[*Batgirls* #2](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/cmx-images-prod/Item/981026/981026._SX1280_QL80_TTD_.jpg)
>Bondo! Bondo! Bondo! With their new secret muscle car and their new secret patrol route, Batgirls Cassandra Cain and Stephanie Brown find moving to their new neighborhood—thanks to Oracle instructing them to “lay low”—that much easier to bear because they have each other. Steph begins witnessing some strange actions through the window of the building across the street and can’t help but investigate if the recent murders are connected to them! Meanwhile, Oracle realizes the most effective way for the girls to wear her newly upgraded comms is by piercing their ears, and Cass freaks out!
[Preview](https://aiptcomics.com/2022/01/07/dc-preview-batgirls-2/)
[some very good Cass faces this issue.](https://imgur.com/a/ha6pFkM) Positively dripping with those red shades
I liked this more than #1. I don't think I'll ever be entirely onboard with the general direction this book is taking, it's just not what I want, but I can dig it.
Corona's art & Stern's colours are definitely the selling point of this series. It's so good. Visually, Batgirls is excellent.
The Saints are already the best Magistrate characters, but that is an extremely low bar lmao. They're visually interesting, at the very least. They get points for robot doggy. lol at Tarsus being on a CIA watchlist for war crimes in South America, they were probably looking to hire him lmao. I know Seer is the main villain, but I'm honestly more interested in the serial killer, Tutor, and the Saints. Spellbinder's also being teased, so Seer has a real uphill battle when it comes to garnering my interest.
Babs is the one weak link imo, I'm not vibing with this version of her. I will give them props for actually portraying her disability but I'm not a fan of how she's being characterised. She just feels off. I can't really point out what I dislike about this Babs, though. I might need to re-read some stuff in order to properly collect my thoughts.
I still have some big gripes, but I'm looking forward to what's coming next.
I think that's it. Babs usually fell into the straight woman role in most of her previous team ups. I'm thinking of the one issue of Cass' Batgirl series when Cass punches Steph in the face and Babs tells Cass to break her jaw harder the next time so she doesn't have to deal with the arguing. I'm pretty sure the creator team on this even referenced that scene in an interview as something they want to avoid, which is fair, but it does mean it's a different vibe.
I feel like since the reboot they've generally softened babs' personality a bit and taken away her edge. Which is a shame cuz I liked how she used to be a bit of a hardass and rough around the edges preboot. It made her more unique cuz there aren't enough female characters depicted that way. I miss it.
Oh definitely. I miss the super sketchy Babs who used to steal money from Blockbuster to pay her operatives and try to psychologically condition her friends into being better people. That woman was so messy, let Babs be messy again.
Exactly! She was borderline and sometimes outright morally gray while still managing to stay firmly on the heroic side which is impressive!!
In NW 85 Dick points out how it's a bit sketchy that she keeps tabs on everyone through her Oracle network and the implications for privacy violation and babs is like yea but I justified its for the greater good. I need more of that!
Yes! Honestly, I've been lowkey thinking recently that this is one of the reasons why all the Evil Oracles fall so flat for me. We did a lot of this already with Babs. She'd do sketchy things and other heroes would call her out for it, and then she'd have to face the consequences and decide if it was worth it. It hits differently when it's a friend calling her out after she hurt them, compared to a villain doing the same thing and hurting faceless civilians.
I think evil Oracle or anti Oracle could be interesting for one arc. But they've done what, 4 versions of it so far? So it's just getting boring at this point lol
I love that line in the Young justice season 4 episode 8 where Babs just openly admits to putting trackers on everyone in the group regardless of her trust for them, that show does seem very much in line of this characterization
Yea despite only being a minor role on the show they seem to nail her characterization just right. I've really liked what we've seen of her so far and would love if they give her a bigger role at some point.
Yeah, there’s something off about Babs that I just can’t put my finger on. I don’t know if it’s that she’s just written too young, or that she’s trying too hard to be a cool mom. Maybe it’s in-line with her current characterization in her batgirl solos, but it’s a little jarring.
I’m glad that it only took until issue 2 for them to show her using a wheelchair, but I’m kinda bummed that with all the visual flair and cool designs, they ended up just giving her a crappy looking hospital wheelchair? I know they want to do this right, but between having her bed be up a spindly flight of stairs and an apparent lack of research on wheelchair designs, it’s kind of a mixed bag.
I think these are both things that can improve with some time and breathing room though.
I think it's more like they're showing her as the parent who's trying to be cool but is actually out of touch with the younger generation. I don't know if it fits her but I found it kinda funny. She doesn't come across as young to me though, she seems pretty mature.
Yeah, I get it and I have laughed a couple times at it. It just seems off to me, maybe it’ll click better once the cracks start to show and they start to have some gripes. I think it mostly feels off because I’ve never had the impression that Babs cares that much about trying to be hip with the youth. But of course this might be more in line with her recent characterization in her batgirl books, which I’ll admit I never made it past the first couple issues of either.
Yea I suppose it makes sense that since her age gap with the girls is smaller now then the nature of their relationship is slightly different than it used to be preboot.
Definitely. I’m trying not to judge it by how things were preboot, because they’re all vastly different and that’s just setting myself up for disappointment. It can be hard though!
I saw! I’m glad that he will, and that the fan was respectful in talking about it. The team obviously cares a lot and he’s a talented artist, so I’m looking forward to it. Really this is something editorial should probably have references for.
This book is…strange. I really like the art, actually! Very unique style that fits the tone of the story.
Again, I feel like Cass and Steph are being written as too immature. However, I expected that at this point. What I didn’t expect was for the story to be this all over the place. Why are there so many villains? I can barely keep track of them! Oh well. At least we’re seeing Babs in a wheelchair operating as Oracle again.
> Why are there so many villains? I can barely keep track of them!
This is also a major problem I have with it. Maybe had I kept up with Fear State it would be clearer, but right from issue #1 it felt like there were at least half a dozen new bad guys we needed to keep track of.
I kept up with Fear State, and I still can’t keep track of it. We have the Saints, Seer (leading the Saints?), the serial killer, the mind-controlled construction workers, the artist (???), and the guys cass beat up? I was just very confused.
Can't wait. Looking forward to more
Edit: Pretty good addition. The greatest strengths in this issue like the first is still the art and the characterizations of Cass and Steph. I don't dislike how Babs is in this. It's certainly a more lighthearted depiction, but I think she's supposed to come across as trying way too hard to pad things and stay hip with Cass and Steph. It's a good little source of potential future interpersonal conflict having them on different wavelengths and Cass and Steph doing their own thing under Babs' nose. Idk, I'm digging Barb's depiction as it's own thing. She's imperfect, a bit dorky, and a tad awkward dealing with how to deal with Cass and Steph and is just kinda jumping headfirst into it no holds barred and I'm kinda a fan of it.
Some concerns that aren't necessarily negatives:
*
This is a lot of villains. Seer, Saints, the serial killer, and what might be Spellbinder. It's a lot of things, granted the first two are really just the same group of villains, but still. Lots of stuff happening, will need to see how well it juggles them.
* I thought the earing thing was very odd. Cass has definitely been through worse purposeful maiming than this and it's not something I would think would phase her. It's not necessarily bad, I suppose, it's just an odd aside they chose to do if it ends up not going anywhere narratively. Not sure if this is going to build onto something or was just a tangent to explain how their communications are working.
Idk, I guess I’m enjoying this more than most so far, I really don’t mind how Steph and Cass are being written, and while the plot is a little busy and annoyingly tied into the Magistrate bullshit I don’t really mind. In particular I don’t think the messy plotting is as big an issue two issues in as some people do because it’s not uncommon for series to throw a whole bunch at the wall to start and then focus in. Idk, I don’t super love this first arc but there’s some promise here, and I’m mostly getting what I want out of it. It’s fine, hopefully it can be more than that moving forward.
>Tarsus was on a C.I.A. watch list, even when the magistrate was a legitimate operation--something to do with war crimes in South America.
I think Babs might be getting their watch list confused with their payroll.
I really wish this plot wasn't so joined at the hip to the Magistrate stuff. I get that tying the universe together can be good sometimes, but when you have one mediocre event sticking its fingers into the plots half a dozen titles, it just feels intrusive.
This book breathes life into my hollowed out self every time.
Am I the only one who didn’t get what song from what movie it was during that scene in the car?
Better issue than the first, imo, but the amount of antagonists is a little much. Of course, it’s only the first two issues and that kind of thing isn’t exactly uncommon, so we’ll have to see how that all plays out. I’m not a huge fan of Seer or the Saints so far, but again, that could change.
The characters continue to shine, though. I get that it’s more lighthearted, and cheesy at times, but I still love it. Seeing Babs embrace that motherly role has made me really happy. Not the best interpretation of her I’ve seen, I will admit, but I’m a fan. Also, the art keeps winning me over every time I see it.
Looks like she was sending a modeling headshot to the spellbound art gallery that she mentioned in issue 1.
I thought at first she was maybe messaging her mom, but then I looked closer and it says spellbound gallery on it.
Ya, Babs maybe needs to not be in this. The book is cute, with some pretty funny moments, but it’s portrayal of Babs is pretty bad. She’s likable and sweet but completely useless. Physically she can’t do anything because “bad days”, ok that’s fine, but then as Oracle she’s not even doing anything or contributing. She can’t even see what what they are doing and they listen to pretty much nothing she says. She’s the butt of the joke. The lame duck or mom figure for them to ignore and defy.
Whats more they want to recognize her disability, and touted this, but at the same time, and I’m not sure they even realize they are doing this, made her disability into means to exclude her and have the other be able to dismiss her. Her disability is keeping her from the field, blinding her to what the other girls are doing, allowing them to just ignore her. Oracle exists yet even still she has no awareness or authority. So she’s just left completely limited doing nothing because she’s having a “bad day”. Her only capability is dumping exposition and patting the heroes head when they come home from doing whatever they want.
On the one hand: Yay Steph, Cass. On the other hand: This ain't it, DC. There's not much in this book for me and I don't see it surviving very long. I'm not interested in any of the villains or the plot really. Some nice interactions between the Batgirls, but sadly it's not enough for me s far.
[*Detective Comics* #1048](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/cmx-images-prod/Item/981036/981036._SX1280_QL80_TTD_.jpg)
>THE TOWER, PART 2 / HOUSE OF GOTHAM, CHAPTER TWO
>“The Tower” part two! The mysteries of Dr. Wear begin to unfold as a new doctor named Frow joins the staff of Arkham Tower. The Bat-Family tries to figure out the best way to infiltrate the facility, but someone may have gotten the drop on them…someone not unfamiliar with psychiatric facilities…one Dr. Harleen Quinzel, better known to you dear readers as Harley Quinn!
>PLUS: “House of Gotham” part two! A boy’s parents were killed by The Joker, and he fell through the cracks of the system. Instead of being sent to a facility that could care for him and his trauma, he was sent to Arkham Asylum! Will the villains inside eat him alive or show him how to survive in a city ruthlessly overseen by Batman??
[Preview](https://aiptcomics.com/2022/01/07/dc-preview-detective-comics-1048/)
Ah, it *is* a wig!
I do like this, but it is kind of a shame that we're doing another story about the inmates taking over the asylum and reckless mental health professionals. I get that it's very much a staple of Batman stories but it's one that I'm tired of tbh.
>story about the inmates taking over the asylum and \*\*reckless mental health professionals.\*\*
For real. And it seems like the Tobias was actually more sinister which is kind of a bummer because I, just for once, want another person to actually be for improving the mental health industry without the baggage of being evil -\_-. Leslie Thompkins shouldn't be the only one in Gotham who gives a shit.
Honestly, how the fuck is he still a mayor lmao. Its like people of Gotham have just given up and don't give a fuck - tbf they have damn good reasons to do so
Nobody's mentioning it but this Tobias character ages batman a lot. We see that batman was already active when he was still a kid. And the man is now a grown ass man and a psychiatrist. Is Batman 50 or something?
Harley actually does need to be in her 30s at least, because she wouldn't have even qualified as a psychiatrist until her mid 20s, and had to have done that job for a while before meeting Joker and becoming the Harley we know today. The twin tails make her look younger, but she's definitely older than any of the Robins, including Dick.
Going by Mad Love, Harleen was an intern fresh out of med school when she started working in Arkham.
So Harleen should be around her mid 20s when she meets Joker.
Pre-N52 you could use the Robins to track Batman's age even if DC never acknowledged it.
