#'cause it's so funny. but also shows how deeply Dick understands the thing Batman and Joker have got going on

[distort-opia]

Very insightful, yeah! Wanted to add this reply too because I really agree with this principle, and it's why I try not to exclude the Batfamily and this particular side of Bruce when it comes to my understanding/writing of him. Since Dick was the first, in many ways this ongoing theme of Bruce's Family (which ended up growing and growing) being what tethers him to humanity and what gives him hope for a better world, has its very roots in him.

I feel like Joker's always been more than subconsciously aware of the weird ass love triangle, though. At least in Snyder's works:

Nightwing (2011) #16

And this is a tangent, but I also got reminded of the super fun time after Bruce died/disappeared-- Dick's Batman and Damian is his Robin, and Joker shows up with a fake identity to actually help them out... well, in his own particular way. Not gonna touch on how Damian (on meeting Joker-as-Oberon-Sexton for the first time ever) thinks he might actually be Bruce, but the interactions between Dick and Joker are fun:

Batman and Robin (2009) #13

Think this stayed with me because I was like "aww that's exactly what Bruce always says about Joker". There's also this tidbit Joker himself says:

Batman and Robin (2009) #16

"Too alike", which is interesting. In a way, Robin and Joker do share the same colorful patterns, the brightness to Batman's darkness, the humor-- but they're all employed for opposing purposes. Don't have a big point I'm trying to get to, this is just reinforcing what you said, but it's kinda fun to consider Dick and Joker's dynamics as two of the oldest and most important relationships Bruce has. I kinda feel the need to go back and re-read a bunch of comics now.

Um. These multishipping polls have been highly educational. For instance, I think I might've connected the dots on SOME kind of Bruce/Dick/Joker thing going on in Scott Snyder's works and I don't really know what to do with this pattern I noticed except to inflict it on all of you as well.

Exhibit A: that time Dick cosplayed as Joker.

Batman: Court of Owls

Exhibit B: that time Joker thought he was unmasking Batman but actually it was Dick underneath.

Batman: Endgame

Exhibit C: that time Joker literally became Bruce's Robin.

Batman: Last Knight on Earth

Snyder. SNYDER. What does it mean. What DOES IT ALL MEAN. I'm turning into Charlie from the It's Always Sunny meme--

[incoherentbabblings]

What are your favourite comics anyway?

Oh! Oh! Oh! Okay. Full disclaimer. We’re going for what comics I re-read over and over again. Are these comics...good? Eh. Are they bad? No, I don’t think so. Some were meh to wow! when first released that time has either been kinder or harsher to, but I don’t think I have a series or a run or a title which is I like which is like... hot guilty garbage. Though, of course, feel free to disagree. There are some authors on here which people will not want to touch with a barge pole, and I totally understand and encourage not touching them if you don’t want to.

Having said that, here are my favourite popcorn comics (largely Titans and Batfam because I am... basic): 

The Flash (2016) issues 39-45 + Annual #1

Having said that, Flash time first. People think Williamson is a real hit or miss writer and I do agree, but I think this whole arc is one big hit. It’s frantic in its energy, I love Gorilla Grodd as a villain, I love the modern Flashfam trying to help, I love how Wally coming in to help totally turns the tide and the mood. I love how everyone looks at Wally like… this guys is powerful, more powerful than any other speedster… but also noting there’s something very fragile about him. I didn’t include Flash War in this because I’m still waiting for the payoff for that angst regarding Wally, but this arc… mwah. Wallace Rudolph West being vindicated as the greatest Flash (whilst allowing Barry to be flawed and to lead his family)? Yes please. Also I love Carmine’s art. I gather it’s hit and miss for some folk but I love the line work. Also Carlos D’Anda’s issue (come baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack draw Dick and Roy again your work has gotten so much cuter this past decade) is a beauty too. Big ol’ eyes.

