Forget for a moment that we exist in a world of publisher-exclusive contracts and publishing schedules based around sales. In this new existence, we would have the power to create ongoing series starring characters that are either too obscure to sell enough copies month-to-month, or characters that hold plenty of demand but still only result in a mini-series here and there, guest appearances, or failed ongoings that were canceled due to funds, not quality. Not only do we get to choose the characters, we also have final say over the creative teams.
Unfortunately, that world doesn't exist, and this article is the closest I'll ever get.
With the recent announcement of DC's 2010 Batman Beyond mini-series, fans have proven that with enough demand (and groveling at conventions), publishers will take notice and deliver.
5. Black Cat
By Gail Simone & Adam Hughes
Felicia Hardy is maybe one of the most undervalued female characters in comics, often times being written off as a Catwoman clone, but in reality she is one tough SOB, and for all different reasons than Selina Kyle. Yes, she was prominently ranked in our Top 10 Greatest Racks in Comics piece, but that doesn't mean she's not a tough as nails character that hates all men aside from Peter Parker (err, sorry, just Spider-Man now. Thanks, Brand New Day! *gag*).
Aside from her appearances in the Spidey books, Black Cat is relatively untapped as far as real depth goes. We know her history, her origin, her opinions, but there is real potential to explore the character fully as she embraces her dual-sided, walking-the-thin-line nature. And who better to write Black Cat as the antihero she holds the ability to become? Secret Six and Wonder Woman writer Gail Simone is a perfect fit if ever I saw one.
Her remarkable penchant for wit and subtle character development would work wonders for a Black Cat ongoing series. She's shown how capable characters that ride the line between hero and villain can be in her hands, and Black Cat would be no different. Simone is a natural at meticulous crafting of characters that, by all moral standards, should have no real likeability to them, yet the reader finds them endearing and endlessly entertaining.
As for the art, if you'll allow me to go back to breasts for a moment - there can be no other than Adam Hughes. His pinup style is great on covers (which he'd also provide, obviously) but he is also quite adept at interior work, and it would lend a very important quality to the tone of the book. Much like Nicola Scott's sexy interiors adds a particular volume of sass to Secret Six, so too would Hughes' work on a Black Cat book.
4. Jason Bard
By Darwyn Cooke
Jason Bard is a character that with all the Batman hoopla going around these days, you'd think we would see more of him. Bard is a private investigator with a limp right knee that causes him to mostly walk with a cane. More importantly, Bard is a longtime romantic entanglement of one Barbara Gordon, though once engaged to be married, they are currently simply business associates working together for the greater good. I assume anyway, as Jason Bard really hasn't been around much since way back at One Year Later. Bard was also blinded for a time, which I propose should be brought back, as there is a severe lack of comic book characters with handicaps as it is.
Regardless, Jason Bard being a P.I. and all, there is only one man that should tackle his ongoing series: Darwyn Cooke. From relaunching The Spirit to Selina's Big Score and Catwoman, Cooke has shown his attraction to crime-fiction while giving it his own unique twist of humor and personality. And of course, there is no artist working today that has the cartooning skills that Cooke does. He is so incredibly articulate with his characters, while at the same time oozing pulpy goodness. There is no doubt that Cooke's Bard would be overflowing with charm and style, as well as clever use of the character's disabilities. Cooke has enough name recognition to sell a book starring such a lower tier character, and could certainly send Bard higher on the DC heirarchy.
3. The Zapata Brothers
By Mike Bensons & Michael Lark
By Mark Waid & Dale Eaglesham
I could see the book working as a Brave and the Bold type team-up series, where each issue or story arc would find our protagonists teaming up with different characters of the DCU to assist them in solving a mystery. Just think: team-ups with Deadman, Phantom Stranger, the Spectre, Ragman - all of these great paranormal characters that populate the various corners of the DCU could get some decent screen time.
By Grant Morrison & JH Williams III
