DC Universe
The DC Universe (DCU) is the shared universe in which most stories in American comic book titles published by DC Comics take place. In context, the term "DC Universe" usually refers to the main DC continuity. It contains such well-known superheroes as Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, the Flash, Green Lantern, Aquaman, Green Arrow, Shazam, Martian Manhunter, and Cyborg; as well as teams such as the Justice League, the Justice Society of America, the Suicide Squad, Doom Patrol, and the Teen Titans. It also contains well-known supervillains, including the Joker, Lex Luthor, the Cheetah, the Reverse-Flash, Sinestro, Black Manta, Deathstroke, Black Adam, Brainiac, and Darkseid.
| DCU | |
|---|---|
Triptych cover from Dark Nights: Death Metal (2020), depicting various characters from the history of the DC Universe, including members of the Justice Society of America, Justice League, Teen Titans, Doom Patrol, New Gods, and Endless. Art by Gary Frank. | |
| Created by | DC Comics |
| Original work | All Star Comics #3 (1940) |
| Owner | DC Entertainment, Inc. (Warner Bros. Discovery) |
| Years | 1938–present |
| Print publications | |
| Novel(s) | List of novels |
| Comics | List of comics |
| Graphic novel(s) | List of graphic novels |
| Films and television | |
| Film(s) | DC Studios DC Extended Universe Superman film franchise Batman film franchise Flash film franchise Wonder Woman in other media Animated Original Movies Animated Movie Universe List of films based on DC Comics publications |
| Short film(s) | Showcase |
| Television series | List of television series based on DC Comics publications Arrowverse |
| Animated series | DC Animated Universe Young Justice |
| Television special(s) | Blood Rush Chronicles of Cisco: Entry 0419 Stretched Scenes The New Original Wonder Woman |
| Television film(s) | List of television films |
| Games | |
| Video game(s) | List of video games |
| Miscellaneous | |
| Toy(s) | |
| Theme park attraction(s) | Batman amusement parks Superman – Ride of Steel Green Lantern Six Flags Great Adventure Coaster First Flight Justice League: Alien Invasion 3D Lex Luthor: Drop of Doom The Joker rides Six Flags Discovery Kingdom Six Flags Mexico S&S Worldwide DC Comics Super Hero Adventures DC Rivals HyperCoaster |
| Official website | |
| Official website | |
The term "DC Multiverse" refers to the collection of all continuities within DC Comics publications. Within the Multiverse, the main DC Universe has gone by many names, but in recent years has been referred to by "Prime Earth" (not to be confused with "Earth Prime") or "Earth 0".
The main DC Universe, as well as the alternate realities related to it, were quickly adapted to other media such as film serials or radio dramas. In subsequent decades, the continuity between all of these media became increasingly complex with certain storylines and events designed to simplify or streamline the more confusing aspects of characters' histories.