The Dark Knight Rises How Would You Continue the Story from TDKR? (Spoilers)

[scatterax]

Blake modifies the gear to become Nightwing, Takes on Black mask, who's trying to reestablish organised crime in gotham, now that there's no batman, and the police are dealing with the aftermath of rises. Batman and Selina have put Gotham behind them for good and live happily ever after in Italy. Robin Blake works at the boys home durring the day and lives there one of the kids there's name is Terry McGinnis . Gordon's niece transfers to a Gotham college. Fox leads Wayne enterprises back to success.

Spoiler

Scott summers get's transferred from the orphan home to a school for the gifted

 

[Boom]

Alfred dreams of living in a giant, hollowed-out tangerine with a bunch of insects.

 

[Motown Marvel]

Blake takes the Batman mantle but finds himself unprepared for the job. Gotham sinks deeper into despair. Bruce makes every effort to keep his distance to live his life with selina. but eventually blake/batman fails, either getting killed or suffering some permanent injury. blakes failure hits bruce hard realizing he never should have trusted the job to anyone other than himself, he feels responsible for blakes misfortune and gothams further despair. his guilt for this drags him back to gotham where he once again carries the burden of batman.

 

[BaleISBatman4ev]

Act 1:
Blake takes up the cape and cowl after months/years of his own training. His detective skills are on par if not surpass even that of Bruce's. His training is cross cut with the present of him as batman and his foreign training/meditation/Ninja school sessions with Bruce.

Act 2: The threat is unveiled (Ridler/Joker/Black mask) and Blake after a major setback/failure realizes his own journey is different and that he can never be the Batman... enter Robin/Nightwing ... He seeks out Bruce..

Act 3:
Batman and Robin: They each put their detective brains to good use neutralizing the new threats and forming an unstoppable combo that will forever be Gotham's protectors.

 

[747]

Some people really take the ending too much at face value. It's meant to be ambigious and it's not meant to say Blake dons the cowl right there and then or that he ever does. Bruce's journey ends, but Blake's journey is just beginning, that's the paralell they are drawing through this movie. And Batman has created people like Blake, he has inspired the good and the idealism in him, he has inspired hope in him. Blake is like a personification of what Bruce set out to do.

 

[Alfreds Butler]

Alfreds Butler. I enjoyed the first part very much, it started out eerily similar to the story im cooking up, but when it got to the fake Joker, Quinn, etc i didnt like it. The last half is not my cup of tea, but hey it's your story right?

I like a lot of the first post though, with his struggles, where Gotham is at, Gordon, Barbara, the Nightwing-esque suit, not feeling worthy of being Batman, then the new suit. I love that and it's all in the story im doing too, but a different order, etc. The villains im using are different and it goes into a new direction. But yeah, just my 2 cents.

Cheers shauner, my main reason for the end was peoples disaproval of a different take on heath's joker but I thought if it ended up being a copy cat like batman has his in TDK people who wanted joker back could have there cake and people who didn't want someone else playing his part would know by the end it was fake so they could be happy too. The whole theme is about stepping into someone elses shoes and how its always going to happen be it batman or joker. Also really liked the idea of talia conceiving damian giving more reason to that scene with bruce in rises. Glad you liked the first part tho

 

[Chrisbarnes182]

I just can't see him striking fear in the hearts of criminals. JGL isn't a tough dude.

Robin or Nightwing would work. I think that's what they were going for by making him so boyish and idealistic.

I'm not a fan of the character though. If they wanted a character to be Robin, they should have gone with one from the comics instead of trying to create someone new and introduce him in the last Bat film. My theory is Nolan just wanted Levitt and Cotillard in this film and shoehorned in these roles for them specifically.

The very good thing in my opinion about the John Blake Character is now the only back story he has is what is told us in The Dark Knight Rises. And with no comic book background etc there is a lot of creative freedom to do what they want with this character.