 (Under the cut ‘cause this is LONG)

Batman Dark Victory

One of two Loeb stories for me. And yeah sure Long Halloween is objectively better but…jelly bean

Also, angry traumatised Dick smacking a dying man with a stick. What a legend.

Gates of Gotham

Cass! Damian! Dick!Bats! Tim! A mystery villain! World building for Gotham! Stuff exploding! Batfam banter! Trevor McCarthy art! This bizarre panel of Jim Gordon holding Tim’s hand like he’s checking the time?

It’s one of the last ‘pure’ Batman stories before the reboot – Bat Inc aside – so it’s how I like to read the Batfam’s relationship by the end of that universe. Everyone’s a lot more content, proud Dad Bruce, happy and settled Dick and Damian, Cassandra returning home, Tim chopping off the emo hair… it’s all good.

Grayson (particularly #5)

I know why people can’t stand it. The circumstances leading up to it are bog awful. Opinions on Tom King’s writing has only grown more spliced with time. The (sex) jokes are too on the nose and hit too close to home for many. The cheesecake art is too stilted for some. But! Issue #5 is my favourite single issue story. Ever. You never have thought boxes in this series, because everyone is lying, but you aren’t told when. You never know how genuine Dick is being at any given moment, until it is just him and the baby. I love how single-minded it allows him to be. I love how he flat out lies and manipulates to protect that little girl, whilst also caring for Helena. About how seriously he takes his job of protecting Bruce and his family (and that’s why he’s even doing the stupid spy thing in the first place). And maaaaybe it’s unrealistic that Dick could outlast Midnighter crossing the desert, but screw it. Bruce can be better than metahumans all the time. Let Dick get an issue to be so to. Saving a little girl who is probably going to grow up to be akin to Superwoman. Just because he’s given himself that responsibility. He’s going to double cross twenty groups at the same time and come out clean as a whistle. And he’ll cross a desert with a newborn to do it.

Light of my fricking life.

Infinite Crisis

I…I like that things go boom. John’s is very good for that. Also, the Nightwing and Batman moments howowheheheheheheeeeeeee. Almost wish Bruce had shot Alexander. I wonder what would have happened?

(Brief side note: Graphic Audio’s adaptation of this is great fun. I dropped a bowl of cereal at the part of Superboy Prime versus the Titans. Cassie’s scream when Pantha’s head got punched off was a bit…intense. The No Man’s Land one is very good too if you have cash to burn - the voice actors are the same in both and Nightwing’s voice actor has this lisp and I don’t know man... I love it. He’s now the voice in my head for Dick).

Titans/JLA and The Titans (1999) issues 1-25

The Titans are now known I think for not being a very proactive hero group. Books struggle with balancing team dynamics versus plot, and this one is no exception. I know people don’t want to touch Devin Grayson’s stuff with a barge pole. My justification for this is flimsy I accept that, however, the JLA/Titans comic was the very first comic I read when I was like six or seven. I was rummaging through my brother’s room as a nosy kid does and this was at the top of his pile. Thank god for the little info boxes as each Titan was captured/referenced. I fell in love with Kory, I fell in love with Dick, I fell in love with Donna (oh Donna…) and then I tumbled down a hole and pretended I hadn’t until about six years ago. So that’s nice. So yes, this one is one hundred percent nostalgia based. 

But honestly, Linkara did a retrospective on this event comic and series years ago, and his reasons for loving it are the same as mine really, so go watch those if you have like five hours to kill. When Devin leaves the comic remains strong for just a moment then... absolutely plummets off a cliff. So I really wouldn’t bother with the second half of the series but hey. You do you.

Teen Titans/Outsiders: The Insiders

More Geoff John’s explosions. My first comic that got bought for me. My brother walked in to the shop and said: “I need a comic for my sister where Starfire gets a good showing” and the men went… ah yes.

