Many storylines within DC Comics are loved. But there are just as many that have earned immense scorn and hatred. From ruining a character to failing to appeal to certain demographics, these stories represent DC Comics at their lowest points.
It's unlikely that these failed comic arcs will find their way into live-action. Seeing them become DC Universe Animated Original Movies would be much more likely. With any adaptation comes the chance to improve on disliked aspects of the source material. A number of failed DC Comics stories could use the right amount of tweaking and streamlining to become better stories overall.
7 Amazons Attack! Could Be An Emotional And Action-Packed Wonder Woman Epic
Amazons Attack! was a six-issue miniseries. It saw Wonder Woman's mother, Hippolyta, lead her fellow Amazons to Washington. Hippolyta retaliates against the Department of Metahuman Affairs for holding Wonder Woman captive. They uncharacteristically slaughter every male they come across, child and adult alike - under no duress. Despite the large role of the Amazons in Amazons Attack!, Wonder Woman herself has a minor part.
An animated film could simplify these issues. A film could see Hippolyta and the Amazons be mind-controlled by Circe to decimate Man's World. Diana's conflicted feelings about her place in either Themyscira or Man's World would serve as the emotional hook of the film.
6 Batman: The Widening Gyre Could Be A Compelling Story Of A Younger Dark Knight
Filmmaker Kevin Smith has written for both Marvel and DC , delivering acclaimed runs on both Daredevil and Green Arrow. However, his 2009 miniseries Batman: The Widening Gyre sees Batman, distracted by the reappearance of Silver St. Cloud, get doused with marijuana while fighting Poison Ivy. Batman reveals to another character that he soiled himself during his first year as a vigilante.
A film could remove any questionable humor by featuring Batman's younger years, which could excuse any less rational actions. As in the comic, Bruce would try to pursue another romance with Silver while dealing with villains. A story like this could shine a light on the psychological aspects of Batman.
5 Nightwing: Brothers In Blood Could Have Nightwing And Red Hood Forced To Team Up Instead Of Pitted Against Each Other
Bruce Jones is a veteran comic writer. But his run on Nightwing at DC in 2006 wasn’t a smashing success. Nightwing #118-124, collected as Nightwing: Brothers In Blood, sees Dick Grayson move to New York City to restart his career as Nightwing. This is part of the One Year Later storyline following the events of Infinite Crisis. Jason Todd follows him to the city and commits brutal acts of heroism, dressed as Nightwing. Naturally, this sees both former Robins come to blows with each other.
A film featuring Nightwing and Red Hood could highlight their relationship and how they differ as heroes. An animated film could instead show a bounty placed on Nightwing's head, giving new reason for Jason to go after Dick. While against each other at first, they form an uneasy alliance - fighting other assassins like Deadshot and Deathstroke, who are also after the bounty.
4 Titans: Villains For Hire Should Have Deathstroke And His Team Go On A Different Mission
Titans: Villains For Hire Special #1 was a one-shot comic as part of Eric Wallace's run on Titans that was meant to tie into the Brightest Day event. It saw Deathstroke assemble a team of fellow villains to assassinate Ryan Choi/The Atom, whose murder did not sit well with fans.
An animated film could sidestep this controversy by seeing the villains embark on other missions. This could benefit from crossing paths with heroes trying to stop them. Seeing Deathstroke lead a group of fellow evildoers on a Suicide Squad-esque mission would be incredibly entertaining.
3 Heroes In Crisis Should Take Greater Advantage Of The Sanctuary Plot Point
For all of its many faults, Heroes In Crisis had an interesting hook. A rehabilitation center (The Sanctuary) was created to allow Earth’s heroes to treat mental health issues they endured dealing with world-ending threats. Unfortunately, such an interesting premise resulted in a muddled and confusing story. Heroes In Crisis could be reworked to address the issues faced.
The Sanctuary could either be controlled by an outside villainous source or malfunction to weaponize the insecurities of the heroes. The main heroes of the comic would come together and defeat the Sanctuary, and any possible villains controlling it, while also overcoming their shared trauma as a result.
2 Justice League: Act Of God Could Be A Psychologically Complex Story If It Stays Faithful To Its Main Characters
Justice League: Act Of God was a three-part miniseries that sees the Black Light rob every super-powered being of their abilities. It's an intriguing concept that holds potential. But Act Of God didn't do the premise justice. Lois Lane and Superman's relationship dissolves when he becomes depressed, and Wonder Woman becomes extremely religious.
If Act Of God was to be made into an animated film, it could benefit by staying faithful to its character's personalities. A film could explore in-depth characters adapting to having no powers or be heroes in other ways.
1 Identity Crisis Could Be A Better Kind Of Superhero Mystery Thriller
When it comes to hated comics, Identity Crisis is top of the list. By making the Justice League look like villains, Identity Crisis has left an egregious stain on the comic medium. Fortunately, there is a way to take this problematic story and turn it into a compelling movie.
An animated film could remove any uncomfortable storylines. It could see the Justice League discover their public identities have been leaked to the public. The main League members - including Ralph Dibny/The Elongated Man and his wife, Sue - would investigate by relying on their detective skills. As a thrilling mystery involving superheroes, an Identity Crisis adaptation could more than make up for the faults of the comic.