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Post by starlord on Jul 16, 2008 0:39:28 GMT -5
Well folks, this was it. There was a lot I wanted to say as a farewell to the Batverse, but most of it I've already said at one point or another.
I have been extremely blessed to have been given such an honor of writing one of the most intriguing and truly complex characters in comic history. Add to that the fact that I was allowed to introduce Penguin, Two-Face, Black Mask, and Robin, was a gift fit for a king.
Although I have some people I would like to thank, the first four people that always come to my mind are David, Brandon, Scott and Charlie. None of the opportunities that I've been given would have happened if not for their extraordinary vision. And by opportunities, I do not just mean the chance to write some great fictional icons, but to meet some genuinely wonderful people, and to call many of them, friend. So you four, I always thank first.
I would also like to thank every artist that has done a cover for this title. Every one of you brought your own unique and beautiful style, and enriched the stories and our enjoyment of them. I bow to your talents.
To Ellen, Charlie, and Mark. Thank you for your continual help, thoughts, and guidance. Creative genius's are you all and I'm proud to call you collaborators. To Grant (who I dedicated the title to), a huge thank you for letting me be a part of his work. The Ra's Ah Guhl arc will always be one of my all time favorites on this site, and to play a small part in it was a real honor. You are a master craftsman Sir, and it has been a privilege to work and plot with you. To every Editor I've had, I can't thank you enough! I'm an atrocious speller and word smith and you made me look so much better than I am. This really goes double for Samantha, who went above and beyond the call of duty.
And I would be remiss if I didn't give a tremendous shout out to my original partners in crime, John Elbe & Chris Paugh. Working with them was a wonderful experience. Those men know there stuff, are awesome writers, and have more energy and idea's in their little pinkies than I could ever imagine. There was never an issue that, when I finished, I didn't wish they had had some input in. I missed their involvement very much.
But the biggest thank you goes to everyone that took the time to read the issues. If you responded or didn't, the fact that you stopped what you were doing to take a peek, means more than I could say. And I hope, as I hang up my own cowl and depart from Gotham, that I was able to entertain you. Because as much fun as writing is, the cherry on top comes when I know that others have enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.
I've rambled enough. Thank you all one last time and make sure you come back next month, because Legendary Founder, House Of Mystery will be taking over the reigns, and I know this guy well enough to say that he's going to blow everything that has come before him right out of the water. And I for one can't wait!
Peace,
Brian Burchette
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Post by HoM on Jul 16, 2008 7:05:42 GMT -5
Loved this issue. And I hated it. Because I have to follow it, and that's just crap man, that's just pure and utter crap. I loved every moment of this entire story, and it just flowed so wonderfully. Alfred breaking down was so sad ("...My boy..."  ) and you could feel the emotion dripping off the screen. Loved Barbara's appearance in Gotham, and I hope to see a lot more of her in this book in the near future. Well. I say hope, I should probably say something else, considering I'm writing it  Loved the voice in the back of Tim's head as he was in the apartment, Bruce still helping him from beyond the grave as it were, and Selina's appearance was spot on. I like seeing her pop her head up in the Bat books, as she brings a certain... Flair to the story. Loved the appearance of Batwoman through the window, and Tim's reaction to "him" before realising the truth. Shame that, getting his hopes up and all. Seems like Tim and Babs are going to get on well after all, doesn't it? And that appearance by the actor who played the Gray Ghost? Nice touch. Really nostalgic piece of lovely there. And Brian, thanks for the kind words. I don't deserve them at all, and I hope you know that it was your writing of Detective Comics that made me want to write Batman again. Every time you showed a new nuance to the character, delved into Batman's psyche, introduced a new villain, or merely had Alfred speak made me fall in love with the characters all over again. By the way, "Helpless" still stands as one of my all time favourite issues on the site. Thank you for that, Brian. |
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impulseallen
Staff 
Much More Than The Guy Runs Fast and the Guy Who Talks to Fish!
Posts: 561
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Post by impulseallen on Jul 16, 2008 9:37:46 GMT -5
Firstly, very good issue. Loved the whole Adam West Batman moment of going up the building and a guy(West himself?) popping his head out and talking to him. Great moment. Very sad when Barbara realized what really happened to Bruce while facing Catwoman. And Tim's first night, as Robin...lol he's got some more training to do.
Your run was awesome Brian and you should be commended for that fine work. And now I can't wait for what happens next(I'm actually starting to get worried the Bats is REALLY dead.)
