DC Universe Becomes Comics-only DC Universe Infinite, But For How Long?

Was a huge fan of DC Universe the latter part of 2019 and through half of 2020, mainly for introducing me to the twisted, bizarro world of Harley Quinn. Sadly, their streaming service was doomed and the movie and TV content was gutted and moved to HBO Max.

Now, as previously announced (see: Harley Quinn finally receives much deserved season three renewal and DCU will become comics only) the service is being rebranded as DC Universe Infinite and it’s pretty much a comics-only subscription service competing against the Marvel comics-only subscription service.

DC Universe Infinite is available online at DCUniverseInfinite.com, iOS and Android devices for $7.99 a month or $74.99 a year ($6.25 a month). DC Universe Infinite subscribers in good standing who were existing members of DC Universe or who joined during the DC Universe Infinite pre-order offer window and who enrolled in auto-renewal, will receive a special thank you voucher redeemable at the DC Shop, on or after February 1, 2021, subject to terms and conditions. Annual subscribers will receive a $25 voucher, while monthly subscribers will receive a $10 voucher. See full terms and conditions for details.

DC Universe Infinite: Pricing, Content Details Revealed for Rebranded App

With the addition of the Vertigo titles, including the Black Label comics, this is likely a must-subscribe for comic book fans. I’m a casual comics fan, mostly due to my lousy eyes. Unfortunately, I don’t find it very pleasurable reading comic books digitally. Sure, you can pinch and zoom to blow up the art and I love the animation, I really do, but the experience isn’t something I can do much any more. Hard to explain that conflict, I guess. To like something, but being unable to fully enjoy it due to the form factor and bad eyesight. Maybe I just need to go get a better prescription and that will rejuvenate my comic book reading.

Anyway, I bought Harleen, the book and it’s gorgeous. So nice that I couldn’t even break it out of its packaging, so bought the digital version through Google Play to read it that way (keep in mind the last paragraph).

Bottom line: subscribing to DC Universe Infinite seems like it would be a cool idea so I could read a bunch of great DC comics, but not something I’d likely do often enough to justify the subscription. Time can change things, so who knows?

Based on the rocky history of DC Universe, subscribers must also worry if DC’s future is in doubt. AT&T seems hellbent on cutting costs and it’s possible they will abandon the comic business to shave more costs. Hopefully, if that happens, somebody who cares about the IP and industry will pick them up and keep the comics going. I like the comic book industry and think it should continue. DC has too many awesome characters to have some mega corporation kill them off.

Harley Quinn finally receives much deserved season three renewal and DCU will become comics only

Harley is ready to party now that she has a third season on her way!

Have been away celebrating our 31st anniversary, but did not miss that WarnerMedia has made a few announcements, both are not huge surprises. The “big news” this week (see: Jim Lee Promises “big news” Regarding DC Universe’s Future “next week” – Let’s Speculate!) is Harley Quinn, the awesome adult animated series has been greenlit for season three.

Yay!

Harley Quinn, from showrunners Justin Halpern and Patrick Schumacker, has picked up steam since its first two seasons arrived on HBO Max. Sources say the renewal, which came early Thursday, followed a round of negotiations that hinged on a new budget for the series. That process had been stalled by the major executive shake-up at the streamer that saw senior leaders Bob Greenblatt and Kevin Reilly pushed out and oversight of the platform given to HBO’s Casey Bloys. That all of the original scripted and library offerings on DC Universe would move to HBO Max comes as little surprise.

‘Harley Quinn’ Renewed for Season 3 at HBO Max as DC Universe Drops Scripted | Hollywood Reporter

So happy to see this renewal. It was a ray of sunshine this past year for adult animated series (see: All 26 Harley Quinn Episodes Ranked and Reviewed from first two seasons). If you haven’t binged the first two seasons, my goodness, we suggest putting on your watchlist ASAP. You watch in 4K at DCU. At HBO Max both seasons are available to stream, also.

