1. The Killing Joke
This is widely regarded as one of if not the - greatest Batman stories on the market. In fact, theres argument in the belief that this is one of the greatest comic book stories ever written, about any character. Its not surprising though really, considering comic book messiah Alan Moore was the scribe who penned it. Essentially, this is a double origin tale, both examining the roots of The Joker and his crippling of Jim Gordons daughter, Barbara, ready for her evolution into The Oracle; the voice in Batmans ear, his gateway to information.
How It Could Work: Its a short story admittedly, and so any screenwriter that chose to adapt would certainly have their work cut out for them in regards to fleshing it out into a 90 minute movie and not screwing it up. Still, if it were pulled off, this would establish a new, rebooted Batman movie world in one move; one where the Joker runs rampant, and Batman has the help of the Oracle (which is wholly more aligned to the Rocksteady games than to Nolans canon). If theres to be a Batman reboot; that is if Warner Bros. are looking to extend the life of the character into a new saga of films, then they need to attempt another Joker at some point. Batman without the Joker is like Jekyll without Hyde one cannot exist without the other. Adapting The Killing Joke would serve that purpose, and also be celebrated as the definitive Batman movie by fans, provided it was treated with the dignity it deserves of course.
Potential Issues: I can see none whatsoever. I get that Nolans realistic take on the Batman was popular, and an adaptation of this book could emulate that as much as deemed appropriate. And I understand that Ledgers incredible turn as The Joker might be considered definitive, but we need to eventually let go of it if Batmans movie career is to continue. Batman needs the Joker in the same way the Gotham needs a Batman. So there it is; 10 epic Batman story arcs that we think would work great as a new Batman movie. Did we miss any of your favourites? What story arc would you pick to be adapted for the big screen next? Dont leave us in the Dark