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Post by arcalian on Jul 16, 2008 23:22:03 GMT -5
Well Tim, you could have run into a much worse person than Selina your first night out (remembering one of Tim's meetings with Selina in "official" DC). I confess I didn't expect Tim's first night out to be anything like this, but certainly Dick and Babs' response is more reasonable and patient than Dick's would have been. The Adam West and 90s animated series nods were well done. Alfred and Babs of course showed themselves well, and Dick wearing the NW costume in the Manor was a sign of his fatigue. And of course thanks for the Titans reference. Others have commented on the reference to Bruce's lesson, but it's the lesson itself that surprises me, I never thought of that myself. And it's not as though you've gone far. Not far at all.  |
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Susan Hillwig
Staff
I'm not crazy, my mother had me tested.
Posts: 1,612
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Post by Susan Hillwig on Jul 18, 2008 1:22:30 GMT -5
Brian -
I remember a couple months back when we talked at the con, you said that you'd be departing 'Tec after you introduced Robin...but I didn't realize you meant the very same issue! What a way to go out, though. Charlie's right, your stuff will be hard to follow up.
Wonderful story from beginning to end (And that cover! Jina B. channels Scott McDaniel!). Touching and poignant in some parts, dramatic and action-packed in others, it balanced nicely all around. This is why I love reading your stuff!
Like everyone else, I enjoyed the bit with Robin and the "special guest star". Funny thing was, as Tim started climbing the building, I was actually picturing it in that cheesy '60s "turn the camera sideways" style, then you go and have somebody pop out of the window -- for about 2 seconds, I imagined it as Sammy Davis Jr. -- and once again do a nod towards one of the goofier elements of Bat-history without belittling the franchise on a whole. You're too good at that, and I might miss that element more than anything else now that you're leaving.
Ah well, we'll always have Vegas, right?
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Post by starlord on Jul 18, 2008 3:32:39 GMT -5
Loved this issue. And I hated it. Because I have to follow it, and that's just crap man, that's just pure and utter crap. I loved every moment of this entire story, and it just flowed so wonderfully. Thank you Charlie and I know you're going to do an awesome job. I am very much looking forward to your work here. I did feel that Alfred really needed that scene, and when thinking about it, having Barbara as the support seemed like the logical choice. As for Barbara... doesn't she live in Vegas and run her own team?   I loves me Catwoman as well. I wish I had more time to play with her. Who knows, maybe she needs to spend a bit more time in Las Vegas. ;D Yeah, Tim did get his hopes up, didn't he? I hope it seemed like a natural reaction. I mean if you've seen one horned cowl... Well of course! Who doesn't love Babs. To begin with, she isn't orange. Glad you liked that, but as for the appearance itself, you should compliment Sam on that one. I had forgotten about the Gray Ghost and had made a remark about the Mayor of a certain New England town. Thank goodness Sam is the Editor. Thank you for those kind words, Charlie, they do mean a lot. And the funny thing is, I feel that same way with every writer on here. There hasn't been one that hasn't shown me something I had never thought of doing, or inspired me in a certain way... and you, Sir, are one that does it very, very often. And thank you. "Helpless" is really one of two stories on here that I had a real emotional connection to, so I'm glad it still resonates with you. A year later, I know it still does for me. Thank you again Charlie, OH, and here's the keys to the Batmobile... NO JOYRIDING! |
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Post by starlord on Jul 18, 2008 3:36:53 GMT -5
Firstly, very good issue. Loved the whole Adam West Batman moment of going up the building and a guy(West himself?) popping his head out and talking to him. Great moment. Very sad when Barbara realized what really happened to Bruce while facing Catwoman. And Tim's first night, as Robin...lol he's got some more training to do. I'm glad you picked up on how Barbara really discovered the story. There was a reason I wrote it that way which will play out over in NO. And yes, Tim needs a LOT more training, doesn't he! I thank you for the kind words. Detective Comics has been fun to write. I'm looking forward to what happens next as well. And of course Bats is dead. Geesh, you'd think we were writing about comic book characters or something.  |
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Post by starlord on Jul 18, 2008 3:43:38 GMT -5
