The Real-World Cities Behind Starling and Central City in DC's Arrowverse

In the rich and mythos-filled worlds of DC's Arrowverse, cities like Starling and Central City have long fascinated fans. These fictional locations often echo the geography, culture, and even history of real-world cities. This article explores the identities of these two iconic cities and how they fit into the broader DC Universe, focusing on lesser-known connections and insights.

Starling City

Star City (Starling) in the TV series The Flash and Arrow is conveniently compared to Boston by fans and creators alike. This comparison is rooted in the work of longtime DC editor Julius Schwartz, who provided these parallels between the fictional city and the real-world Boston. While the concept of Starling City in the comics has been somewhat flexible, the Arrowverse has firmly anchored it to the Boston area.

Starling City, in the Arrow comics, is primarily associated with the city of San Francisco. The choice of San Francisco as a reference point brings in a high-tech, progressive, and coastal vibe that fits well with the character Green Arrow and the overall atmosphere of the stories featuring the Arrow. However, in the Arrowverse TV series, the location serves as a vibrant, modern hub with a bustling crime scene, much like Boston. This connection is further reinforced by the similar flow of events and character dynamics.

Central City

Central City is a more enigmatic location in the DC Universe, with its identity shifting over different works. In the TV series The Flash, Central City takes on characteristics that differentiate it from other cities. Former DC editor Julius Schwartz suggested it could be Chicago, but the TV series and comics have allowed for more flexibility. Notably, it has often been loosely associated with the Midwest, which is far from the West Coast's San Francisco, or even Boston's New England.

Season 2 of Arrow provides some insight into the geography of Central City. The fact that characters like Oliver Queen (Green Arrow) can take a train to Central City implies it is a nearby but distinct location, possibly in California or neighboring states like Nevada or Oregon. The exact location remains ambiguous, but it likely exists on the West Coast.

Wikipedia offers a comprehensive look at the history and characteristics of Central City. The official DC Comics Wiki page details Central City's evolution in the comics, highlighting its adherence to certain Midwest urban settings while also adapting to the needs of the Arrowverse series.

Historical Context and Cultural Resonance

The choice of real-world cities for the Arrowverse's fictional metropolises is not isolated to Boston and San Francisco. Different aspects of these cities reflect the themes and mood of the series. Boston, with its rich history, academia, and criminal underworld, provides a perfect backdrop for the gritty stories of the Arrow and the varying incarnations of the Flash. San Francisco and the broader West Coast contribute to the high-tech, dynamic, and progressive atmosphere of Central City.

These locations also reflect the cultural and geographical diversity of the DC Universe. Characters like Barry Allen (The Flash) and Oliver Queen (Green Arrow) often find themselves in situations that highlight the contrast between urban and suburban settings, reflecting the real-world experiences of their counterparts in Boston and San Francisco.

Conclusion

The concept of Starling and Central City in the Arrowverse is a fascinating exploration of how fictional cities can echo real-world counterparts. By understanding the historical and cultural context of these locations, fans gain a deeper appreciation of the moral and thematic conflicts that drive the series. Whether it's the bustling crime scenes of Starling City or the technological advancements of Central City, these cities provide a rich canvas for storytelling, making the Arrowverse a compelling and immersive world for comic book enthusiasts and television viewers alike.