10 Failed Comic Book TV Projects That Would Be Awesome Now

3. The Graysons (2008)

After Smallville ended, CW were keen to fill the void left by Clark Kent's absence on the small screen, so the network considered developing a show called The Graysons that would focus on Dick's life before he became Robin.

While Batman's sidekick has been given his own comic book series in the past, the idea of creating a show based around his early life prior to crime fighting is an intriguing proposition, although it's hard to imagine how this would even vaguely resemble the comic book in all but name. Until Dick's parents are killed, The Graysons would have revolved solely around more typical teenage problems such as dating and family issues, an area of his life that's been underdeveloped in the comics up to this point.

The similar sounding Gotham may sound like a better idea on paper, as it's far easier to weave Batman's mythology into that shows format, but it feels as though Gotham has suffered from too much pressure to introduce well-known characters from the comics. It would have been harder to link The Graysons with the rest of the DC universe, but this could have actually been quite freeing and could have worked more effectively.

Unfortunately, The Graysons never made it past the development stage and Gotham's mixed response from critics may prevent a show like this being made for some time, despite its potential.