Summary
- Justice League Action is a short-lived Cartoon Network series that brings together Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman to protect Earth from DC villains.
- Swamp Thing, adapted from the supernatural horror comics, received critical acclaim but was canceled after one season due to creative differences.
- The Batman, a 2004 animated series, offered its own unique take on the Dark Knight’s early years and is a highly underrated adaptation.
The DC Universe has been adapted for television numerous times, with 10 shows, unfortunately, not being as popular as they deserved. As one of the two largest superhero comic publishers in the industry, DC is responsible for superheroes who transcend their comic book roots to become cultural icons, making them natural fits for mainstream screen adaptations, particularly TV. DC’s track record on film is, unfortunately, inconsistent but their pantheon of superheroes has irrevocably changed superhero fiction on TV, from Lynda Carter’s Wonder Woman to the beloved Batman: The Animated Series.
Two particular DC TV franchises, the DC Animated Universe and the Arrowverse, were especially successful, adapting the tapestry of intricate DC lore and adding their own respective twists in many cases. Unfortunately, several high-quality shows were simply released at the wrong time to gain a significant fan following or their takes on the DC universe were not appreciated in their time. Of all DC’s TV adaptations, here are 10 hidden gems that deserve a second chance from DC viewers.
10 Justice League Action (2016-2018)
Cartoon Network
Justice League Action
The short-lived Cartoon Network series that features Justice League icons Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman facing off against DC megavillains and other threats to protect Earth.
- Cast
- Armin Shimerman, Carl Reiner, Ken Jeong, Diedrich Bader, Tara Strong, James Woods, Kevin Conroy, Josh Keaton, Joanne Spracklen, Mark Hamill, Lacey Chabert, michael dorn
- Main Genre
- Animation
- Seasons
- 1
Debuting in 2016, likely to coincide with the DC Extended Universe as it moved towards the release of Justice League, Justice League Action explores the entirety of the DC universe, though it mainly focuses on DC’s “Big 3,” consisting of Superman, Wonder Woman, and Batman. Justice League Action has far more comedy than the DCAU Justice League animated shows, though it avoids taking its levity too far. Overall, the series has a good grasp of its main three superheroes and much of the DC universe writ large, echoing elements of what worked in the DCAU and DCEU, but the series unfortunately never exceeded its first season and 22 mini episodes.
9 Swamp Thing (2019)
DC Universe
Swamp Thing
Investigating a deadly virus and the illegal operation behind it, Abby Arcane returns home to Marais, Louisiana, and forms a bond with disgraced biologist Alec Holland. After Holland is killed, Abby uncovers the truth of the swamp, and the Swamp Thing, a plant-based entity possessing the memories of Holland and incredible superpowers.
- Cast
- Kevin Durand, Derek Mears, Andy Bean, Selena Anduze, Crystal Reed, Given Sharp, Will Patton, Maria Sten, Leonardo Nam, Virginia Madsen, Henderson Wade, Jennifer Beals, Robert Fortunato
- Main Genre
- Horror
- Seasons
- 1
Premiering in 2019 for WB’s DC Universe streaming service, Swamp Thing adapted the supernatural horror comics of the same name. The series was, in general, received well, with critics praising the show’s accuracy to its source material and effective horror storytelling, yet the show was canceled before it could get a second season due to creative differences with WarnerMedia. Nevertheless, the show did complete its first (and now only) season, which is available to watch on digital and physical home media.
8 Superman: The Animated Series (1996-2000)
Kids WB
Superman: The Animated Series
Superman: The Animated Series is a cartoon centered around the Man of Steel’s many adventures. Aired from 1996 to 2000, it is part of Warner Bros.’ DC Animated Universe, set in the same continuity as Batman: The Animated Series and Justice League: Unlimited.
