Post by David on May 25, 2009 10:31:16 GMT -5
Hi, and welcome back to The DC2 Pull List!
Check back every Monday for member reviews of each week's new issues! We will also spotlight one title every week to critique and discuss, interview the writer and artist and celebrate the talent and effort that goes into creating the #1 DCU fan fiction/art site on the web!
A relentless villain came to Gotham City to match wits with the the Dark Knight Detective. This was no Arkham escapee, this was a world-class mastermind, a true adversary in every way, whose sole objective was to break the Bat. Even the Joker was manipulated to his ends. At the last, the Caped Crusader and his Adversary met face to face, and when it was over Gotham was safe, but the cowl was empty, the hero gone... And now a trusted protege carries on the legacy of Batman!
Sound familiar?
It should, but we did it first! Long before Batman R.I.P., the DC2's Batman and Detective Comics titles embarked upon an ambitious and long running adventure that saw Bruce Wayne fall in battle to his archenemy R'as al Ghul, and Dick Grayson step up to don the cowl. Along the way, Tim Drake became Robin, the Joker firebombed Gotham, Jason Todd returned and Two-Face fought ninjas. Batman has never been so unpredictable, nor so exciting! And now we enter a new era for the DC2's Batbooks, with Dick Grayson following in the footsteps of his guardian and mentor, and guest-writer Alex Vasquez shows us that to wear the cape and cowl, he needs to be better than a hero...
This week's Spotlight Title is Batman #36, and joining me are Jay McIntyre (writer Teen Titans, Titans: Resistance, Elseworlds Editor-in-Chief), Brian Burchette (writer New Outsiders, Green Arrow, Titans West), the husband and wife team of Mischief and Krystale Dragon (writer and artist of Shazam!) and representing the creative team for this issue is Alex Vasquez (writer Firestorm, artist Justice Society of America).
As always, beware of SPOILERS below!
(click on cover to go straight to the issue)
BRIAN: First I want to offer a congrats to the entire creative team on this issue. This was a terrific story to read. Great back story for Dick and strong character work here.
DAVID: Alex, where did this story come from? Have you always wanted to write Batman , or was this always a Dick Grayson story (I ask, because this story fills-in some holes we never knew where there in Dick's origin)...?
ALEX: Batman is a character I definitely love and have a deep affinity for. Given the chance, I would love to write more about him. But as much as I like Batman, I like the character of Robin even more and Robin(s) are my favorite characters in the DC universe. It so happens, that here in the DC2niverse, I get to kill two birds with one stone.
DAVID: Holy Avian Pun, Batwriter!
As someone who doesn't typically follow this title, I came to this issue concerned that I would be lost--- but this is a fairly straight-forward story, more about the character of Dick Grayson than the current continuity of Batman, and as such I very much enjoyed it! The writer doesn't get bogged down explaining how the former Robin and concurrent Nightwing is also Batman, or go into the interminable underworld wars of Gotham... We just get a very good Dick Grayson story.
But is this a good Batman story, that is the question!
ALEX: The Bat-books have so much going on and have such plans for the long-term, I would've given myself a migraine trying to fit a stand alone story in. So, in conceiving this story, I thought the best way and the easiest way to go about it was to make it sort of a character study of Dick Grayson, why did he take up this mantle and how he really feels about it, considering he's spent a lot of his life separating himself from this shadow and becoming his own man and hero and is still masquerading around as Nightwing. I felt that the answer lay in how he's overcome the various adveristy in his life (in DC2): His parent's murder, the incident with the Joker and Bruce's apparent death.
So to answer is this a good Batman story, I'm not going to say if it's good or not, that's up to the readers, but is this a Batman story? For the current DC2niverse, I would say yes, because Dick Grayson IS Batman right now and wanted Dick to realize it's now his mantle.
THE 'CHIEF: So the question that is put forth is, is this a good Batman story? I have felt that Batman Begins and Dark Knight were great movies because they focused in on the man behind the mask. Its not about the mask. Its not really about the villians. Its about the man. And with Dick Grayson being Batman now, you get to see that man too. You get to see the man that Dick is and how he handles the responsibility of Batman. And the glimpse of his past was an awesome move. More into his inner workings without trying to re-write what others have done.
ALEX: One of the beautiful things that the founders of this site did was establish a continuity before the zero issues that launched the site. It allows us to assume the basic elements of our major heroes and their history, but leaves things open enough to add some things to their history.
So, in regards to Dick Grayson's origin, I just assumed that between the time of his parents murder and the time he goes to live in Wayne Manor, he had to have been a ward of the state or some state sanctioned home, and that's where Sister Clarice and the orphanage came from.
It's no secret who we are is largely defined in childhood and particularly, how we react to trauma, whether it be a bully, not getting an x-box for Christmas or in Dick Grayson's case, the murder of his parents. Depicting how Dick reacts in those precious moments after his death is important. And that's where Sister Clarice comes in. She acts as a calming and soothing presence for Dick, offering him guidance and advice that serves the basis for his later life as a hero. Much like Bruce had Alfred and Leslie Thompkins to help mold him through a tough and impressionable time in his life.