Eleven-year old me was like EXPLOSIONSSSSS but also was intrigued by Kory and Dick’s bedtime convos (perhaps…I was a bit under the age bracket for this book - Kory gets a good showing huh?) but uh. Anyway. Also this is when I was thoroughly enamoured with Roy. This crossover is typical Winnick and John’s angsty angst with overly poetic narration and tropey tropes which, combined with what came before and what was to come for the Outsiders, can make both series such a slog to get through, but in isolation, I think it’s a real fun crossover which gave everyone a bit of time to shine and some real fan-ficcy moments (very self-indulgent, and I love that in a comic).

Teen Titans: Year One

I love Amy Wolfram and I love Karl Kerschel. It’s a good intro to those five characters with cute stories. Does exactly what it says on the tin. Batman is demonstrably a major prick in this, even after de-brainwashing, so it’s obviously going with the ‘Dick is only half as functioning as he is thanks to Roy, Wally, Garth and Donna’, which I can get behind 100% depending on what story they are trying to tell, but it’s just… it’s still sad to read. I just think the art is brilliant at giving each of the five very clear characteristics just from their body language, and you know immediately what each character dynamic is like with another.

Batman Hush

The other Loeb story. Again, it has what I like in a Batman story. A mystery, the family, appearances of villains, flashbacks and brooding, fighting, Jim Lee’s Nightwing being hunky… Ahem. It’s a fun read I think. Also, I really like Loeb’s Bruce? I don’t think people talk about it much. But he’s really chatty in his own head. And he’s witty and dry and funny. I like that! Also, Babs is such a backbone of this story. I adore that. She’s treated well here, I think.

Black Mirror

I flipping love this arc. I love it. I love the two contrasting but deeply disturbing in different manner art styles, I love the mystery, I love Babs role in the story, I love Tim’s little appearances and the banter with Dick, I love the weird villains and the terrifying ones, and how you think one is one of the two only to be revealed to be the other or both. I love Dick’s investigation and how he goes about it differently to Bruce. I love Dick’s relationship with Jim, I love the flipping reference to the vultures and owls seemingly following Dick (a whole reboot before Snyder got to tell that story), I love the monologue about how James thinks Dick is weird and weak for his compassion and love, when really that’s his greatest strength, I love Jim wanting so hard to believe James is trying against Babs’s cynicism, but also does try to get an unbiased opinion of someone who is proven good at reading people (Dick) and does what he needs to when his son is actively harming people, I love that ambiguous ending and the questionable science, I even love the Joker’s one (1) scene with Dick. I love this line,

I love Snyder at his best. When he’s good…mwah. Great.

…And yeah. That’s my story.

[writingstarling]

Worry (YJ! Dick [Robin] x reader)

Warning: I don't know if this is good because I'm not really sure if I'm portraying it with your relationship with Robin as the center so please feel free to comment and criticize it and please forgive me if there are any mistakes

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2nd POV

Robin paced back and forth in front of the Cave's medical wing. Bitting his nails to help ease his anxiety that seemed to increase every passing minute. Hearing the door of the infirmary slide open, he whipped his head to it.

"How is she?" Robin asked, worry lacing his words.

"She's going to be fine, but when she will wake up, I don't know."

Robin let go of the breath he subconsciously held. Putting a hand on his chest to ease his rapidly beating heart.

"Can I see her?" his masked eyes full of hope.

With a nod of approval, he marched to enter the infirmary. But as he reached the door, he came to a stop. He felt his stomach twist caused by his mixed feelings. He wanted to see you, but on the other hand; he felt too ashamed to. After releasing one shaky breath, he continued to march inside.

The first thing he noticed when he entered was how bright the room was as the walls were also colored in white, accompanying the lights. The next was your sleeping form tucked under a layer of white. A tide of guilt washed over him, remembering what caused you to lay unconsciously on the white layered bed.

The team was on a mission to collect intel on the upcoming transaction between Bane and Lex Luther. Batman had commanded that they were to simply infiltrate Lex's office and download the needed information into a hard drive to later be sent to the Justice League then escape out of sight, a simple heist.