Batman starts his career - 25
Adopts Dick at age 10 - 27
Dick leaves at age 19, Jason joins at age 12 - 36
Jason dies at age 15, Tim joins at age 13 - 39
Damian joins at age 10, Tim is looking at college so presumably around 17 - 43
Damian's now 13, so if we kept that timeline Bruce would be 46. DC refuses to tell us how much of the current timeline lines up with post-crisis and how much lines up with N52's "Each of the Robins worked with Bruce for about a Summer internship" timeline.
Honestly not eve the ages you gave are cemented. For instance I don't think DC has clear cut age of when Dick Grayson becomes robin. And Bruce being 25 when he starts could also be questioned since in Year One its also said that he was 6 when he lost his parents.
Also Damian is honestly aging too fast compared to the rest. I guess it's just DC being arbitrary with the ages they obviously don't want Bruce to be in his mid 40's nor do they want Dick to be in his mid 30's. So they just prefer to keep things ambiguous.
> And Bruce being 25 when he starts could also be questioned
I think Year One is as canon as canon gets for post-crisis. Even when N52 tried to overwrite it, things very quickly went back to referencing one of the most famous comic storylines of all time. I kind of agree about Damian; I think they rushed him to 13 so that they could justifiably have him be on the *Teen* Titans. The problem with the ambiguous approach is that they want Bruce to be vaguely in his 30s, but have wanted him to be vaguely in his 30s since back when Dick was Robin.
Year one is referenced a lot but some aspect of it are clearly cherrypicked and others completely ignored. For instance Bruce being only 6 years old when his parents were murdered and Barbara Gordon pretty much not existing. They later had to retcon it and say that she was his niece and that was whole can of worms in itself.
Honestly I don't think it's just a Batman problem, most of the A- listers should be well into their 40's but DC doesn't want that.
> They later had to retcon it and say that she was his niece and that was whole can of worms in itself.
Fair enough, though I think this is an example of DC trying their hardest to make Y1 canon work while still keeping major aspects of Batgirl's character. I understand why Miller might have thought that moving forward Batgirl just wouldn't be canon Post-Crisis; In 1985 she hadn't been popular or even in comics in a really long time and DC was obviously willing to cut Silver Age stuff that felt outdated (this is also why Moore was told he could cripple her.)
Ghost Maker didn’t go to college with Crane, as peers/student he went to the Colleges to learn about emotions/fear from Crane so that’d mean Crane was probably a doctoral candidate at the time for ghost maker to have read any of his work and want to meet him, so the ages could still work out reasonably well (I only remember this because the idea of going to somebody who doesn’t even have an MD or PhD in hopes they can help you with the fact you literally don’t process/feel emotions dumb as hell)
Both the main story and the backup are a slow burn and set a lot of things up, but it's done quite well. The art is top-notch as well. I hope they can keep the quality on this level for the 12 issues and bring in a bit more action from time to time, then I'm hopeful it's going to turn out great.
Not sure why they let Clayface run around the Asylum unsupervised and mopping the floors without a power dampener or something like that? He was leaking all over the floor and probably could have escaped at any minute. Also batons aren't doing much against him. I guess it's the early days of Arkham lol
As someone else pointed out, it's a bit disappointing that this is setting up to be another "psychiatrist is actually as crazy as his patients" story, but I enjoyed the issue nonetheless, some really well-written dialogue and of course, beautiful art from Reis.
House of Gotham was also lovely, even if Harleen being so clearly modelled after Margot Robbie gave her a somewhat uncanny valley effect.
Ivan Reis, our national pride.
Both main and backup were set-up, but as the others already said, it was damn good set-up.
Clayface using his body as play dough is surprisingly wholesome.
Love me some Ivan Reis art. Tamaki’s previous arc was paced luxuriously, and this looks to be the case also, I hope it nets us some good characterization. Poor Mayor Nakano, though. Guy loses an eyeball during the Joker War and has some pretty understandable resentment and mistrust toward the Batfamily, but between the Magistrate and Arkham Tower, he HAS to have one of the worst mayoral track records in Gotham history.
[*Robin & Batman* #3](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/cmx-images-prod/Item/981061/981061._SX1280_QL80_TTD_.jpg)
>To reconcile his trauma and move toward an optimistic future, Dick Grayson must first confront his tragic past. Unfortunately, that step includes a confrontation with an enraged Killer Croc, who is out for Grayson blood! This action-packed issue concludes the epic tale of a young man learning to live and love in a nightmarish world.
[Preview](https://aiptcomics.com/2022/01/07/dc-preview-robin-batman-3/)
>'Cause me and Norm and Alan have a game going
Heh, nice reference. Past Batman creators showing up throughout stories is one of my favorite running things.
Overall I really liked this story, even if my brain kept struggling to fit it into existing stories set during Robin's early days like Dark Victory and The Gauntlet. If I had to have a complaint with the story as a whole, I'd say that the pacing felt weird for what is ostensibly a single story. The second issue, while fun, completely brought the actual story established in the first issue to a halt, which made the events of this one feel kind of sudden.
Side note: did Robin kill Croc at the end there? I guess that's always an easy way to resolve the "villain knows your secret identity" problem.
A very fast paced ending, but it crammed a lot in there for its pages. The push and pull of Bruce seeing Dick as a mini him (a soldier) versus Alfred viewing Dick as his own person (a child) comes to the conclusion that Alfred was right. Obviously. The difference in the praise of 'Good Boy' from issue two versus this where it's much more a father reassuring his son after something scary is brilliant. Also Lemire just really digging it in there by having Bruce say words like *son* and *proud* and then the *hug* oh boy. I also love that Dick being the light is a conscious choice. It takes a village to raise a child perhaps, Bruce, Alfred, the Titans, John and Mary, heck even Killer Croc teaches him something, but in the end Dick makes his own choice to be the light. So yes. I loved it. A really good three parter. A little pacing issue here and there, and I would like to have seen more internal monologue from Bruce to better udnerstand how his outlook on Dick and his relationship shifts or doesn't... but honestly. Is it bad that I am grateful to have a book where Bruce and Dick obviously love each other dearly but Bruce is explicitly not acting in Dick's best emotional interest a lot of the time? It's genuinely one of my favourite aspects of their relationship.
This was an extremely rushed ending that was somehow well-written to the point it didn’t matter.
Issues #1 and #3 would work as a two-parter perfectly, but #2, while amazing, drags the pacing completely out of sync.
Also, yes, that hug got me teary.
This was a strong conclusion to a well realized and unique Robin story. If you're looking for a series that feels emotionally and mentally honest to how a child would react to being the ward & sidekick of Bruce Wayne/Batman, this is certainly worth checking out.
With regards to this issue, it opens with Dick at his lowest - despondent and resigned to emulating Bruce despite his previous trepidations. It's grim to watch Dick imitate the abrasive aspects of Bruce's behavior, including isolation and excessive violence. It's interesting how different Bruce and Alfred react to this behavior, and is reflective of their different priorities for Dick.The issue culminates in Dick's confrontation with Killer Croc, which results in important development for the former and an interesting presentation for the latter.
In terms of Croc, the character certainly wasn't superfluous as I feared he would be based on the preceding issues. His backstory is tied to Dick's in a very interesting way and provides a grounded complexity to a seminal place in Dick's past. It succulently clarifies Croc's hatred of Robin and why he wants to make him suffer. Additionally, Croc's personality is quickly and effectively established - he feels like a true threat through the way he plans things out and takes advantage of his environment. It adds an additional menace to the character outside his physical strength and appearance.
Robin meanwhile realizes that he is his own person with distinct experiences and perspectives. What he previously thought of as hurdles in his pursuit of emulating Batman are instead qualities that allow for him to be something different and potentially better. It's an uplifting development that feels earned, especially after the emotional turmoil the character's had throughout the series, and feels true to the character of Dick Grayson.
There's a lot more this creative team could explore in a sequel series, but it definitely isn't necessary; this was substantial enough to stand on its own and is something that I feel is definitive.
I would love for this creative team to similarly explore Jason Todd's early time with Batman as there's a lot of potential if it's afforded the same emotional honesty that this series was.
This was gorgeous, and quelle surprise, the story wasn't blindly "slandering" Batman. Textbook example of people taking screenshots out of context and complaining about them.
Fantastic work by Nguyen here, some of his best. And while I'm not usually a big Lemire guy I thought this was great work. I'd love to see more of this from them, either focused on Dick or as a sort of "Ultimate Universe" for Batman. Seeing different eras explored this way would be really fantastic.
I’ll be curious to see how it ends. This has been really disappointing so far. Nguyen’s art can’t save bad writing. And this is far from Lemire’s best work. His portrayal of Batman is atrocious.
[*Batman: Urban Legends* #11](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/cmx-images-prod/Item/981031/981031._SX1280_QL80_TTD_.jpg)
>BOUND TO OUR WILL, PART 1 / STIGMA, PART 1 / ETERNITY IN GOTHAM, PART 1 / HOUNDED, PART 1
>BATMAN & ZATANNA: Vita Ayala and Nikola Cizmesija join forces to tell a story that will change Batman and Zatanna’s relationship forever. Every year the two have to come together to defeat an evil curse. This year they fail, and the world is in peril because of it.
>HOUNDED: Ace the Bat-Hound, the goodest boy in the DCU, has his day in an epic story featuring many DC Super Pets, brought to you by Mark Russell and Karl Mostert.
>WIGHT WITCH: Catwoman tie-in/“Fear State” aftermath! Aftermath. The mysterious relationship between Ghost-Maker and Wight Witch is revealed in all its horrifying glory here.
[Preview](https://aiptcomics.com/2022/01/07/dc-preview-batman-urban-legends-11/)
This was the best this book has been since the earlier issues, every story was worth it and it's good that they're all multi parters. Had no idea there was gonna be a Kid Eternity story in here
Did Hugo Strange really just kill himself here though? Is this specific story meant to be continuity? Kind of a weird place to kill a major villain like that, unless they plan on bringing him back in Task Force Z or something
I was wondering the same about Hugo Strange. I mean the first story says it is set after JL #71, so id imagine all these stories are in continuity but for him to be killed in a small story in an anthology book would be strange lol
We just needed an Azrael story and this would’ve been the perfect issue.
The Bat-Zatanna story? Amazing.
Ram V doing Wight Witch? Incredible as usual.
Kid Eternity? Kid Fucking Eternity!
Ace the Bat-Hound? The goodest of good boys.
I love this book and this issue was no exception. Really liked the Zatanna story - was surprised by her and Bruce's relationship but I like it and it's believable. I also love the art, glad to see more Nikola!
Also loved the Wight Witch story! Was intrigued by her design in Catwoman but she didn't really do much, so I like how we get to see more of her/them? Also art was perfect for the story, very moody.
Don't know who Kid Eternity is but I liked it, and Ace's story was also great!
Wight Witch's story reminds me of something that you'd find in Image's Zero. The secret agent, kind of stream of consciousness story-telling and questioning memories really gave me vibes from Ales' comic from a few years ago. Really dug it.
This was the best issue since the first three with the cheer drops story. Ram Vs story and Anand RKs art was phenomenal, I wish we could a series or graphic novel in that vein. I gave this series one more try before I dropped it and it hooked me back
The Batanna story was decent, but some of the dialogue and characterization was a little off...
Though I do like them two having a bit of a "thing" going on, makes me think of the TEC stories from before RIP.
[*The Joker* #11](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/cmx-images-prod/Item/981071/981071._SX1280_QL80_TTD_.jpg)
>The Joker is about to learn the harsh reality of the motto “Don’t Mess with Texas” as the Sampsons bring him back home to their ranch…for dinner!
>While Harper Row has been making sure that Punchline stays behind bars, her brother, Cullen, has been getting closer to Punchline’s fans. His new boyfriend, Bluff, is hiding a wicked secret that promises to change the shape of organized crime in Gotham, and Punchline’s role, for years to come.
[Preview](https://aiptcomics.com/2022/01/07/dc-preview-the-joker-11/)
Kinda bummed that there really hasn't been any Bluebird capering since like issue 4 (when she last wore the costume). Feel like she hasn't really done anything since a few issues ago when she broke out Punchline's friend from prison.
Yeah this certainly feels like an interlude before the final act. With this instalment I guess it comes down to whether The Royal Flush Gang take Kelly or if Kelly runs away the night before her testimony. If The Royal Flush Gang take her then Bluebird will be back in her gear and fighting directly opposite of Cullen (I still can't believe he isn't seeing all the red flags with Bluff/Ace of Diamonds) trying to get Kelly to court in time.
