Who's For Seconds? (Or, I Have Bats I My Belfry)

Well my friends, I have decided to make my second entry a rather strange one. You see I am a bit frustrated. Like a lot of comic fans, I have wanted to write for one of the Big Two companies (DC/Marvel). To that end, I have created several pitches. I'll be posting these in the future, since they have been rejected. Now, I have no illusions. Hundreds of fans create their own stories, and have to accept that they are not ready for prime time. The only thing that sticks in my craw, is that several (make that nearly all)of the elements I created for a Shazam pitch have appeared throughout a string of titles over the last few years. I'm not bitter, and am well aware that writers tap into a shared "idea space". And, there will be plenty of time to examine what occurred.

Because of this I went back and looked at some fanfic I was writing. This was not a pitch, and no one at DC has ever seen it. It was just a fun way for me to spend an evening. The All Star Batman and Robin book began in 2005. From the start it suffered delays, and a huge critical backlash. So, in January 2007, I speculated on what I would do if given an All Star Batman title. Now, three years later, I see a bunch of stuff in here that has sorta made its way into the actual books. Make no mistake, this is all just kind of a funny convergence, and proves just how powerful the concept of "idea space" really is. For instance, the title of the book All Star Batman Reborn, was before the Batman Reborn name was used for Morrison's first Batman and Robin arc (although that's not exactly original to begin with); the first arc of my fanfic book is VS. Robin (the same name as Morrison's current arc); the use of Enigma as something more that just the Riddler's real name (In Trinity as an alternate alias, here as the title of a spy agency); the use of Bat-Mite as a psychological menace (shown in Morrison's R.I.P., here as a nano-tech infection); the inclusion of time travel and other pieces of Batman's Golden/Silver Age past. Plus, much more.

In addition to character profiles, and a series Bible, I came up with a wild outline of years worth of stories in about an hour. This outline took the form of fifty (kind of silly) fake Previews solicitations. I thought it would be fun to run these. One day I'll post more about the actual background and content to this zany little "project". But, for now just imagine opening up the next issue (or fifty) of Previews, and seeing these solicits:

All Star Batman Reborn #1- Are you looking for a fresh and monthly (that’s right monthly) spin on the legend of the Dark Knight? Get ready- both the Batman, and this book, are about to be REBORN! One month ago, a fledgling Batman suffered through a horrifying first confrontation with the Joker. Now, weeks later, he’s at last set to take back the night. But, as a recovering Bruce Wayne pits both his physical and cerebral might against Blockbuster and the Bookworm, the most unexpected foe of all waits in the wings!

All Star Batman Reborn #2- “VS. Robin” Part One (of Five). The All Star book’s facelift continues with a shocking face-off! Batman’s ally Gordon has just handed him the most startling assignment of his career…bring down the Robin Hood Bandit! But, Dick Grayson won’t allow any caped crusader to interfere with his war on Tony Zucco’s empire. And, while the Dark Knight prepares to capture the Boy Wonder, the agents of Enigma have the Batman in their sights.

All Star Batman Reborn #3- “VS. Robin” Part Two (of Five). The Batman is forced into a new strategy, when the Robin Hood Bandit proves to be both a resourceful combatant, and a media darling! Will Grayson’s social crusading and flair for showmanship succeed in painting the Dark Knight in a negative light? Or, will Zucco’s hatred of them both, forge an alliance?

All Star Batman Reborn #4- “VS. Robin” Part Three (of Five). Just when Batman thinks he has all of Robin’s moves checkmated, the Bandit Boy Wonder, plays his trump card. Get ready to meet Dick Grayson’s fence turned secret weapon. We’ll give you a hint: She’s the purrfect partner!

All Star Batman Reborn #5- “VS. Robin” Part Four (of Five). The Batman’s war with Robin reaches a turning point. Dick Grayson is on his way to police custody, and his secret identity’s in jeopardy. But, Batman’s not doing any better when the Catwoman turns him over to Zucco, for a piece of the action! Plus, D.A. Harvey Dent clashes with Commissioner Gordon over sanctioning the caped crusader. And, Oracle, the master hacker of Enigma, hands Director Nashton a clue to Bruce Wayne’s hidden life!

