7 Comic Book Story Arcs That Were Never Finished (And Why)

2. W. Haden Blackman And J.H. Williams III's Batwoman

Batwoman was one of the greatest comic book characters introduced over the last two decades, and naturally, when you're that good a character, you tend to have a couple of good comics to answer for that reputation. In Kate Kane's case those came in 2009 and 2011 respectively, with Greg Rucka and J.H. Williams III presiding over a standout Batwoman story in the pages of Detective Comics first, before Williams teamed up with W. Haden Blackman for a series to line up with DC's New 52 reboot.

Rucka set the wheels in motion, and it's with that in mind that Blackman and Williams were able to craft what was at the time the publisher's best Bat-book. It was smart, character-driven, and vital. Kane was one of only few openly gay superheroes and her relationship with Gotham cop Maggie Sawyer became a major element of the book, to the point that, in what would eventually prove to be the series' final arc, Kate proposed.

The stage was set for another famous comic book wedding, but then DC demanded that the creators call off the marriage, a decision rationalised by Dan DiDio because supposedly superheroes just aren't allowed to get married. Presumably because it makes them less hip, or something. I don't know. It's pretty dumb.

When considered with all the other "eleventh hour" changes editorial forced on the pair, Blackman and Williams decided to leave the book altogether, calling quits after the book's 26th issue hit the stands in 2013.

Elements of Blackman and Williams' planned arc were wrapped up months later, but not in the way they had planned. DC's meddling meant that fans were met with an unfortunate end to what was, frankly, a brilliant comic. How tragic that its ending had to typify one of the comics industry's most ridiculous trends.