Without her in that time between his parent's death and going to live with Bruce, (DC2) Dick's life probably end up vastly different. He could've easily said f*ck it, f*ck the world and end up being like (DCU) Jason Todd, where no matter how much training Batman/Bruce would give him, he would still be fundamentally flawed. Or he could've been like his incarnation in All-Star Batman and Robin. How Dick deals with the death of his parents there and what that Batman puts him through, is it hard to believe he ends up being a what he is in The Dark Knight Strikes Again?
BRIAN: Good question and of course I can see Alex's thoughts on it. It doesn't mater who wears the mask, it's the person underneath it that is Batman. Still, I have to admit that with Dick being in the cowl, I've found it harder and harder to believe in DC2's Batman. This is, however, my own personal issue. LOL!
DAVID: Brian, I'm not sure if I understand what you mean by this... Can you clarify what do you mean by "believe in"?
BRIAN: First and foremost, the talent that was been writing Batman and Nightwing and Teen Titans has been phenomenal and I do not want to take away from that.
I'm just having a hard time believing in what Batman represents now that Dick has taken over the cowl. This is not only in DC2 but in DC as well. The one great thing about the character of Batman/Bruce is the tortured nature of his soul. The drive that has always been at the root of his obsession. Dick doesn't have that, and it alters the entire concept of Batman, making him just another average crime fighter. Keep in mind, Nightwing is my second favorite character of all time, but the uniqueness of Batman is gone now.
Am I the only one that sees that? AGAIN this is not to take away from this excellent story that we've had the privilege to read.
JAY: Batman represents what he's always represented. It's not about what any of us readers think, per se, but rather what the people of DC2 Gotham think. Dick is Batman for Gotham's sake, not his own or ours. Having said that, I am looking forward to Bruce taking the cowl back. As I've said elsewhere, Dick-as-Batman doesn't bother me in and of itself. It's a question of when Dick takes over in relation to what happened to Bruce that I take issue with.
DAVID: I think I'm inclined to side with Brian on this: as much as I enjoyed this issue, and the overall direction the DC2 Batbooks are headed, Dick Grayson doesn't really have the pathos to be Batman (but then, no one else does, either), at least not the kind of Batman we all seem to like the most. Only Bruce Wayne can own that mantle.
If nothing else, this issue illustrates the critical need for a Batman (be he Dick or Bruce)!
ALEX: Dick taking up the mantle of Batman is a symbolic taking the next step in his heroic evolution, similar to when he became Robin and when he went from being Robin to Nightwing. So the question then becomes, what does that mean?
Dick knows that being Nightwing isn't enough and he knows that being Nightwing in a Batman suit isn't going to cut it. If it was, then anyone with a cape and cowl can be Batman and Dick's just wasting his time playing musical costumes. In Batman #30, when Dick is listening to Bruce's final message, are we to really believe he's just, in a nut shell, telling Dick to change his clothes?
BRIAN: Have you found it to be more of a challenge writing Batman as Dick than Bruce?
ALEX: No, not really, because I don't think Dick would change who he is and what he's comfortable doing because of a costume change. It's one of the reasons I still had him using escrima sticks in the story and forgetting to use his Batman voice.
DAVID: We can't talk about this issue without at least mentioning what may be controversial content, namely the use of religion. I think the writer stays just this side of making Dick practice a religion, but there does seem to be an implicit endorsement. I'm not sure how I feel about that but that, but the trappings have been used to great effect, especially given the gothic nature of the best Batman stories.
ALEX: The use of religion in this story and how it would come across with the reader was a major concern for me. I did make an assumption that Dick was raised in the church or at minimum with strong Christian morals (I would make the same assumption with Bruce at Dick's age). I didn't go into this to make a statement about Dick's spirituality or a proclamation on Dick's Religious affiliation. My goal was to show the iron-clad faith Sister Clarice has.
DAVID: I think an argument can be made that Dick's (and Bruce's) morals are based more strongly on laws and justice, as opposed to Christian belief. This may sound like a semantical difference, but it really isn't (some religious "moralists" believe horrible and ridiculous things); though maybe I'm projecting.
ALEX: Dave, I totally agree with you, but I just want to clarify what I said before. I was adressing the comment that I was endorsing a religion for Dick. Nor, am I trying to recast Dick's (or Bruce's by my comments) desire for justice to stem from Christian faith. As an atheist, I have no personal gratification to see Batman and Robin to be used to spread Christian propoganda.
However, given that I can into this to do a character study of Dick Grayson, given how he and his parents are portrayed in most incarnations, I don't think it's a stretch to think they went to church or raised him with Christian morals, and I think that could apply to Bruce Wayne as well. Of course, all of that is before their parents are murdered.
JAY: The religious themes didn't bother me. It's not like Dick got down on his knees and prayed that God would help him be Batman. And it is a good character study of Dick-as-Batman and as Dick Grayson. The flashbacks are particularly clever.
DAVID: Alex, I hear what you're saying, as Christian trappings are hardwired into the day-to-day business of Western life (especially in America), and Dick would have that exposure (now Bruce, on the other hand, intriguingly, perhaps not--- he did come fom educated society, his father being a doctor, after all).
