The CW DC Universe continues to grow at an impressive rate. This week saw the midseason premieres of both The Flash and Arrow, and will introduce the newest spinoff series DC’s Legends of Tomorrow. Three interconnected shows makes for an impressive (and potentially complicated) television universe, but the creators have also branched out into new mediums. The CW universe has expanded into comics, as well as animation with the release of the CW Seed series Vixen.
The animated series introduced Mari McCabe, aka the titular Vixen, to the growing CW universe. The character was voiced by Damien actress Megalyn E.K. and the series’ five episodes included guest appearances from the Green Arrow (Stephen Amell), the Flash (Grant Gustin) and Cisco Ramon (Carlos Valdes).
Vixen proved to be a successful project for the network, earning itself a second season. More importantly for Arrow fans, the character was popular enough to make the transition into live action, a transition many hoped was inevitable. The CW recently confirmed that Megalyn E.K. would be reprising her role as Vixen in the upcoming fifteenth episode of Arrow season 4.
Hitfix released the first image of E.K. as Vixen (below), showcasing the newest hero’s costume. The character’s look isn’t an exact replica of the costume she dons in the animated series, but the aesthetic clearly fits with Arrow’s more realistic costumes. The display of the character’s powers mirrors what was previously shown in animation, but it’s unknown if they’ll make the transition to live action.
The animated series had a total running time of approximately 30 minutes, so the focus was on providing the big moments of the character’s origin. McCabe is in possession of a mystical object known as Tantu Totem, inherited from her parents after they are killed in Africa. Utilizing the totem, she can tap into the Earth’s morphogenetic field - essentially allowing her to draw on and utilize the traits of any animal, be it the speed of a cheetah or the strength of an elephant.
It’s currently unknown if Vixen will have multiple appearances on Arrow or if this is intended as a one-off before the second season of the animated series. CW President Mark Pedowtiz previously stated that he would like the character to “spin itself out” or “Join Legends [of Tomorrow].” While the former idea contradicts the president’s earlier decree that there would be no more spinoff shows, the latter has potential. With Legends of Tomorrow shaping up to be a grand showcase for all of The CW’s DC offerings, an episode featuring McCabe would only strengthen the cohesion of the growing universe.
Vixen will continue on CW Seed later this year. The Flash airs Tuesdays @8pm on The CW. Arrow airs Wednesdays @8pm on The CW. DC’s Legends of Tomorrow premieres on The CW on Thursday, January 21, 2016.
Source: Hitfix