Its pretty much a massive gift to whichever writers/directors want to take over this. Nolan has pretty much gave them one of the greatest Trilogy's in the history of cinema and a brand new fresh character that the can run with whether it is as Robin, Nightwing or Batman it doesn't matter because the only source material they have to work from is Rises.

 

[Doc Samson]

Some people really take the ending too much at face value. It's meant to be ambigious and it's not meant to say Blake dons the cowl right there and then or that he ever does. Bruce's journey ends, but Blake's journey is just beginning, that's the paralell they are drawing through this movie. And Batman has created people like Blake, he has inspired the good and the idealism in him, he has inspired hope in him. Blake is like a personification of what Bruce set out to do.

Agreed. IMO, the cave was more of a call to action for Blake, then a literal transformation into the new Batman. Just like I feel the signal being repaired was more of a hint to Gordon that he did, indeed, survive, and that there will be a protector still by his side. In whatever shape or form that protector appears.

In my mind, Blake becomes a different character altogether, in the vein of Nightwing obviously, but not a strict adherence to that. I can also imagine him having some contact with Bruce in a very loose Batman Beyond type of way, where Bruce himself becomes the "Alfred/Lucius" to Blake's vigilante. From afar though, I don't see Wayne coming back to Gotham physically.

 

[VM1138]

I always though he'd become the new Batman, but then I remembered what Batman told him when he saved him. He tells Blake to wear a mask, which leads me to think Blake would have to create a new persona for himself. Whether that is Nightwing or an entirely new superhero persona is up in the air, but I think it's fair to say he wouldn't become Robin, just because that's his first name and what's the point of wearing a mask if you're going to go by your first name?

 

[uniqueweasel]

I'd like to see Blake become Nightwing.

 

[Troy_Parker]

I don't see Blake running around as Robin considering that's his real name, lol, might be a bad move for him to have Robin as his secret identity when he's got this secret (real) name that's he's also hiding.

I think he'd probably be Nightwing.

I also think the TDK/TDKR batsuit could lend itself very nicely as the basis for a Batman Beyond-esque suit.

 

[shauner111]

That's a good point VM1138. Also doesn't he say to Batman that he doesnt want to wear a mask or that he wont hide his face? That could also play into his new identity. Maybe he wears a mask but it's closer to Catwomans goggles idea. Like Nightwing, it doesn't cover the whole face.

And yeah he won't "become" Robin, because he IS Robin. Always has been. Point is that he's no longer the sidekick by the end so no, he more or less becomes something else.

Maybe he uses the bat theme, the signal, doesnt hide his identity too much and Gordon finds out pretty quickly. A good portion of Gotham won't know who he is, but some of the orphans will know and same with the police. Maybe that's what Batman has also done for the city, they look up to Batman. They dont know Batmans name but the police, etc know that Nightwing is John Blake and he was one of them. They accept someone being a hero and standing up for Gotham in Batmans absence. They cheer for him to take out whatever crime is out there and put those prisoners back in lock-up. Only if he plays by the rules like Batman and doesn't get too extreme.

 

[Broker]

I don't see Blake running around as Robin considering that's his real name, lol, might be a bad move for him to have Robin as his secret identity when he's got this secret (real) name that's he's also hiding.

I suppose, so but then I'm sure he isn't the only person in Gotham with that name.

 

[Troy_Parker]

I suppose, so but then I'm sure he isn't the only person in Gotham with that name.

I know, but that wasn't my point.

It IS going to look a little suspicious. Especially considering the fact that he recently quit the police force... and there's suddenly a new crime fighter in town, who isn't Batman.

lol

 

[Broker]

I know, but that wasn't my point.

It IS going to look a little suspicious. Especially considering the fact that he recently quit the police force... and there's suddenly a new crime fighter in town, who isn't Batman.

lol

I'm not a fan of the whole concept at all to be honest with you. Kinda crow-barred in needlessly.

 

[Troy_Parker]

I'm not a fan of the whole concept at all to be honest with you. Kinda crow-barred in needlessly.

Gotcha.