JAY: I do have one problem with the story, though; the conclusion that Batman is "more than a hero" while Nightwing is only that. I dissagree. Batman is LESS than a hero. He's a symbol of vengance and, by design, falls short of the ideals of heroism. He's there to scare the baddies, not be heroic. The Nightwing personae is more heroic, and more inspiring. Which is part of Dick's character, and shows in his discomfort in wearing the Batman costume.
DAVID: I don't know about that, Jay. I'm not the biggest Batman fan by any stretch, but to say he isn't a hero demeans the sacrifice, committment and sheer effort Bruce Wayne puts into his mission. He may capitalize on his fear-inducing abilities, but isn't he more about bringing criminals to justice, rather than taking vengeance on them? After all, he's not Adrian Chase (or Frank Castle)...
JAY: A symbol of vengeance, David. A symbol. I say this as a fan of Batman, mind. I'm not taking anything away from who he is or what he does; I am merely pointing out that a hero is not the right description. Adrian Chase is a tragic figure, and Frank Castle? Outright villain. Well intentioned, sure, and thinking he's doing the right thing. The more complicated villains tend to.
And yes, there is a need for Batman. That is Dick's motivation...and his problem, as the story illustrates.
ALEX: I still don't see how that makes Batman less than a hero or not a hero at all. It's your opinion and your entitled to it. What constitutes a hero is something that is going to be different for everyone.
Being Batman means becoming transcendent, becoming a legend and stepping into that rareified air that is reserved for the upper echelon of heroes, like Kal-El and Diana. When we discuss the pantheon of heroes on the DC side, it starts with Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and everyone else. And for Dick to step into the cowl means he's going to have to step his game up and be better than what he was, just like he did when he became Robin and just like he did when he became Nightwing.
DAVID: One thing we can all agree on is that Batman is such an iconic figure that everyone has their own concept of him, a testament to the brilliance of the creation (and the creators, from Bob Kane to Frank Miller, and to our own House Of Mystery and Grant LaFleche)!
One of the hallmarks of a typical Batman story is the presence of one or more of his freakish adversaries, and yet, interestingly, there is none of that here . It's the street gangs, the frightened, intimidated child--- the insidious banality of evil. I'm not sure if this works with any other character: Superman has the Big Science Threat, Wonder Woman the mythological threat, Green Lantern the cosmic threat... but with Batman, we get a 13-year old with the capacity to wreak as much havoc for our hero as a Captain Cold or Ocean Master... Is this why we can enjoy (and perhaps relate?) to Batman more: because while none us us are going to tangle with someone like Metallo, it's possible we could meet up with the LoBoyz is a dark alley?
JAY: There's definitely a "true crime" aspect to the various Gotham stories that can be used to great effect. Such is certainly the case here.
BRIAN: I think that's a good point, David. I think it's also a testament to Alex's superb writing that this issue was able to keep us engrossed without the use of one of the many villains that haunt the streets of Gotham.
ALEX: I think true crime-like stories work with Batman because Batman technically doesn't have supervillians in the sameway he's not technically a superhero. Most of his antagonists are essentially human. Two-Face, Penguin and Black Mask aren't that different than some other fictional crime figures like Tony Soprano, Michael Corleone or Avon Barksdale.
THE 'CHIEF: Now onto the cover, because the cover us what sucks the reader into reading the issue. Steve Howard's work never disappoints me. The background is beautifully done. The colors set the mood just right. And its fitting for this story of the boy who becomes the man that is Dick Grayon. Awesome work, Steve.
DAVID: What I like most about Steven Howard's beautiful cover is that it appears to depict Robin leaping into action (from the top of the church?) and then a full-formed Batman, ready for whatever Gotham has to throw at him. This seems to mirror Dick's development within the story, and his conviction at the end of what he must become... This is a huge leap forward for Dick Grayson, character-wise (and one that we seem to have beat the DCU to, in light of the recently concluded hot mess, Battle for the Cowl).
So the question to one and all is: Dick Grayson is obviously ready to be Batman, but are we ready for Dick to be Batman? And wither goest Bruce Wayne?
ALEX: The cover just fell into my lap. Charlie [HoM, DC2 Bat-Editor] had it made for one of his upcoming stories and had forgotten that mine was slated to be posted at the same time. He ended up giving me the cover and I was kinda shocked how well it fit with my story.
Just a little nugget, the Robin in that picture was originally supposed to be Tim Drake.
BRIAN: Alex, would you like to tease us with any bad guys that may be coming down the pike, soon?
ALEX: I wish I could but I'm the wrong person to ask since I was only doing a fill-in. But having gotten a glimpse of what's to come, and given Charlie's the brain behind it, we are all going to be in for a wild ride.
And now for our reviews of this week's new issues:
(click on cover to go straight to the issue)
Written by House Of Mystery
Cover by Joe Jarin
Review by Ellen Fleischer
Okay, I admit it: I have not following Tec since we killed off Bruce Wayne. And that is my loss--because Charlie is doing a bang-up job. This oneshot features the return of the Scarecrow, and the current writer shows--in no uncertain terms--why this man is the king of fear. Mystery, horror, general all-around creepiness... it's all here in spades. And it leaves you guessing until the big reveal. Also, the scenes at Central are A-1. It's great to see Gordon doing what he does best, and I love the way he deals with a certain recalcitrant officer. Great moment with our favorite vigilante, too! This issue gets 5 stars from me. Stellar stuff!
