You're given the task of creating a new Batman status quo. Pick your 7 key roles

[gregpersons]

There've been a few creative writing prompts popping up again lately and obviously I'm all for it. Here's a big picture one.

5 years from now, you're in a position similar to what Scott Snyder and Tom King were granted. The DC Universe is being reset. "Batman" and "Detective Comics" are both starting over again with #1 issues. You're given 100 issues to make a case for a definitive Batman take. With this reboot, DC's objective is to rein in the redundancies and build a core cast that can appeal to brand new readers — both young and old — as well as long-time fans.

Editorial asks you to choose 6 characters, besides Batman, to serve as your main characters. Your run will include more than 6 characters, but they want a focused core cast. Executives want to make sure the story doesn't become too sprawling.

At the same time, they'd like a basic log-line one/two sentence pitch. Add a more detailed one, if you like, too.

HERO CHARACTER ARCHETYPES
The hero is almost always the protagonist, the central character in the story. The audience wants the hero to succeed. The hero usually grows throughout the story to meet the challenges in the story.

Examples: Luke Skywalker, Neo, Shrek, Mulan, Pinocchio, Batman, and Harry Potter.

MENTOR CHARACTER ARCHETYPES
The mentor is usually an old bearded man who assists the hero by offering advice, assistance, or with a gift. This character is older and wiser, but for some reason needs the hero to complete the adventure.

Examples: Obi-Wan Kenobi, Morpheus, Dumbledore, and Gandalf

ALLY CHARACTER ARCHETYPES
The ally is the character who assists the hero on the adventure. The adventure might be too difficult for one person to overcome and the ally helps the hero succeed by providing something the hero lacks, such as knowledge, a distraction, or just an extra pair of hands.

Examples: Chewbacca, Hermione, Watson (Sherlock), and Robin (Batman)

HERALD CHARACTER ARCHETYPES
The Herald is the character, or something else such as an item or event, that signifies that something is about to change for the hero. This archetype appears at the beginning of the adventure, often delivering a message.

Examples: R2D2 (with message from Princess Leia, messenger owl (from Hogwarts with a letter), and the letter to the ball in Cinderella

TRICKSTER CHARACTER ARCHETYPES
The trickster is the character that adds humor to the story. This character might also challenge the status quo or make the character reconsider their preconceptions or thoughts.

Examples: Donkey (Shrek), Dobby (Harry Potter), and Mushu (Mulan)

SHAPESHIFTER CHARACTER ARCHETYPES
The shapeshifter is the character that changes. This might not be a physical change, but instead is one between ally and enemy. For example, the character might start off seemingly helping the character only to betray the hero. The shapeshifter might be thought an enemy at first only to be revealed to be an ally.

Examples: Han Solo, Severus Snape, and Catwoman (Batman)

GUARDIAN (THRESHOLD GUARDIAN) CHARACTER ARCHETYPES
The Guardian is often the character who stops the progress of the hero on his or her adventure. The guardian might not be an actual character, but might be an obstacle instead. The guardian might not be an enemy, but is there to warn the hero that he or she should not go ahead because it is dangerous. The hero usually has to either trick, defeat, or find some other way around the guardian to continue on the adventure.

Examples: Wall guard (Stardust), hall monitors, and Whomping Willow (Harry Potter)

SHADOW CHARACTER ARCHETYPES
The shadow is usually the villain in the story, although this might not necessarily be true. For example, if something exists to cause conflict or create a threat the hero has to overcome, it would be considered the shadow.

Examples: Darth Vader, Voldemort, Sauron, and Dottie (the asteroid from Armageddon)

Mine is a work in progress, but I do know that I would emphasize Batman as a mentor, with Nightwing being the true hero of the story in the end. Nightwing's POV would be our entry point, with his perspective being the one related most to the reader.

Part of the arc is how Nightwing will tie together the network of Bat operators into a more cohesive team over the course of the story.