- Cast
- Tim Daly, Jason Marsden
- Seasons
- 13
- Genres
- Sci-Fi
After the overwhelming success of 1992’s Batman: The Animated Series, Bruce Timm and Paul Dini succeeded the genre-redefining series with Superman: The Animated Series, set in the same continuity. Superman is renowned for its grounded and relatable approach to Superman’s characterization in both egos and a strong supporting cast of iconic characters like Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen. Unfortunately, the show did not always get Superman’s characterization right, relatability aside, but it is nevertheless a worthy adaptation of the Superman mythos, though its placement between the popular Batman and Justice League DCAU shows makes it easy to overlook.
7 Batman: The Brave and the Bold (2008-2011)
Cartoon Network
Batman: The Brave and the Bold
Batman: The Brave and the Bold is an American animated television series based partly on the DC Comics series The Brave and the Bold. Teaming up the Dark Knight with other DC superheroes – frequently lesser-known heroes overlooked by other adaptations – uniting to take down a supervillain.
- Cast
- Diedrich Bader, Tom Kenny, Jeff Bennett, Corey Burton, John DiMaggio, Will Friedle
- Main Genre
- Adventure
- Seasons
- 3
Debuting mere months after the beloved film The Dark Knight, Batman: The Brave and the Bold had more in common with Batman’s Silver Age comics and the 1966 TV series than Nolan’s dark and grounded take. Nevertheless, the series is still an authentic Batman adaptation, something the series itself even notes in one episode. The Brave and the Bold typically teamed Batman up with other DC heroes telling stories that embraced the comedic whimsy and occasional self-deprecation of these older comic adventures, and while the show may not be the usual dark and gritty take on Batman, it is certainly worth watching.
6 Beware the Batman (2013)
Cartoon Network
Beware the Batman
Beware the Batman is a 2013 animated television series that follows the Dark Knight and his sidekick Katana as they fight against Gotham City’s villains. Produced by Warner Bros. Animation and DC Entertainment, the show only aired for one season but managed to introduce iconic characters such as Ra’s al Ghul, Barbara Gordon, and Killer Croc.
- Cast
- Anthony Ruivivar, JB Blanc, Tara Strong
- Seasons
- 1
- Genres
- Action
The next Batman animated series to follow Brave and the Bold was Beware the Batman which, like 2022’s The Batman, had a unique and dark approach to the mythos. Combined with its CGI animation and a tendency to use obscure Batman characters, Beware the Batman received a loyal following among viewers. Unfortunately, Beware the Batman did not appeal to enough viewers, and the series was canceled after only one season, though its unique take on the Batman mythos makes it worthwhile viewing.
5 The Zeta Project (2001-2002)
Kids WB
The Zeta Project
Spinning off from Batman Beyond, The Zeta Project follows the exploits of humanoid robot Infiltration Unit Zeta and 15-year-old runaway Ro as they attempt to prove he is non-violent, while the NSA pursue him as a terrorist. To prove his innocence, Zeta and Ro search for his creator, the elusive Dr. Selig.
- Cast
- Diedrich Bader, Will Friedle, Kevin Conroy
- Main Genre
- Adventure
- Seasons
- 2
Despite being set in the DCAU, The Zeta Project is an unusually obscure property in the otherwise popular continuity. Taking place in the same futuristic point in the DCAU timeline as Batman Beyond, The Zeta Project is, for the most part, a standalone animated series about a sapient robot who attempts to live a normal life alongside a sympathetic human friend. The series occasionally crosses over with Batman Beyond but is enjoyable enough when standing on its own merits.
4 Young Justice (2010-2022)
Cartoon Network
Young Justice
Young Justice is an animated Superhero Sci-Fi television show created by Brandon Vietti and Greg Weisman. The series follows the Young Justice group of superheroes, including names like Robin, Aqualad, Kid Flash, and Superboy. Viewers will recognize voices from Jesse McCartney, Khary Payton, Jason Spisak, and Nolan North.