(click the cover to go straight to the issue)
Written by: Susan Hillwig & Brian Burchette
Cover by: Gareth Williams
Review by: Cam
Another standalone issue that weaves a great deal of plot threads that is sure to lead to a big event! Brian is weaving a big story here, that's for sure, but what's been great is the fact that, even though the past few stories connect with each other, you can read any one of them by themselves and not get lost. (A great time for new readers to jump on). Guest writer Susan Hillwig's presence is also felt here, specifically around the character Vigilante, which is yet another reason to read this issue! So, if you're a fan of Arrow or the original Vigilante (and who isn't?) then give this issue a shot, as both characters are handled exceptionally well by their respective writers!
Story by Boris Mihajlovic
Written by Scott Morgan Cook
Cover by Rik
Review by David Charlton
The mini-series comes to a close with a final climactic battle in Earth-Two's future, and the tease of much more to come. Coming back from a far-future dominated by Computo, the Hourman android (curiously anomalous given the lack of an Hourman legacy on Earth-Two--- though an explanation may be hinted at by a surprise guest star at the end) enlists the aid of brothers David and Will Magnus in assembling an all-new--- and intriguing!--- incarnation of the Metal Men! The menace of Computo is dealt with here, along with unwitting foes in an unsuspecting Silver Agey Legion of Super Heroes (a spectacular cover by Rik gives us a glimpse of the showdown between Hourman's Metal Men and the LSH!), though not without cost to the android, an increasingly interesting and sympathetic protagonist. The mini ends tantalizing us with the promise of more to come, and allow me to be the first to call for an All-New Metal Men ongoing series!
(click the cover to go straight to the issue)
Written by: Brian Burchette
Cover by: Ramon Villalobos
Review by: Alex Vasquez
Brian Burchette has developed a reputation of being a creative and innovative story teller and this latest installment of Rogues Gallery Mr. Burchette lives up to that rep. All you need to do is look at the cover to see who this is about as it shows The Riddler's journey from his apparent death in "Justice League vs America" to possibly becoming something more powerful and terrifying. There are tons of twists and turns that keep drive forward a feeling that something sinister is lurking and pulling strings, which pays of at the end. Putting the Riddler in cahoots with a group I don't recall him ever being associated with cements Brian as one of our greatest risk-takers, and pulls it off in such a masterful way, that I can't wait for this to pick up in New Outsiders.
(click on cover to go straight to the issue)
Writer: Jay McIntyre
Artist: Jamie Rimmer
Reviewer : Susan Hillwig
For those unfamiliar with this book, the concept is simple: the DCU as we know it has suffered under the yoke of Markovian oppression for decades. Many of the heroes we know either do not exist or choose not to directly oppose the Markovian war machine. But then one young woman -- Tara Markov -- turns her back on her family and country in the hopes that she can stop the madness that she was born into. Her actions inspire others to rise up, until she finds herself the leader of a small army of heroes.
Welcome to the Resistance.
This is probably one of the most unique books on DC2, mainly due to this premise. Some of the characters are drastically altered from what we know (Supergirl is coldly distant compared to the cheery demeanor we usually see from her; Doctor Fate is an younger, Arion-type character named Deriven), but it serves to reinforce that this is not the universe we know. It also allows us to witness these characters doing things that would be nigh-unthinkable under other conditions. Make no mistake, this is a war these Titans are fighting, and as such they sometimes take no quarter.
The uniqueness, unfortunately, can also be detrimental to new readers. The latest issue is almost entirely one long battle scene (one which started last issue!), and therefore might be difficult for someone coming in fresh to get into. It is a multi-layered battle, to be sure, which is hallmark of Jay's writing (there are no straightforward scuffles in this title), and shows off just what these heroes can do (and what some of them have become willing to do as the war progresses), but a first-time reader will most likely feel a bit more removed from the battle's consequences than the book's regular fans will. I do not say this with the intent of turning off new readers. Rather, I suggest that anyone interested in checking out this book for the first time take a look at some of the previous issues as well, in order to build a more complete picture of this new world in your head. You will be rewarded with a story that has the distinction of being DC2's ONLY ongoing Elseworlds title.
Written by Don Walsh
Cover by Boris Mihajlovic
Review by Samantha Chapman
This issue is the middle part of yet another wild, twisting, wonderfuly-constructed ride from Don Walsh. The immense powers of the whole JSA put together are pitted against a very worthy villain, one gathering up the power to bend and reshape reality itself! With Johnny Thunder, Wonder Woman, the Flash, Green Lantern and Doctor Fate all seemingly beaten, how is this story going to end? We'll have to wait for next issue, but that's no reason not to love this one! As we all expect from Don, the story is winding and well-told, with every character getting a chance to shine brilliantly. The Back-Up, starring Hawkgirl and Wildcat, is just another place for glittering character and fun story, with another chilling and riveting cliffhanger just taunting the reader. Anyone who's missing out on All-Stars needs to check this title out; If you like rollicking, four-color adventure, a host of clear-defined characters and winding, twisting ribbons of story that always tie up in a neat bow at the end, you don't want to miss this title any longer!
Check back every Monday for member reviews of each week's new issues! We will also spotlight one title every week to critique and discuss, interview the writer and artist and celebrate the talent and effort that goes into creating the #1 DCU fan fiction/art site on the web!
