Unleashing the Epic Origins: The Must-Watch DCU Movie That'll Blow You Away!

James Gunn's announcement of taking over at DC Studios and helming a new cinematic universe for the brand included a surprising project on his shortlist: a team-up film called The Authority. This film is described as a significant part of Gunn and co-CEO Peter Safran's plan for the "Gods and Monsters" group of projects in their new universe. The Authority, a group that straddles the line between conventional god-like figures and monstrous characters, will play a role in this new universe.

The Authority consists of enhanced individuals who take extreme measures to fix a broken world. While their intentions are good, they are known as one of the most violent superhero groups in DC's history. However, what sets the inclusion of an Authority movie apart is the fact that two of its primary members, Apollo and Midnighter, have been in a committed relationship throughout their history. These characters made history as the first queer comic book characters to marry in their books and have been depicted as raising a super-powered child together. If James Gunn's The Authority stays true to the source material, it will be an important addition in promoting diversity and representation in comic book media.

Who is The Authority?

In the 1990s, renowned comic book creator Jim Lee established Wildstorm Comics, an independent publishing company. Within this venture, Lee introduced a multitude of unconventional and intense anti-hero characters. One such group, named Stormwatch, emerged as a darker hero team but gradually lost favor with audiences over time. Following DC's acquisition of Wildstorm Comics in 1999, most of Stormwatch's members met their demise, resulting in the remaining individuals forming a new team called The Authority.

This upgraded team comprised disillusioned individuals, such as Midnighter, a mentally unstable super-soldier with a somber demeanor; Apollo, a gay, blond incarnation of Superman; Jack Hawksmoor, a former alien abductee who now dons a trench coat; the Doctor, a master in magic; the Engineer, a scientist who gained enhanced abilities through self-experimentation; Swift the Winged Huntress, similar to Hawkgirl in character; and led by Jenny Sparks, an embodiment of the 20th century infused with electricity-based powers. The Authority quickly outshined its predecessor in terms of popularity. Its depiction of grit, focus on character development, and dedication to enriching the diverse world of 1990s comic books made it a groundbreaking publication and set new standards for mainstream comics.

How have queer characters been represented in comics?

Historically, mainstream American comics have excluded queer themes and characters, with any mention of homosexuality being banned by the Comics Code Authority until 1989. However, Marvel broke this barrier by introducing Northstar, the first openly gay character in mainstream comics, a decade earlier (though his sexuality remained unmentioned due to the CCA’s ban for a decade). Despite this milestone, the representation of queer characters remained scarce until the turn of the millennium.

Large comic book publishers should prioritize the representation of diverse identities in their stories, as the audience extends beyond straight white men. The appeal of these tales lies in the ability for readers to see themselves in these extraordinary characters, making it unnecessary to limit the creation of different character types. However, similar to other mediums, comic books and related media are susceptible to pitfalls such as stereotypes and the harmful "bury your gays" trope when including queer characters.

It seems like the landscape is changing for the better in the realm of comic book TV and movies. The 2010s marked a turning point with the inclusion of queer couples, such as Nico and Karolina in Marvel's Runaways, and Dani Moonstar and Wolfsbane in New Mutants. While Marvel has made some strides in incorporating LGBTQ+ characters into their cinematic projects, DC's representation of LGBT characters has mostly been confined to animation. Although we all adore Margot Robbie's portrayal of Harley Quinn, her bisexuality has only been briefly explored in animated form. If The Authority stays true to its source material, this could be DC Studios' opportunity to align themselves with the inclusive world around them. By featuring not just a gay couple, but two characters who are openly bisexual and have had relationships with other women (Jenny Quantum, the reincarnation of Jenny Sparks, and Swift the Winged Huntress), DC can make a significant step forward.

Would The Authority really break any new ground?

The introduction of Apollo and Midnighter in a live-action film represents a crucial turning point. Presently, superhero movies often hesitate to prioritize queerness in their narratives. However, there is gradual improvement in this area. The inclusion of prominent queer characters like Apollo and Midnighter will compel blockbuster filmmaking to address and rectify their previous oversight.

The timing played a crucial role in the massive success of The Authority comic series. It cleverly tapped into the Y2K wave of anxiety by having Jenny Sparks, the iconic character representing the 20th century, die in the final book of the decade titled 'The Spirit of the Twentieth Century.' The Authority continued to resonate with comic fans in the early 2000s, serving as a reflection of the post-9/11 world where there was a higher demand for "heroes" with edgier values. The series not only reflected or predicted various socio-political themes of the time but also established a rich and intricate mythos.

With the decision to adapt The Authority, DC Studios is embracing its vast collection of esteemed, creator-driven content. This approach promises to deliver a refreshing departure from previous Justice League shortcomings.