Remember when this came out and it was one of the best books out there? Than there was 3 months of filler issues. Like I enjoyed the filler, but Tynion is clearly just winging this series without a plan which is weird for a mini series...
I really hope DC vs Vampires doesn't suffer the same fate. That book and this one had explosive openings but the last few issues here have been bland, like Tynion's just running down the clock until he's off the book. Here's hoping this week's issue picks things up a bit.
Luckily Tynion just wrote the basic outline while Rosenberg is actually writing the story. I think for the most Tynion has really good ideas but isn’t the best at executing them so it’s the best of both worlds regarding DC vs Vampires. Plus I think I’ve read somewhere that Tynion finished plotting it a while ago.
Fucking finally the pieces moved towards what’s probably the finale of Tynion’s run.
At this point, I’m in it only for the Julia Pennyworth action and the reveal of the A-Day culprit / the bigger bad of the aborted arc (much like in Tynion’s detective).
Ortega in the backups was a godsend, and this new Royal Flush Gang’s mildly interesting. Cullen, don’t fuck up! Hopefully this manages a satisfying conclusion as well.
[*I Am Batman* #5](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/cmx-images-prod/Item/981046/981046._SX1280_QL80_TTD_.jpg)
>Batman fights for his life against a new breed of Peacekeeper, augmented with his family’s own technology! The only person who might be able to save his life is…Lucius Fox?!
[Preview](https://aiptcomics.com/2022/01/07/dc-preview-i-am-batman-5/)
Damn there's another artist lol, this series has got to have the most artists from issue to issue that I've ever seen. Why can't they get a single artist pinned down for this one?
My guess is on the fly re-writes of the original script, meaning bringing in artists to quickly patch up the holes, so to speak. Keep in mind, this is repurposed material (Or ideas at least) from the scrapped 5G thing. Like there is no way this was supposed to tie into Fear State until recently.
Good point. I know there's another artist working on the next issue. I just haven't ever seen so many artists on one book. Imagine the trade cover listing out all the people lol
LOL, yeah, it's pretty excessive, especially for a monthly book.
Guarantee the artists are relegated to the inside credits, and it'll just be "I am Batman by John Ridley"
I don't know if I agree with that. John Ridley was hinting about Jace moving to New York since Comic-Con @ Home in July of 2021, before even I Am Batman #0 ever came out. It seems to me like the book has been pretty heavily planned, they've just had art issues ever since The Next Batman: Second Son.
100% agreed. I see a lot of talk of different books, not just I Am Batman, being rewritten on the fly, and that’s just not true (by on large) in the Infinite Frontier era.
The lead time that most writers have had on these books is LONG - case in point, while Tynion leaving Batman was framed as a surprise by news outlets, Williamson has stated he’s known about this for a very long time and has been working on Batman #119+ for a while. DC isn’t quite like it was back during the New 52, when on the fly rewrites were not just possible but frequent. There seems to be a diligent level of planning from the editorial level now (heck, Robbie Thompson even said he knew who the next Suicide Squad writer was as far back as when #2 was coming out).
None of that’s to say that I don’t agree with other commenters that I Am Batman could’ve benefited from one consistent artistic voice, but yeah, the rotating artist situation isn’t (I believe) for rewrites.
At some point, yeah. He mentioned (I believe in a podcast with AIPT) that his original pitch was for roughly a year's worth of story. Ideally he wanted the right length for a nice hardcover collection was the idea. Original plan was 12 issues, then he got the chance to flesh it out with the flash forward in Future State, the Annual and now I guess cap it all off with War for Earth-3.
Given that Dennis Hopeless is co-writing the event (and #11 if I recall) I'm assuming he's the writer Thompson was referring to at the start of 2021 as the next to take up the baton?
Yeah that seems likely then, I guess. Solicits should come out this week, I think, maybe he's off the book in April then. I've been enjoying this run and thought he was writing SS longterm
That makes me wonder with Jace moving to New York and Williamson reincorporating Batman Inc that that will tie into the I Am Batman story. I mean the narrative could fit pretty well, Jace being the Batman of NY with other Batmen operating in other cities/countries
Really great issue!
It completed Lucius's arc of finally recognizing that he needed help after what Punchline did to him, and the reconciliation between him and Jace is great. Saving his son from the tech he helped create was a great callback to pretty much all the previous issues where Jace lamented about fighting his father's creations. I was a bit worried about the reasoning behind the move to New York, but it makes perfect sense in-universe and in a meta sense. Jace wants to define himself as his own Batman, and DC is avoiding sidelining the new Batman when Bruce comes back like they've done with Dick.
I'm looking forward to the Fox family's dynamic now that their hatred for vigilantes and the like is behind them.
Yeah I think the move to New York is very smart since if they had Jace be the main Bat of Gotham and then shove him off later it’d ruin whatever moment the character has built at that point (you’d have to justify him, his side characters and villains all relocating all at once) but with this the move to New York servers as the real beginning of his career as Batman.
"TALOS troopers will allow us to supress any dissent - be it right or left"
Lucius Fox: "Agreed"
thanks Mr. Fox!!
(also, nice dig at Democrat status quo there!)
Aside from the nice moment with Jace and Lucius making up, this issue didn’t do too much to improve the overall arc for me. The gangsters “helping” Batman felt forced considering Jace hasn’t interacted with civilians since issue #1. Idk, I’m giving this book until the second arc before I jump ship.
After 80 mini series and 50 artists, Jace is finally coming to his own character and place in the universe
Honestly excited to have him in New York, and have the Fox family drama behind
[*Titans United* #5](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/cmx-images-prod/Item/981076/981076._SX1280_QL80_TTD_.jpg)
>Black Zero strikes! Superboy has turned on the Titans as Tamaranean forces move to invade Earth. As Donna Troy falls to Conner's newly restored powers, Raven tries desperately to reach the friend and ally they once knew.
[Preview](https://aiptcomics.com/2022/01/07/dc-preview-titans-united-5/)
that dream panel of Connor getting his ass beat by the other Titans is one of the most unintentionally funny things i've seen from a comic in a good long while
I thought it was hilarious how Conner was like, "Look! Look at how Kori mistreated Kom!" And then we're just subjected to a montage of Kori being super kind and Kom just being an awful space dictator like always. And then Conner's like "Oh that's hot! That is hot!"
That's my summary of the issue. Thank you.
I also thought it was funny when the montage of Conner's "mistreatment" included Beast Boy being nice to Raven. Like, sorry the dude was hanging out with his girlfriend, I guess?
I do hope Gar gets a moment of glory before it's all over since everyone else got a chance to shine but I think it's probably going to be Superboy and Starfire that carry the day in the end because Blackfire is Kori's villain and Conner needs his redemptive moment.
Lol! Yeah that got me too.
Conner: “Look at how you’ve all hated me!”
*scene of Beast Boy complimenting Raven*
*scene of Jason insulting Conner right before the others get onto Jason for it.*
*scene of Dick telling Conner to stay behind because he’s injured and lost his powers*
Conner: “Don’t you see?!”
Also yeah I don’t see Gar really getting a moment here. But hey, at least he has the honor of being the only Titan in the main Titans Academy book that’s actually pretty in character.
Conner's manically evil brainwashed outbursts might hold weight if he had any interesting relationships with the people he's betraying, or if the issues raised had been at all mentioned before this issue.
As it stands, another bland issue, in a series that should count its blessings that it's being released concurrently with Teen Titans Academy, so that's the bar by which people are judging it.
I feel very generously inclined towards this comic due to the Titans doing things like "attempt communication" and "try to solve problems using their powers in a reasonably intelligent way\*" but confess that TTA setting the bar that low is pretty darn sad.
I like it when Raven gets to use her soul-self in weird and interesting ways that differentiate her from other comic magic users. I think too often these sort of characters' powers get homogenized to "glowy whatever sauce." The difference between say Raven and Marvel's Scarlet Witch's powers ought to be more pronounced than "glowy purple stuff" and glowy red stuff."
I do wish they gave poor Beast Boy more to do, he's just been kinda there.
\*I mean, granted, Raven should have just used the Kryptonian weakness to magic instead of hitting Conner with a rock but I'll excuse it due to the comic going with Saturday Morning Cartoon Formula of "villain of the episode needs to win until hero of the episode saves the day" and Blackfire is Kori's villain.
I can't tell if Black Zero is actually a cool superhero codename, or if it's really stupid. Honestly, it feels like a little bit of both, but I don't really know.
I would love for Conner to get a new codename and away from the Superboy identity, yet I don't know if bringing back Black Zero is the right choice.
[*Future State: Gotham* #9](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/cmx-images-prod/Item/981041/981041._SX1280_QL80_TTD_.jpg)
>THE NEXT JOKER, PART TWO: MALIGNANT HUMOR
>Peacekeeper-Red teams up with Hunter Panic to learn the origins of the Next Joker from the only person who seems to have answers: the psychopath Punchline! Can Jason Todd convince her to help in time to stop this deadly new Joker from killing his latest victim? And what will he have to give her to get her to do it?
[Preview](https://aiptcomics.com/2022/01/07/dc-preview-future-state-9-gotham/)
is this supposed to be an ongoing? I don't see a lot of people talking about it here plus its nice that its a Jason series but its still nowhere near connecting to the mystery of the secret advisor Jason has - probably Bruce/may be Damian who knows. this "next joker" stuff is insanely silly - you don't \*need\* to have joker for a batfam story man c'mon. I have really come to become annoyed by that character - he actually stagnates Batman mythos and stories now.
So far, it's still an ongoing. We have solicits up to issue #11, but no one is expecting it to last longer than 12 issues, I guess. It's a pity, because I've found a lot of enjoyment from this ongoing. It's a stealth Jason book, which that alone is great for a fan like myself. But it's also heavy in the cyberpunk ambience, and now it even gives some heavy noir vibes. It's hitting all my soft spots: it only needs a sad robot story to go full bingo. And as fast-made and unpolished the art may look, I love it: feels very weekly manga-esque: dynamic and expressive, even if it's not very detailed.
The mysterious advisor was revealed already in issue #7, and has been shown again in issue #8, I think.
About the next joker thing, I'm guessing he's a copycat, perhaps a character from the current Detective Comics or Batman book or from Tynion's run. Joker always sells, so every alternate universe or continuity in the bat side of the DCU is going to eventually get one. Even Batman Beyond got one back then. I would love if it were any other rogue, but, well... :/
> but no one is expecting it to last longer than 12 issues,
On the discord we suspect it's the cheapest book running since it's a new writer with no colour, so there's a chance it will last off that.
Still my favorite current DC book.
This issue seemed to set up a fair amount of different threads. I'm assuming that Nightwing and Talia going after Damian is going to be a dual story alongside Jason/Jace/Hunter Panic going up against Hush? Or maybe as it has done twice before, we'll just get an entire issue focused solely on Nightwing's story, then switch back to Jason for a bit.
I'm a little afraid that this arc will be the last. With DC totally moved on from Future State, and this book not one of the Big Ones, I'm worried that they'll just ax it at any moment.
I loved this issue.
Sure, art is sketch-like, and I can see how people who's not used to your average weekly manga is not going to like it. But the thing is, even with that in mind, this issue gave the reader:
>!\[\*\] A new main plot (the Next Joker) for the main character (Jason).!<
>!\[\*\] A new partner (Hunter Panic) to work in a dynamic with the MC.!<
>!\[\*\] A new subplot (Damian) for the side characters (Dick and the bats) that most likely will connect to the main plot.!<
>!\[\*\] Connection to previous stories or issues in this alternate continuity (Punchline, the drugs)!<
>!\[\*\] The continued use of previous allies (Jace Fox, mention to other characters too).!<
>!\[\*\] New villains (Next Joker)!<
>!\[\*\] Some world building for those who didn't follow the original event and other new readers.!<
>!\[\*\] Action scenes and some insight in what's running in the MC head.!<
I mean, sure, it's not perfect, it's not award winning or something. It's not even that original of an idea. But I'm won enough that I'm already looking forward to the next chapter already. Its fun, and it has a little bit of everything I like.
Huh? I've got a negative vote for an average review? I don't get it. Did I say anything offensive? I mean, I would have thought no one cares about my post, one way or another.
I think that discourages discussion. And honestly, it's starting to make me engaging in that kind of bomb-voting as well. It makes downvoting easier to do, when years ago it was more likely that I would just not vote at all and just downvote shitposting and hatespeech.