Well Tim, you could have run into a much worse person than Selina your first night out (remembering one of Tim's meetings with Selina in "official" DC). Originally I had a scene written where he dropped into a warehouse to find Joker there, who shoots him in the spine and paralizes him, but I was told it had been done before. Bummer! I'm guessing you meant Bruce in that last part of the sentence, and you would be correct. It helps that Dick is a little closer to Tim's age, or at least remembers what it was like to be that age. Yeah, Dick is really tired! Glad you liked the Adam West/Grey Ghost nod as well. Mark, we need to give Samantha a BIG raise. I hope the lesson came across okay. And no, I'm not going far, really. I'll be on the west coast of this universe. Las Vegas and Star City, to be exact. Oh... and San Francisco eventually... |
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Post by starlord on Jul 18, 2008 3:51:24 GMT -5
Brian - I remember a couple months back when we talked at the con, you said that you'd be departing 'Tec after you introduced Robin...but I didn't realize you meant the very same issue! What a way to go out, though. Charlie's right, your stuff will be hard to follow up. Yeah, it really was time, but I thank everyone involved for allowing me to be the one to put him in the costume for the first time. I meant a lot. And thank you for the kind words. I'm sure Charlie is going to do great though. He's twenty years younger than me, so I know he won't tire as easily. LOL! You make me blush. I'm gland it seemed balanced because I didn't feel very balanced when I was finishing it up. As for Jina's cover... FANTASTIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I thank her so much. She did an incredibly beautiful job at a moments notice. I apologize to her for that lateness of getting back with her and stand in awe of the beautiful work. I really had wanted to do that from the moment Chris and I got the spot writing Tec, but never could figure out where to put the scene in at. I'm glad I had one more chance to do it. LOL! Oh yeah! And remember... what happens in Vegas... Thank you Susan for reading every issue and giving me your honest and insightful feedback. I have appreciated every critique and always look forward to them.  |
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Post by chris on Jul 18, 2008 13:56:55 GMT -5
And I would be remiss if I didn't give a tremendous shout out to my original partners in crime, John Elbe & Chris Paugh. Working with them was a wonderful experience. Those men know there stuff, are awesome writers, and have more energy and idea's in their little pinkies than I could ever imagine. There was never an issue that, when I finished, I didn't wish they had had some input in. I missed their involvement very much.
Hey thanks Brian! That means a lot. I am sorry I wasn't able to stay on for all of this. But like the commercial says "life happens" and I am here to say that allstate most certainly does not cover most of it. Anyways, it couldn't have been left in more capable hands . It seems so long ago when we had the Bat workshop going double time. It was definetly one of my favorite times on the site. Brian there's just not enough good things to say about you as a person and a pal. You sir are a class act through and through! But about the story... WOW! I just finally got all caught up to date in the last few days and I loved it, all of it. Going all the way back it has been a really fun run for both titles. The rise of Jim Gordon, the fall of the crime families, Two-Face, all of it has been fantastic. Props to you and Grant and everyone else who has been involved in one way or another. |
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Post by walnutcookie on Jul 18, 2008 14:38:00 GMT -5
Hey --
It's been such a pleasure reading your run on this title. I think you did a spectacular job introducing Tim and building him up to Robin (even if he isn't exactly kick-butt perfect yet). You wrapped up this final piece with finesse and did a wonderful job exploring what it means to those closest to Bruce that he's dead.
I am sorry to see you go here but hope to see you around and writing some other titles. I also look forward to seeing this story continue -- you've set out a great foundation.
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Post by thundever on Jul 19, 2008 11:33:59 GMT -5
Great issue, with all three of them together with Alfred who can finally collapse, poor Dick if he does not get some rest and help soon he will break down particularly as he is both Batman and Nightwing. Poor Tim trying to help but making the others come and find him to get him out of the mess he was trying to sort out.
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Post by dcbird on Jul 21, 2008 7:28:45 GMT -5
What a great issue! It really grabbed me. Lots of emotional moments, both good and sad. But the characters all felt right on target, all the reactions were great. And terrific reading Batwoman back in Gotham. Hope she'll get to spend more time there, and that Dick gets that nap . . .
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Post by goldk on Jul 21, 2008 14:07:57 GMT -5
Outstanding job as usual. I hope it's just me being a dirty old man, did I catch a dirty old man vibe from alfred with babs? Probably just me.....
Sorry to see you go, but I know you're on to other things!
Always keep 'em wanting more!
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Post by chris on Jul 22, 2008 15:24:55 GMT -5
I like to hope when you reach a certain age you have earned the right to be a dirty old man.
