Fall TV Preview: Here they come to save the day

Whether you're a Marvel aficionado or a DC diehard, this fall's TV season has at least one show for you. But taking a quick look at the lineup — which includes three brand new shows centering around the background legends of The Flash, Batman and John Constantine (yes, that Constantine) — it's quite possible you'll have several programs competing for your favorite. Don't believe it? Take a look at what's in store.

Arrow, returns Oct. 8 on The CW

Oliver Queen has established himself as the vigilante of Starling City over the course of two seasons. He has fought two prominent adversaries, Malcolm Merlyn (Merlyn) and Slade Wilson (Deathstroke). Queen has built close friendships and allies but has lost some people close to him as well. Season three looks like a clean slate and will be a nice change of pace from being in the gloomy Starling City. At the end of season two, Oliver and co. awaken in Hong Kong with the director of Checkmate, Amanda Waller. It will be interesting to see why this location and what is Waller up to.

Season three will bring in new characters that will hopefully play a crucial role in the plot for the whole season. First is Brandon Routh (Superman Returns) who will be playing Ray Palmer, a.k.a. The Atom, a comic book hero who has the ability to shrink down to subatomic size. Next, Matt Nable will play the leader of the League of Assassins, Ra’s Al Ghul. Most people would know this character from the filmBatman Begins, portrayed by Liam Neeson, who actually sparked interest in doing the role again in the show.

Another heroine will be introduced to the show next to the reoccurring Black Canary. Rila Fukushima (The Wolverine) will portray Tatsu Yamashiro, also known as the swordswoman Katana. Being from Japan, Katana is a very skilled hand-to-hand combatant and is trained as a samurai warrior.

Last but not least, the two most intriguing characters for the season are Thea Queen and Roy Harper. This is the season for Thea to not only grow but see the changes of her going down a dark path, following in her father’s footsteps. Roy Harper has come full circle from small time crook to Arsenal, Arrow’s trusted sidekick. Roy Harper has become a character that is so flexible and dynamic that writer/producers Greg Berlanti, Marc Guggenheim and Andrew Kreisberg can go down so many avenues with him.

The Flash, premieres Oct. 7 on The CW

Barry Allen was first introduced on Arrowand being a fan-favorite superhero, he was given a spinoff, which will start where it left off on Arrow. In the two-episode stint that Allen was present, a lightning accident sent him into a coma for nine months. That is where the show will pick up from, and Allen will have to come to terms being the fastest man alive. (Not bad!) It’s hard to see where the show will go after the first episode, which introduces classic Flash characters like Iris West, Allen's best friend and crush, and Caitlin Snow and Eddie Thawne, who will both have important story arcs. They become quintessential enemies of Flash’s rouges gallery and the DC universe in general.

There can definitely be some great plot twists ahead with these two characters, but the first season comes down to Grant Gustin’s portrayal of Allen and if he can do him justice. The 1990s version of the show didn't succeed, so it’s really up to Gustin to prove that Flash deserves to be on television, which is great motivation.

Gotham, premieres Sept. 22 on Fox

Everyone knows Batman. Not everyone knows James Gordon. That's the first thing that separates this upcoming superhero show from others; it’s not about superheroes but about an incorruptible cop in a city considered beyond saving. Gotham is a crime drama and film noir, mixed with the world of Batman. It is the story about how Gotham became the infamous city that it is due to the death of Gotham’s beloved philanthropists, Thomas and Martha Wayne. The second thing producers Bruno Heller and Danny Cannon got right was the casting of established actors: Ben McKenzie (Southland), Donal Logue (Sons of Anarchy, Vikings) and Jada Pinkett Smith, who needs no introduction. Not only will these actors add layers to their roles, but they can help influence the less experienced ones and help them to improve.

What will truly separate Gotham as its own entity is its focus on the future rogues gallery of Batman. Yes, Bruce Wayne as a child is something worth noting, but we as a culture already know his path to becoming the Caped Crusader. This is a great chance to see the origins of the iconic villains that we all know and love: The Penguin, The Riddler, Poison Ivy and the child/orphan Selina Kyle, who will grow up to be Catwoman. Other villains will come into the show as its progresses, but for now, the villains are the show’s dark horses.

Constantine, premieres Oct. 24 on NBC

If there is one comic book show reaching for more of niche group of fans, this is the one. John Constantine is an antihero known as a supernatural detective who deals with sorcery and has vast knowledge of the occult. Constantine deals with the worst Hell has to offer and has significant popularity in the U.K. as he originated from Liverpool, England. Constantine is loved by many because of his cynicism, charm and most importantly because he’s a tortured soul who is trying to do good.

Due to television restrictions, Costantine’s iconic chain smoking will not be present, and reports are he will remain straight as in comic’s past he was bisexual.

If you’re in the Halloween zone and not a fan of common do-gooders, this could be the story for you.