I've found an addition to my imaginary shelf of Awesome Retro Comics Projects That Never Were, right next to a Nick Fury and the Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. series set in the swingin' '60s of the Marvel Universe (they're cataloged by decade): Batman 1972, by Francesco Francavilla.

Better known for his more pulpish work, Francavilla proves himself equally suited for capturing the feel of an early-'70s crime movie, with his take on a Dark Knight a smokes and wears a turtleneck and leather jacket, a James Gordon sporting a handlebar mustache and a Catwoman rocking a 'fro.

"Yes, you are witnessing the first case of BATPLOITATION," Francavilla writes. "Hope ya dig it."

You can see The Riddler, as well as other takes on Batman and Catwoman, on his blog. I'm hoping we get a look at teenage Dick Grayson and Barbara Gordon soon.