• Hero – Nightwing / Richie Grayson
• Mentor — Batman / Bruce Wayne
• Ally — Luke Fox
• Herald — Batgirl / Babs Gordon
• Trickster — Robin / Damian Wayne
• Shapeshifter — Red Hood / Jason Todd
• Threshold Guardian — Bane
• Shadow — The Joker

Obviously, especially right now, Bane and Joker are two very over-exposed villains*. But. They've never been used together. The two villains who've come closest to defeating Batman in the past are now teaming up to finish the job.

Logline — Bane rules Gotham City as the secret boss controlling every level of government, and partners with The Joker who rules the criminal world with an ever-expanding network of Jokerz gangs. Bane's police and Joker's gangs fight in the streets as distraction to their larger ambitions of which Gotham is only the beginning. To fight back, Batman will need to fight on more fronts than he's been faced with before. Thankfully, Batman has prepared his entire career for this, and now it's time to see his underwings take flight.



*Alternate Villains:
Threshold Guardian— Harvey Dent/Two-Face
Shadow— Talon / Court of Owls

[gregpersons]

• Hero – Nightwing / Richie Grayson
• Mentor — Batman / Bruce Wayne
• Ally — Luke Fox
• Herald — Batgirl / Babs Gordon
• Trickster — Robin / Damian Wayne
• Shapeshifter — Red Hood / Jason Todd
• Threshold Guardian — Bane
• Shadow — The Joker

Obviously, especially right now, Bane and Joker are two very over-exposed villains*. But. They've never been used together. The two villains who've come closest to defeating Batman in the past are now teaming up to finish the job.

Logline — Bane rules Gotham City as the secret boss controlling every level of government, and partners with The Joker who rules the criminal world with an ever-expanding network of Jokerz gangs. Bane's police and Joker's gangs fight in the streets as distraction to their larger ambitions of which Gotham is only the beginning. To fight back, Batman will need to fight on more fronts than he's been faced with before. Thankfully, Batman has prepared his entire career for this, and now it's time to see his underwings take flight.

*Alternate Villains:
Threshold Guardian— Harvey Dent/Two-Face
Shadow— Talon / Court of Owls

Status quo and back story:

Batman has been active for 15 years, with Bruce's closest partners being Alfred Pennyworth and Lucius Fox. Over that time, Bruce has trained a number of proteges, with Dick Grayson being the first and most gifted. He was part of the Flying Graysons at Haly's Circus, but after his parents were murdered, Grayson was fostered by Bruce Wayne for a few years. It was during this time that Robin was created, and when Bruce began realizing -- encouraged by Grayson -- that he could and should train others.

He's "Dick" to his true friends, but he's "Richie" to the public. Richie Grayson is an established media personality as a celebrity athlete. Grayson is the host of "Gotham Ninja Warrior" on TV, and was once an Olympic gymnast. He seems like kind of an annoying crunchy granola super-do-gooder, always using his platform to advocate for various charitable causes, and against public injustices. He uses his media presence for good, however, this will also create problems as it makes him a target for the bad guys.

Bruce is not famous. He's also not a billionaire, nor is he old money. He employs Lucius and Alfred but his money is all "dark" and untraceable. They work on the "Batman Inc." project with the cover being "Fox Industries" which creates alternate uses for the technology Batman employs. They design sports equipment, apps to help you find your keys, etc. They're small scale with a good reputation.

Detective Jim Gordon is Batman's closest ally on the police force, which is much more corrupt in this version. Gordon is more like Jimmy McNulty in The Wire, more willing to use unconventional methods to get the job done.

Harvey Dent is the Mayor. He's had a lot of plastic surgery after his face was destroyed when he was a younger District Attorney. Back then, he and Gordon were serious about fighting the mob. But after Dent was horribly scarred, his psyche broke. The scars were temporary, only for a few weeks. And the same mob that gave him the scars also paid his hospital bills. Dent began using the coin flips to help him decide whether he should thank them or kill them. Dent "sees through" his surgery in the mirror -- the mirror gives us the classic Two Face, split down the middle. Now, Dent "sees through" all of it and realizes everything is arbitrary. The coin decided he should have more power, and the coin decided he should run for mayor. He is just here to execute that arbitrary ruling. He's done making the appeal; now he's the enforcer.