- Cast
- Jesse McCartney, Khary Payton, Jason Spisak, Nolan North, Danica McKellar, Stephanie Lemelin
- Seasons
- 4
- Genres
- Animation, Action, Adventure, Superhero
Greg Weisman’s 2010 animated series Young Justice quickly gained a fiercely loyal following due to its strong characterization and grasp of the DC Comics mythos, but it was, infamously, canceled after only two seasons, leading to a long-running campaign to bring the series back. Young Justice came back for a third season in 2019 and a fourth season in 2021, with the show’s acclaimed character and plot writing continuing to make it one of the most worthwhile DC TV adaptations.
3 The Batman (2004-2008)
Kids WB
The Batman
Acclaimed DC animated season The Batman sees billionaire playboy Bruce Wayne (Rino Romano) pull on the famous cowl and cape as Gotham’s iconic protector. Set primarily during Batman’s early years, he operates more in the shadows as a vigilante, and facing off against new versions of legendary DC villains like The Joker, Penguin, Clayface, and Mr Freeze.
- Cast
- rino romano, Ming-Na Wen, Alastair Duncan, Robert Englund, Kevin Michael Richardson
- Main Genre
- Mystery
- Seasons
- 5
- Release Date
- September 11, 2004
The 2004 animated series The Batman had big shoes to fill after the game-changing DCAU Batman animated shoes. By not trying to replicate the success of the DCAU and instead creating its own take on the Batman mythos, The Batman was met with success among critics and viewers, lasting for five seasons. Starring Rino Romano of Mysteries of the Sith and Spider-Man fame as Bruce Wayne, The Batman made the Dark Knight relatable and grounded, with the series taking place in his early years as Batman. While overshadowed by most Batman TV adaptations, The Batman is nevertheless one of Batman’s most underrated properties.
2 The Flash (1990)
CBS
The Flash (1990)
CBS series The Flash sees Barry Allen, a forensic scientist who is transformed into the legendary DC hero after an accident in his lab. After developing superspeed, he takes to the streets of Central City to fight crime, while balancing his private life.
- Cast
- John Wesley Shipp, amanda pays, Alex Désert
- Main Genre
- Action
- Seasons
- 1
While 1990’s The Flash is an astoundingly heartfelt, atmospheric, and grounded TV series, it was, unfortunately, at the wrong place at the wrong time. After the cultural phenomenon that was 1989’s Batman, WB quickly made a similarly art deco adaptation of Barry Allen’s adventures as The Flash. The Flash, unfortunately, was pitted against both The Cosby Show and The Simpsons, resulting in inconsistent time slots and extremely poor ratings, canceling the series after only one season. John Wesley Shipp’s Barry Allen may have returned in the Arrowverse’s Crisis on Infinite Earths event, but The Flash remains overshadowed by its Arrowverse and DCEU counterparts.
1 Green Lantern: The Animated Series (2011)
Cartoon Network
Green Lantern: The Animated Series
Adapted from the DC Comics, Green Lantern: The Animated Series recounts the adventures of Hal Jordan, the Green Lantern of Sector 2814, and his partner Kilowog. Traveling to “Frontier Space” the Green Lanterns face off against the deadly Red Lanterns and their leader Atrocitus, who seeks revenge for the destruction of his world.
- Cast
- Josh Keaton, Kevin Michael Richardson, Jason Spisak, grey delisle
- Main Genre
- Action
- Seasons
- 1
In 2011, WB wished to market the live-action Green Lantern film with an animated series companion, just as they done with Batman Returns in 1992. The resulting Green Lantern: The Animated Series ended up being exponentially better than the film it was marketing, featuring a faithful adaptation of Hal Jordan’s Green Lantern mythos, two original supporting characters, phenomenal CGI animation, and two compelling half-season plotlines. Unfortunately, the failure of the live-action Green Lantern film doomed the animated series, which never got a second season. Green Lantern: The Animated Series is essential viewing, however, as its character and plot writing are among the finest of all DC Universe adaptations.
Key Release Dates
