I’ve toyed with idea of tackling Batman. I’m not that into superheroes, hence why I’ve never gotten far with the idea, but a week ago I got into it and watched the Burton films. I felt their aesthetic was perfect, but the way the characters were written was way off. I’m thinking it could be set during the Prohibition and Roaring 20s, but that’s just an idea. The aesthetic of Batman 89 certainly leaned in that direction. I really want to lean into German Expressionism and Gothic architecture. One thing I want to absolutely avoid at all cost is the gritty “mature” look of the Arkham games and the grounded realism of the Nolan films. It should feel somewhat like another world, and I think Burton captured that perfectly. The Batmobile is a car, not a tank.
Anyway, characters. Batman is the cynic, Robin is the optimist. Batman has a jaded worldview, what with his parents’ premature death and Gotham’s rampant crime. Robin is an wide-eyed orphan who never knew his parents, thus is not traumatized by their loss. I’m tempted to rename and redesign him to Batboy for thematic unity with Batman (it’s an absolute must if Batgirl is included, but she’s not). However, his bright colors would complement his cheery personality. They both learn from each other, Batman learning to have faith in the world while Robin learns it ain’t all sunshine and rainbows (unlike his garish costume).
Now Joker. He looks and sounds like the animated Mark Hamill version. You know, spiky chin, spiky hair, tuxedo. The final or semi-final film/episode would be called Name of the Joker (taking cues from Steven Moffat here) and deal with Batman trying and failing to find out who Joker is and where he came from. The Joker pulls his usual shtick and presents contradictory explanations. The Killing Joker origin is the most prominently featured, and yet Batman clearly remembers Joker being the one who killed his parent (pre-transformation), like in the Burton film, contradicting the idea that he hadn’t been involved in the mob prior to his transformation. And just like that film, Batman is there and sorta caused his transformation (though he initially doesn’t make the connection cuz of the Red Hood).
Next up: Harley Quinn…or should I say Harlequin. Never really understood why they split it up. Makes it sound like it’s supposed to be her real name. Anyway, she’d have an arc of going from the Joker’s top goon to striking out on her own. Her arc would closely mirror Robin’s, with each of them ditching their “boss” to go solo, meeting each other but co-operating, then returning a changed person, the difference being of course that Robin returns to work with Batman again whereas Harley returns in hopes of redeeming Joker. He manipulates her, but cracks in him start showing when she doesn’t fall for it this time and it becomes clear he genuinely cares for her. I think I’ll end up killing them both in the finale. Like maybe Harley tackles him with a kiss so they both fall to their deaths.
Although I’m not familiar with her story firsthand, the character of Spoiler greatly intrigues me, especially her relationship with Robin. I don’t have any ideas for the other characters, but Catwoman will certainly be there as she’s cool and I love writing love interests, in case you hadn’t caught on. Her design would be virtually identical to that of Batman Returns, with all the stitches.