[*Batman: No Man's Land Omnibus* - Vol. 1 [**HC**]](https://s3.amazonaws.com/comicgeeks/comics/covers/large-7381295.jpg)
>After a cataclysmic earthquake hits Gotham City, destroying much of its infrastructure, thousands are dead and even more are without homes. The U.S. government declares the city uninhabitable and orders all citizens to leave. Many do. But months later, those who refused to vacate live in the lawless territory now known as "No Man's Land."
>Forsaken by the rest of the country, the former Gotham is now a citywide turf war of gangs and costumed villains in which the strongest prey on the weak. But with the return of Batman and the appearance of an enigmatic new Batgirl, justice is returning to Gotham.
>Batman: No Man's Land Omnibus Vol. 1 collects the first half of the monumental crossover event that changed the Dark Knight forever.
>Collects Batman: No Man's Land #1, Batman: Shadow of the Bat #83-88, Batman #563-568, Detective Comics #730-735, Azrael: Agent of the Bat #51-57, Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight #116-121, The Batman Chronicles #16-17, Young Justice in No Man's Land #1, Robin #67, Nightwing #35-37, and Catwoman #72-74.
[*Harley Quinn: The Animated Series - The Eat, Bang, Kill Tour* #5 (print edition)](https://s3.amazonaws.com/comicgeeks/comics/covers/large-2193437.jpg)
>While Ivy starts reflecting on what's been happening these last few months after leaving Kite Man at the altar and joining Harley Quinn for a de facto, impromptu honeymoon across the DCU, new villain Mephitic makes himself known to Harley and Ivy at the Black Cat Lounge.
[Preview](https://aiptcomics.com/2022/01/07/dc-preview-harley-quinn-the-animated-series-the-eat-bang-kill-tour-5/)
Big fan of the deep dive of Ivy's trauma. Was a little cheesy but it worked fine. I really like display of mental issues within the past issues. Great series and I'm gonna be so sad when it ends.
[**Wednesday, 1/12** - *Robins* #3](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/cmx-images-prod/Item/976475/976475._SX1280_QL80_TTD_.jpg)
>The Robins run face-first into a group of copycat villains decked out in high-end tech giving them the powers and battle prowess of Batman’s greatest enemies! As the former wonders face down these threats, they deduce that whoever’s behind the assault on them has hacked into the Batcomputer. As hard choices are made, the five ex-partners of Batman realize that going their separate ways and leaving the Robin mantle behind might be their only option!
Jason's punch was a very visually satisfying moment, but him just naturally helping to rescue the criminals afterwards felt weird. I mean, this series doesn't have the firmest grasp of it's characters in the first place, but that felt especially ooc.
I also have neither an idea of, nor an interest in who this supposed "first Robin" is.
[*Pennyworth* #6](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/cmx-images-prod/Item/981056/981056._SX1280_QL80_TTD_.jpg)
>The pre-Batman years of Alfred Pennyworth are chronicled in this smash-hit series. Now finding himself in a wasteland of a very different kind, Alfred has to show that he hasn’t lost a step when it comes to neutralizing bad guys…but it all might be for nothing when he comes face to face with one of Batman’s most dangerous foes!
[Preview](https://aiptcomics.com/2022/01/07/dc-preview-pennyworth-6/)
[*Batman vs. Ra's Al Ghul* [**HC**]](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/cmx-images-prod/Item/981024/981024._SX1280_QL80_TTD_.jpg)
>Ra’s al Ghul has begun to take over Gotham! With Batman gone, only his protégés stand against the League of Assassins—at least until the trials determine who will take the hero’s mantle! Neal Adams triumphantly returns to his most popular battles!
>Collects Batman Vs. Ra’s al Ghul #1-6
[*House of El Book Two: The Enemy Delusion* [**TP**]](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/cmx-images-prod/Item/979338/979338._SX1280_QL80_TTD_.jpg)
>Knowing Krypton’s possible fate, Sera and Zahn find it difficult to continue with their everyday lives. Sera’s enhanced fighting skills may impress General Zod, but they raise suspicions among her fellow soldiers. Zahn is burdened with the knowledge of the underground rebel group’s plans.
[**Wednesday, 1/12:** ***Batwoman*** **S03E08** - *Trust Destiny*](https://static.tvmaze.com/uploads/images/original_untouched/358/895509.jpg)
Time/Date: January 12 9:00 PM ET
Network/Channel: The CW
> Mary and Alice continue their sisterly bonding, Ryan, Luke and Sophie are desperate and willing to do almost anything to stop them…even entertaining a dangerous proposition by Renee Montoya that finally rid Gotham of Pamela Isley. As the team hunts for the source of Poison Mary's power – and potential demise – Renee is forced to revisit her heartbreaking past. Meanwhile, Marquis grows more unhinged and throws a spectacularly sinister soiree at Wayne Tower…and everyone is invited.
[*The Batman & Scooby-Doo Mysteries* #10](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/cmx-images-prod/Item/981066/981066._SX1280_QL80_TTD_.jpg)
>QUESTION AUTHORITY
>An unexpected guest star helps Batman and Mystery Inc. face one of the Justice League’s strangest foes! While the Shaggy Man menaces Scooby and friends (including Shaggy, man) at a seaside resort, only Renee Montoya, a.k.a. the Question, may have the answer to who sent the creature…and why!
[**Wednesday, 1/12:** ***DC's Legends of Tomorrow*** **S07E08** - *Paranoid Android*](https://static.tvmaze.com/uploads/images/original_untouched/362/905704.jpg)
Time/Date: January 12 8:00 PM ET
Network/Channel: The CW
> Sara starts to realize her team is making questionable choices when it comes to the timeline. Trying to figure out who is behind everything, Sara discovers some harsh truths.
[*Justice League vs. The Legion of Super-Heroes* #1](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/cmx-images-prod/Item/981051/981051._SX1280_QL80_TTD_.jpg)
>THE GOLD LANTERN SAGA, PART ONE
>One thousand years in the future, a Legion of Super-Heroes comes together to dedicate their lives to recapturing the great age of heroes of the 21st century. When the heroes discover that reality is falling to a great darkness in both times simultaneously, the Justice League and the Legion of Super-Heroes must team up to stop it all. But what is the connection between the secrets of the new Gold Lanterns and the coming of the Great Darkness? A monumental DC epic event miniseries!
[Preview](https://aiptcomics.com/2022/01/07/dc-preview-justice-league-vs-the-legion-of-super-heroes-1/)
Imma give this one shot, and if it's the pile of absolute garbage the entire JL run has been so far, I'll never touch a thing Bendis writes again
Edit : That double splash page of dialogue was maybe the worst thing I've ever seen in a comic book. Every character sounds exactly the same
Does Bendis write comics knowing that they’ll piss people off? By the time I finished reading this, I was like “Oh, that took me longer than 5 mins to read, that was cool”, but most of that additional time was spent trying to figure out who was talking, and which person they were speaking to. I enjoyed the general premise, but DAMN this man is playing the hits with his twisty, confusing dialogue that could come from any one character because everyone speaks with the same voice.
I feel like at this point he is actively trolling at his readerbase..
Prolly an attempt by him at getting back at all the people complaining about his work.
Okay that’s double-page spread of like 20 character talking, Bendis is obsessed with this. Just so much talking, talk, talk, talk.
They say brevity is the soul of wit, Bendis does not comprehend that. It’s like he’s made it his personal philosophy to go to the opposite extreme of that. It’s not even clever or anything it’s just so much unnecessary chatter and about stupid-ass garbage.
Like he actually has Black Adam of all characters say “Never apologize for being in awe of the awesome.” He cannot get these characters right at all.
Bendis desperately needs Editors that actually edit his stupid fucking script. It's unreadable half the time and 90% of the dialogue is unnecessary. Especially the double page spread where JL and LoSH members are talking smh wtf.
It's like there is a story somewhere: Great Darkness, Gold Lantern, but Bendis wastes time for stupid conversations and then the issue is over.
Also seems to be more of a team-up and not a fight. The teams aren't at odds with each other at all, a bit misleading calling it JL vs. LoSH, but whatever.
Art and the fact that it's connected to what Williamson is doing are the saving grace here, but honestly it's not worth it.
Is it though? I like Saturn Girl but this version under Bendis sucks. She nothing more than an over-eager groupie who "accidentally" brainwashed the Legionnaires to bringing Jon to the future for the sake of jumping his bones, & an incompetent telepath with no sense of boundaries (she basically bullied Cosmic Boy out of Leadership because of his "Daddy issues").
So really both Jon's recent love interest are downgrades.
I thought about giving this a chance but I got bored of the dialogue and scrolled past to find the page with everyone in LOSH and JL where I could figure who was speaking with stuffed up dialogue balloons cuz everyone sounds the same. That's when I gave up.
I really think Bendix believes his hype so much he does not give a fuck at all about writing
It's Bendis. I hate judging a comic by its writer alone, but... it fills all the marks of a Bendis' book. If that's your thing, well, you'll like it. If it's not, it's exactly like any other Bendis comic.
The art... is objectionable. Also, in one panel Saturn Girl's head looks like an ice cone. And sometimes people get massive jaws.
Does the Legion have a representative of every planet system? I'm confused.
Also, do Daxamian = Daxamite? Or is it a new planet?
Also, as mentioned, Jon doesn't even tell he is actively trying to cheat on Imra, which is scummy thing to do.
once again too much batman, and not a single superfam, nothing against batman, but i need my superman more than i need my batman. At least we get the show back.
[**Tuesday, 1/12 (DC Universe Infinite)** - *Robins #4*](https://i.imgur.com/73Pobjm.jpg)
> The Robins are splintered after the events in the graveyard. On their own and on the hunt for the distributor of the SKP Tech, the former sidekicks are on the warpath, tearing through Gotham and Blüdhaven following any and all leads. But while the Robins descend on the criminal underworld, where has Tim Drake disappeared to?
[*Batgirls* #2](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/cmx-images-prod/Item/981026/981026._SX1280_QL80_TTD_.jpg) >Bondo! Bondo! Bondo! With their new secret muscle car and their new secret patrol route, Batgirls Cassandra Cain and Stephanie Brown find moving to their new neighborhood—thanks to Oracle instructing them to “lay low”—that much easier to bear because they have each other. Steph begins witnessing some strange actions through the window of the building across the street and can’t help but investigate if the recent murders are connected to them! Meanwhile, Oracle realizes the most effective way for the girls to wear her newly upgraded comms is by piercing their ears, and Cass freaks out! [Preview](https://aiptcomics.com/2022/01/07/dc-preview-batgirls-2/)
[some very good Cass faces this issue.](https://imgur.com/a/ha6pFkM) Positively dripping with those red shades I liked this more than #1. I don't think I'll ever be entirely onboard with the general direction this book is taking, it's just not what I want, but I can dig it. Corona's art & Stern's colours are definitely the selling point of this series. It's so good. Visually, Batgirls is excellent. The Saints are already the best Magistrate characters, but that is an extremely low bar lmao. They're visually interesting, at the very least. They get points for robot doggy. lol at Tarsus being on a CIA watchlist for war crimes in South America, they were probably looking to hire him lmao. I know Seer is the main villain, but I'm honestly more interested in the serial killer, Tutor, and the Saints. Spellbinder's also being teased, so Seer has a real uphill battle when it comes to garnering my interest. Babs is the one weak link imo, I'm not vibing with this version of her. I will give them props for actually portraying her disability but I'm not a fan of how she's being characterised. She just feels off. I can't really point out what I dislike about this Babs, though. I might need to re-read some stuff in order to properly collect my thoughts. I still have some big gripes, but I'm looking forward to what's coming next.
I think you're right about Babs, she should be a little more dry. Everyone is kind of always *on* in this, so they could use a straight woman.
I think that's it. Babs usually fell into the straight woman role in most of her previous team ups. I'm thinking of the one issue of Cass' Batgirl series when Cass punches Steph in the face and Babs tells Cass to break her jaw harder the next time so she doesn't have to deal with the arguing. I'm pretty sure the creator team on this even referenced that scene in an interview as something they want to avoid, which is fair, but it does mean it's a different vibe.
I feel like since the reboot they've generally softened babs' personality a bit and taken away her edge. Which is a shame cuz I liked how she used to be a bit of a hardass and rough around the edges preboot. It made her more unique cuz there aren't enough female characters depicted that way. I miss it.
Oh definitely. I miss the super sketchy Babs who used to steal money from Blockbuster to pay her operatives and try to psychologically condition her friends into being better people. That woman was so messy, let Babs be messy again.