A relentless villain came to Gotham City to match wits with the the Dark Knight Detective. This was no Arkham escapee, this was a world-class mastermind, a true adversary in every way, whose sole objective was to break the Bat. Even the Joker was manipulated to his ends. At the last, the Caped Crusader and his Adversary met face to face, and when it was over Gotham was safe, but the cowl was empty, the hero gone... And now a trusted protege carries on the legacy of Batman!
Sound familiar?
It should, but we did it first! Long before Batman R.I.P., the DC2's Batman and Detective Comics titles embarked upon an ambitious and long running adventure that saw Bruce Wayne fall in battle to his archenemy R'as al Ghul, and Dick Grayson step up to don the cowl. Along the way, Tim Drake became Robin, the Joker firebombed Gotham, Jason Todd returned and Two-Face fought ninjas. Batman has never been so unpredictable, nor so exciting! And now we enter a new era for the DC2's Batbooks, with Dick Grayson following in the footsteps of his guardian and mentor, and guest-writer Alex Vasquez shows us that to wear the cape and cowl, he needs to be better than a hero...
This week's Spotlight Title is Batman #36, and joining me are Jay McIntyre (writer Teen Titans, Titans: Resistance, Elseworlds Editor-in-Chief), Brian Burchette (writer New Outsiders, Green Arrow, Titans West), the husband and wife team of Mischief and Krystale Dragon (writer and artist of Shazam!) and representing the creative team for this issue is Alex Vasquez (writer Firestorm, artist Justice Society of America).
As always, beware of SPOILERS below!
(click on cover to go straight to the issue)
Written by Alex Vasquez
Cover by Steven Howard
Edited by House Of Mystery
Cover by Steven Howard
Edited by House Of Mystery
BRIAN: First I want to offer a congrats to the entire creative team on this issue. This was a terrific story to read. Great back story for Dick and strong character work here.
DAVID: Alex, where did this story come from? Have you always wanted to write Batman , or was this always a Dick Grayson story (I ask, because this story fills-in some holes we never knew where there in Dick's origin)...?
ALEX: Batman is a character I definitely love and have a deep affinity for. Given the chance, I would love to write more about him. But as much as I like Batman, I like the character of Robin even more and Robin(s) are my favorite characters in the DC universe. It so happens, that here in the DC2niverse, I get to kill two birds with one stone.
DAVID: Holy Avian Pun, Batwriter!
As someone who doesn't typically follow this title, I came to this issue concerned that I would be lost--- but this is a fairly straight-forward story, more about the character of Dick Grayson than the current continuity of Batman, and as such I very much enjoyed it! The writer doesn't get bogged down explaining how the former Robin and concurrent Nightwing is also Batman, or go into the interminable underworld wars of Gotham... We just get a very good Dick Grayson story.
But is this a good Batman story, that is the question!
ALEX: The Bat-books have so much going on and have such plans for the long-term, I would've given myself a migraine trying to fit a stand alone story in. So, in conceiving this story, I thought the best way and the easiest way to go about it was to make it sort of a character study of Dick Grayson, why did he take up this mantle and how he really feels about it, considering he's spent a lot of his life separating himself from this shadow and becoming his own man and hero and is still masquerading around as Nightwing. I felt that the answer lay in how he's overcome the various adveristy in his life (in DC2): His parent's murder, the incident with the Joker and Bruce's apparent death.
So to answer is this a good Batman story, I'm not going to say if it's good or not, that's up to the readers, but is this a Batman story? For the current DC2niverse, I would say yes, because Dick Grayson IS Batman right now and wanted Dick to realize it's now his mantle.
THE 'CHIEF: So the question that is put forth is, is this a good Batman story? I have felt that Batman Begins and Dark Knight were great movies because they focused in on the man behind the mask. Its not about the mask. Its not really about the villians. Its about the man. And with Dick Grayson being Batman now, you get to see that man too. You get to see the man that Dick is and how he handles the responsibility of Batman. And the glimpse of his past was an awesome move. More into his inner workings without trying to re-write what others have done.
ALEX: One of the beautiful things that the founders of this site did was establish a continuity before the zero issues that launched the site. It allows us to assume the basic elements of our major heroes and their history, but leaves things open enough to add some things to their history.
So, in regards to Dick Grayson's origin, I just assumed that between the time of his parents murder and the time he goes to live in Wayne Manor, he had to have been a ward of the state or some state sanctioned home, and that's where Sister Clarice and the orphanage came from.
It's no secret who we are is largely defined in childhood and particularly, how we react to trauma, whether it be a bully, not getting an x-box for Christmas or in Dick Grayson's case, the murder of his parents. Depicting how Dick reacts in those precious moments after his death is important. And that's where Sister Clarice comes in. She acts as a calming and soothing presence for Dick, offering him guidance and advice that serves the basis for his later life as a hero. Much like Bruce had Alfred and Leslie Thompkins to help mold him through a tough and impressionable time in his life.