Babs Gordon and Luke Fox form a close connection to Grayson. They're bonded by their "second generation" relation to Batman / Gordon / Lucius Fox. They also see what their mentors are missing, and create secret operations to work adjacently to Batman, even as they work in coordination with Batman.

There's tension between the new guard and the old. Bruce really doesn't like that Grayson has a famous public media presence and is (rightly) concerned that it could draw unwanted attention toward Batman Inc. Nightwing and Luke Fox and Batgirl think they should work to recruit allies away from Bane/Joker, in addition to stamping out their activities like Batman does.

[bat39]

So this is a set-up I had in mind for an HBO anthology series about Gotham City, but I think it could work as a Batman story arc/status quo as well.

The set-up: Batman has existed for over 15 years, and in many ways shaped Gotham City for better or worse. But he suddenly disappeared. The story begins around eight months into his disappearance, and Gotham has already started to adapt and evolve into a city without a Dark Knight. We follow a bunch of characters who are trying to make it in the 'new Gotham', while there remains a myth-arc about Batman's mysterious disappearance.

Tone: The series is fairly dark and noir-ish, but there are elements of urban fantasy and other pulpy elements. Gotham is a cesspool of crime and corruption, but its also a kind of wonderland of sci-fi technology and the supernatural. Think of it as Twin Peaks meets Sin City - with a dash of Fargo.

The players

Tim Drake: Tim is a little older, around 21. He's just returned to Gotham after graduating from Harvard, and he's already establishing a reputation for himself as a tech guru and philantrophist. At the start of the story, Tim is approached by Alfred, who cryptically tells him that in Batman's absence, he has been appointed the city's protector. Tim does his best to uncover criminal conspiracies and prevent gang wars and civil unrest, both in his capacity as a public figure, and secretely by returning to the vigilante world he left behind years ago. He does occasionally suit up in a tactical suit to hit the streets, but doesn't use the 'Robin' identity - instead preferring to stay completely anonymous.

Renee Montoya: Renee Montoya has been doing her best as a cop after Batman disappeared, fighting against all odds. She's one of Tim Drake's allies when he starts intervening. However, she's also determined to track down the mysterious new 'Batman' who has appeared in Gotham.

Helena: Her name is just Helena and she's put on Batsuit, though no ones buying that he's Batman, barring the most desperate citizens of Gotham. She mysteriously appeared in Gotham, she knows the secrets of the Bat-family, and she has a mission - one which may be tied to Batman's disappearance. Is she Bruce Wayne's daughter from the future or from a parallel earth? Or just a delusional young woman who happens to know too much? She's lethally trained and has no qualms against killing, which puts her at odds with Montoya, and Tim.

Oswald Cobblepot: The owner of the Iceberg Lounge and a 'reformed' criminal who's trying to take advantage of the vaccuum created by Batman's mysterious disappearance. He's got the City council and the new Police Commissioner in his pocket. But while he might seem like a corrupt influence, he may well be keeping a bigger threat at bay.

Roman Sionis: AKA Black Mask. Resurfaced after Batman's disappearance and is trying to get a gang-war started in Gotham, to dethrone Cobblepot. Has been trafficking in advanced and alien technology to give himself an edge with his new agenda.

Pamela Isley: Poison Ivy has taken over a decrepit part of Gotham and completely transformed it into a kind of commune for the disenfranchised of Gotham to live in peace. The powers-that-be view her terrain as a beehive of crime and terrorism. And Isley's territory is indeed at the heart of at least one conspiracy.


Titles

Batman: This title will alternate between past and present. The past segments will feature Batman and juxtapose his actions then with his legacy now. A number of past eras will be explored in unexpected new ways - Year One, the Silver Age, No Man's Land to name a few. The present will heavily feature Helena posing as 'Batman'.

Detective Comics: Will be the book majorly focusing on Tim and Montoya as they investigate the strange going-ons in the city, as well as the new 'Batman'.

Gotham City: This title will focus more heavily on the machinations of Black Mask and Penguin, Poison Ivy's safe haven, as well as other denizens of the city and the impact the actions of the big players have on their lives.


