If I was...Bob Schreck: The Batman Books

No links this time, folks. Just pure, unbridled commentary from yours truly. This is the first in a series of semi-regular columns in which I place myself in the role of head honcho at a comic book company or group of titles. Each column will outline what I'd do with the creative teams (mainly the writers and artists, but I might even go as far as making inker and letterer suggestions), what books I'd keep and maybe, what new books I'd introduce (and with which creators).

Obviously, these columns aren't meant to piss off/annoy the current creators, or the current editorial regime. If anything, it's just a fun exercise for me and a great discussion-starter for you. So, read on, faithful Curve-ers, and lemme know what you think.

Batman Books

OVERALL: I'd cancel Gotham Knights outright, along with Robin and Nightwing . I'd also like to note I'm not counting Birds of Prey as a Bat-book, and even if I was, I'd keep the book around. I'd can Gotham Central and Catwoman too. I'd also can Batgirl. Again, no offense meant to the creators involved in these titles. Basically, that would leave me with three Bat-books: Batman, Detective Comics and Legends of the Dark Knight.

Why no Robin or Nightwing you ask? Well, the short answer is, there are way too many Bat-Books coming out. The long answer will be explained shortly.

Batman
Writer: Ed Brubaker
Artist: Michael Lark
Cover Artist: Jae Lee

Mission Statement: This is the Bat-Book. Gritty, hardboiled detective fiction. Sure, Bru did an earlier run on the book, but "If I were Bob Schreck," this second run wouldn't be marred by too many crossovers or the mismatched art of Scott McDaniel (whom I love, but his stuff didn't really work with Bats). Paired with the Mazzuchelli-esque Lark (Yes, I know he's Marvel exclusive. Let me have my fantasy), and you'd have a string of stories that resonates with fans of Batman: Year One but also move the character forward, with new threats, new takes on classic villains and gripping storytelling. And, well, Jae Lee's awesome.

Detective Comics
Writer: Peter David and various
Artist: Lee Weeks and various
Cover Artist: Brian Bolland

Mission Statement: Alright, this is what we got: Detective Comics will be published as a giant-size edition every month, with a lead Batman story from Peter David and Lee Weeks and three backup tales. A regular solo Robin feature, a solo Nightwing feature and a rotating Gotham Central/Batgirl/Catwoman third feature. So, in essence, the book will be Detective Comics/Batman Family. Why David? Have you read Fallen Angel? If anyone can tell noir-ish crime stories shrouded in mystery, it's David, who too often gets pegged as "the funny guy" or "the team guy." I think he'd be able to hold his own on Detective, especially if he's paired with the realistic art of his Hulk collaborator Lee Weeks. And, well, Brian Bolland is awesome.

Legends of the Dark Knight
Creative Team: various

Mission Statement: Here's the deal: There's a massive gap in continuity after Batman: Year One and current continuity. There's also a massive pile of issues that were "retconned" by Crisis. And the title of the book can be looked at twofold: as legends of Batman, or as stories told by LEGENDARY Batman creators. I'd rotate arcs by big-time Bat-veterans who might not have time to tackle an ongoing, or might not be in the running for one. Some ideas:

Frank Miller and David Mazzuchelli tell a short, one-issue tale set in the era of Year One.

Steve Englehart and Marshall Rogers revisit Wayne's romance with Silver St. Cloud and the villainous Rupert Thorne.

Denny O'Neil and Neal Adams team for a two-issue story pitting Batman against Man-Bat.

Alan Grant and Norm Breyfogle reunite for a six-part tale featuring Scarface.

Doug Moench and Jim Aparo revisit the mysterious Nocturna in a three-part tale.

Get it? Tell me it doesn't sound cool.

That's it for now. Lemme know what you think.