I'll bite on the short version:
What is the nature of the setting? (Universe with other superheroes, just Batman, realistic, campy, etc.)
Slighty more campy and colorful than the Animated Series, but still pretty dark when it comes to interpersonal relationships and character psychology. It's a bit of a clashing tone, but whatev. Think Darwyn Cooke aesthetic. Early timeline; the Robin's have been established up to Tim. Justice League is formed, Titans too. Batman still isn't too comfortable working with the League, but he does it regardless. It takes him a LONG time to warm up to the League. Working with them is like a practical career, whereas his work in Gotham is hobby and is his real thrill.
What are Bruce's skills, his proficiency in each, and their focus in the stories?
I enjoy early Batman. Imperfect, makes mistakes and gets beat a lot, but once he gets the upper hand, he fucking wins. Relies on gadgets slightly more than hand-to-hand combat. Let's limit him to Batmobile and Batwing for transportation. His detective skills and ability to read the situation before shit hits the fan is where he shines.
How clear is the division between Bruce Wayne and Batman in Bruce's psyche?
He kinda hates being Bruce and is eager to go out as Batman. Still, when he has to be Bruce, it's a perfect performance and no one can see through the cracks in public. He really only expresses his discomfort as Bruce to Alfred. Alfred is essentially his rock; represents a father figure, only "real" friend, and his therapist.
What rules does Batman follow in his crusade and what his emotional response to it?
Doesn't really question his code, and he never kills.
What is Bruce's relationship to his villains like?
Treats his villains more like his "family" than the Bat-fam. He doesn't like bringing fam members along against the bigger villains like Joker, Riddler, Two-Face. His reason is they're "too dangerous" but really, he wants to handle them alone. It's almost thrilling for him to do it that way. It's how he tests himself......perhaps a fucked up subconscious reason for why he doesn't kill them??????
Since my favorite villain is Joker, I'd specifically want him as a mixture of psychologically fucked up Snyder/Capullo Joker and coked-up "jokes all the time" Cesar Romero. I have no idea how that would work properly but I would love to see it at least attempted. Joker is Batman's worst nightmare, but best friend. They understand each other more deeply than any other character in this world, and Joker constantly tries to convince Batman of it through complex and absurd situations. Joker is never verbally explicit in trying to convince Batman of how similar they are, or else it might ruin the illusion of their never-ending rivalry.
What is Bruce's relationship to other superheroes like?
Reclusive, and pretty much a loner. When he's with the League, he's focused on getting the mission done as flawless and quickly as possible, which might sound a sloppy way of getting things done, but he's 99% thorough in his methods of preparation. Only other member he's sort of close with is Superman since he's spent more time alone with him than any other member, and Metropolis is closest to Gotham, but he's hesitant to really open up to him as a true "friend" and feels he doesn't really need his "help"
Is Bruce a father?
I think one of the most interesting aspects of Batman is when the "child" figure is introduced, no matter which Robin it might be. So yes. I don't mind Damian either, so yeah my Batman can be a father literally too.
Who is part of the Batfamily, if it exists?
Even though I like Damian, my ideal image of the batfamily is Bruce, Alfred, Dick, Jason, Tim and Barbara. I'm not familiar enough with Stephanie, Kathy or Cassandra to include them yet.
What is Bruce's character arc/development throughout the story?
He's kind of a cocky jerk at first. Hard to tell Bruce from Batman in his early career, but as years go by he gets more used to being Batman. His struggle becomes less of an internal test of *if* he can succeed as Batman as first and more of a exercise in trust and opening himself to his family and questioning his methods (though his original oath of fighting crime and not killing is ALWAYS present and never fundamentally changes).
Does Bruce have a significant other?
Never long-term. Constant girlfriends who don't last. Selina is the "one" but they struggle to take the leap and be together.
How does Bruce die? (Or how does the story end?)
No end in mind, but my vision would go as far as the Batfam becoming divided (Tim handling the Titans and spending less time with Bruce, Jason works alone, Barbara works with the Birds of Prey, Dick operates in Bludhaven). Past that, I don't really know what I'd like to explore. However, I would love for a No Man's Land like event to be what forces them to work together again, and establishes a new status quo and dynamic between each member of the Batfam, then go from there.
Is Batman ultimately a hero or positive figure? Does he generally succeed in his mission?
Half and half. The GCPD and Gotham fear him at first, but generally come to see him as a great hero and role model even in his failures. His failures are usually the result of his reluctance to work with help and forcing himself to constantly carry the weight of the world on his shoulders.
Appreciate the effort put in the thread btw. Really enjoy reading what others would do with the character and mythology!