Continuity: This will be a tricky one. Basically, the events of this arc will be set outside of 'normal' DC continuity...in a 'near-future' setting. Batman and other Bat-family characters will continue to appear in other DCU books as usual. Some of the strange sci-fi/supernatural stuff in the book, and the mystery surrounding Batman's disappearance, might serve to explain this dissonance.

[Jim Kelly]

Hero – Bruce Wayne/Batman
Mentor — James W. Gordon
Ally — Dick Grayson/Robin
Herald — Lucius Fox
Trickster — Alfred Pennyworth
Shapeshifter — Selina Kyle/Catwoman
Threshold Guardian — Harvey Bullock
Shadow — Harvey Dent/Two-Face

Essentially BTAS, the early years.

[Restingvoice]

HERO CHARACTER ARCHETYPES - BATMAN - BRUCE WAYNE
The hero is almost always the protagonist, the central character in the story. The audience wants the hero to succeed. The hero usually grows throughout the story to meet the challenges in the story.

MENTOR CHARACTER ARCHETYPES - ALFRED PENNYWORTH
The mentor is usually an old bearded man who assists the hero by offering advice, assistance, or with a gift. This character is older and wiser, but for some reason needs the hero to complete the adventure.

ALLY CHARACTER ARCHETYPES - COMMISSIONER GORDON
The ally is the character who assists the hero in the adventure. The adventure might be too difficult for one person to overcome and the ally helps the hero succeed by providing something the hero lacks, such as knowledge, a distraction, or just an extra pair of hands.

HERALD CHARACTER ARCHETYPES - SELINA KYLE - CATWOMAN
The Herald is the character, or something else such as an item or event, that signifies that something is about to change for the hero. This archetype appears at the beginning of the adventure, often delivering a message.

TRICKSTER CHARACTER ARCHETYPES - ROBIN - DICK GRAYSON
The trickster is the character that adds humor to the story. This character might also challenge the status quo or make the character reconsider their preconceptions or thoughts.

SHAPESHIFTER CHARACTER ARCHETYPES - HARVEY DENT - TWO-FACE
The shapeshifter is the character that changes. This might not be a physical change, but instead is one between ally and enemy. For example, the character might start off seemingly helping the character only to betray the hero. The shapeshifter might be thought an enemy at first only to be revealed to be an ally.

GUARDIAN (THRESHOLD GUARDIAN) CHARACTER ARCHETYPES - TALIA AL GHUL
The Guardian is often the character who stops the progress of the hero on his or her adventure. The guardian might not be an actual character, but might be an obstacle instead. The guardian might not be an enemy, but is there to warn the hero that he or she should not go ahead because it is dangerous. The hero usually has to either trick, defeat, or find some other way around the guardian to continue on the adventure.

SHADOW CHARACTER ARCHETYPES - RA'S AL GHUL
The shadow is usually the villain in the story, although this might not necessarily be true. For example, if something exists to cause conflict or create a threat the hero has to overcome, it would be considered the shadow.

So a combination of Batman Begins, The Dark Knight, Year One, Year Three, and Dark Victory

[Swamp Thing 2099]

Not gonna give out plot details right now (time constraints) but it sure is a doozy, if'n I do say so myself.

Hero: Batman (Michael Lane)
Mentor: Jim Gordon
Ally: Batwoman
Herald: Bane
Trickster: Arnold Wesker
Shapeshifter: Damian Wayne
Guardian: Renee Montoya
Shadow: Two-Face

[Mutant God]

Hero: Batman
Mentor: Alfred
Ally: Gordon
Herald: Anarky
Trickster: Robin
Shapeshifter: Red Hood
Threshold Guardian: Vicki Vale
Shadow: Scarecrow

[Riv86672]

Batman’s been active about five years now, as have all the major heroes give or take.
He’s still very much an urban legend even to his peers, this way we get to see first time meetings.
There is no Robin starting out (and so no Teen Titans, though Donna, Wally, Roy, Garth, Vic, Gar etc are free to be introduced in the other books; one of DC’s goals across the whole line should be introducing a Titans book by year two), though he’ll be introduced within the first year.
That first year will establish a supporting cast that’ll include the GCPD and Wayne Enterprises of course, but also other Gotham elite, and characters from different social backgrounds. Bruce is a philanthropist so he should meet ppl from all over Gotham both good and bad.
But I digress,

Basically Batman doesn’t need to be introduced fully grown, w. a Nightwing, Batgirl, several Robins, a JLA membership etc.
If DC launches a JLA book immediately then a big storyline for that book will be Batman’s initial interaction w. them.