 

[The Guard]

While I don't think there should be a fourth film...there are all KINDS of places for the story to go.

The obvious one is a kind of BATMAN BEYOND scenario, and to introduce more "freaks". With Gotham having dealt with Batman, The Joker and Bane in the span of a decade, its not out of the realm of possibility that there would be some copycats wanting to be "icons".

The Penguin seems like an obvious inclusion. Hugo Strange could work, wanting to usurp Blake's role as Batman once he realized it was more of a legacy than one man.

 

[shauner111]

Riddler works with Blake being a former detective. Penguin fits the world perfectly in my opinion. Freeze is someone who a lot of ppl dont believe would fit, but with some modifying, he'd fit just fine. And be able to push it a little further.

 

[shauner111]

Agreed. IMO, the cave was more of a call to action for Blake, then a literal transformation into the new Batman. Just like I feel the signal being repaired was more of a hint to Gordon that he did, indeed, survive, and that there will be a protector still by his side. In whatever shape or form that protector appears.

In my mind, Blake becomes a different character altogether, in the vein of Nightwing obviously, but not a strict adherence to that. I can also imagine him having some contact with Bruce in a very loose Batman Beyond type of way, where Bruce himself becomes the "Alfred/Lucius" to Blake's vigilante. From afar though, I don't see Wayne coming back to Gotham physically.

I think you nailed it.

I also don't see Bruce coming back to Gotham unless something went horribly wrong or Joker had returned. But not to fight in a suit, to be in that Alfred/Lucius position.

The signal is on the roof, like you said, to let Gordon know he (Bruce) made it. To let him know that symbol lives on. Whether some new person is there to protect the city or not..the Bat Signal could be there for Gordon to turn it on each night. Always in the sky to be seen by Gothams citizens, so they can always be inspired and be reminded of Batmans sacrifice and that night when every class of people were brought down to the same level. Even if the rich continue to step on them, it will hopefully sink into their heads as a reminder to perhaps not continue in their old habits. Gordon can also just keep it incase a new hero rises.

 

[tekken]

I honestly don't see him being Batman II - it just wouldn't feel right on so many levels. I would think this would be a good time to introduce Lady Shiva, and have her train Blake or something. To me, Blake will always be a surrogate for Tim Drake, so even though it's sort of stupid to go out and fight crime with his real name Robin, that's how I'll always interpret this version of the character. It makes sense to me though - because people know him as John Blake; there could be an emotional reason why he chose not to use his real name (Robin) because of what happened to his father or some sort of tragedy. Choosing to use the name again would be poetic and awesome! Just as Bruce Wayne's creation of Batman dealt with his past, so would Blake's right? It could come from his original name. Yeah whatever, just let me be. :P

Anyway, just in case you haven't seen this on other boards, I created this pic:

It's not meant to be a progression of mantles, although if you want it that way, that's fine too. It was more of "Choose your favorite, and run with it." I personally like the idea of him looking like Robin or Red Robin. Also, just because he looks the part, who's to say he has to call himself Robin? Selina Kyle was never mentioned as Catwoman - I think it could be the case with Blake's persona.

 

[ALP]

Blake does a bit of proper training and goes right into being Nightwing.

 

[gugumugats]

Based on my opinions and what I've read from previous posts, I'd say he'd develop a Nightwing type persona.

Like you guys said, his refusal to wear a mask can probably lead to a google/domino mask thing and the fact that "The Dark Knight Rises" follows his rising on the platform versus "The Batman Rises" means that he doesnt necessarily have to adopt the Batman persona.

Not that WB would continue Nolan's story but if they did, the story can focus Blake trying to live up to the Batman legacy and trying to prove himself to Gotham (and in a metafictional standpoint, proving himself to the audience).

As for villains, it would be cool to see a Joker pastiche (maybe Harley Quinn or the Riddler) come out to challenge Batman's replacement. I'd prefer Riddler given Blake's detective background.