We’re going to be able to see more of this criminally cool adult animated duo

The less positive news, also widely telegraphed, is that DC Universe is going to be comics-only officially effective January 21, 2021:

Current subscribers won’t need to touch anything on their accounts, they’ll simply see the name of the service change January 21, 2021, and find all the video content missing. But if you really, really love comics it won’t be the worst thing in the world. For $8 a month, or $75 a year, you’ll get access to nearly all of DC Comic’s back catalog, and new issues six months after they hit store shelves. And, unlike DC Universe as it stands right now, the comics-subscription service will begin rolling out internationally in 2021.

The Excellent DC Universe Is Dead, and a Comics-Only Service Is Taking Its Place

For comic books fans, the good news is they are reducing the comics to be available on the service from a year to six months and international audiences will be able to gain access. Will they add additional imprints like the very good Black Label comics? That would be good to see.

Bad news, no price change, although if compared straight up with Marvel’s unlimited comics plan DC Universe Infinite, as it will soon be called, the price is still less expensive at $7.99/month.

We’ve been enjoying a special discounted rate of $5.99/month for DCU that became available around Black Friday 2019. Since my eyes are getting lousier, making reading comics less enjoyable than I wish they would be and Kara has zero interest in comics, we’ll probably be dropping our DCU subscription soon. Then again, maybe we’ll hold on to see what other goodies DC Universe Infinite might bring in January. Doubtful there will be as much relevance to this site, as it’s not going to be a streaming service much longer.

Hurry up and binge Wonder Woman 1975 with Lynda Carter, since we will have no WW1984 until Christmas. Both the classic TV seasons are still on DCU, but it sounds like those will be gone in the new few months, so last chance to see them there. Will they move over to HBO Max? Perhaps, as most everything else movie and TV-related there sounds like it’s moving.

Would like to hear what other DCU subscribers think? If you were thinking of subscribing to the service, you better love reading comics digitally, otherwise, probably want to focus on HBO Max or other streamers.

Jim Lee Promises “big news” Regarding DC Universe’s Future “next week” – Let’s Speculate!

Who let the dogs out? Harley rides her Joker sled in an episode of Harley Quinn on DCU

Should we start speculating what next week’s “big announcement” will be for DC Universe? Sure, I’ll bite, after the jump.

Lee made the announcement via Twitter, after congratulating DC Universe’s Doom Patrol on being renewed for Season 3. “Stay tuned next week for big news about @thedcuniverse and it’s [sic] exciting future!” Lee wrote.

Jim Lee Promises a Major Announcement Regarding DC Universe’s Future

Congratz to @dcdoompatrol for the season 3 pickup by @hbomax! Stay tuned next week for big news about @thedcuniverse and it’s exciting future! #dcuniverse pic.twitter.com/VoIKnBcKWM

— Jim Lee (@JimLee) September 12, 2020

My guesses? Some kind of bundling with HBO Max and/or Cinemax (see: HBO Max and DC Universe bundle is a good idea – Merging? No, here’s why) and/or reduced subscription pricing or expanded comics access (perhaps reducing the window from one year to six months for new titles to show up on DCU) for the unlimited comic book reading experience.

Whatever the announcement will be, it’s kind of odd that they didn’t bring it during DCFanDome on Saturday 9/12? I mean, that was the perfect platform, date and time. A week later seems off (?) All we heard was Doom Patrol news (see: Doom Patrol greenlit for season 3 exclusively on HBO Max, no love for DCU continues). Good news there, but expected we’d hear Harley Quinn season 3 was being greenlit.

Although a criminally bad decision if it doesn’t happen, we can rule out a HQ Season 3 greenlight announcement since WarnerMedia has already stated there will be no new original shows on DCU, so it must have something to do with just how committed they are to DCU going forward (see: Jim Lee on DC Universe: “It’s definitely not going away”)

Anybody else want to guess what this news will be? The comments are waiting below.

