I think I speak for anyone who is a CBM fan, that it feels good to be able to finally have a title to this movie, it is not like it is that much different from what we all have been calling it before, besides the subtitle, but it feels good to be able to officially call it “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” and to use the inevitable abbreviations such as BvS, DoJ or BvSDoJ. Beyond expressing a relief from not having to type a “tentatively titled” before Batman v Superman, I can’t say many positive things about the title that was chosen. Perhaps allow me to explain before I get crucified.
Objectively speaking, my first impression of the “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” title is that is very pretentious. I use the word “pretentious” because what the title very shamelessly aims to do. Just in case you have been living under a rock for the last year, this alluring title was designed to remind everyone that Batman, DC and Warner’s most recognizable and profitable comic book property will be indeed fighting Superman in a movie that, more than a Man of Steel sequel, will be a prelude to the Justice League movie.
It’s obvious that the title was chosen for being strategically to set up expectation for what will follow which is the Justice League movie. Perhaps this is the most disappointing part of all, that rather than the title being something that pays tribute the history of the characters, like Man of Steel and The Dark Knight did, it is a title created from a very direct, because there is nothing subtle about the title, sales stand point.
The worse part is that it this title validates what a lot of people have been complaining about for months and opens the floodgate for more mockery. Yes, there has been some positive response, but most of the social media has jumped in the “this is in fact a set up for the Justice League movie” I told you so's and the [insert your own better or funnier title] band wagon. I am going to go on a limb and assume that wasn't’t the reaction WB was expecting, especially after the all the much needed positive buzz that revealing new Batman created.
Now, let me be clear about something, this title and my dissent for it, is not a reflection on the quality of the movie. "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice" may still become the greatest comic book based movie ever made; only time will tell.
What do you guys think? Do you agree with my assessment of the title? Do you feel this is the perfect title for this movie? Do you have a better title for this film? I personally believe “Man of Steel: The Dark Knight Returns” was a better fitting but that’s just my opinion. As always, leave your thoughts down below and thank you for reading.