Batman & Spider-Man ongoing series concept
Pilot Issue:
In this continuity, Batman has been a superhero in New York City for about one year, mostly dealing with the city’s criminal underworld.
One day, he sees a guy in a mask calling himself “Spider-Man” on TV. The press compares this Spider-Man to Batman, referring to him as “The Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man” as opposed to “Batman of the Dark Alleys”. Bruce takes notice and starts looking into the whole affair, not wanting this Spider-Man to potentially become a menace to the city.
Then, a murder in Queens. An old man named Ben Parker. Batman investigates, fearing mob connection to the murder, but his investigation is halted by Spider-Man. This is when Bruce realizes just how young Spider-Man is.
Spidey is very antsy to find the criminal and get justice. He showcases superhuman strength by making a dent in a trash can with one hand. Bruce tries to relax him, telling him he’s on the case. But Spider-Man wants him to back off. Eventually, they compromise and Spider-Man agrees to let Bruce investigate as long as he can come with him.
They follow the clues, going down into the underbelly of the city. Bruce sees how smart Spidey is. Smart enough to be difficult to reign him in. Their personalities are very different but they clash well and they make a good team.
Eventually, they discover the criminal who killed Ben. Spider-Man is furious, thirsting for revenge. Bruce tries to stop him, but he’s no match for Spidey’s strength. Eventually, he grabs the criminal and runs away.
Spider-Man corners them in an abandoned warehouse, and Batman confronts him. He tells Spider-Man that if he goes down that path, if he uses his powers to kill, then he’s no better than the cowardly criminal with his gun. He tells him he knows what he’s going through because he went through the same thing. He tells him how there isn’t a day that goes past where he doesn’t want to seek revenge on those who wronged him. But he can’t. Because that’s not what power is for. Power is to be used by the strong to defend the weak. Not to seek personal gratification.
Spider-Man calms down and the two of them walk away, leaving the criminal for the police. Spider-Man is crying. He tells Batman that he feels responsible for what happened. If he used his powers to be a hero like Batman from the start, he could’ve stopped it. But because he was only in it for himself, his uncle died.
Spider-Man reveals his identity as Peter Parker, Ben’s nephew. Batman, in turn, reveals his identity as Bruce Wayne.
Other ideas for later in the series:
Bruce and Peter becoming a crime-stopping duo
Bruce and Peter arguing about who’s whose sidekick
Bruce takes in Peter and May to live with him in Wayne Enterprises
Aunt May starts dating Alfred
Villains, plotlines, and supporting cast from either series can appear
Other DC and Marvel heroes can appear
Brand new concepts