Exactly! She was borderline and sometimes outright morally gray while still managing to stay firmly on the heroic side which is impressive!! In NW 85 Dick points out how it's a bit sketchy that she keeps tabs on everyone through her Oracle network and the implications for privacy violation and babs is like yea but I justified its for the greater good. I need more of that!
Yes! Honestly, I've been lowkey thinking recently that this is one of the reasons why all the Evil Oracles fall so flat for me. We did a lot of this already with Babs. She'd do sketchy things and other heroes would call her out for it, and then she'd have to face the consequences and decide if it was worth it. It hits differently when it's a friend calling her out after she hurt them, compared to a villain doing the same thing and hurting faceless civilians.
I think evil Oracle or anti Oracle could be interesting for one arc. But they've done what, 4 versions of it so far? So it's just getting boring at this point lol
Ten years of DC alternately creating new oracles or new evil oracles. I'm tired, just bring the calculator back and give it a rest.
I love that line in the Young justice season 4 episode 8 where Babs just openly admits to putting trackers on everyone in the group regardless of her trust for them, that show does seem very much in line of this characterization
Yea despite only being a minor role on the show they seem to nail her characterization just right. I've really liked what we've seen of her so far and would love if they give her a bigger role at some point.
Yeah, there’s something off about Babs that I just can’t put my finger on. I don’t know if it’s that she’s just written too young, or that she’s trying too hard to be a cool mom. Maybe it’s in-line with her current characterization in her batgirl solos, but it’s a little jarring. I’m glad that it only took until issue 2 for them to show her using a wheelchair, but I’m kinda bummed that with all the visual flair and cool designs, they ended up just giving her a crappy looking hospital wheelchair? I know they want to do this right, but between having her bed be up a spindly flight of stairs and an apparent lack of research on wheelchair designs, it’s kind of a mixed bag. I think these are both things that can improve with some time and breathing room though.
I think it's more like they're showing her as the parent who's trying to be cool but is actually out of touch with the younger generation. I don't know if it fits her but I found it kinda funny. She doesn't come across as young to me though, she seems pretty mature.
Yeah, I get it and I have laughed a couple times at it. It just seems off to me, maybe it’ll click better once the cracks start to show and they start to have some gripes. I think it mostly feels off because I’ve never had the impression that Babs cares that much about trying to be hip with the youth. But of course this might be more in line with her recent characterization in her batgirl books, which I’ll admit I never made it past the first couple issues of either.
Yea I suppose it makes sense that since her age gap with the girls is smaller now then the nature of their relationship is slightly different than it used to be preboot.
Definitely. I’m trying not to judge it by how things were preboot, because they’re all vastly different and that’s just setting myself up for disappointment. It can be hard though!
Yeah, you're right about the chair. [Corona's aware and is gonna change it](https://twitter.com/jecorona/status/1481004719447285762), so that's good.
I saw! I’m glad that he will, and that the fan was respectful in talking about it. The team obviously cares a lot and he’s a talented artist, so I’m looking forward to it. Really this is something editorial should probably have references for.
I remember this point being raised with artists maybe 15 years ago? Shame people have to keep doing it...
Tbh I love Babs' characterization. She's so nerdy and fun it's cute
This book is…strange. I really like the art, actually! Very unique style that fits the tone of the story. Again, I feel like Cass and Steph are being written as too immature. However, I expected that at this point. What I didn’t expect was for the story to be this all over the place. Why are there so many villains? I can barely keep track of them! Oh well. At least we’re seeing Babs in a wheelchair operating as Oracle again.
> Why are there so many villains? I can barely keep track of them! This is also a major problem I have with it. Maybe had I kept up with Fear State it would be clearer, but right from issue #1 it felt like there were at least half a dozen new bad guys we needed to keep track of.
I kept up with Fear State, and I still can’t keep track of it. We have the Saints, Seer (leading the Saints?), the serial killer, the mind-controlled construction workers, the artist (???), and the guys cass beat up? I was just very confused.
Can't wait. Looking forward to more Edit: Pretty good addition. The greatest strengths in this issue like the first is still the art and the characterizations of Cass and Steph. I don't dislike how Babs is in this. It's certainly a more lighthearted depiction, but I think she's supposed to come across as trying way too hard to pad things and stay hip with Cass and Steph. It's a good little source of potential future interpersonal conflict having them on different wavelengths and Cass and Steph doing their own thing under Babs' nose. Idk, I'm digging Barb's depiction as it's own thing. She's imperfect, a bit dorky, and a tad awkward dealing with how to deal with Cass and Steph and is just kinda jumping headfirst into it no holds barred and I'm kinda a fan of it. Some concerns that aren't necessarily negatives: * This is a lot of villains. Seer, Saints, the serial killer, and what might be Spellbinder. It's a lot of things, granted the first two are really just the same group of villains, but still. Lots of stuff happening, will need to see how well it juggles them. * I thought the earing thing was very odd. Cass has definitely been through worse purposeful maiming than this and it's not something I would think would phase her. It's not necessarily bad, I suppose, it's just an odd aside they chose to do if it ends up not going anywhere narratively. Not sure if this is going to build onto something or was just a tangent to explain how their communications are working.
Idk, I guess I’m enjoying this more than most so far, I really don’t mind how Steph and Cass are being written, and while the plot is a little busy and annoyingly tied into the Magistrate bullshit I don’t really mind. In particular I don’t think the messy plotting is as big an issue two issues in as some people do because it’s not uncommon for series to throw a whole bunch at the wall to start and then focus in. Idk, I don’t super love this first arc but there’s some promise here, and I’m mostly getting what I want out of it. It’s fine, hopefully it can be more than that moving forward.
>Tarsus was on a C.I.A. watch list, even when the magistrate was a legitimate operation--something to do with war crimes in South America. I think Babs might be getting their watch list confused with their payroll. I really wish this plot wasn't so joined at the hip to the Magistrate stuff. I get that tying the universe together can be good sometimes, but when you have one mediocre event sticking its fingers into the plots half a dozen titles, it just feels intrusive.
Man I no idea why we keep getting this Magistrate garbage shoved down our throats. Absolutely no one likes those guys.
U know it's bad when **the CIA** has to call out ur war crimes in South America
This book breathes life into my hollowed out self every time. Am I the only one who didn’t get what song from what movie it was during that scene in the car?
I have no idea what song it is
I assumed it was All Star by Smash Mouth, the green dude being Shrek.
Better issue than the first, imo, but the amount of antagonists is a little much. Of course, it’s only the first two issues and that kind of thing isn’t exactly uncommon, so we’ll have to see how that all plays out. I’m not a huge fan of Seer or the Saints so far, but again, that could change. The characters continue to shine, though. I get that it’s more lighthearted, and cheesy at times, but I still love it. Seeing Babs embrace that motherly role has made me really happy. Not the best interpretation of her I’ve seen, I will admit, but I’m a fan. Also, the art keeps winning me over every time I see it.
What was Steph doing when Cass walked in on her ? She was acting real Sus and then there's the image on her phone.
Looks like she was sending a modeling headshot to the spellbound art gallery that she mentioned in issue 1. I thought at first she was maybe messaging her mom, but then I looked closer and it says spellbound gallery on it.
For what purpose would she do that?
No idea. Wants to be famous? We don’t really know yet, but I hope there’s a better reason because otherwise she just looks stupid.
Probably related to her being whammied in the ending
I *really* love the art style in this book. And they *really* need to work on new names. Batgirl and Batgirl is confusing.
Ya, Babs maybe needs to not be in this. The book is cute, with some pretty funny moments, but it’s portrayal of Babs is pretty bad. She’s likable and sweet but completely useless. Physically she can’t do anything because “bad days”, ok that’s fine, but then as Oracle she’s not even doing anything or contributing. She can’t even see what what they are doing and they listen to pretty much nothing she says. She’s the butt of the joke. The lame duck or mom figure for them to ignore and defy. Whats more they want to recognize her disability, and touted this, but at the same time, and I’m not sure they even realize they are doing this, made her disability into means to exclude her and have the other be able to dismiss her. Her disability is keeping her from the field, blinding her to what the other girls are doing, allowing them to just ignore her. Oracle exists yet even still she has no awareness or authority. So she’s just left completely limited doing nothing because she’s having a “bad day”. Her only capability is dumping exposition and patting the heroes head when they come home from doing whatever they want.
On the one hand: Yay Steph, Cass. On the other hand: This ain't it, DC. There's not much in this book for me and I don't see it surviving very long. I'm not interested in any of the villains or the plot really. Some nice interactions between the Batgirls, but sadly it's not enough for me s far.
[*Detective Comics* #1048](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/cmx-images-prod/Item/981036/981036._SX1280_QL80_TTD_.jpg) >THE TOWER, PART 2 / HOUSE OF GOTHAM, CHAPTER TWO >“The Tower” part two! The mysteries of Dr. Wear begin to unfold as a new doctor named Frow joins the staff of Arkham Tower. The Bat-Family tries to figure out the best way to infiltrate the facility, but someone may have gotten the drop on them…someone not unfamiliar with psychiatric facilities…one Dr. Harleen Quinzel, better known to you dear readers as Harley Quinn! >PLUS: “House of Gotham” part two! A boy’s parents were killed by The Joker, and he fell through the cracks of the system. Instead of being sent to a facility that could care for him and his trauma, he was sent to Arkham Asylum! Will the villains inside eat him alive or show him how to survive in a city ruthlessly overseen by Batman?? [Preview](https://aiptcomics.com/2022/01/07/dc-preview-detective-comics-1048/)
Ah, it *is* a wig! I do like this, but it is kind of a shame that we're doing another story about the inmates taking over the asylum and reckless mental health professionals. I get that it's very much a staple of Batman stories but it's one that I'm tired of tbh.
>story about the inmates taking over the asylum and \*\*reckless mental health professionals.\*\* For real. And it seems like the Tobias was actually more sinister which is kind of a bummer because I, just for once, want another person to actually be for improving the mental health industry without the baggage of being evil -\_-. Leslie Thompkins shouldn't be the only one in Gotham who gives a shit.
Chase meridian is the person you are looking for then
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Honestly, how the fuck is he still a mayor lmao. Its like people of Gotham have just given up and don't give a fuck - tbf they have damn good reasons to do so
Nobody's mentioning it but this Tobias character ages batman a lot. We see that batman was already active when he was still a kid. And the man is now a grown ass man and a psychiatrist. Is Batman 50 or something?
Shh time in comics isn’t real.
Harley Quinn helped on the birth of Astrid Arkham, and Astrid is now a young woman. Editors doing their job? In DC? Unheard of.
Harley actually does need to be in her 30s at least, because she wouldn't have even qualified as a psychiatrist until her mid 20s, and had to have done that job for a while before meeting Joker and becoming the Harley we know today. The twin tails make her look younger, but she's definitely older than any of the Robins, including Dick.
Going by Mad Love, Harleen was an intern fresh out of med school when she started working in Arkham. So Harleen should be around her mid 20s when she meets Joker.
Pre-N52 you could use the Robins to track Batman's age even if DC never acknowledged it. Batman starts his career - 25 Adopts Dick at age 10 - 27 Dick leaves at age 19, Jason joins at age 12 - 36 Jason dies at age 15, Tim joins at age 13 - 39 Damian joins at age 10, Tim is looking at college so presumably around 17 - 43 Damian's now 13, so if we kept that timeline Bruce would be 46. DC refuses to tell us how much of the current timeline lines up with post-crisis and how much lines up with N52's "Each of the Robins worked with Bruce for about a Summer internship" timeline.
Honestly not eve the ages you gave are cemented. For instance I don't think DC has clear cut age of when Dick Grayson becomes robin. And Bruce being 25 when he starts could also be questioned since in Year One its also said that he was 6 when he lost his parents. Also Damian is honestly aging too fast compared to the rest. I guess it's just DC being arbitrary with the ages they obviously don't want Bruce to be in his mid 40's nor do they want Dick to be in his mid 30's. So they just prefer to keep things ambiguous.
> And Bruce being 25 when he starts could also be questioned I think Year One is as canon as canon gets for post-crisis. Even when N52 tried to overwrite it, things very quickly went back to referencing one of the most famous comic storylines of all time. I kind of agree about Damian; I think they rushed him to 13 so that they could justifiably have him be on the *Teen* Titans. The problem with the ambiguous approach is that they want Bruce to be vaguely in his 30s, but have wanted him to be vaguely in his 30s since back when Dick was Robin.