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Post by starlord on Jul 22, 2008 19:13:58 GMT -5
Hey thanks Brian! That means a lot. I am sorry I wasn't able to stay on for all of this. But like the commercial says "life happens" and I am here to say that allstate most certainly does not cover most of it. Anyways, it couldn't have been left in more capable hands . It seems so long ago when we had the Bat workshop going double time. It was definetly one of my favorite times on the site. Brian there's just not enough good things to say about you as a person and a pal. You sir are a class act through and through! But about the story... WOW! I just finally got all caught up to date in the last few days and I loved it, all of it. Going all the way back it has been a really fun run for both titles. The rise of Jim Gordon, the fall of the crime families, Two-Face, all of it has been fantastic. Props to you and Grant and everyone else who has been involved in one way or another. Thanks Chris! I'm glad you were able to catch up with everything. Both Batman titles wouldn't be where they are now if not for your help and input. That, I know is true! And thank you for the very kind words. |
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Post by starlord on Jul 22, 2008 19:16:23 GMT -5
Hey -- It's been such a pleasure reading your run on this title. I think you did a spectacular job introducing Tim and building him up to Robin (even if he isn't exactly kick-butt perfect yet). You wrapped up this final piece with finesse and did a wonderful job exploring what it means to those closest to Bruce that he's dead. I am sorry to see you go here but hope to see you around and writing some other titles. I also look forward to seeing this story continue -- you've set out a great foundation. Thank you for everything! You've been a wonderful help with all of this as well. You're covers are just brilliant! I'm still on Green Arrow and New Outsiders and I've got a couple of mini's in the work; so I'm not going very far. |
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Post by starlord on Jul 22, 2008 19:18:19 GMT -5
Great issue, with all three of them together with Alfred who can finally collapse, poor Dick if he does not get some rest and help soon he will break down particularly as he is both Batman and Nightwing. Poor Tim trying to help but making the others come and find him to get him out of the mess he was trying to sort out. Let's hope Dick does get some rest soon, but having seen what's going to happen in the future for our young hero... it doesn't look good. As for Tim, well, everyone has to start somewhere. Thanks for reading. Make sure you come back next month for a new writer and brand new stories! |
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Post by starlord on Jul 22, 2008 19:19:20 GMT -5
What a great issue! It really grabbed me. Lots of emotional moments, both good and sad. But the characters all felt right on target, all the reactions were great. And terrific reading Batwoman back in Gotham. Hope she'll get to spend more time there, and that Dick gets that nap . . . Thank you very much. I have a feeling Batwoman may be seen a bit more in Gotham for a little while. A little House told me. |
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Post by starlord on Jul 22, 2008 19:20:33 GMT -5
Outstanding job as usual. I hope it's just me being a dirty old man, did I catch a dirty old man vibe from alfred with babs? Probably just me..... Sorry to see you go, but I know you're on to other things! Always keep 'em wanting more! Thanks Roy! I'll just be happy if I can keep them. And I'm not going to respond to that dirty old man remark since I think Chris did it much better than I ever could. ;D |
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Post by starlord on Jul 22, 2008 19:21:09 GMT -5
I like to hope when you reach a certain age you have earned the right to be a dirty old man. I'd like to think Chris speaketh the truth. |
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Post by lissilambe on Jul 26, 2008 12:20:31 GMT -5
Very good issue, solid five stars of entertainment. Starting with a great cover of the star of this little tale, great work Jina. Then the story itself. I loved the interaction with Alfred and Barbara. Brought me back to the Sixties Batman and the way Alfred was confidante to all. Great stuff going on with those scenes, tender and sweet and caring. Tim's emotions and behavior is wonderfully balanced here, making him a fascinating character rather than the brat he could have been in lesser hands. Solid work, and I love how brilliant he is. This is definitely Tim. Dick and Barbara. ::sigh:: I'm a happy man. I'm a Dick and Babs booster all the way, and seeing our bats in action together again makes me very happy. And the exchange with Selina and Barbara was great, giving a peek under Catwoman's goggles. Great issue. Congrats on a job well done, Brian, and I'll be following you wherever you go. take care Don |
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Post by starlord on Jul 27, 2008 0:05:32 GMT -5
Very good issue, solid five stars of entertainment. Starting with a great cover of the star of this little tale, great work Jina. The cover was brilliant, wasn't it! ;D Thanks, Don. The scene with Alfred and Babs was my favorite to write in this issue. Everyone has their own take on the dynamics of the different relationships in the Bat Family, but I've always thought Babs and Alfred's was a little easier to convey since Alfred would be able to let down his guard just a bit with her. Wow, thanks Don!! I really did work hard to give Tim his own voice. It's been over five years since I was a teenager, but thanks to my 16 year old and 13 year old daughters, I'm reminded. So am I! Dick and Babs forever (sorry JayM). I'm also a huge fan of Catwoman, and I'm glad the scene worked for you.  So that was you that whistled at me when I was going into the grocery story today!!! Thank you Don. Thanks for reading and giving me your insiteful and honest opinions and thoughts. They are always welcome and always appreciated. |
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) and you could feel the emotion dripping off the screen. Loved Barbara's appearance in Gotham, and I hope to see a lot more of her in this book in the near future. Well. I say hope, I should probably say something else, considering I'm writing it 
Loved the voice in the back of Tim's head as he was in the apartment, Bruce still helping him from beyond the grave as it were, and Selina's appearance was spot on. I like seeing her pop her head up in the Bat books, as she brings a certain... Flair to the story. Loved the appearance of Batwoman through the window, and Tim's reaction to "him" before realising the truth. Shame that, getting his hopes up and all. 