Doom Patrol greenlit for season 3 exclusively on HBO Max, no love for DCU continues

Good news from round two of DCFandome (see: DC FanDome Kicks Off Today August 22 @ 10am PT – Share Your Schedule – What are you looking forward to seeing?) a third season will be coming for Doom Patrol, but only for HBO Max subscribers.

I’ve watched a few episodes of season one (on DCU, ironically) and from what little I saw, it’s a weird, wacky and fun superhero show. Nice to see Brendan Fraser again, too. It’s on my list to return and watch more episodes, maybe even formally reviewing it here someday.

That Doom Patrol would become exclusive to HBO Max comes as little surprise as scripted originals have increasingly been moved off of DC Universe. “The original content that is on DCU is migrating to HBO Max. Truthfully, that’s the best platform for that content,” DC’s Jim Lee told THR last month. “The amount of content you get, not just DC, but generally from WarnerMedia, is huge and it’s the best value proposition. … We feel that is the place for that.”

‘Doom Patrol’ Renewed for Season 3 on HBO Max | Hollywood Reporter

Official trailer for Doom Patrol:

Doom Patrol season two official trailer

WarnerMedia hasn’t made a decision on renewing the adult animated Harley Quinn show, but reports that it is being enjoyed by a new audience of subscribers on HBO Max. Keep watching it, friends, that will help WarnerMedia budget for a third and perhaps fourth season of HQ.

Although expected, it’s disappointing to see DC Universe just pushed further and further into the shadows.

WHAT TO WATCH THIS WEEKEND #35 of 2020 Movie and TV Streaming Picks – Netflix, CBS All Access, HBO Max, Hulu

Hulu August 28

Weekend #35 of 53 (8/28 – 8/30/2020) for 2020 Picks By Streaming Service

As more movie theaters continue to reopen around the United States and, just to present all sides, some educated and uneducated people are saying: “don’t go to the theaters, it’s unsafe!” you, friendly readers, must decide for yourself whether to wait or head back to theaters. Whatever you decide, it’s all good 🙂

If you don’t go out, or even if you do, there are still plenty of streaming options available to check out from the safety and comfort of your home.

Hopefully, we give you a couple possible ideas below.

Movies

• VOD/PVOD – Bill & Ted Face The Music ($24.99 at Google Play, Vudu and others)
• Netflix – Unknown Origins (8/28)
• Hulu – The Binge (8/28)

TV

• Netflix – Cobra Kai – Season 1 & 2

KEY

*Title with asterisk – newly released
Title is linked and has star rating – already watched, rated and reviewed
Title bolded – on our schedule to watch/rewatch, rate and review (or in progress)

NOTE: If you’re coming to these posts weeks or months later, some and/or all of the picks listed below may no longer be on the streaming services indicated. Anything marked as “Original” typically doesn’t expire on the streaming services.

NETFLIX Movies

1. *1BR (2019)
2. *Santana (2020)
3. *Unknown Origins
4. *Blaze (August 30)
5. *All Together Now

NETFLIX TV

1. *Cobra Kai – Season 1 & 2
   Karate Kid TV series
2. *I Am A Killer – Season 1
   True Crime, Reality – Original

CBS All Access TV

1. *Star Trek: Lower Decks (Aug 27) – Season 1, Episode 4: “Moist Vessel”
   TV-PG, Animated

HBO Max Movies

1. *The Way Back ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 

HBO Max TV

1. *Lovecraft Country – Season 1, Episode 3: “Holy Ghost” (Aug 29)
2. *Infinity Train – Season 3, Episode 3
   Animated, Episode Run Time: 11 minutes

Hulu Movies

1. *The Binge (August 28) – Original

DC FanDome Kicks Off Today August 22 @ 10am PT – Share Your Schedule – What are you looking forward to seeing?

DC FanDome is advertising buying DC movies at special pricing during the event and a little bit beyond … catch the fun at DCFanDome.com on Saturday August 22, 2020

It’s Saturday, August 22, and DC FanDome time starting at 10am PT … or possibly now by the time you read this. I’m going to be checking this virtual event out at least part of today.

