[Official] Ultimate Batman

[DiscipleofBob]

THE OBJECTIVE:

Batman and at least some of his supporting case need to get established in our continuity. Many of our existing titles contain references to the Batman mostly based on the previous dropped titles. Our most immediate goal is to be get Batman in continuity. A lot more doors will open up then.

THE PROPOSAL:

Normally, we don't require pitches for titles. But because this is Batman, rather than leaving this to a first come first serve basis as usual, I'll be taking applicants for Ultimate Batman.

Anyone who is currently eligible for a title can apply. This includes completely new people as well as writers who've been here longer who currently don't have a title and writers who have one title established in continuity.

Anyone who wants to take a stab at writing Ultimate Batman will send me a PM with the following information:

• A full Claims List that follows the normal guidelines for claiming titles. Heroes, Villains, Support, Wallpaper, the usual. I know the old claims list is still up on the MCL, but it's really just a reference guide at this point.
  
• A brief plot synopsis of at least the first six issues, the stuff that will get Batman established. Don't worry, all plot information and spoilers will remain completely confidential on my end.
  
• Any relevant notes on what would distinguish your version from the other dropped Batman storylines on the site and/or the canon Batman.
  
• How many issues you think you'll be able to do and in how much time.
  

Please note that references established in continuity will remain in continuity, including Ultimate Haven, which has Batwoman, Jason Todd, and other relevant characters.

NOTES:

These are some of the things that I'll be looking for in your submissions. None of these are strictly required, but a submission that meets the following has a better chance of being picked.

• Has Batman be established for several years before our present 2013 continuity. Several characters like Jason Todd and Batwoman have already been established in other titles. It would make the most sense if Batman has already been around for at least a few years.
  
• Includes and establishes Bruce Wayne as Batman.
  
• Includes and establishes Dick Grayson.
  
• Includes and establishes the Joker.
  
• Includes and establishes Ras al Ghul and the League of Shadows.
  
• If not establishing characters like Tim Drake, at least make sure that there's room for other people to claim them.
  
• I know this will be difficult, but if at all possible, getting six issues at least done this year. This would mean two issues a month and the holidays are coming up. I realize this would be a huge challenge (and in no way would be a requirement) but if it can be done, it would really help.
  
• You don't have to do an origin story, especially if said origin story happened in the past and you want your story to be about a modern Batman already in full swing.
  

Feel free to ask questions, comment, suggest, protest, etc here. The only people who aren't eligible are people who already have two titles.

For now, the deadline for submissions will be September 30 to give people plenty of time to prepare submissions. The deadline may be extended upon request.

[Question]

Can we claim Batman universe characters that are on someone's claims list but haven't been used?

I'm specifically thinking of Cassandra Cain and Lady Shiva right now, which ctrl+f could not find in any issue of Haven, but I'm sure there might be others.

I mean, I specifically recall my ancient Booster Gold title request being denied because I couldn't use the LSH outside of an LSH title, but if a Batman writer has plans for Batman characters...

[DiscipleofBob]

Normally, you can't claim characters on someone else's claims list, because they're still claimed, they just have yet to make an appearance.

However, those two are special cases, since Haven isn't likely to continue.

Cassandra Cain you can claim with no problem. Lady Shiva you'll have to work with Adrini on, for reasons I probably shouldn't say for possible public spoilers.

As a side note, if you wanted to do your Booster Gold title, you can. Time Masters will likely drop at the end of the month. I read through some of the old admin discussions and see nothing wrong with what you had planned.

[DiscipleofBob]

There's still time to apply for this. I've only got a couple applicants so far. If anyone else wants to take a stab at this, you've got until the 30th to send me something, either a claims list and pitch or a request for an extension.

[DiscipleofBob]

All right, it's time to make a decision.

First off, I want to stress that all three pitches I got were REALLY good. Each one had its own unique take on a Batman storyline and I wish we could have all three. Hell, when the current writer finishes their storyline and moves on, between that and future Elseworld titles maybe we can.

But in the end, I still have to choose one, and I have to take in account which pitch I think would be best for our shared continuity as a whole.

To that end, Jordan's pitch was the most traditional and had the most elements of what I think would be beneficial towards the site.

To the other two writers, your submissions really were awesome, and I hope you'll consider writing some other titles for the site.

Jordan if you can put your claims list in the usual thread and I'll get you a board up soon. I have quite a bit of maintenance to do regarding existing boards and the MCL.

[cross]

Congrats Jordan. I'm excited to read your version of the Ultimate Dark Knight.

[jordan]

Wow thanks, this means a lot! I look forward to seeing what you guys think of my first issue!