Easter eggs are a common occurrence in most comic book TV shows today, but the shows on DC’s slate seem to go above and beyond to recreate certain moments from their origins. Here’s a rundown of the most important ones, with a curious number of them tying in closely to the classic “Crisis on Infinite Earths” story line.
Taken straight from the cover of “Crisis on Infinite Earths,” a story where Kara sacrifices her life to save humanity. The scene was teased via poster, which set off a firestorm of rumors about Supergirl’s possible death within her own series, but it seems as though things are fine for the Maid of Might so far.
The Boxing Glove Arrow was a long-time favorite of Oliver Queen’s in both the comics and DC’s various animated stories. While “Arrow” takes a much darker turn from the stories of its origins, one of the most anticipated easter eggs at the show’s beginnings was this particular shot. Aimed just past the camera, Queen’s boxing glove may not be something he uses all the time, but the Easter egg was definitely appreciated by fans.
Kara’s defining moment in the first episode of Supergirl wasn’t only a reference to her comic book past, but Superman’s, as well. This easter egg is inspired by two instances within Superman lore. One scene occurs during “Superman Returns”, and the other is pulled straight from the pages of John Byrne’s “Man of Steel.”
Barry’s “knife hands” aren’t just a great tactic for running really fast: they’re common practice for the hero in every telling of his story. The Flash’s signature run has been perfectly recreated on The CW’s TV series, partially in credit to Grant Gustin likely needing to pose in front of a mirror for an hour until he got every angle perfect.
This shot was so perfect, they did it twice: once for the promotional poster, and once in the show. Barry Allen and Jay Garrick run toward Patty from either side of a brick pillar, directly mirroring the cover for “Flash of Two Worlds”. For anyone wondering, that’s also the title of the episode in question.
In the comics, Supergirl was one of the few people who could lift the key to the Fortress of Solitude. On TV, it seems that the same rules apply when Supergirl opens the fortress herself.
Back in National City, Barry Allen’s Speed Force visions differed in interesting ways from the comics, but still kept the whirling, otherworldly aesthetic that they had been birthed with. The first vision, which looks like a trip through a hyperspace tunnel, was also one of the major markers of how DC’s TV universes are connected, and alluded once more to a “crisis” on infinite Earths.