If we’re going to reboot the DCU, then actually reboot it.

I mean it’ll never happen. They aren’t going to wait years to introduce key characters.

[gregpersons]

Batman’s been active about five years now, as have all the major heroes give or take.
He’s still very much an urban legend even to his peers, this way we get to see first time meetings.
There is no Robin starting out (and so no Teen Titans, though Donna, Wally, Roy, Garth, Vic, Gar etc are free to be introduced in the other books; one of DC’s goals across the whole line should be introducing a Titans book by year two), though he’ll be introduced within the first year.
That first year will establish a supporting cast that’ll include the GCPD and Wayne Enterprises of course, but also other Gotham elite, and characters from different social backgrounds. Bruce is a philanthropist so he should meet ppl from all over Gotham both good and bad.
But I digress,

Basically Batman doesn’t need to be introduced fully grown, w. a Nightwing, Batgirl, several Robins, a JLA membership etc.
If DC launches a JLA book immediately then a big storyline for that book will be Batman’s initial interaction w. them.

If we’re going to reboot the DCU, then actually reboot it.

I mean it’ll never happen. They aren’t going to wait years to introduce key characters.

I'm down for a complete reboot, like one alt-universe ongoing that's the "Life Story", kinda like Ultimate Spider-Man.

I've always felt it was missed opportunity even going back to Crisis, DC never really followed up on Year One in the way they should've/could've. Over time, there's now a lot of spiritual sequels to Year One — Long Halloween, Year Two, Legends of the Dark Knight, a number of other stories —but it wasn't the fresh start beginning of a new thing, where you watch "in real time" as Batman expands his cast. You sort of get that in the spiritual sequels — Dark Victory, All Star Batman and Robin— but again it's not really a direct continuation if you know what I mean.

Mostly with the soft reboots it resets the origin and timeline, and then just returns to status quo with some new changes.

I'm down for, essentially.... a new Year One that is ongoing, with the broad plan that every X number of issues = 1 year, and it its own continuity. And the stakes matter. It's "Ultimate" universe so things can be remixed and changed. Most importantly, there needs to be a rule that, for this one title, there's no resets, no do-overs, no coming-back-to-life. It's entirely self-contained, one long story. Even if the creative team changes, as long as its own internal continuity is clearly followed.

[Riv86672]

I'm down for a complete reboot, like one alt-universe ongoing that's the "Life Story", kinda like Ultimate Spider-Man.

I've always felt it was missed opportunity even going back to Crisis, DC never really followed up on Year One in the way they should've/could've. Over time, there's now a lot of spiritual sequels to Year One — Long Halloween, Year Two, Legends of the Dark Knight, a number of other stories —but it wasn't the fresh start beginning of a new thing, where you watch "in real time" as Batman expands his cast. You sort of get that in the spiritual sequels — Dark Victory, All Star Batman and Robin— but again it's not really a direct continuation if you know what I mean.

Mostly with the soft reboots it resets the origin and timeline, and then just returns to status quo with some new changes.

I'm down for, essentially.... a new Year One that is ongoing, with the broad plan that every X number of issues = 1 year, and it its own continuity. And the stakes matter. It's "Ultimate" universe so things can be remixed and changed. Most importantly, there needs to be a rule that, for this one title, there's no resets, no do-overs, no coming-back-to-life. It's entirely self-contained, one long story. Even if the creative team changes, as long as its own internal continuity is clearly followed.

I agree w. you 100%.
Usually when I bring up the same points I get shouted down.

[ngroove]

If under total DC reset, with new #1s to signify it, then...

TITLE: BATMAN AND ROBIN

Cast:

Bruce Wayne / Batman - Age mid-thirties
And
Richard Grayson / Robin - Age fifteen, Bruce Wayne adopted him at twelve, crimefighting dynamic duo.

