Where do we go from here?

With the Vixen web series complete, the prime question to ask is if Vixen will continue to be translated onto our screens? If the producers decide to bring a live action series to our television screens, then we’ll have three superhero shows from DC comics. If the producers decide to keep her online, it could open the door for DC taking over another medium other than television.

DC is just starting to build up its cinematic repertoire, but so far, it has a record of creating interesting material on television both animated and live action. However, there are two things to summon up some level of concern.

The first is the fact that not many of DC’s animated creations have lasted that long on television. The second is the fact that this series centered on Vixen is being broadcast on the internet as opposed to the traditional media of broadcast television.

The main thing to notice is that DC making Vixen into an animated series brings with it the fear of cancellation before the show can fully take flight for whatever reason. Green Lantern (2011), Beware the Batman (2013), and Young Justice (2010) are three examples of recent animated television shows that were of solid quality. However, it’s important to note that none of these shows lasted more than two seasons before either getting cancelled or being forced to completion. In fact, the shows that have achieved consistent success are mostly live action shows.

The Flash is just now starting its second season. Arrow is continuing its success with a fourth season. Even Gotham is starting a second season and developing a steady fan base as a show that doesn’t even feature Batman. Supergirl will soon be appearing as a new TV show, and if you’re willing to go back further, then you can look at how Smallville lasted ten years as a television show.

Then again, Vixen being broadcast on CWseed as opposed to any main television channel can also be seen as DC hopping onto the “streaming show” trend. This idea can definitely work since the internet has become the go to place for viewing popular shows.

The producers aren’t facing the same constraints that are typically associated with television such as censorship. With some of story points in Vixen, it seems the animators weren’t too concerned with depicting more mature situations like violence. But also, the show being online means it isn’t limited by marketing decisions that influence time slots for televisions. With the show being online, it may not face the same expectations to appeal to younger audiences like other animated shows on television.

Essentially, the producers of the show are at a fork in the road. Right now, it feels like the series and the character are in a state of limbo where they have the potential to go in various directions, which can be a good thing. If DC comics decide to keep Vixen as an online series, then its length has to increase significantly. With it being online, the show can still carry the mature tone while also depicting the artists’ imagination without fear of budget and the show can lead this new direction.

On the other hand, if Vixen makes its way into the world of traditional television, then it will be a much more positive look for the show. Having Vixen as the only DC superhero that is online while other superheroes get live action translations is a bit disappointing especially since DC doesn’t have the best track record for keeping an animated series like Vixen in production.

For all intents and purposes, Vixen has two viable options. Although I would prefer to see this character and her story on a designated time slot, I can support her being broadcast on the web where the producers aren’t met with that many limitations. Either way, I hope this isn’t the last we see of Vixen.

Until then, you can watch all six episodes of Vixen on the CWseed, and be sure to catch Arrow and The Flash on Tuesdays on the CW channel.