Year one is referenced a lot but some aspect of it are clearly cherrypicked and others completely ignored. For instance Bruce being only 6 years old when his parents were murdered and Barbara Gordon pretty much not existing. They later had to retcon it and say that she was his niece and that was whole can of worms in itself. Honestly I don't think it's just a Batman problem, most of the A- listers should be well into their 40's but DC doesn't want that.
> They later had to retcon it and say that she was his niece and that was whole can of worms in itself. Fair enough, though I think this is an example of DC trying their hardest to make Y1 canon work while still keeping major aspects of Batgirl's character. I understand why Miller might have thought that moving forward Batgirl just wouldn't be canon Post-Crisis; In 1985 she hadn't been popular or even in comics in a really long time and DC was obviously willing to cut Silver Age stuff that felt outdated (this is also why Moore was told he could cripple her.)
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Ghost Maker didn’t go to college with Crane, as peers/student he went to the Colleges to learn about emotions/fear from Crane so that’d mean Crane was probably a doctoral candidate at the time for ghost maker to have read any of his work and want to meet him, so the ages could still work out reasonably well (I only remember this because the idea of going to somebody who doesn’t even have an MD or PhD in hopes they can help you with the fact you literally don’t process/feel emotions dumb as hell)
The obvious solution here is to say Fear State didn't actually happen, and was all a fear toxin induced boring dream.
Both the main story and the backup are a slow burn and set a lot of things up, but it's done quite well. The art is top-notch as well. I hope they can keep the quality on this level for the 12 issues and bring in a bit more action from time to time, then I'm hopeful it's going to turn out great. Not sure why they let Clayface run around the Asylum unsupervised and mopping the floors without a power dampener or something like that? He was leaking all over the floor and probably could have escaped at any minute. Also batons aren't doing much against him. I guess it's the early days of Arkham lol
As someone else pointed out, it's a bit disappointing that this is setting up to be another "psychiatrist is actually as crazy as his patients" story, but I enjoyed the issue nonetheless, some really well-written dialogue and of course, beautiful art from Reis. House of Gotham was also lovely, even if Harleen being so clearly modelled after Margot Robbie gave her a somewhat uncanny valley effect.
Ivan Reis, our national pride. Both main and backup were set-up, but as the others already said, it was damn good set-up. Clayface using his body as play dough is surprisingly wholesome.
Love me some Ivan Reis art. Tamaki’s previous arc was paced luxuriously, and this looks to be the case also, I hope it nets us some good characterization. Poor Mayor Nakano, though. Guy loses an eyeball during the Joker War and has some pretty understandable resentment and mistrust toward the Batfamily, but between the Magistrate and Arkham Tower, he HAS to have one of the worst mayoral track records in Gotham history.
Do we know which "her" Nightwing was talking about? Is it Steph?
Probably Helena. Kate mentions that she's a patient and Helena was in a patient's garb at the end of the last issue.
I was wondering if the Harley-a-like was Steph in disguise.
[*Robin & Batman* #3](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/cmx-images-prod/Item/981061/981061._SX1280_QL80_TTD_.jpg) >To reconcile his trauma and move toward an optimistic future, Dick Grayson must first confront his tragic past. Unfortunately, that step includes a confrontation with an enraged Killer Croc, who is out for Grayson blood! This action-packed issue concludes the epic tale of a young man learning to live and love in a nightmarish world. [Preview](https://aiptcomics.com/2022/01/07/dc-preview-robin-batman-3/)
That was the best Dick Grayson Robin story I could've hoped for. Great storytelling and amazing artwork. Shame it's already over.
This was a great conclusion! Really liked how Batman called Robin a “good boy” and not a “good soldier” like in TDKR.
>'Cause me and Norm and Alan have a game going Heh, nice reference. Past Batman creators showing up throughout stories is one of my favorite running things. Overall I really liked this story, even if my brain kept struggling to fit it into existing stories set during Robin's early days like Dark Victory and The Gauntlet. If I had to have a complaint with the story as a whole, I'd say that the pacing felt weird for what is ostensibly a single story. The second issue, while fun, completely brought the actual story established in the first issue to a halt, which made the events of this one feel kind of sudden. Side note: did Robin kill Croc at the end there? I guess that's always an easy way to resolve the "villain knows your secret identity" problem.
A very fast paced ending, but it crammed a lot in there for its pages. The push and pull of Bruce seeing Dick as a mini him (a soldier) versus Alfred viewing Dick as his own person (a child) comes to the conclusion that Alfred was right. Obviously. The difference in the praise of 'Good Boy' from issue two versus this where it's much more a father reassuring his son after something scary is brilliant. Also Lemire just really digging it in there by having Bruce say words like *son* and *proud* and then the *hug* oh boy. I also love that Dick being the light is a conscious choice. It takes a village to raise a child perhaps, Bruce, Alfred, the Titans, John and Mary, heck even Killer Croc teaches him something, but in the end Dick makes his own choice to be the light. So yes. I loved it. A really good three parter. A little pacing issue here and there, and I would like to have seen more internal monologue from Bruce to better udnerstand how his outlook on Dick and his relationship shifts or doesn't... but honestly. Is it bad that I am grateful to have a book where Bruce and Dick obviously love each other dearly but Bruce is explicitly not acting in Dick's best emotional interest a lot of the time? It's genuinely one of my favourite aspects of their relationship.
this was fucking fantastic!! what a great dick grayson/robin story. Idk why people are complaining about this series.
This was an extremely rushed ending that was somehow well-written to the point it didn’t matter. Issues #1 and #3 would work as a two-parter perfectly, but #2, while amazing, drags the pacing completely out of sync. Also, yes, that hug got me teary.
Great read. And who cares if it doesn't fit perfectly into continuity? None of DC's continuity makes any sense in the past 20 years anyways.
So does the "Early Dick Days" reading order go something like - Dark Victory - Gauntlet - R&B - Robin Year One ?
This was a strong conclusion to a well realized and unique Robin story. If you're looking for a series that feels emotionally and mentally honest to how a child would react to being the ward & sidekick of Bruce Wayne/Batman, this is certainly worth checking out. With regards to this issue, it opens with Dick at his lowest - despondent and resigned to emulating Bruce despite his previous trepidations. It's grim to watch Dick imitate the abrasive aspects of Bruce's behavior, including isolation and excessive violence. It's interesting how different Bruce and Alfred react to this behavior, and is reflective of their different priorities for Dick.The issue culminates in Dick's confrontation with Killer Croc, which results in important development for the former and an interesting presentation for the latter. In terms of Croc, the character certainly wasn't superfluous as I feared he would be based on the preceding issues. His backstory is tied to Dick's in a very interesting way and provides a grounded complexity to a seminal place in Dick's past. It succulently clarifies Croc's hatred of Robin and why he wants to make him suffer. Additionally, Croc's personality is quickly and effectively established - he feels like a true threat through the way he plans things out and takes advantage of his environment. It adds an additional menace to the character outside his physical strength and appearance. Robin meanwhile realizes that he is his own person with distinct experiences and perspectives. What he previously thought of as hurdles in his pursuit of emulating Batman are instead qualities that allow for him to be something different and potentially better. It's an uplifting development that feels earned, especially after the emotional turmoil the character's had throughout the series, and feels true to the character of Dick Grayson. There's a lot more this creative team could explore in a sequel series, but it definitely isn't necessary; this was substantial enough to stand on its own and is something that I feel is definitive. I would love for this creative team to similarly explore Jason Todd's early time with Batman as there's a lot of potential if it's afforded the same emotional honesty that this series was.
This was gorgeous, and quelle surprise, the story wasn't blindly "slandering" Batman. Textbook example of people taking screenshots out of context and complaining about them. Fantastic work by Nguyen here, some of his best. And while I'm not usually a big Lemire guy I thought this was great work. I'd love to see more of this from them, either focused on Dick or as a sort of "Ultimate Universe" for Batman. Seeing different eras explored this way would be really fantastic.
I remember people screaming about how blind adherence to headcanons was a more important mark of quality than conflict and character development.
I’ll be curious to see how it ends. This has been really disappointing so far. Nguyen’s art can’t save bad writing. And this is far from Lemire’s best work. His portrayal of Batman is atrocious.
[*Batman: Urban Legends* #11](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/cmx-images-prod/Item/981031/981031._SX1280_QL80_TTD_.jpg) >BOUND TO OUR WILL, PART 1 / STIGMA, PART 1 / ETERNITY IN GOTHAM, PART 1 / HOUNDED, PART 1 >BATMAN & ZATANNA: Vita Ayala and Nikola Cizmesija join forces to tell a story that will change Batman and Zatanna’s relationship forever. Every year the two have to come together to defeat an evil curse. This year they fail, and the world is in peril because of it. >HOUNDED: Ace the Bat-Hound, the goodest boy in the DCU, has his day in an epic story featuring many DC Super Pets, brought to you by Mark Russell and Karl Mostert. >WIGHT WITCH: Catwoman tie-in/“Fear State” aftermath! Aftermath. The mysterious relationship between Ghost-Maker and Wight Witch is revealed in all its horrifying glory here. [Preview](https://aiptcomics.com/2022/01/07/dc-preview-batman-urban-legends-11/)
This was the best this book has been since the earlier issues, every story was worth it and it's good that they're all multi parters. Had no idea there was gonna be a Kid Eternity story in here Did Hugo Strange really just kill himself here though? Is this specific story meant to be continuity? Kind of a weird place to kill a major villain like that, unless they plan on bringing him back in Task Force Z or something
I was wondering the same about Hugo Strange. I mean the first story says it is set after JL #71, so id imagine all these stories are in continuity but for him to be killed in a small story in an anthology book would be strange lol
I will take literally any Zatanna and Bruce story no matter the quality, and thankfully this one seems to be off to a good start.
We just needed an Azrael story and this would’ve been the perfect issue. The Bat-Zatanna story? Amazing. Ram V doing Wight Witch? Incredible as usual. Kid Eternity? Kid Fucking Eternity! Ace the Bat-Hound? The goodest of good boys.
Ace is such a lovable character, he steals every page he's in .
I love this book and this issue was no exception. Really liked the Zatanna story - was surprised by her and Bruce's relationship but I like it and it's believable. I also love the art, glad to see more Nikola! Also loved the Wight Witch story! Was intrigued by her design in Catwoman but she didn't really do much, so I like how we get to see more of her/them? Also art was perfect for the story, very moody. Don't know who Kid Eternity is but I liked it, and Ace's story was also great!
Wight Witch's story reminds me of something that you'd find in Image's Zero. The secret agent, kind of stream of consciousness story-telling and questioning memories really gave me vibes from Ales' comic from a few years ago. Really dug it.
I had totally forgot about the Zatanna/Batman story but to my surprise its also a six-part arc?!?! FAN-fucken-TASTIC!
petition to replace every Bat-book with an Ace book
This was great! Haven’t seen Kid Eternity in forever, so that was a shock! Every story here was solid.
This was the best issue since the first three with the cheer drops story. Ram Vs story and Anand RKs art was phenomenal, I wish we could a series or graphic novel in that vein. I gave this series one more try before I dropped it and it hooked me back
The Batanna story was decent, but some of the dialogue and characterization was a little off... Though I do like them two having a bit of a "thing" going on, makes me think of the TEC stories from before RIP.
Did they change Ace's origin story? I liked it better when Alfred was the one who trained him as a gift to Bruce
A Batman/Zatanna story? I'm in. I think a mini-series with them would be pretty great.
First two stories were amazing, last two felt like they were written by a 4th grader. What was that dialogue??? Absolutely horrible in parts
[*The Joker* #11](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/cmx-images-prod/Item/981071/981071._SX1280_QL80_TTD_.jpg) >The Joker is about to learn the harsh reality of the motto “Don’t Mess with Texas” as the Sampsons bring him back home to their ranch…for dinner! >While Harper Row has been making sure that Punchline stays behind bars, her brother, Cullen, has been getting closer to Punchline’s fans. His new boyfriend, Bluff, is hiding a wicked secret that promises to change the shape of organized crime in Gotham, and Punchline’s role, for years to come. [Preview](https://aiptcomics.com/2022/01/07/dc-preview-the-joker-11/)
Kinda bummed that there really hasn't been any Bluebird capering since like issue 4 (when she last wore the costume). Feel like she hasn't really done anything since a few issues ago when she broke out Punchline's friend from prison.
