A Competitive Genre

It’s no surprise that whenever we think about popular superhero films, we immediately think of Marvel and their blockbuster hits of the Avengers, but what about DC? Surely with an incredible roster that includes the likes of Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, and of course, The Flash, you would think that their movies would be tough competition for Marvel, but that’s not the case. For years, DC has struggled to keep up with Marvel for live-action adaptations of our favourite heroes.

Let’s face the facts; Marvel is the true dominant force when it comes to the box office. However, that doesn’t mean they are superior when it comes to storytelling. That title belongs to DC for their animated films. Particularly their film Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox. Yes, you heard me right; Flashpoint Paradox, in my opinion, outshines all Marvel films with a masterfully crafted story and a unique concept that leaves everyone wishing for more as well as a lesson that will resonate and affect anyone.

A Quick Peek Into the Story

After another fierce battle with his rival Reverse-Flash, Barry Allen (A.K.A The Flash) wakes up to find himself in a world much like his own but very different. His once dead mother is alive and well in the new world; however, some things have been mysteriously altered for the worst. Wonder Woman and Aquaman fight in a brutal war, leaving half of the world in ruin. With the war showing no signs of stopping, humanity grimly waits for the end of the world. Stranded in this new reality, The Flash must stop the brutal war and figure out what caused this change. But Barry will soon discover that nothing he once knew is the same.

A Superhero Movie Unlike Any Other

Don’t get me wrong, I’m a huge Marvel fan but not really of their cinematic universe. Aside from Logan, there were never any Marvel movies that stood out as my favourites. While they are fun movies to sit down and watch with friends, their stories never hooked me. Flashpoint Paradox is everything a superhero movie should be: suspenseful, tense, heartbreaking, inspiring, and simply wondrous.

To start, the film features an amazing animation style that makes it feel like a movie fit for comics. However, that doesn’t even scratch the surface of the film. As the film picks up, you instantly realize that the heroes that you grew to love are not the same. Some are warlords, some have given up the fight, and some don’t even exist. This is what DC does better than Marvel: they know we love these characters, and yet they are presented to us in their worst state, but that’s the magic of this film. All these heroes, all these larger than life beings who possess extraordinary abilities reduced to the likeness of normal soldiers in war. Every battle feels intense to the point that the superheroes are no longer super but just some guy fighting against something that’s bigger than themselves. Now you could say the same of the Avengers movies, but actually, you can’t. When people die in Flashpoint, you feel it. Even though most of the characters are products of an altered reality, the film handles death with respect and finality, making each death impactful and devastating. All of this leads up to a shocking plot twist that is even more heartbreaking, which brings the film to a close with a necessary lesson and many tears on the living room floor.

Final Thoughts

And there you have it, and I’m sure I have offended many Marvel fans. While most of Marvel’s movies aren’t my favourite, they still put a smile on my face because they are part of a genre I have loved my whole life. Flashpoint Paradox is just the superhero movie I have long dreamed of, where my heroes are still mighty yet normal in the face of overwhelming odds. Flashpoint was my superhero movie, the movie that broke my heart and built it up again. The Flashpoint Paradox, to put it simply, is the masterpiece of the superhero genre. So? What are you waiting for? Go out and watch it!

Aidan Conners

Aidan Conners is a short story writer, currently taking the Professional Writing course at Algonquin College. He is also a fan of comics, animals, video games, 90’s rock, horror movies, riddles, and reading.