Without her in that time between his parent's death and going to live with Bruce, (DC2) Dick's life probably end up vastly different. He could've easily said f*ck it, f*ck the world and end up being like (DCU) Jason Todd, where no matter how much training Batman/Bruce would give him, he would still be fundamentally flawed. Or he could've been like his incarnation in All-Star Batman and Robin. How Dick deals with the death of his parents there and what that Batman puts him through, is it hard to believe he ends up being a what he is in The Dark Knight Strikes Again?
BRIAN: Good question and of course I can see Alex's thoughts on it. It doesn't mater who wears the mask, it's the person underneath it that is Batman. Still, I have to admit that with Dick being in the cowl, I've found it harder and harder to believe in DC2's Batman. This is, however, my own personal issue. LOL!
DAVID: Brian, I'm not sure if I understand what you mean by this... Can you clarify what do you mean by "believe in"?
BRIAN: First and foremost, the talent that was been writing Batman and Nightwing and Teen Titans has been phenomenal and I do not want to take away from that.
I'm just having a hard time believing in what Batman represents now that Dick has taken over the cowl. This is not only in DC2 but in DC as well. The one great thing about the character of Batman/Bruce is the tortured nature of his soul. The drive that has always been at the root of his obsession. Dick doesn't have that, and it alters the entire concept of Batman, making him just another average crime fighter. Keep in mind, Nightwing is my second favorite character of all time, but the uniqueness of Batman is gone now.
Am I the only one that sees that? AGAIN this is not to take away from this excellent story that we've had the privilege to read.
JAY: Batman represents what he's always represented. It's not about what any of us readers think, per se, but rather what the people of DC2 Gotham think. Dick is Batman for Gotham's sake, not his own or ours. Having said that, I am looking forward to Bruce taking the cowl back. As I've said elsewhere, Dick-as-Batman doesn't bother me in and of itself. It's a question of when Dick takes over in relation to what happened to Bruce that I take issue with.
DAVID: I think I'm inclined to side with Brian on this: as much as I enjoyed this issue, and the overall direction the DC2 Batbooks are headed, Dick Grayson doesn't really have the pathos to be Batman (but then, no one else does, either), at least not the kind of Batman we all seem to like the most. Only Bruce Wayne can own that mantle.
If nothing else, this issue illustrates the critical need for a Batman (be he Dick or Bruce)!
ALEX: Dick taking up the mantle of Batman is a symbolic taking the next step in his heroic evolution, similar to when he became Robin and when he went from being Robin to Nightwing. So the question then becomes, what does that mean?
Dick knows that being Nightwing isn't enough and he knows that being Nightwing in a Batman suit isn't going to cut it. If it was, then anyone with a cape and cowl can be Batman and Dick's just wasting his time playing musical costumes. In Batman #30, when Dick is listening to Bruce's final message, are we to really believe he's just, in a nut shell, telling Dick to change his clothes?
BRIAN: Have you found it to be more of a challenge writing Batman as Dick than Bruce?
ALEX: No, not really, because I don't think Dick would change who he is and what he's comfortable doing because of a costume change. It's one of the reasons I still had him using escrima sticks in the story and forgetting to use his Batman voice.
DAVID: We can't talk about this issue without at least mentioning what may be controversial content, namely the use of religion. I think the writer stays just this side of making Dick practice a religion, but there does seem to be an implicit endorsement. I'm not sure how I feel about that but that, but the trappings have been used to great effect, especially given the gothic nature of the best Batman stories.
ALEX: The use of religion in this story and how it would come across with the reader was a major concern for me. I did make an assumption that Dick was raised in the church or at minimum with strong Christian morals (I would make the same assumption with Bruce at Dick's age). I didn't go into this to make a statement about Dick's spirituality or a proclamation on Dick's Religious affiliation. My goal was to show the iron-clad faith Sister Clarice has.
DAVID: I think an argument can be made that Dick's (and Bruce's) morals are based more strongly on laws and justice, as opposed to Christian belief. This may sound like a semantical difference, but it really isn't (some religious "moralists" believe horrible and ridiculous things); though maybe I'm projecting.
ALEX: Dave, I totally agree with you, but I just want to clarify what I said before. I was adressing the comment that I was endorsing a religion for Dick. Nor, am I trying to recast Dick's (or Bruce's by my comments) desire for justice to stem from Christian faith. As an atheist, I have no personal gratification to see Batman and Robin to be used to spread Christian propoganda.
However, given that I can into this to do a character study of Dick Grayson, given how he and his parents are portrayed in most incarnations, I don't think it's a stretch to think they went to church or raised him with Christian morals, and I think that could apply to Bruce Wayne as well. Of course, all of that is before their parents are murdered.
JAY: The religious themes didn't bother me. It's not like Dick got down on his knees and prayed that God would help him be Batman. And it is a good character study of Dick-as-Batman and as Dick Grayson. The flashbacks are particularly clever.
DAVID: Alex, I hear what you're saying, as Christian trappings are hardwired into the day-to-day business of Western life (especially in America), and Dick would have that exposure (now Bruce, on the other hand, intriguingly, perhaps not--- he did come fom educated society, his father being a doctor, after all).
JAY: I do have one problem with the story, though; the conclusion that Batman is "more than a hero" while Nightwing is only that. I dissagree. Batman is LESS than a hero. He's a symbol of vengance and, by design, falls short of the ideals of heroism. He's there to scare the baddies, not be heroic. The Nightwing personae is more heroic, and more inspiring. Which is part of Dick's character, and shows in his discomfort in wearing the Batman costume.