(The other part? We’re going back to the movie theater to watch some new movies! YAY!)

Have seen some ads for $5 digital deals on buying DC movies circulating through Roku and some publications, see the quote below, are doing detailed dives on the merchandising offerings.

Highlights include the best of Wonder Woman 1984 lifestyle products, a LEGO shop, EleVen by Venus Williams x Wonder Woman exclusives, and DRAWN: Black DC Super Heroes with Ken Lashley and Denys Cowan art. Superhero fans won’t want to miss this opportunity to own merch from around the world to create or expand their personal DC collection. (Quantities are limited and may sell out fast — some are only for sale for the first 24 hours).

Official DC FanDome Store Launching Tomorrow Through September – ComingSoon.net

Don’t think I’ll be buying any Wonder Woman gold shoes for $100 or going in on the LEGO Batman VISA card (one credit card for me, with a small credit limit, suits me just fine), but maybe there are some other deals that will interest. I’ll check it out.

Honestly, I’m much more interested in the panels. The most interesting panel I looked forward to, though, has been pushed back to next month (see: DC FanDome Splits and Offers Second Day on September 12, Harley Quinn Season 3 News Likely To Be Revealed?).

Still, I’m ready for WW1984. The hype for that movie has been going on far too long (see: FIRST LOOK: Wonder Woman 1984 – First Official Trailer Released – Livestream Notes and Reaction — that was December?!). Not Patty Jenkins fault the movie didn’t get out on time, but I’m past ready to see the sequel. The fact that it’s set in the 80s, my high school years, makes me even more excited. You?

As for shopping? Meh. I’m not a big merch guy. Sure, if I go see a concert I spring for the way overpriced concert T, and I usually want to buy something to remember an event for, but a virtual event? It’s not the same as saying “I was there” — and honestly buying or collecting crap that just gathers dust and becomes something to throw away or sell down the road? Not my idea of money well spent.

That said, for others who want to show off their DC pride, it’s all good. We must question the unfortunate timing of this event shortly following the layoffs and other negativity swirling around WarnerMedia lately (see: Majority of DC Universe staff have been laid off by WarnerMedia, report says)

Buying any of the DC movies for $5? Maybe Wonder Woman would interest me at that price. We have it on HBO Max right now, so owning it to rewatch isn’t really that compelling. Also, I’m guessing down the road there will be some sort of bundle pack for WW1984 and WW at a special price. We just don’t buy that many movies any more.

What DC FanDome events are you most looking forward to?

How many of you are attending DC FanDome today? Any noteworthy panels, discussions or live events you are especially interested in?

You can share your DC FanDome scheduled by clicking on the “Share” link, here’s mine: https://schedule.dcfandome.com/my-schedule/5f3891cdac38af0019c0338f

Share with us in the comments. We don’t want to miss something exciting, entertaining and/or fun!

WHAT TO WATCH THIS WEEKEND #34 of 2020 Movie and TV Streaming Picks – Netflix, CBS All Access, DC Universe, HBO Max

Netflix August 14

Weekend #34 of 53 (8/21 – 8/16/2020) for 2020 Picks By Streaming Service

If movie theaters aren’t reopened in your area, or not in your entertainment plans for the coming weekend, it’s all good, plenty of options streaming at home and below we’ve got our eyes on that movie and TV scene.

Movies

• Netflix – The Sleepover (8/21)
• DC Universe – Justice League Dark: Apokolips War (8/21)

TV

High Score – Netflix (6 episodes) – While writing this post, am already digging deep into this docuseries on the history of videogaming. Episode run times are approximately 40 minutes each.

KEY

*Title with asterisk – newly released
Title is linked and has star rating – already watched, rated and reviewed
Title bolded – on our schedule to watch/rewatch, rate and review (or in progress)

NOTE: If you’re coming to these posts weeks or months later, some and/or all of the picks listed below may no longer be on the streaming services indicated. Anything marked as “Original” typically doesn’t expire on the streaming services.