All Star Batman Reborn #6- “VS. Robin” Part Five (of Five). Sold out by the Catwoman, Batman and Robin unite at last! But, will the dynamics of this duo lead to victory or defeat? And, while this uneasy partnership, seeks to take down the feline fatale and Zucco’s crime network, Gordon’s fears are realized when Dent activates his B.A.N.E. unit!

All Star Batman Reborn #7- “Codename: Nightwing” Part One (of Four). At last, a look into the shrouded past of the All Star Dark Knight! Join Oracle in cracking open Enigma’s “Nightwing” file, and prepare to be stunned. Meanwhile, Batman gains a hand in evading the B.A.N.E. patrols- in the form of Batgirl!

All Star Batman Reborn #8- “Codename: Nightwing” Part Two (of Four). As Harvey Dent orders Batgirl’s arrest, Oracle confronts Enigma Director Nashton about his past as Bruce Wayne’s partner- The Riddler! Plus, Batman takes a night off to pursue a mysterious old flame.

All Star Batman Reborn #9- “Codename: Nightwing” Part Three (of Four). How did spymaster Henri Ducard recruit a young Bruce Wayne into the Enigma agency? What international threats were eliminated by the agents dubbed Nightwing and Riddler? And, why would Wayne and Nashton turn into mortal enemies? The answers unravel, while Bruce enjoys an evening on the town with Dr. Julie Madison.

All Star Batman Reborn #10- “Codename: Nightwing” Part Four (of Four). Batman struggles to regain his senses, after his date with Julie Madison, is crashed by the alluring Spellbinder. But, while the Dark Knight calls on Batgirl for help, Oracle learns of Edward Nashton ‘s bloody rise to the top of Enigma over Henri Ducard’s dead body. Plus, you will never believe who the former Riddler is hiding in protective custody in order to torment his ex-partner Bruce Wayne!

All Star Batman Reborn #11- She is Batgirl, Batman’s high-flying ally against the forces of evil. She is Oracle, the crippled cyber-spy employed by the former Riddler. She is Barbara Gordon, and for months she has balanced these two vastly different roles. Now, learn which startling third path her life will lead her down!

All Star Batman Reborn #12- The Harlequin of Hate is once again ready to laugh over the Dark Knight’s bloody body! One year ago, the Joker dealt the Batman a crushing defeat; now learn the details behind that fateful night. But, be warned the clown prince of crime’s bodyguard the Red Hood may be just be just as deadly as his master. The question is, who’s his true master?

All Star Batman Reborn #13- “A Life In Crime Alley” Part One (of Five). A rash of robberies around Julie’s clinic sends Batman back to the place of the All Star Bruce Wayne’s birth- the tenements of Crime Alley! And, while Harvey Dent gambles with his future, Robin finds himself pushed out of the spotlight.

All Star Batman Reborn #14- “A Life In Crime Alley” Part Two (of Five). As Batman recalls his humble beginnings as a child of Gotham’s slums, he’s snapped (make that cold snapped) out of the past by the too cool Mr. Freeze. Plus, Dick Grayson is replaced by Jason Todd- but, not how you expect!

All Star Batman Reborn #15- “A Life In Crime Alley” Part Three (of Five). The cocky Mr. Freeze thinks he’s hot stuff, and he’s got the Batman on ice to prove it! Now, as the truth behind late billionaire Thomas Wayne’s exile to Gotham’s slums comes to light, and Harvey Dent surrenders to his gambling addiction, Robin continues to cope with a life no longer under the big top.

All Star Batman Reborn #16- “A Life In Crime Alley” Part Four (of Five). Is it love, or a chill in the air? Batman continues to grow closer to Julie, while battling the slick Mr. Freeze. But, it’s Bruce Wayne’s reflections on his late father’s efforts to save Julie’s life in the past that will warm your heart. Meanwhile, Robin’s return to Gotham takes a twisted turn, thanks to the sassy Clue Master.

All Star Batman Reborn #17- “A Life In Crime Alley” Part Five (of Five). Batman and Robin meet again! This time though, they fight as one. That should spell trouble for Mr. Freeze and the Clue Master, but will Bruce Wayne’s trip down memory lane lead to a dead end?