What is the nature of the setting? (Universe with other superheroes, just Batman, realistic, campy, etc.)
Slighty more campy and colorful than the Animated Series, but still pretty dark when it comes to interpersonal relationships and character psychology. It's a bit of a clashing tone, but whatev. Think Darwyn Cooke aesthetic. Early timeline; the Robin's have been established up to Tim. Justice League is formed, Titans too. Batman still isn't too comfortable working with the League, but he does it regardless. It takes him a LONG time to warm up to the League. Working with them is like a practical career, whereas his work in Gotham is hobby and is his real thrill.
What are Bruce's skills, his proficiency in each, and their focus in the stories?
I enjoy early Batman. Imperfect, makes mistakes and gets beat a lot, but once he gets the upper hand, he fucking wins. Relies on gadgets slightly more than hand-to-hand combat. Let's limit him to Batmobile and Batwing for transportation. His detective skills and ability to read the situation before shit hits the fan is where he shines.
How clear is the division between Bruce Wayne and Batman in Bruce's psyche?
He kinda hates being Bruce and is eager to go out as Batman. Still, when he has to be Bruce, it's a perfect performance and no one can see through the cracks in public. He really only expresses his discomfort as Bruce to Alfred. Alfred is essentially his rock; represents a father figure, only "real" friend, and his therapist.
What rules does Batman follow in his crusade and what his emotional response to it?
Doesn't really question his code, and he never kills.
What is Bruce's relationship to his villains like?
Treats his villains more like his "family" than the Bat-fam. He doesn't like bringing fam members along against the bigger villains like Joker, Riddler, Two-Face. His reason is they're "too dangerous" but really, he wants to handle them alone. It's almost thrilling for him to do it that way. It's how he tests himself......perhaps a fucked up subconscious reason for why he doesn't kill them??????
Since my favorite villain is Joker, I'd specifically want him as a mixture of psychologically fucked up Snyder/Capullo Joker and coked-up "jokes all the time" Cesar Romero. I have no idea how that would work properly but I would love to see it at least attempted. Joker is Batman's worst nightmare, but best friend. They understand each other more deeply than any other character in this world, and Joker constantly tries to convince Batman of it through complex and absurd situations. Joker is never verbally explicit in trying to convince Batman of how similar they are, or else it might ruin the illusion of their never-ending rivalry.
What is Bruce's relationship to other superheroes like?
Reclusive, and pretty much a loner. When he's with the League, he's focused on getting the mission done as flawless and quickly as possible, which might sound a sloppy way of getting things done, but he's 99% thorough in his methods of preparation. Only other member he's sort of close with is Superman since he's spent more time alone with him than any other member, and Metropolis is closest to Gotham, but he's hesitant to really open up to him as a true "friend" and feels he doesn't really need his "help"
Is Bruce a father?
I think one of the most interesting aspects of Batman is when the "child" figure is introduced, no matter which Robin it might be. So yes. I don't mind Damian either, so yeah my Batman can be a father literally too.
Who is part of the Batfamily, if it exists?
Even though I like Damian, my ideal image of the batfamily is Bruce, Alfred, Dick, Jason, Tim and Barbara. I'm not familiar enough with Stephanie, Kathy or Cassandra to include them yet.
What is Bruce's character arc/development throughout the story?
He's kind of a cocky jerk at first. Hard to tell Bruce from Batman in his early career, but as years go by he gets more used to being Batman. His struggle becomes less of an internal test of *if* he can succeed as Batman as first and more of a exercise in trust and opening himself to his family and questioning his methods (though his original oath of fighting crime and not killing is ALWAYS present and never fundamentally changes).
Does Bruce have a significant other?
Never long-term. Constant girlfriends who don't last. Selina is the "one" but they struggle to take the leap and be together.
How does Bruce die? (Or how does the story end?)
No end in mind, but my vision would go as far as the Batfam becoming divided (Tim handling the Titans and spending less time with Bruce, Jason works alone, Barbara works with the Birds of Prey, Dick operates in Bludhaven). Past that, I don't really know what I'd like to explore. However, I would love for a No Man's Land like event to be what forces them to work together again, and establishes a new status quo and dynamic between each member of the Batfam, then go from there.
Is Batman ultimately a hero or positive figure? Does he generally succeed in his mission?
Half and half. The GCPD and Gotham fear him at first, but generally come to see him as a great hero and role model even in his failures. His failures are usually the result of his reluctance to work with help and forcing himself to constantly carry the weight of the world on his shoulders.
Appreciate the effort put in the thread btw. Really enjoy reading what others would do with the character and mythology!