NETFLIX Movies

1. *The Sleepover (2020)
2. *Good Kisser (2019)

NETFLIX TV

1. *Hoops – Season 1 (10 episodes binge watch release: August 21)
   Animated, Sit-Com, Adult – Original
2. *Lucifer – Season 5 (Aug 21)
3. *Biohackers – Season 1 (6 episodes binge watch release: August 20)
4. *High Score
   Video games, Docuseries – 6 episodes
5. *John Was Trying To Contact Aliens
   Documentary – Original
6. *Great Pretender – Season 1 (binge watch all 14 episodes: August 20)
   Anime – Average run time: 23 minutes
7. *Alien TV – Season 1 (August 21)
   Animation, Science Fiction

CBS All Access TV

1. *Star Trek: Lower Decks (Aug 20) – Season 1, Episode 3: “Temporal Edict”
   Adult, Animated

DC Universe

1. *Justice League Dark: Apokolips War

HBO Max Movies

1. *Queen & Slim (Aug 22) ⭐️⭐️½

HBO Max TV

1. *Lovecraft Country – Season 1, Episode 2: “Whitey’s On The Moon” (Aug 22)
2. *Infinity Train – Season 3, Episode 2
   Animated, Episode Run Time: 11 minutes

Jim Lee on DC Universe: “It’s definitely not going away”

It’s been rough at DC lately. WarnerMedia took out the axe and has chopped down both comics and eliminated jobs. They are also moving all DC originals from DC Universe to HBO Max.

Having been paid subscribers since December 2019, we’ve been anxiously following along with what will happen at DCU. Our speculation has been that it would be kept mostly a comics-only platform and the majority of movies and TV shows would be moved to HBO Max.

According to comments made by Jim Lee, that appears to be the plan.

Lee added, “In regards to the community and experience that DCU created, and all the backlist content, something like 20,000 to 25,000 different titles, and the way it connected with fans 24-7, there is always going to be a need for that. So we’re excited to transform it and we’ll have more news on what that will look like. It’s definitely not going away.”

Jim Lee Reveals the Future of DC Universe

So, to the rest of the paid DC Universe subscribers, this should end the speculation about DCU being shuttered any time soon. Lee also hints that we’ll learn more about the plans for DCU future more specifically soon. Our guess on that is it will happen at the one day FREE virtual event, DC FanDome that happens Saturday August 22.

Speaking of that event, you can create your own schedule of what you want to virtually attend here: https://schedule.dcfandome.com/ (FREE registration required)

For those interested, might want to hurry up, the event is rapidly approaching. Have my schedule filled out, looks like some fun and entertaining things are happening. Will you be checking out this event? If so, what on the schedule most interests you?

WHAT TO WATCH THIS WEEKEND #33 of 2020 Movie and TV Streaming Picks – Netflix, CBS All Access, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, DC Universe, Hulu, Peacock

Netflix August 14

Weekend #33 of 53 (8/14 – 8/16/2020) for 2020 Picks By Streaming Service

Good to see Joe Bob Briggs is hosting another special, following his first season, this Friday August 14. If you need to scratch a superhero itch, Netflix has Jamie Foxx streaming, while Harley Quinn: Birds of Prey debuts on HBO Max.

Disney is set to premiere Magic Camp on Disney+.

On the TV side, Lovecraft Country makes its debut on HBO Max. Infinity Train Season 3 is also on HBO Max. Netflix is streaming the first season of Zoids. Star Trek: Lower Decks episode 2 will start streaming just after midnight PT (GMT-8) on August 13 on CBS All Access.

KEY

*Title with asterisk – newly released
Title is linked and has star rating – already watched, rated and reviewed
Title bolded – on our schedule to watch/rewatch, rate and review (or in progress)

NOTE: If you’re coming to these posts weeks or months later, some and/or all of the picks listed below may no longer be on the streaming services indicated. Anything marked as “Original” typically doesn’t expire on the streaming services.

