The Comic: A rare example of a comic boasting a supervillain but no superhero, Millar wrote Nemesis with the jumping-off question of, “what if Batman was the Joker?” A foul-mouthed terrorist, hell-bent on revenge against the cop who caused his father’s suicide, Nemesis prides himself on being a total shit, as demonstrated when he pinches the donor organ earmarked for a dying child. Bastard.

The Movie Version: Dark Knight fans might cock an eyebrow at the startling similarities between Nemesis and Heath Ledger’s Joker, but that aside, it would make for a deliciously dark revenge drama. So much so that Fox have optioned it, with Tony Scott in the frame to direct. Looks like this one is actually happening!

Dream Director: Scott is definitely up to handling the action, although he’s a bit too crash-bang-wallop for our taste. Chris Nolan would just be covering old ground, so we’ll go for David Fincher. This one should be jet-black, not neon-pink and Fincher knows his way around the shadows.

Dream Cast: Millar has been quoted as saying he wrote Nemesis with Johnny Depp in mind, although in our opinion he’s a little too wacky to be truly menacing. Michael C. Hall would be a better (and cheaper) bet, with the Dexter star doing a nice line in unhinged killers. As for stoical supercop Blake Morrow, Josh Brolin and his ever-so-square jaw will do nicely.