Monday, February 17, 2025

How a Classic Justice League Unlimited Episode Showcases The Flash’s Brilliance: A Must-Watch for Fans of James Gunn’s DCU!

The DC brand has seemingly struggled with its live-action department, especially in terms of the now-defunct DCEU. But on the animation front, it has been a very different story. Bruce Timm, who spearheaded the DCAU, starting with the ’90s Batman: The Animated Series, also contributed to the creation of Justice League Unlimited. Not only did the show feature a plethora of notable characters from the DC roster, but the writing for most villains and heroes was second to none, especially when it came to The Flash.

Although The Flash witnessed a surge in popularity among the masses in the 2010s, thanks to 2013’s Flashpoint Paradox and the CW series, in recent years, the scarlet speedster has experienced an uneven terrain. From the CW losing its steam during the Arrowverse’s latter half to The Flash movie’s historic bombing, things have been rough for Barry Allen. While time will tell what the future holds for the DCU’s Flash, for this new beginning, James Gunn and co. should take a page out of Justice League Unlimited, which featured Wally West as The Flash.

Apart from being a wisecracker, this iteration of The Flash is most notable for his compassion, which is especially noticeable in the episode “Flash and Substance.” Instead of resorting to violence, Wally opted to talk a mentally ill Trickster down. Despite being an animated show, Justice League Unlimited comprises some of the best writing concerning the League’s depiction onscreen.

Fortunately for fans, James Gunn previously confirmed that DCAU hits like JLU and Young Justice are major inspirations for the DCU. Moreover, Creature Commandos showrunner Dean Lorey confirmed that the nightmare sequence features Wally West in his Teen Titan costume. “It was a lot of fun. We spent a lot of time on that sequence,” Lorey shared. He added, “I don’t know that it’s representative, necessarily, of anything that James [Gunn] has planned in the DCU outside of the show, just because I simply don’t know.” With Wally West being a more distinct, relatable, and lighthearted character, making him the main scarlet speedster will contribute to a fresh DC narrative, washed off past issues.

Justice League Unlimited is available to stream on Max, offering fans a chance to revisit a classic portrayal of one of their favorite heroes while looking forward to exciting developments in James Gunn’s DCU.

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