DAVID: I don't know about that, Jay. I'm not the biggest Batman fan by any stretch, but to say he isn't a hero demeans the sacrifice, committment and sheer effort Bruce Wayne puts into his mission. He may capitalize on his fear-inducing abilities, but isn't he more about bringing criminals to justice, rather than taking vengeance on them? After all, he's not Adrian Chase (or Frank Castle)...
JAY: A symbol of vengeance, David. A symbol. I say this as a fan of Batman, mind. I'm not taking anything away from who he is or what he does; I am merely pointing out that a hero is not the right description. Adrian Chase is a tragic figure, and Frank Castle? Outright villain. Well intentioned, sure, and thinking he's doing the right thing. The more complicated villains tend to.
And yes, there is a need for Batman. That is Dick's motivation...and his problem, as the story illustrates.
ALEX: I still don't see how that makes Batman less than a hero or not a hero at all. It's your opinion and your entitled to it. What constitutes a hero is something that is going to be different for everyone.
Being Batman means becoming transcendent, becoming a legend and stepping into that rareified air that is reserved for the upper echelon of heroes, like Kal-El and Diana. When we discuss the pantheon of heroes on the DC side, it starts with Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and everyone else. And for Dick to step into the cowl means he's going to have to step his game up and be better than what he was, just like he did when he became Robin and just like he did when he became Nightwing.
DAVID: One thing we can all agree on is that Batman is such an iconic figure that everyone has their own concept of him, a testament to the brilliance of the creation (and the creators, from Bob Kane to Frank Miller, and to our own House Of Mystery and Grant LaFleche)!
One of the hallmarks of a typical Batman story is the presence of one or more of his freakish adversaries, and yet, interestingly, there is none of that here . It's the street gangs, the frightened, intimidated child--- the insidious banality of evil. I'm not sure if this works with any other character: Superman has the Big Science Threat, Wonder Woman the mythological threat, Green Lantern the cosmic threat... but with Batman, we get a 13-year old with the capacity to wreak as much havoc for our hero as a Captain Cold or Ocean Master... Is this why we can enjoy (and perhaps relate?) to Batman more: because while none us us are going to tangle with someone like Metallo, it's possible we could meet up with the LoBoyz is a dark alley?
JAY: There's definitely a "true crime" aspect to the various Gotham stories that can be used to great effect. Such is certainly the case here.
BRIAN: I think that's a good point, David. I think it's also a testament to Alex's superb writing that this issue was able to keep us engrossed without the use of one of the many villains that haunt the streets of Gotham.
ALEX: I think true crime-like stories work with Batman because Batman technically doesn't have supervillians in the sameway he's not technically a superhero. Most of his antagonists are essentially human. Two-Face, Penguin and Black Mask aren't that different than some other fictional crime figures like Tony Soprano, Michael Corleone or Avon Barksdale.
THE 'CHIEF: Now onto the cover, because the cover us what sucks the reader into reading the issue. Steve Howard's work never disappoints me. The background is beautifully done. The colors set the mood just right. And its fitting for this story of the boy who becomes the man that is Dick Grayon. Awesome work, Steve.
DAVID: What I like most about Steven Howard's beautiful cover is that it appears to depict Robin leaping into action (from the top of the church?) and then a full-formed Batman, ready for whatever Gotham has to throw at him. This seems to mirror Dick's development within the story, and his conviction at the end of what he must become... This is a huge leap forward for Dick Grayson, character-wise (and one that we seem to have beat the DCU to, in light of the recently concluded hot mess, Battle for the Cowl).
So the question to one and all is: Dick Grayson is obviously ready to be Batman, but are we ready for Dick to be Batman? And wither goest Bruce Wayne?
ALEX: The cover just fell into my lap. Charlie [HoM, DC2 Bat-Editor] had it made for one of his upcoming stories and had forgotten that mine was slated to be posted at the same time. He ended up giving me the cover and I was kinda shocked how well it fit with my story.
Just a little nugget, the Robin in that picture was originally supposed to be Tim Drake.
BRIAN: Alex, would you like to tease us with any bad guys that may be coming down the pike, soon?
ALEX: I wish I could but I'm the wrong person to ask since I was only doing a fill-in. But having gotten a glimpse of what's to come, and given Charlie's the brain behind it, we are all going to be in for a wild ride.
And now for our reviews of this week's new issues:
(click on cover to go straight to the issue)
Written by House Of Mystery
Cover by Joe Jarin
Review by Ellen Fleischer
Okay, I admit it: I have not following Tec since we killed off Bruce Wayne. And that is my loss--because Charlie is doing a bang-up job. This oneshot features the return of the Scarecrow, and the current writer shows--in no uncertain terms--why this man is the king of fear. Mystery, horror, general all-around creepiness... it's all here in spades. And it leaves you guessing until the big reveal. Also, the scenes at Central are A-1. It's great to see Gordon doing what he does best, and I love the way he deals with a certain recalcitrant officer. Great moment with our favorite vigilante, too! This issue gets 5 stars from me. Stellar stuff!