All Star Batman Reborn #18- Special spotlight on Robin! The former bandit Boy Wonder makes himself at home in his new pad above Julie’s clinic. But, things are far from settled at Gotham High, when he learns class president Stephanie Brown is his nemesis- the Clue Master!

All Star Batman Reborn #19- “Reverse Engineering” Part One (of Five). Batman’s war with Harvey Dent’s B.A.N.E. units ends in a loss of innocent life! Now, in the grip of addiction, and his future as D.A. slipping away, Dent hires criminologist Kirk Langstrom to bring the Dark Knight down for good. His solution? Enter the All Star Man-Bat!

All Star Batman Reborn #20- “Reverse Engineering” Part Two (of Five). He’s got a Batmobile, Batarangs, and even a Bat Hound! No, we’re not talking about Bruce Wayne. Profiler Kirk Langstrom has always tried to place himself in the shoes of those he pursues, but will his role of Man-Bat turn into a case of Bat-mania? Plus, a suicidal ex-B.A.N.E. unit sniper finds a new target, and Robin meets Batgirl for the first time.

All Star Batman Reborn #21- “Reverse Engineering” Part Three (of Five). The Batman and Man-Bat enter into a brutal battle, that won’t just have Bruce Wayne seeing double, but Bat-Mites?! Also, the Red Hood and Oracle prepare to steal the secrets of Enigma for their master, as Robin and Batgirl protect Harvey Dent’s family from B.A.N.E. sniper Flo Lawton.

All Star Batman Reborn #22- “Reverse Engineering” Part Four (of Five). Batman engages in an internal struggle to purge the Bat-Mite nano-tech infection from his body. However, will this brush with death push Bruce toward another kind of engagement? And, Harvey Dent has double trouble from the Man-Bat and Deadshot!

All Star Batman Reborn #23- “Reverse Engineering” Part Five (of Five). It’s Batman, Robin, and Batgirl against Man-Bat and Deadshot- for the life of the one man that wants them all behind bars! But, even as Harvey Dent’s world cracks in two, Enigma director Nashton gets a visit from beyond the grave. Meanwhile, amid the chaos, Bruce pops the question to Julie!

All Star Batman Reborn #24- You are cordially invited to the engagement party of the century! Join a joyous Bruce Wayne and Julie Madison as they celebrate their happy news with Dick Grayson, James Gordon, and Gordon’s daughter Barbara. Wait, Babs isn’t there? It must be because she and the Red Hood are in an all out war with Enigma. And, don’t count on Alfred RSVPing – not if the Joker has anything to say about it!

All Star Batman Reborn #25- “That Night”, the tragic, double-sized blowout! Over twenty years ago, Bruce Wayne’s parents were killed on the grounds of the accursed Wayne Manor. Now, history threatens to repeat, when the Joker and Red Hood hold all those that Batman cares for hostage within the mansion. Learn the full story behind Thomas and Martha Wayne’s deaths, and whether it will be Robin, Alfred, Julie, or Gordon who the Joker will send to join them in the afterlife!

All Star Batman Reborn #26- “Web of the Demon” Part One (of Five). Devastated by his great loss last issue, and awash with grief, Batman turns to the one man who can give his life hope- Ra’s Al Ghul! The true master of the Red Hood and Batgirl has succeeded in breaking the will of the Dark Knight. What plans does the Demon have for his latest pawn?

All Star Batman Reborn #27- “Web of the Demon” Part Two (of Five). Still reeling from Julie’s death, Batman will stop at nothing to locate the fabled Lazarus Pit! So, the caped crusader leaps into combat to eliminate Ra’s Al Ghul’s rivals on his master’s behalf. But, he would do well to look first, before taking on the Daughter’s of Cain!

All Star Batman Reborn #28- “Web of the Demon” Part Three (of Five). Robin attempts to even the sides, when Batman finds himself outnumbered by Katherine, Elisabeth, and Cassandra- the Daughters of Cain! Even if the Dynamic Duo can reclaim the Lazarus Pit, from these femme fatales, will they really turn its power over to Ra’s Al Ghul?

All Star Batman Reborn #29- “Web of the Demon” Part Four (of Five). Batman and Robin have just given their master Ra’s Al Ghul the key to spreading his evil reign through eternity. Now, they must find a way to slay the Lazarus Pit’s last guardian, the immortal warrior- the Mad Monk!