Alfred Pennyworth - Bruce Wayne's father figure, post night of tragedy.

Barbara Gordon - Age 15, Richard Grayson's girlfriend, may involve herself in Richard's civilian action adventures, does not know Batman or Robin's ID, nor would become Batgirl, until about the final quarter of the run.

Commissioner James Gordon - Flipper of Batsignal, informer of who's the villain of the issue.

Harvey Dent - Bruce Wayne's best friend, often joining him in many society functions. Two-Face will not be determined yet, as I would like to stretch out Bruce / Harvey's friendship, far longer than what was done Batman: the Animated Series, Batman: the Long Halloween, or Dark Knight.

Selina Kyle / Catwoman - 100% Heroine, romantically plays with both Bruce Wayne on her Selina Kyle side, and Batman on her Catwoman side, neither of them knowing each other's dual identities.


STYLE: Each and every issue will be done-in-ones (one parters), of Batman & Robin against criminals, villains, monsters, in Gotham City, to make the most bang of reader's few bucks, rather than agonizingly decompress it out six months per story.

[Restingvoice]

HERO CHARACTER ARCHETYPES - BATMAN - BRUCE WAYNE
The hero is almost always the protagonist, the central character in the story. The audience wants the hero to succeed. The hero usually grows throughout the story to meet the challenges in the story.

MENTOR CHARACTER ARCHETYPES - ALFRED PENNYWORTH
The mentor is usually an old bearded man who assists the hero by offering advice, assistance, or with a gift. This character is older and wiser, but for some reason needs the hero to complete the adventure.

ALLY CHARACTER ARCHETYPES - COMMISSIONER GORDON
The ally is the character who assists the hero in the adventure. The adventure might be too difficult for one person to overcome and the ally helps the hero succeed by providing something the hero lacks, such as knowledge, a distraction, or just an extra pair of hands.

HERALD CHARACTER ARCHETYPES - SELINA KYLE - CATWOMAN
The Herald is the character, or something else such as an item or event, that signifies that something is about to change for the hero. This archetype appears at the beginning of the adventure, often delivering a message.

TRICKSTER CHARACTER ARCHETYPES - ROBIN - DICK GRAYSON
The trickster is the character that adds humor to the story. This character might also challenge the status quo or make the character reconsider their preconceptions or thoughts.

SHAPESHIFTER CHARACTER ARCHETYPES - HARVEY DENT - TWO-FACE
The shapeshifter is the character that changes. This might not be a physical change, but instead is one between ally and enemy. For example, the character might start off seemingly helping the character only to betray the hero. The shapeshifter might be thought an enemy at first only to be revealed to be an ally.

GUARDIAN (THRESHOLD GUARDIAN) CHARACTER ARCHETYPES - TALIA AL GHUL
The Guardian is often the character who stops the progress of the hero on his or her adventure. The guardian might not be an actual character, but might be an obstacle instead. The guardian might not be an enemy, but is there to warn the hero that he or she should not go ahead because it is dangerous. The hero usually has to either trick, defeat, or find some other way around the guardian to continue on the adventure.

SHADOW CHARACTER ARCHETYPES - RA'S AL GHUL
The shadow is usually the villain in the story, although this might not necessarily be true. For example, if something exists to cause conflict or create a threat the hero has to overcome, it would be considered the shadow.

So a combination of Batman Begins, The Dark Knight, Year One, Year Three, and Dark Victory

Dick Grayson age 8 to 10 started as Alfred's assistant, not a field fighter
Gordon started as Lieutenant, not Commissioner, still has red hair
Selina's only started as Catwoman at 19
Harvey Dent only started as Two-Face
They just finished cleaning up the mob and the freaks are rising
Bruce Wayne is 26 at the oldest

[Riv86672]

Dick Grayson age 8 to 10 started as Alfred's assistant, not a field fighter
Gordon started as Lieutenant, not Commissioner, still has red hair
Selina's only started as Catwoman at 19
Harvey Dent only started as Two-Face
They just finished cleaning up the mob and the freaks are rising
Bruce Wayne is 26 at the oldest

That’s pretty good!
I especially like the Dick Grayson/Alfred scenario. Lots of potential there.