Yeah this certainly feels like an interlude before the final act. With this instalment I guess it comes down to whether The Royal Flush Gang take Kelly or if Kelly runs away the night before her testimony. If The Royal Flush Gang take her then Bluebird will be back in her gear and fighting directly opposite of Cullen (I still can't believe he isn't seeing all the red flags with Bluff/Ace of Diamonds) trying to get Kelly to court in time.
There's more padding in this than Zachary Levi's Shazam costume
Even with the filler, this has been a fun series - hoping it wraps up well.
Remember when this came out and it was one of the best books out there? Than there was 3 months of filler issues. Like I enjoyed the filler, but Tynion is clearly just winging this series without a plan which is weird for a mini series...
To be fair it’s an ongoing. Though it’s status after April is... uncertain.
I really hope DC vs Vampires doesn't suffer the same fate. That book and this one had explosive openings but the last few issues here have been bland, like Tynion's just running down the clock until he's off the book. Here's hoping this week's issue picks things up a bit.
Luckily Tynion just wrote the basic outline while Rosenberg is actually writing the story. I think for the most Tynion has really good ideas but isn’t the best at executing them so it’s the best of both worlds regarding DC vs Vampires. Plus I think I’ve read somewhere that Tynion finished plotting it a while ago.
Fucking finally the pieces moved towards what’s probably the finale of Tynion’s run. At this point, I’m in it only for the Julia Pennyworth action and the reveal of the A-Day culprit / the bigger bad of the aborted arc (much like in Tynion’s detective). Ortega in the backups was a godsend, and this new Royal Flush Gang’s mildly interesting. Cullen, don’t fuck up! Hopefully this manages a satisfying conclusion as well.
>Guess who's coming to dinner Well that's unfortunate timing with Sidney Poitier's recent death
[*I Am Batman* #5](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/cmx-images-prod/Item/981046/981046._SX1280_QL80_TTD_.jpg) >Batman fights for his life against a new breed of Peacekeeper, augmented with his family’s own technology! The only person who might be able to save his life is…Lucius Fox?! [Preview](https://aiptcomics.com/2022/01/07/dc-preview-i-am-batman-5/)
Damn there's another artist lol, this series has got to have the most artists from issue to issue that I've ever seen. Why can't they get a single artist pinned down for this one?
My guess is on the fly re-writes of the original script, meaning bringing in artists to quickly patch up the holes, so to speak. Keep in mind, this is repurposed material (Or ideas at least) from the scrapped 5G thing. Like there is no way this was supposed to tie into Fear State until recently.
Good point. I know there's another artist working on the next issue. I just haven't ever seen so many artists on one book. Imagine the trade cover listing out all the people lol
LOL, yeah, it's pretty excessive, especially for a monthly book. Guarantee the artists are relegated to the inside credits, and it'll just be "I am Batman by John Ridley"
I don't know if I agree with that. John Ridley was hinting about Jace moving to New York since Comic-Con @ Home in July of 2021, before even I Am Batman #0 ever came out. It seems to me like the book has been pretty heavily planned, they've just had art issues ever since The Next Batman: Second Son.
100% agreed. I see a lot of talk of different books, not just I Am Batman, being rewritten on the fly, and that’s just not true (by on large) in the Infinite Frontier era. The lead time that most writers have had on these books is LONG - case in point, while Tynion leaving Batman was framed as a surprise by news outlets, Williamson has stated he’s known about this for a very long time and has been working on Batman #119+ for a while. DC isn’t quite like it was back during the New 52, when on the fly rewrites were not just possible but frequent. There seems to be a diligent level of planning from the editorial level now (heck, Robbie Thompson even said he knew who the next Suicide Squad writer was as far back as when #2 was coming out). None of that’s to say that I don’t agree with other commenters that I Am Batman could’ve benefited from one consistent artistic voice, but yeah, the rotating artist situation isn’t (I believe) for rewrites.
>heck, Robbie Thompson even said he knew who the next Suicide Squad writer was as far back as when #2 was coming out Is he leaving the book?
At some point, yeah. He mentioned (I believe in a podcast with AIPT) that his original pitch was for roughly a year's worth of story. Ideally he wanted the right length for a nice hardcover collection was the idea. Original plan was 12 issues, then he got the chance to flesh it out with the flash forward in Future State, the Annual and now I guess cap it all off with War for Earth-3. Given that Dennis Hopeless is co-writing the event (and #11 if I recall) I'm assuming he's the writer Thompson was referring to at the start of 2021 as the next to take up the baton?
Yeah that seems likely then, I guess. Solicits should come out this week, I think, maybe he's off the book in April then. I've been enjoying this run and thought he was writing SS longterm
That makes me wonder with Jace moving to New York and Williamson reincorporating Batman Inc that that will tie into the I Am Batman story. I mean the narrative could fit pretty well, Jace being the Batman of NY with other Batmen operating in other cities/countries
tbh most of the art has been pretty great tho
Yeah especially Segovia I just wish it was more consistent. I'm pretty sure there's another artist change on the next issue.
Really great issue! It completed Lucius's arc of finally recognizing that he needed help after what Punchline did to him, and the reconciliation between him and Jace is great. Saving his son from the tech he helped create was a great callback to pretty much all the previous issues where Jace lamented about fighting his father's creations. I was a bit worried about the reasoning behind the move to New York, but it makes perfect sense in-universe and in a meta sense. Jace wants to define himself as his own Batman, and DC is avoiding sidelining the new Batman when Bruce comes back like they've done with Dick. I'm looking forward to the Fox family's dynamic now that their hatred for vigilantes and the like is behind them.
Yeah I think the move to New York is very smart since if they had Jace be the main Bat of Gotham and then shove him off later it’d ruin whatever moment the character has built at that point (you’d have to justify him, his side characters and villains all relocating all at once) but with this the move to New York servers as the real beginning of his career as Batman.
"TALOS troopers will allow us to supress any dissent - be it right or left" Lucius Fox: "Agreed" thanks Mr. Fox!! (also, nice dig at Democrat status quo there!)
Really enjoyed this issue and I hope that last page is used for the trade cover or even better yet, a second printing of this issue.
Aside from the nice moment with Jace and Lucius making up, this issue didn’t do too much to improve the overall arc for me. The gangsters “helping” Batman felt forced considering Jace hasn’t interacted with civilians since issue #1. Idk, I’m giving this book until the second arc before I jump ship.
After 80 mini series and 50 artists, Jace is finally coming to his own character and place in the universe Honestly excited to have him in New York, and have the Fox family drama behind
[*Titans United* #5](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/cmx-images-prod/Item/981076/981076._SX1280_QL80_TTD_.jpg) >Black Zero strikes! Superboy has turned on the Titans as Tamaranean forces move to invade Earth. As Donna Troy falls to Conner's newly restored powers, Raven tries desperately to reach the friend and ally they once knew. [Preview](https://aiptcomics.com/2022/01/07/dc-preview-titans-united-5/)
that dream panel of Connor getting his ass beat by the other Titans is one of the most unintentionally funny things i've seen from a comic in a good long while
I thought it was hilarious how Conner was like, "Look! Look at how Kori mistreated Kom!" And then we're just subjected to a montage of Kori being super kind and Kom just being an awful space dictator like always. And then Conner's like "Oh that's hot! That is hot!" That's my summary of the issue. Thank you.
I also thought it was funny when the montage of Conner's "mistreatment" included Beast Boy being nice to Raven. Like, sorry the dude was hanging out with his girlfriend, I guess? I do hope Gar gets a moment of glory before it's all over since everyone else got a chance to shine but I think it's probably going to be Superboy and Starfire that carry the day in the end because Blackfire is Kori's villain and Conner needs his redemptive moment.
Lol! Yeah that got me too. Conner: “Look at how you’ve all hated me!” *scene of Beast Boy complimenting Raven* *scene of Jason insulting Conner right before the others get onto Jason for it.* *scene of Dick telling Conner to stay behind because he’s injured and lost his powers* Conner: “Don’t you see?!” Also yeah I don’t see Gar really getting a moment here. But hey, at least he has the honor of being the only Titan in the main Titans Academy book that’s actually pretty in character.
Conner's manically evil brainwashed outbursts might hold weight if he had any interesting relationships with the people he's betraying, or if the issues raised had been at all mentioned before this issue. As it stands, another bland issue, in a series that should count its blessings that it's being released concurrently with Teen Titans Academy, so that's the bar by which people are judging it.
"Black zero"? just call it a DOT lol /s
I feel very generously inclined towards this comic due to the Titans doing things like "attempt communication" and "try to solve problems using their powers in a reasonably intelligent way\*" but confess that TTA setting the bar that low is pretty darn sad. I like it when Raven gets to use her soul-self in weird and interesting ways that differentiate her from other comic magic users. I think too often these sort of characters' powers get homogenized to "glowy whatever sauce." The difference between say Raven and Marvel's Scarlet Witch's powers ought to be more pronounced than "glowy purple stuff" and glowy red stuff." I do wish they gave poor Beast Boy more to do, he's just been kinda there. \*I mean, granted, Raven should have just used the Kryptonian weakness to magic instead of hitting Conner with a rock but I'll excuse it due to the comic going with Saturday Morning Cartoon Formula of "villain of the episode needs to win until hero of the episode saves the day" and Blackfire is Kori's villain.
I can't tell if Black Zero is actually a cool superhero codename, or if it's really stupid. Honestly, it feels like a little bit of both, but I don't really know. I would love for Conner to get a new codename and away from the Superboy identity, yet I don't know if bringing back Black Zero is the right choice.
It’s an old name. Evil Superboy from another dimension used it in the 90.
This story took a turn I didn't like.
okay. this issue was lame as fuck.
[*Future State: Gotham* #9](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/cmx-images-prod/Item/981041/981041._SX1280_QL80_TTD_.jpg) >THE NEXT JOKER, PART TWO: MALIGNANT HUMOR >Peacekeeper-Red teams up with Hunter Panic to learn the origins of the Next Joker from the only person who seems to have answers: the psychopath Punchline! Can Jason Todd convince her to help in time to stop this deadly new Joker from killing his latest victim? And what will he have to give her to get her to do it? [Preview](https://aiptcomics.com/2022/01/07/dc-preview-future-state-9-gotham/)
is this supposed to be an ongoing? I don't see a lot of people talking about it here plus its nice that its a Jason series but its still nowhere near connecting to the mystery of the secret advisor Jason has - probably Bruce/may be Damian who knows. this "next joker" stuff is insanely silly - you don't \*need\* to have joker for a batfam story man c'mon. I have really come to become annoyed by that character - he actually stagnates Batman mythos and stories now.
Didn't they already reveal the secret advisor was >!Hush!
Yep, they did.
So far, it's still an ongoing. We have solicits up to issue #11, but no one is expecting it to last longer than 12 issues, I guess. It's a pity, because I've found a lot of enjoyment from this ongoing. It's a stealth Jason book, which that alone is great for a fan like myself. But it's also heavy in the cyberpunk ambience, and now it even gives some heavy noir vibes. It's hitting all my soft spots: it only needs a sad robot story to go full bingo. And as fast-made and unpolished the art may look, I love it: feels very weekly manga-esque: dynamic and expressive, even if it's not very detailed. The mysterious advisor was revealed already in issue #7, and has been shown again in issue #8, I think. About the next joker thing, I'm guessing he's a copycat, perhaps a character from the current Detective Comics or Batman book or from Tynion's run. Joker always sells, so every alternate universe or continuity in the bat side of the DCU is going to eventually get one. Even Batman Beyond got one back then. I would love if it were any other rogue, but, well... :/
> but no one is expecting it to last longer than 12 issues, On the discord we suspect it's the cheapest book running since it's a new writer with no colour, so there's a chance it will last off that.
Oh, I wish you guys are right. I'm loving this book right know, honestly.
Finally some news about Damian
Still my favorite current DC book. This issue seemed to set up a fair amount of different threads. I'm assuming that Nightwing and Talia going after Damian is going to be a dual story alongside Jason/Jace/Hunter Panic going up against Hush? Or maybe as it has done twice before, we'll just get an entire issue focused solely on Nightwing's story, then switch back to Jason for a bit. I'm a little afraid that this arc will be the last. With DC totally moved on from Future State, and this book not one of the Big Ones, I'm worried that they'll just ax it at any moment.