All Star Batman Reborn #30- “Web of the Demon” Part Five (of Five). With the help of the Joker, Batgirl, and the Red Hood, Ra’s Al Ghul turned the Dark Knight into his lackey. His actions have made him undying, even as his orders led to the death of Bruce Wayne’s great love. But, could it be Ra’s that has been caught in the Batman’s grip all along? The shocks and twists come fast and furious in this unbelievable finale!

All Star Batman Reborn #31- “Metropolis Marvel” Part One (of Four). Batman’s incredible plan to bring back his parents lies in ashes, and an enraged Julie is not about to give Bruce a shoulder to cry on. Only one thing can satisfy the Dark Knight’s burning desire for vengeance, but to get it he’ll have to go through Superman!

All Star Batman Reborn #32- “Metropolis Marvel” Part Two (of Four). Enigma Director Nashton has forged a devilish bargain with the Batman. He’ll release Joe Chill, the killer of Bruce’s parents, from protective custody- straight into the clutches of the merciless Dark Knight. Now, all the Caped Crusader has to do is stop the Man of Steel from shutting Enigma’s Metropolis operations down. But, Batman better never tug on THIS Superman’s cape!

All Star Batman Reborn #33- “Metropolis Marvel” Part Three (of Four). Superman plows over Batman’s attempts to stop him from destroying Enigma’s plans for Metropolis! In the meantime Alfred’s pleas to a deceived Julie fall on deaf ears, Robin gains an acrobatic rival in the form of the Bluejay, and Harvey Dent makes his own pilgrimage to Metropolis to seek out Lex Luthor!

All Star Batman Reborn #34- “Metropolis Marvel” Part Four (of Four). The All Star World’s Finest bury the hatchet…right in Edward Nashton’s back! Superman and Batman bring the former Riddler crashing from power, but will this get Bruce Wayne any closer to finding Joe Chill? Plus, Robin and Bluejay reach a truce of their own, and Lex Luthor completes Harvey Dent’s cybernetic transformation!

All Star Batman Reborn #35- Robin and Bluejay battle it out with the Daughters of Cain! But, before they can bring the deadly trio to justice, they’ll have to overcome Oracle. The former Batgirl has just filled the vacuum of leadership at Enigma, left in the wake of Edward Nashton’s fall, and she wants the lovely lethals to become her elite strike team!

All Star Batman Reborn #36- “Six Degrees and Nine Lives” Part One (of Four). The Catwoman prowls her way back into Gotham, and she’s set her eyes on the biggest crown jewel in town- the Wayne family fortune! But, it won’t be Bruce Wayne or Batman standing in her way. We’ve given you some controversial All Star revamps before, but nothing can prepare you for the Reborn Huntress!

All Star Batman Reborn #37- “Six Degrees and Nine Lives” Part Two (of Four). Corporate intrigue rocks Gotham’s boardrooms as a hostile takeover of epic proportions breaks out between Selina Kyle, Lucius Fox, Derek Powers, and Helena Wayne. But, that’s nothing compared to the bloody roof top brawl that ensues between the Catwoman and Huntress! Meanwhile, Harvey Dent’s debut as Two Face means death for a fellow Batman foe.

All Star Batman Reborn #38- “Six Degrees and Nine Lives” Part Three (of Four). While Two Face claims the life of another masked menace, Bruce Wayne is driven to distraction by a double dose of girl power! Even as he tries to preserve his family’s legacy from the claws of the Catwoman, he must cope with the deadly tactics of the Huntress, better known as his SISTER Helena Wayne!

All Star Batman Reborn #39- “Six Degrees and Nine Lives” Part Four (of Four). The fate of the Wayne Foundation is settled. Who’ll walk away with the empire of billions? Will it be Batman, or his fellow heir the Huntress? And, Robin squares off against the flipped-out Two Face!

