All Batman prequel shows have been taking off lately. While Gotham started the trend, the recent Pennyworth show and the news that Robert Pattinson’s Batman movie is set to receive a prequel spin off TV series have shown that Batman prequels are popular among TV studios.
It’s well within the realm of possibility, then, that studio executives could be planning other TV shows about Batman characters. That being said, just because they’re a popular Batman character, it doesn’t mean they deserve their own TV series.
Deserves: Azrael
Azrael is one of the most popular and interesting Batman characters of the past few decades. The character is most well known for taking over the role of Batman after Bane broke the Dark Knight’s back in the Knightfall story arc.
However, the character has a deeply interesting backstory that would work well in a prequel series. It would certainly be interesting to see Azrael working for the Order of St. Dumas.
Doesn’t: Clayface
Clayface is one of the most iconic and popular Batman villains. While the identity of Clayface may change, the backstory surrounding the character is always a wonderful blend of tragedy and bodyhorror.
That being said, a prequel show concerning Clayface would be absolutely pointless. If the show decides to follow the Basil Karlo Clayface, then it would simply show Basil working as an actor before (presumably in the final episode) he turns into Clayface.
Deserves: Talon (Court of Owls)
Scott Snyder’s run on Batman after the New 52 reboot is one of the most celebrated in the Dark Knight’s history. Snyder (with Greg Capullo) created a whole new mythology to Gotham, introducing the mysterious and menacing Court of Owls.
The Court of Owls stretches back to the foundations of Gotham itself, so there is so much that could be done with a series following the Court of Owls, potentially even following the assassin, Talon.
Doesn’t: Penguin
The Penguin is one of the most influential and popular Batman villains, with the character first getting his big adaptation on the 1960s Batman series, where the character was played by Burgess Meredith. However, the character is best known by wider audiences for his role in Batman Returns (played by Danny DeVito).
While the Penguin is an iconic character, he wouldn’t necessarily make for a groundbreaking TV series. At best, the series would just be a good crime drama.
Deserves: Bane
Bane is one of the most compelling new villains to be introduced to the Batman mythos over the past few decades. The character burst onto the scene in the Knightfall story arc, where he would famously break Batman’s back,
However, while Bane has featured in comics since then, as well as films, there is much to be explored with his backstory. Famously, Bane was a prisoner of Pena Dura prison in Santa Monica and this could be an interesting setting for a TV series.
Doesn’t: Riddler
In the same vein as Penguin, Riddler is one of the most popular and famous Batman villains. The character has appeared in TV series and movies, allowing the character to pass from the comic book and into the mainstream.
While the character recognition would certainly attract audiences, there isn’t much that could be done with the character without including Batman.
Deserves: Catwoman
Catwoman, as with Riddler and Penguin, is one of the classic members of Batman’s rogues gallery. Selina Kyle has featured in TV shows and several movie adaptations of the comic books, making any show featuring the character easy to market.
While Riddler and Penguin would be difficult to adapt for a solo prequel series, a Catwoman series could be easier to produce. The thief nature of her character, coupled with her morally grey nature would make for an interesting show.
Doesn’t: Joker
Joker is the most well known Batman villain, with the character appearing in some of the most iconic Batman stories and being featured in some of the best and most well known movie adaptations of the character.
However, while a Joker series would be well received among fans, it would be difficult to imagine a Joker prequel series that would last longer than one season. At best, a Joker series should simply cover the Killing Joke. However, whether this would be necessary after the recent Joaquin Phoenix movie is up for debate.
Deserves: Ra’s Al Ghul
Ra’s Al Ghul is one of the most interesting and compelling Batman villains of all time. The leader of an assassin group called the League of Assassins, Ra’s Al Ghul is known as the Demon’s Head and has lived for centuries from the Lazarus Pits.
A prequel show covering Ra’s Al Ghul would be, ideally, set in any number of different historical ages, showing how the Demon’s Head found his Lazarus Pits and his interactions with historical figures.
Doesn’t: James Gordon
While James Gordon is one of the easiest characters to set up for a prequel series, Gordon would also be one of the least interesting characters to follow. Any series following Gordon would simply be a detective drama with a Batman theme.
Further, this series has also been recently done in the form of Gotham. Consequently, there is no real need for a James Gordon prequel series.