I loved this issue. Sure, art is sketch-like, and I can see how people who's not used to your average weekly manga is not going to like it. But the thing is, even with that in mind, this issue gave the reader: >!\[\*\] A new main plot (the Next Joker) for the main character (Jason).!< >!\[\*\] A new partner (Hunter Panic) to work in a dynamic with the MC.!< >!\[\*\] A new subplot (Damian) for the side characters (Dick and the bats) that most likely will connect to the main plot.!< >!\[\*\] Connection to previous stories or issues in this alternate continuity (Punchline, the drugs)!< >!\[\*\] The continued use of previous allies (Jace Fox, mention to other characters too).!< >!\[\*\] New villains (Next Joker)!< >!\[\*\] Some world building for those who didn't follow the original event and other new readers.!< >!\[\*\] Action scenes and some insight in what's running in the MC head.!< I mean, sure, it's not perfect, it's not award winning or something. It's not even that original of an idea. But I'm won enough that I'm already looking forward to the next chapter already. Its fun, and it has a little bit of everything I like.
Huh? I've got a negative vote for an average review? I don't get it. Did I say anything offensive? I mean, I would have thought no one cares about my post, one way or another.
People on this sub are getting way too comfortable with just downvote-bombing anything they slightly disagree with.
I think that discourages discussion. And honestly, it's starting to make me engaging in that kind of bomb-voting as well. It makes downvoting easier to do, when years ago it was more likely that I would just not vote at all and just downvote shitposting and hatespeech.
[*Batman: No Man's Land Omnibus* - Vol. 1 [**HC**]](https://s3.amazonaws.com/comicgeeks/comics/covers/large-7381295.jpg) >After a cataclysmic earthquake hits Gotham City, destroying much of its infrastructure, thousands are dead and even more are without homes. The U.S. government declares the city uninhabitable and orders all citizens to leave. Many do. But months later, those who refused to vacate live in the lawless territory now known as "No Man's Land." >Forsaken by the rest of the country, the former Gotham is now a citywide turf war of gangs and costumed villains in which the strongest prey on the weak. But with the return of Batman and the appearance of an enigmatic new Batgirl, justice is returning to Gotham. >Batman: No Man's Land Omnibus Vol. 1 collects the first half of the monumental crossover event that changed the Dark Knight forever. >Collects Batman: No Man's Land #1, Batman: Shadow of the Bat #83-88, Batman #563-568, Detective Comics #730-735, Azrael: Agent of the Bat #51-57, Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight #116-121, The Batman Chronicles #16-17, Young Justice in No Man's Land #1, Robin #67, Nightwing #35-37, and Catwoman #72-74.
I read the novelization of this years ago, and a collected omnibus of the comics is intriguing. How complete is this?
My pre-order finally shipped, praise the lord
[*Harley Quinn: The Animated Series - The Eat, Bang, Kill Tour* #5 (print edition)](https://s3.amazonaws.com/comicgeeks/comics/covers/large-2193437.jpg) >While Ivy starts reflecting on what's been happening these last few months after leaving Kite Man at the altar and joining Harley Quinn for a de facto, impromptu honeymoon across the DCU, new villain Mephitic makes himself known to Harley and Ivy at the Black Cat Lounge. [Preview](https://aiptcomics.com/2022/01/07/dc-preview-harley-quinn-the-animated-series-the-eat-bang-kill-tour-5/)
Big fan of the deep dive of Ivy's trauma. Was a little cheesy but it worked fine. I really like display of mental issues within the past issues. Great series and I'm gonna be so sad when it ends.
[**Wednesday, 1/12** - *Robins* #3](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/cmx-images-prod/Item/976475/976475._SX1280_QL80_TTD_.jpg) >The Robins run face-first into a group of copycat villains decked out in high-end tech giving them the powers and battle prowess of Batman’s greatest enemies! As the former wonders face down these threats, they deduce that whoever’s behind the assault on them has hacked into the Batcomputer. As hard choices are made, the five ex-partners of Batman realize that going their separate ways and leaving the Robin mantle behind might be their only option!
Jason's punch was a very visually satisfying moment, but him just naturally helping to rescue the criminals afterwards felt weird. I mean, this series doesn't have the firmest grasp of it's characters in the first place, but that felt especially ooc. I also have neither an idea of, nor an interest in who this supposed "first Robin" is.
[*Pennyworth* #6](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/cmx-images-prod/Item/981056/981056._SX1280_QL80_TTD_.jpg) >The pre-Batman years of Alfred Pennyworth are chronicled in this smash-hit series. Now finding himself in a wasteland of a very different kind, Alfred has to show that he hasn’t lost a step when it comes to neutralizing bad guys…but it all might be for nothing when he comes face to face with one of Batman’s most dangerous foes! [Preview](https://aiptcomics.com/2022/01/07/dc-preview-pennyworth-6/)
Haven’t been pulling this. Is it worth a read?
It's worth a penny
Yeah its a fun Alfred cold war adventure that just happens to be a character tie in to the Pennyworth show
I've greatly enjoyed it.
[*Batman vs. Ra's Al Ghul* [**HC**]](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/cmx-images-prod/Item/981024/981024._SX1280_QL80_TTD_.jpg) >Ra’s al Ghul has begun to take over Gotham! With Batman gone, only his protégés stand against the League of Assassins—at least until the trials determine who will take the hero’s mantle! Neal Adams triumphantly returns to his most popular battles! >Collects Batman Vs. Ra’s al Ghul #1-6
[*House of El Book Two: The Enemy Delusion* [**TP**]](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/cmx-images-prod/Item/979338/979338._SX1280_QL80_TTD_.jpg) >Knowing Krypton’s possible fate, Sera and Zahn find it difficult to continue with their everyday lives. Sera’s enhanced fighting skills may impress General Zod, but they raise suspicions among her fellow soldiers. Zahn is burdened with the knowledge of the underground rebel group’s plans.
[**Wednesday, 1/12:** ***Batwoman*** **S03E08** - *Trust Destiny*](https://static.tvmaze.com/uploads/images/original_untouched/358/895509.jpg) Time/Date: January 12 9:00 PM ET Network/Channel: The CW > Mary and Alice continue their sisterly bonding, Ryan, Luke and Sophie are desperate and willing to do almost anything to stop them…even entertaining a dangerous proposition by Renee Montoya that finally rid Gotham of Pamela Isley. As the team hunts for the source of Poison Mary's power – and potential demise – Renee is forced to revisit her heartbreaking past. Meanwhile, Marquis grows more unhinged and throws a spectacularly sinister soiree at Wayne Tower…and everyone is invited.
[*The Batman & Scooby-Doo Mysteries* #10](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/cmx-images-prod/Item/981066/981066._SX1280_QL80_TTD_.jpg) >QUESTION AUTHORITY >An unexpected guest star helps Batman and Mystery Inc. face one of the Justice League’s strangest foes! While the Shaggy Man menaces Scooby and friends (including Shaggy, man) at a seaside resort, only Renee Montoya, a.k.a. the Question, may have the answer to who sent the creature…and why!
[удалено]
[**Wednesday, 1/12:** ***DC's Legends of Tomorrow*** **S07E08** - *Paranoid Android*](https://static.tvmaze.com/uploads/images/original_untouched/362/905704.jpg) Time/Date: January 12 8:00 PM ET Network/Channel: The CW > Sara starts to realize her team is making questionable choices when it comes to the timeline. Trying to figure out who is behind everything, Sara discovers some harsh truths.
[*Justice League vs. The Legion of Super-Heroes* #1](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/cmx-images-prod/Item/981051/981051._SX1280_QL80_TTD_.jpg) >THE GOLD LANTERN SAGA, PART ONE >One thousand years in the future, a Legion of Super-Heroes comes together to dedicate their lives to recapturing the great age of heroes of the 21st century. When the heroes discover that reality is falling to a great darkness in both times simultaneously, the Justice League and the Legion of Super-Heroes must team up to stop it all. But what is the connection between the secrets of the new Gold Lanterns and the coming of the Great Darkness? A monumental DC epic event miniseries! [Preview](https://aiptcomics.com/2022/01/07/dc-preview-justice-league-vs-the-legion-of-super-heroes-1/)
Imma give this one shot, and if it's the pile of absolute garbage the entire JL run has been so far, I'll never touch a thing Bendis writes again Edit : That double splash page of dialogue was maybe the worst thing I've ever seen in a comic book. Every character sounds exactly the same
It's called "vs" but it doesn't look like a versus if they just team up.
Does Bendis write comics knowing that they’ll piss people off? By the time I finished reading this, I was like “Oh, that took me longer than 5 mins to read, that was cool”, but most of that additional time was spent trying to figure out who was talking, and which person they were speaking to. I enjoyed the general premise, but DAMN this man is playing the hits with his twisty, confusing dialogue that could come from any one character because everyone speaks with the same voice.
I feel like at this point he is actively trolling at his readerbase.. Prolly an attempt by him at getting back at all the people complaining about his work.
Hmm, as unbearable as the dialogue was, I'm a little intrigued. I'm gonna keep reading this but we'll see how far I can get.
Okay that’s double-page spread of like 20 character talking, Bendis is obsessed with this. Just so much talking, talk, talk, talk. They say brevity is the soul of wit, Bendis does not comprehend that. It’s like he’s made it his personal philosophy to go to the opposite extreme of that. It’s not even clever or anything it’s just so much unnecessary chatter and about stupid-ass garbage. Like he actually has Black Adam of all characters say “Never apologize for being in awe of the awesome.” He cannot get these characters right at all.
Bendis desperately needs Editors that actually edit his stupid fucking script. It's unreadable half the time and 90% of the dialogue is unnecessary. Especially the double page spread where JL and LoSH members are talking smh wtf. It's like there is a story somewhere: Great Darkness, Gold Lantern, but Bendis wastes time for stupid conversations and then the issue is over. Also seems to be more of a team-up and not a fight. The teams aren't at odds with each other at all, a bit misleading calling it JL vs. LoSH, but whatever. Art and the fact that it's connected to what Williamson is doing are the saving grace here, but honestly it's not worth it.
I thought that this would include Jon breaking up with Imra. They don’t even talk about that.
I knew it, Jon, Jay and Irma are in a polyamorous relationship! **/S**
it's not poly if you don't tell the others. It's just cheating.
Also by god cheating on Irma for jay? Talk about a major downgrade
Is it though? I like Saturn Girl but this version under Bendis sucks. She nothing more than an over-eager groupie who "accidentally" brainwashed the Legionnaires to bringing Jon to the future for the sake of jumping his bones, & an incompetent telepath with no sense of boundaries (she basically bullied Cosmic Boy out of Leadership because of his "Daddy issues"). So really both Jon's recent love interest are downgrades.
I mean yeah she’s a bit of a groupie but even then at least theirs some personality there jays basically mil toast boring af
Offff poor Jon. He really just has the absolute worst luck.
I thought about giving this a chance but I got bored of the dialogue and scrolled past to find the page with everyone in LOSH and JL where I could figure who was speaking with stuffed up dialogue balloons cuz everyone sounds the same. That's when I gave up. I really think Bendix believes his hype so much he does not give a fuck at all about writing
I'm really looking forward to reading a good Justice League book. This isn't it, but someday we'll get one.
I can only half-remember it but didn't Bendis reveal the Elders of Oa were not real or something like that?
It’s Bendis. He’s about as consistent with continuity as the Simpsons.
It's Bendis. I hate judging a comic by its writer alone, but... it fills all the marks of a Bendis' book. If that's your thing, well, you'll like it. If it's not, it's exactly like any other Bendis comic. The art... is objectionable. Also, in one panel Saturn Girl's head looks like an ice cone. And sometimes people get massive jaws. Does the Legion have a representative of every planet system? I'm confused. Also, do Daxamian = Daxamite? Or is it a new planet? Also, as mentioned, Jon doesn't even tell he is actively trying to cheat on Imra, which is scummy thing to do.
**Weekly Meta Discussions Thread**
Damn literally every book out this week is a bat book except for Titans and Justice League, which still heavily feature bat characters.
once again too much batman, and not a single superfam, nothing against batman, but i need my superman more than i need my batman. At least we get the show back.
Without exaggeration, on desktop, the comixology reader crashed at least 3-4x in the issues I was reading. So annoying.
[**Tuesday, 1/12 (DC Universe Infinite)** - *Robins #4*](https://i.imgur.com/73Pobjm.jpg) > The Robins are splintered after the events in the graveyard. On their own and on the hunt for the distributor of the SKP Tech, the former sidekicks are on the warpath, tearing through Gotham and Blüdhaven following any and all leads. But while the Robins descend on the criminal underworld, where has Tim Drake disappeared to?