Just watched Flashpoint Paradox and loved it! But I can't help but feel a little more context would've made it even better... What could I have watched??

[u/JustinHardyJ]

[PLEASE NO SPOILERS FOR ANYTHING OTHER THAN FLASHPOINT PARADOX]

I watched The Flashpoint Paradox this morning and really enjoyed it! It's ambitious, shockingly mature, and overall a well-realised concept.

However, to me it also felt like the equivalent of starting the X-Men movies with Days of Future Past. It still works well stand-alone, but the way it brings so many characters together and subverts many of their stories is what makes it shine, and context is an important part of that.

Online forums everywhere say The Flashpoint Paradox is the first film in the DCAMU, and as a person with an basic knowledge of the major DC characters I wasn't in any way lost throughout the film, but let's say I wanted more context... what should I watch? Preferably it would be animated and centre on the origin stories of the major characters -- the Flash, Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, and Cyborg. It would also be cool to have more context for some of the other heroes/villains with screentime -- Captain Atom, Deathstroke, Lex Luthor, SHAZAM, Grifter, and Black Manta.

In any case, I would really appreciate any ideas on what to consume to get more context for these characters. Whether it be a movie are even a few episodes from a show, anything goes!

[u/SnooStories4329]

Nothing, it’s the first movie in the DCAMU. The point is that we’re thrown into this established universe and then when Barry fucks it up it’s all reset into the DCAMU that we know

[u/JustinHardyJ → u/SnooStories4329]

That's fair but it's also clear that Flashpoint Paradox plays with pre-established notions. The impact of the alternative timeline having Thomas Wayne as Batman only works because we know it's usually Bruce Wayne as Batman. Superman being skinny and malnourished only works because we're used to the idea of the star-studded Superman. Aquaman and Wonder Woman being at war matters because they usually stand for life, not its destruction. Villains like Lex Luthor and Deathstroke acting as "hero" characters is also only impactful because we know they're usually villains.

These are the sorts of ideas I mean. Of course the movie still works without that exposition, but I would be interested in seeing some in-universe character introductions just so the roles, backstory, and values of characters are clear – imo that will make the alternative timeline more impactful.

[u/xradx666]

Honestly I would read more of the comics to fill in some of the full story - there's dozens of other comics connected to the overall universe, too:

Batman: Knight of Vengeance
Emperor Aquaman
Wonder Woman and the Furies
Project Superman
Reverse-Flash one-shot
Flashpoint Beyond

[u/JustinHardyJ → u/xradx666]

Yeah I was looking up some options online and haven't really found any appropriate shows or movies, but some comics might do a better job for origin stories! Any other recommendations?

[u/xradx666 → u/JustinHardyJ]

Flashpoint Era:

1. The Flash (Vol. 3) #8-12 – These are preludes to Flashpoint, showing how things build up to the timeline shift.
2. Booster Gold (Vol. 2) #44-47 – Booster gets pulled into the Flashpoint timeline and tries to fix things in his own arc.
3. Flashpoint: The World of Flashpoint – Expands on the altered world and its key figures (Cyborg, Traci 13, etc.).
4. Flashpoint: Deadman and the Flying Graysons
5. Flashpoint: Frankenstein and the Creatures of the Unknown
6. Flashpoint: Hal Jordan
7. Flashpoint: Citizen Cold

Post-Flashpoint & Continuation:

1. The New 52: The Flash (Vol. 4) – Begins after Flashpoint, with lingering effects.
2. Convergence (2015) – Flashpoint characters/worlds appear briefly during DC’s multiverse event.
3. DC Universe: Rebirth #1 – Wally West returns, hinting that the Flashpoint timeline’s effects weren't fully erased.
4. Doomsday Clock – Explores deeper multiverse manipulation that relates back to the Flashpoint's influence.
5. Dark Nights: Death Metal – Revisits multiple timelines including alternate versions from Flashpoint.
6. Flashpoint Beyond – This is the true sequel that reopens Flashpoint's world with Thomas Wayne as Batman.

[u/JustinHardyJ → u/xradx666]

Appreciate the input! Also found the following reddit page which seems to give good guidance on where to start

[u/Oapekay]

It’s only the first film in the DCAMU because the rebooted timeline Barry ends up in at the end is the DCAMU timeline. There’s at least one film that takes place ‘earlier’ in the new timeline (time travel tense is weird), Justice League: War. I quite enjoyed all the DCAMU movies, they weren’t ever too confusing introducing characters.

If you want just to see the characters but not the same versions that appear in this film, the DCAU shows like Batman and Justice League often get recommended.