ComicsVerse (CV) is an American media franchise, and shared multiverse centered on a series of television series, and films based on characters that appear in American comic books, published by both DC and Marvel Comics. The franchise also includes comic books, short films, and digital series. The shared universe, much like the original DC and Marvel Universe, and Multiverse in comic books, was established by crossing over common plot elements, settings, cast, and characters that span across one television series.
DC Entertainment expanded the universe to network television with Watchmen on HBO in the 2019 television season. CV also includes tie-in comics published by both DC and Marvel Comics, while DC Entertainment and Marvel Studios have also produced a series of direct-to-video short films, and a viral marketing campaign for its television series, films, and the universe with the faux news programs, WHIH Newsfront (DC), and WHIH Newsfront (Marvel).
The franchise has been found commercially successful, creating a large fandom around the world, where critics have praised the theme, action sequences, direction, and character development, and has generally received a positive critical reception, though some reviewers have found that some of its films and television series have suffered in service of the wider universe. It has inspired other film and television studios with comic book character adaptation rights to attempt to create similar shared universes. CV has also been the focus of other media, outside of the shared universe, including attractions at various Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, an attraction at Discovery Times Square, a Queensland Gallery of Modern Art exhibit, two television specials, guidebooks for each film, multiple tie-in video games, and commercials.
Development[]
Television[]
Broadcast[]
In July 2015, Geoff Johns had become DC Entertainment's head. By August 2017, the division had entered into discussions with HBO to create a show set in the ComicsVerse, and in September, HBO announced the show would be the already-developed Watchmen television series.
On October 2, 2014, HBO had entered preliminary discussions with Zack Snyder, about potentially producing a television series adaptation of the Watchmen comic. Later, on June 21, 2016, Damon Lindelof was in early talks to develop the television show adaptation for HBO. At that time, both parties were said to be in the midst of making a deal, and it was confirmed that Snyder would no longer be a part with the production. On September 21, 2016, it was announced that HBO had officially given the production a pilot order, and also ordered additional backup scripts as well. On May 23, 2017, Lindelof posted a five-page open letter to the fans of the comic book series wherein he revealed that the television series would not be a direct adaptation of it, or a sequel to it either, but would instead depict a new, original story. Lindelof affirmed his hope that the show would last at least seven seasons, with a Watchmen movie serving as the finale, with the television series, serving as an exploration towards the Watchmen world, and would be developing the characters. On August 18, 2017, it was announced that HBO had given the production a series order for a first season to premiere in 2018. On September 4, 2018, it was announced that the series would set to premiere on October 12, 2018.
Recurring Cast and Characters[]
Music[]
Television Soundtrack[]
| Title | U.S. Release Date | Length | Composer | Label |
| Watchmen (Original Soundtrack Album) | October 14, 2018 | 38:56 | Trent Reznor
Atticus Ross |
Hollywood Records |
Reception[]
Jim Vorel of Herald and Review called ComicsVerse both "complicated" and "impressive", but said "As more and more heroes get their own film and television adaptations, the overall universe becomes increasingly complicated." Some reviewers criticized the fact that the desire to create a shared universe led to films that did not hold as well on their own.
Cultural Impact[]
Academia[]
In February 2025, the University of Baltimore announced a course beginning in the 2015 autumn semester revolving around ComicsVerse, to be taught by Arnold T. Blumberg. "Media Genres: Media Comics" examines "how ComicVerse's series of interconnected films and television series, plus related media and comic book sources and Joseph Campbell's monomyth of the 'hero's journey', offer important insights into modern culture", as well as DC and Marvel's efforts "to establish a viable universe of plotlines, characters, and backstories."