Although there’s plenty of reasons to be excited about Cartoon Network’s new CG series Beware the Batman, what’s interesting is that the development road to that show included a couple of potential concepts that didn’t quite make the cut. Both were reportedly intriguing to the powers that be, but were ultimately passed over. One of them would have been a new twist on the idea of a Batman/Superman series.

“The first version was an Escape From New York kind of thing, which was a lot of fun, but I agree it was probably too dark for where they wanted to go with the show,” says Beware the Batman producer Mitch Watson in an exclusive interview. “Then we came up with the lighter version of the show, which was Batman – specifically Bruce Wayne – and Clark Kent at the beginning of their careers. The show revolved around Clark as a cub reporter coming to Gotham City, where he meets Bruce. They’re also just becoming Batman and Superman. Clark and Bruce become friends, but Batman and Superman hate each other. Then they realize who each other is and get on the right side and end up living in the same building.

“It was, tonally, a very different approach,” he adds. “If Beware the Batman is centered in terms of tone, this was much lighter. It explored two guys in their early ’20s as they were becoming heroes. That was the gist of the story. But there was just a feeling that although they really liked it, the timing for a Batman/Superman team-up show just didn’t feel right. Not yet. I can tell you that variations of that idea are always on the boards and something to possibly do, but it hasn’t happened yet. I think it would have been great and maybe we’ll get a chance to do it someday.”



Be sure to check out Voices From Krypton’s first ebook, “Superman: Birthright Turns 10,” an exclusive 20,000 word discussion with Mark Waid about that classic maxi-series that is not only celebrating its 10th anniversary but was a partial basis for Man of Steel. Additionally, the text includes Waid’s original pitch for the series and initial outline. Just click on the Amazon link.