(click the cover to go straight to the issue)
Written by: Susan Hillwig & Brian Burchette
Cover by: Gareth Williams
Review by: Cam
Another standalone issue that weaves a great deal of plot threads that is sure to lead to a big event! Brian is weaving a big story here, that's for sure, but what's been great is the fact that, even though the past few stories connect with each other, you can read any one of them by themselves and not get lost. (A great time for new readers to jump on). Guest writer Susan Hillwig's presence is also felt here, specifically around the character Vigilante, which is yet another reason to read this issue! So, if you're a fan of Arrow or the original Vigilante (and who isn't?) then give this issue a shot, as both characters are handled exceptionally well by their respective writers!
Story by Boris Mihajlovic
Written by Scott Morgan Cook
Cover by Rik
Review by David Charlton
The mini-series comes to a close with a final climactic battle in Earth-Two's future, and the tease of much more to come. Coming back from a far-future dominated by Computo, the Hourman android (curiously anomalous given the lack of an Hourman legacy on Earth-Two--- though an explanation may be hinted at by a surprise guest star at the end) enlists the aid of brothers David and Will Magnus in assembling an all-new--- and intriguing!--- incarnation of the Metal Men! The menace of Computo is dealt with here, along with unwitting foes in an unsuspecting Silver Agey Legion of Super Heroes (a spectacular cover by Rik gives us a glimpse of the showdown between Hourman's Metal Men and the LSH!), though not without cost to the android, an increasingly interesting and sympathetic protagonist. The mini ends tantalizing us with the promise of more to come, and allow me to be the first to call for an All-New Metal Men ongoing series!
(click the cover to go straight to the issue)
Written by: Brian Burchette
Cover by: Ramon Villalobos
Review by: Alex Vasquez
Brian Burchette has developed a reputation of being a creative and innovative story teller and this latest installment of Rogues Gallery Mr. Burchette lives up to that rep. All you need to do is look at the cover to see who this is about as it shows The Riddler's journey from his apparent death in "Justice League vs America" to possibly becoming something more powerful and terrifying. There are tons of twists and turns that keep drive forward a feeling that something sinister is lurking and pulling strings, which pays of at the end. Putting the Riddler in cahoots with a group I don't recall him ever being associated with cements Brian as one of our greatest risk-takers, and pulls it off in such a masterful way, that I can't wait for this to pick up in New Outsiders.
(click on cover to go straight to the issue)
Writer: Jay McIntyre
Artist: Jamie Rimmer
Reviewer : Susan Hillwig
For those unfamiliar with this book, the concept is simple: the DCU as we know it has suffered under the yoke of Markovian oppression for decades. Many of the heroes we know either do not exist or choose not to directly oppose the Markovian war machine. But then one young woman -- Tara Markov -- turns her back on her family and country in the hopes that she can stop the madness that she was born into. Her actions inspire others to rise up, until she finds herself the leader of a small army of heroes.
Welcome to the Resistance.
This is probably one of the most unique books on DC2, mainly due to this premise. Some of the characters are drastically altered from what we know (Supergirl is coldly distant compared to the cheery demeanor we usually see from her; Doctor Fate is an younger, Arion-type character named Deriven), but it serves to reinforce that this is not the universe we know. It also allows us to witness these characters doing things that would be nigh-unthinkable under other conditions. Make no mistake, this is a war these Titans are fighting, and as such they sometimes take no quarter.
The uniqueness, unfortunately, can also be detrimental to new readers. The latest issue is almost entirely one long battle scene (one which started last issue!), and therefore might be difficult for someone coming in fresh to get into. It is a multi-layered battle, to be sure, which is hallmark of Jay's writing (there are no straightforward scuffles in this title), and shows off just what these heroes can do (and what some of them have become willing to do as the war progresses), but a first-time reader will most likely feel a bit more removed from the battle's consequences than the book's regular fans will. I do not say this with the intent of turning off new readers. Rather, I suggest that anyone interested in checking out this book for the first time take a look at some of the previous issues as well, in order to build a more complete picture of this new world in your head. You will be rewarded with a story that has the distinction of being DC2's ONLY ongoing Elseworlds title.
Written by Don Walsh
Cover by Boris Mihajlovic
Review by Samantha Chapman
This issue is the middle part of yet another wild, twisting, wonderfuly-constructed ride from Don Walsh. The immense powers of the whole JSA put together are pitted against a very worthy villain, one gathering up the power to bend and reshape reality itself! With Johnny Thunder, Wonder Woman, the Flash, Green Lantern and Doctor Fate all seemingly beaten, how is this story going to end? We'll have to wait for next issue, but that's no reason not to love this one! As we all expect from Don, the story is winding and well-told, with every character getting a chance to shine brilliantly. The Back-Up, starring Hawkgirl and Wildcat, is just another place for glittering character and fun story, with another chilling and riveting cliffhanger just taunting the reader. Anyone who's missing out on All-Stars needs to check this title out; If you like rollicking, four-color adventure, a host of clear-defined characters and winding, twisting ribbons of story that always tie up in a neat bow at the end, you don't want to miss this title any longer!
JOIN US NEXT WEEK HERE AT THE PULL LIST WHEN THE SPOTLIGHT TITLE WILL BE...
DANGER TRAIL #13
DANGER TRAIL #13