NETFLIX Movies

1. *Project Power
2. *Fe@rLeSS_
3. *Seventh Son
4. *Nigerian Prince
5. *Octonauts & The CAVES of SAC ACTUN
6. Safety Not Guaranteed (Aug 13)

NETFLIX TV

1. *3% – Season 4
2. *Zoids – Season 1
   Animated, Sci-fi
3. *Bread Barber Shop – Season 1 (Aug 15)
4. *Dere An African Tale – Season 1 (Aug 15)

SHUDDER Movies
https://www.shudder.com/

1. *The Last Drive-in with Joe Bob Briggs
   Season 2 Episode 8
   Horror films double-feature with host commentary and special guests
   Friday August 14, 2020 @ 6pm PST (GMT-8), 9pm EST (GMT-5)
   Discord chat via reddit/shudder group

Disney+ Movies

1. *Magic Camp

CBS All Access TV

1. *Star Trek: Lower Decks (Aug 13) – Season 1, Episode 2: “Envoys”
   Adult, Animated

HBO Max Movies

1. *Harley Quinn: Birds of Prey ⭐️⭐️½ (Aug 15)

HBO Max TV

1. *Lovecraft Country – Season 1, Episode 1: “Sundown” (Aug 15)
2. *Infinity Train – Season 3, Episode 1
   Animated, Episode Run Time: 11 minutes

Book 3 of Infinity Train will be an HBO Max exclusive

Amazon Prime Video Movies

1. *Bernie The Dolphin 2 (2019)
2. Master (2017)

Amazon Prime Video TV

1. *World’s Toughest Race: Eco Challenge Fiji
   Sports, reality – Original

Majority of DC Universe staff have been laid off by WarnerMedia, report says

The Riddler, Joker and Harley Quinn on the DC Universe original TV series Harley Quinn

After reading the WarnerMedia CEO letter and not seeing anything about DC Universe, I was nervous for the service (see: WarnerMedia Company Shakeup Memo Doesn’t Mention Fate of DC Universe), and earlier today comes reports that the “majority” of DC Universe staff have been laid off. The comics division is being hit especially hard.

Insiders also say the majority of the staff of the streaming service DC Universe has been laid off, a move that had been widely expected as WarnerMedia shifts its focus to new streaming service HBO Max. “DC Universe was DOA as soon as the AT&T merger happened,” said one source.

DC Comics, DC Universe Hit By Major Layoffs | Hollywood Reporter

Hopefully the “source” is wrong about DCU being “DOA” (Dead On Arrival). Keep it around for at least the wide selection of comic books. Will continue to push for that from our tiny, relatively insignificant — but growing, hey! — web crevice.

Saw another article the other day — no sources cited, so probably not credible — saying that DC Universe had around only 50,000 paid subscribers. Don’t believe the numbers are that low. We’re one of them, having gotten in at a lower monthly price deal at the end of 2019, but it just seems to me that they must have at least a couple hundred thousand paid subscribers for their comics … yes/no?

Even though Stargirl’s first season is now finished, we’re staying subscribed to see what comes out of the FREE virtual event, DC FanDome on Saturday August 22, 2020. Presumably, we’ll find out from the source what is happening with DCU. Will be posting more about that in the not too distant future.

Now, could be wrong, but despite the layoffs, I don’t think WarnerMedia is going to shut down DCU.

Will the service be changed? That much seems all but a certainty. My money is on it being a comics-only service, perhaps even with a bundling deal with HBO Max (which would promote HBO Max, so it plays into WarnerMedia’s strategy).

I mean, if they’re keeping Crunchyroll (see: WarnerMedia’s Crunchyroll growing, despite curated hub on HBO Max, maybe DC Universe will enjoy similar autonomy?), they aren’t opposed to keeping other niche services. I do think the days of seeing anything movie or TV-oriented original and exclusive at DC Universe are gone.