie or simply in a new Green Lantern stand alone film, it's time for Jon Stewart to replace Hal Jordan and reboot the franchise.

6. Always Use a Flash Drive

The Flash is another DC character making his appearance on CW'S Arrow this season. However, the potential with today's special effects to let an audience experience The Flash's all out velocity in theaters is a must. There is plenty of opportunity for ground breaking cinematic effects in the hands the right visionary filmmaker. Much like the anticipated Marvel's Ant-Man where the superpower of shrinking will be taken on by director/writer Edgar Wright, The Flash is a franchise begging for a mix of adventure, comedy, and super speed, ground breaking filmmaking.

7. Take Us Under The Sea

Aquaman has long been the punchline to many superhero jokes... because one of his powers is he can talk to fish. Sure, but then he beats villains senseless with his trident! Remember on Entourage when Vince was cast in James Cameron's update on the character, chosen because no one ever seriously thought there would be a real Aquaman movie... If we're talking about cinematic worlds to explore, Aquaman's reign of Atlantis is ripe for it's own never-been-seen underwater experience. Plus, in the comics, writer Geoff Johns has proven Aquaman to be a total bad ass. It's time to for this warrior to be seen on the big screen.

8. Use Different Formulas On Lesser Known Characters

Any DC comics fan will tell you all about Booster Gold and Blue Beetle, but for general audiences, you'll need a hook. How about use the tried and true buddy-cop-bromance formula on these two super pals? Marvel succeeded by changing their formulas for different films, DC should follow suit and push it even further. Genre bending time!

9. More Serialized Shows

Marvel just made a big deal with Netflix to bring four of their characters to life in season long story arcs. DC must do the same. They should aim for cable or streaming companies like Netflix and Amazon and create groundbreaking, edgy, serialized shows. A Batgirl show? How about Raven? Suicide Squad? Movies are great, but comics have always soared as continuing stories. Keep the movies and shows all in the same universe and they can't lose. Who wouldn't binge watch an Animal Man or Swamp Thing show?

10. Use Your Current Comic Creatives To Develop Scripts

DC is home to some of the most brilliant writers working in comics today. They are writing fresh, innovative takes on characters that have been around for a lifetime. The material for great movies and shows is all in the comics. With writers like Scott Snyder, Gail Simone, Jeff Lemire and the legendary Grant Morrison (just to name a few) why not hire them to write the scripts?

11. Don't Rush The Justice League

It's a good sign that Warner Bros. decided to use Man of Steel 2 as the first DCU movie to cross characters. For a while, it looked like they were itching to compete with the Avengers and roll out a rushed version of The Justice League. Take the time to build the cinematic and television universe and bring all the heroes together when the characters have been developed and the audiences are ready for the biggest superhero crossover movie ever.