Why a Batgirl movie by Joss Whedon is just what DC needs

Did you feel that?The Earth just shifted in the DC Universe.

JossWhedon, the director and writer of Marvel blockbustersThe AvengersandAvengers: Age ofUltron, isclose to making the jump to rival DCas the writer, director and producer of astand-aloneBatgirlfilm.

This is huge news in the world of Spandex-clad cinema. Whedon was, in many respects, theshowrunnerof the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He was not only the mind behind the two Avengers slugfests, but created TV'sAgents of S.H.I.E.L.D.(Well, you can't win 'em all.)

Moreimportant, he helped cement what's now the tone of Marvel movies: an extension of Whedon'sdistinct combo ofcomedy and characterdevelopmentthat made his previous TV showsBuffythe Vampire SlayerandFireflyfan favourites.

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For fans of DC heroes who have been frustrated with seeing Superman andBatmanslog their way through the grim, colour-drained cinematic vision of directorZackSnyder,Whedonis what they've been waiting for.

Strong characters, who happen to be female

AlthoughWhedonhas a legion of followers,I'm sure many would have hoped a female director could have stepped behind the camera to follow the lead of Patty Jenkins, who ishelmingthe upcomingWonder Woman.

But if ever there was a dude who could write for women, it'sWhedon.

It's not that he creates "strong female characters." FromBuffySummers toFirefly'sZoe, Whedon's demonstrated a knack for writing strong characters, who happento be female.

Just imagine his take onBatgirl, a.k.a. Barbara Gordon, the book-smart crime-fighter (and daughter of PoliceCommissionerJames Gordon) who takes down the bad guys while dealing with a growling caped crusader. It's perfect.

Whedon's own superpower is putting the human intoheroes.

True fangirls and fanboys will know this isn't Whedon's first kick at the DC Universe.

Back in the early2000s,he took a crack at developing aWonder Womanscript, which ultimately floundered in development.

To be honest, I'm surprised Whedon has been seduced back to the realm ofsuperheroes.

In2012, when he was in Torontopromotinghis Shakespeare adaptationMuch Ado About Nothing,he bemoaned the death of the "middle movie" and talkedabout how blockbusters werepushing out smaller features.

Still, Whedon's own super power is putting the human intoheroes and hisBatgirlshould bring some POW! back to DC.

Fingers crossed they'll usethenew costume.