All Star Batman Reborn #40- “Dual: A Two-Parter”. As District Attorney, Harvey Dent waged war on both costumed crooks and vigilantes. Now, as Two Face he flips a coin to decide which type of mask wearing “lawbreaker” he’ll kill next. Heads, he slays a super-hero! Tails, he slaughters a super-villain! So far, he’s sent the evil Bookworm and Deadshot to the morgue, and an unlucky Robin has landed in intensive care. Now, you can vote on the results of his latest toss. Go to DCCOMICS.COM, and decide who will die next: Stephanie Brown, the corrupt Cluemaster, or Jason Todd, the crime-busting Bluejay!

All Star Batman Reborn #41- “Duel: A Two-Parter”. Batman and Two Face battle it out, but no matter who wins it will be too late for either Stephanie Brown or Jason Todd! Plus, Julie returns to make Bruce an offer he can’t refuse.

All Star Batman Reborn #42- “Dark Thoughts” Part One (of Two). After their traumatic break-up, Julie agrees to come back to Bruce- if he’ll go for therapy! But, will his inner demons be laid to rest, or be exploited as he begins sessions at the Arkham Mental Health Clinic with Hugo Strange?

All Star Batman Reborn #43- “Dark Thoughts” Part Two (of Two). A mind is a terrible thing to lay waste! While, Batman attempts to break free of Hugo Strange’s mental torture, Dick Grayson gains startling knowledge of the future from hypno-time therapist Professor Carter Nichols. And, next issue, you’ll share in Robin’s shocking visions!

All Star Batman Reborn #44- “Beyond Tomorrow” Part One (of Six). Take a trip into the future of the Reborn universe! The wild epic begins here, as an adult Robin leads an outlaw band against the corporate tyranny of Wayne/Powers, while also fighting to keep an alien princess out of the hands of an invading fleet. And, don’t count on Batman for help…he’s dead!

All Star Batman Reborn #45- “Beyond Tomorrow” Part Two (of Six). The mind blowing look at the future rages on! Gotham City has become the crown jewel of the eastern seaboard, while Metropolis has been all but destroyed, thanks to Derek Power’s Blight tech. Now, a devastated Superman prepares retaliation, Robin’s girl Friday Carrie Kelly guards a helpless Starfire, and Terry McGuiness attempts to steal the secrets of Project: Gentleman Ghost!

All Star Batman Reborn #46- “Beyond Tomorrow” Part Three (of Six). The future isn’t written in stone, but it’s turning to rubble, when two alien races lay waste to Gotham! Robin’s sanctuary for Starfire is no more, a swarm of Kandorians seek brutal payback for Superman, and Terry McGuiness finds that there may still be a spark of life left in the Gentleman Ghost cyber-suit. Plus, Derek Power’s chief of security,Tim Drake aka The Protector, rounds up Robin’s Regulators!

All Star Batman Reborn #47- “Beyond Tomorrow” Part Four (of Six). Terry McGuiness is welcomed into the future world of the Batman, when the cyber-spirit of Bruce Wayne urges him to take up the mantle! Armed with a high-tech suit of armor, with the original Dark Knight’s “ghost” riding shotgun, can he restore hope to a decimated Gotham? Meanwhile, Tim Drake-the Protector, uses his knowledge of Robin’s secrets to hand Dick Grayson over to Derek Powers!

All Star Batman Reborn #48- “Beyond Tomorrow” Part Five (of Six). Decades from now, Gotham City is declared a No Man’s Land, by the U.S government. Will Superman withdraw his Kandorian troops, and unite with the new Batman to rebuild the city he helped to shatter? Or, will Derek Powers keep the World’s Finest 2.0 from coming to the rescue? And, the battle-lines are drawn…it’s Dick Grayson vs. Tim Drake!

All Star Batman Reborn #49- “Beyond Tomorrow” Part Six (of Six). The journey into the future comes to a cataclysmic climax. The Dynamic Duo of Terry McGuiness and Bruce Wayne’s downloaded soul, brings Derek Powers to his knees! But, can even a Superman raise the remnants of Gotham? Plus, in the fallout of last issue’s battle royal, Robin takes a bride, and Tim Drake assumes a new command!

All Star Batman Reborn #50- “Coda”. It’s back to the present, just in time for the final issue! On the eve of being officially deputized by Gordon’s police force, Batman and Robin finally move into Wayne Manor, but will Julie join them? And, while they unveil their new headquarters, the Batcave, the Joker plans on having the very last laugh!