 

[dmc]

Leave the trilogy and move on to the next incarnation. I agree with the call to see batman as the ultimate detective a la arkham asylum/city. However, i'd also like to see combat similar to the game as well. Yes keep some of the stealth aspects that were used in Nolan's movies but I also want to see batman moving with almost superhuman speed and really beating the crap outta several fools at once.

 

[tekken]

Oh come on guys, there HAS to be a reason why he chose not to use his real name. I think it has to do with a childhood tragedy. Having him revisit his original name, and create an identity out of it would be bad ass. I could see him pulling inspiration from his original name, using the bird and Robin Hood - to create a suit, but not have an actual name for it (much like how Selina wasn't ever called Catwoman). Seeing as Bruce created "Batman" from a childhood tragedy, I can see Blake doing the same with his original name "Robin." I mean everyone knows him as John anyway; I think it could work.

To me, Blake will always be a surrogate to Tim Drake, so I'm thinking Robin or Red Robin. Nightwing doesn't make sense to me because it has to come out of being Batman's sidekick first - that was the whole point of Nightwing (learning from Batman, then leaving to find his own identity). Changing that would be too inconsistent with the comics in my opinion.

And yeah I guess the most logical choice is for him to be the next Batman...but I really don't think that's what Bruce wanted. What would make Blake any different from the copycats if he just wore a legit Batman suit? There has to be more to Batman than "not wearing hockey pads." It meant standing up for corruption in your own ways, and for Blake it might be to take on a red and black outfit that resembles the bird Robin and Robin Hood. Am I the only one with this line of thinking? :P

 

[shauner111]

I honestly don't see him being Batman II - it just wouldn't feel right on so many levels. I would think this would be a good time to introduce Lady Shiva, and have her train Blake or something. To me, Blake will always be a surrogate for Tim Drake, so even though it's sort of stupid to go out and fight crime with his real name Robin, that's how I'll always interpret this version of the character. It makes sense to me though - because people know him as John Blake; there could be an emotional reason why he chose not to use his real name (Robin) because of what happened to his father or some sort of tragedy. Choosing to use the name again would be poetic and awesome! Just as Bruce Wayne's creation of Batman dealt with his past, so would Blake's right? It could come from his original name. Yeah whatever, just let me be. :P

Anyway, just in case you haven't seen this on other boards, I created this pic:

It's not meant to be a progression of mantles, although if you want it that way, that's fine too. It was more of "Choose your favorite, and run with it." I personally like the idea of him looking like Robin or Red Robin. Also, just because he looks the part, who's to say he has to call himself Robin? Selina Kyle was never mentioned as Catwoman - I think it could be the case with Blake's persona.

I would think he becomes Nightwing, but even though we probably won't see it, i dont think it would ever come to the character being called "Nightwing". So maybe you're right. It's just not marketable, the general audience has no idea who that is.

The name Robin, but with the Nightwing suit/mask/age/behavior sounds more probable.

Why can't he use Robin anyway? Because it's his real name? Come on! He's only known as John Blake...and it seems like he doesnt care about putting on a full mask or cowl. He just doesnt give a ****. He doesn't even have to go around leaving hints or calling himself Robin so the press can pick it up.

It could be as simple as Selina Kyle not being called Catwoman like you said. There's that subtle reference to her in the press as "The Cat". What if he has no alias? What if it's one little nod to the fans by calling him "Nightwing" in one of the newspapers. One of. They call him a few different nicknames and maybe Gotham and the police accept this man as the successor to Batman eventually and allow him to do what he does to fight crime (in non extreme ways).

His identity is revealed and because he was a good detective under the guidance of Gordon, is the successor to Batman (whom is now a legend), and was known to be one of the main contributors to helping the city during Bane's revolution. And don't forget his close ties with the orphanage. Im sure a continued story would include Blake helping out Wayne's school of orphaned children quite a bit.

These are all things that could leak out, letting the GCPD and Gothams population trust this man as their new hero. The Batman statue at City Hall may end up getting a friend right beside him eventually. Batman and Robin indeed.