But alas, similar to their past missions, their stealth mission took a few bumps and was not something Batman asked for which in the end turned into a fight. At the end of it, they celebrated their victory a bit too soon and didn't realize the one robot who was still functional that aimed his weapon to a beam that was holding half of the roof together.

It succeeded in doing so and the roof fell on one side. After destroying the robot with your customized boomerang, you pushed Robin out of the way before the whole ceiling collapsed on you. It took them ten minutes to dig among the boulders and debris until they finally found you crushed under a boulder with your head the only thing that wasn't ruthlessly crushed by the boulder.

-

"I'm sorry," he whispered breathlessly.

He balled his shaky hands in an attempt to calm his nerves. His nails dug into his skin making it pale, but the pain was numbed by guilt and worry. His black domino mask shielded his eyes that were glossed with tears, but nothing can hide away his frown and devastated look. He stared down at your form.

So peaceful, so solemn, with the only evidence of the pain you went through were the bandages that covered your forehead and arms. A hand was suddenly placed on Robin's shoulder, but he didn't move.

"She's going to be alright," Miss Martian reassured.

Her eyes held what Robin could only guess as sympathy. Robin inhaled deeply. He knew that Miss Martian meant it for consolation, but it didn't really help ease the guilt and worry twisting in his stomach. Noticing Robin's lack of reaction she withdrew her hand to her chest.

"We're gonna wait for you outside," she glanced to you, "if it's any help, she wouldn't blame you."

Robin could hear the sliding of the door open and close before everything around him seemed to blur. Subconsciously, his hand reached to held yours. He always loves holding your hand. How yours is smaller than his, but still provides warmth for him.

"I broke my promise," his voice cracked, "I couldn't protect you."

The tears that pooled his eyes streamed down his cheeks. Small sniffles echoed the room. But for a moment, for just a brief moment; he could feel your fingers move to intertwine with his. He didn't know whether that was true or his imagination, but he couldn't stop his heart from skipping a beat.

After he reluctantly left the medical wing, he limped his way to the tube.

"You're already leaving?" Kid Flash inquired.

"Yeah, I have to go on patrol," he faced Kid Flash, "see you tomorrow, KF."

Without waiting for a reply, he entered the tube and was soon transported to the Batcave.

-

The next few days went by the same way, with you showing no signs of waking up any time soon. And in those days if there wasn't a mission Robin had to go on, he would sat next to your bed and remain there until he had to leave. Telling you of how his day went, what interesting things that had happened during the day, how everyone misses you, how he misses you.

However, on the fifth day of your comatose, something was different. In the middle of Robin's tale, you shifted in your bed. Your eyebrows were furrowed and your lips pulled downwards, tears pooled your eyes. Robin took notice of it and became alarmed.

"I'm sorry," you whimpered softly.

A pained look overtook Robin's face. It hurts him to see you laying down on the seemingly uncomfortable makeshift bed, but seeing you whimper and cry took it to a whole new level.

"I'm really sorry, please don't leave me," you sobbed once more.

Not able to take seeing you in pain anymore, he did the only thing that came to mind. He held your hand and sang softly.

-

Slowly but surely, you started to calm down. The sobs died down until finally, your lips tugged upwards as you held unto Robin's hand. A relieved sigh escaped his lips. He didn't know whether that would actually work or not, but was grateful that it did.

Unbeknownst by him, the team had heard Robin's singing courtesy of Superboy's super hearing. They spied on you both from the window of the infirmary.

"I didn't know Robin can sing," Miss Martian chirped quietly as she peeked through the window.

"Neither did I," Kid Flash admitted, dumbfounded by the fact.

Robin stared at you with a loving gaze. A smile tugged on his lips.

"Glad you like that song, my mom used to sing that song to me when I had nightmares, thought that it'll help you," Robin stroked your hand that held unto his with his thumb to comfort you.

Robin could see your lips move, forming words that were inaudible to him, but thanks to his training with Batman, he was able to read your lips. The smile that painted his lips softened.

"You're welcome, (H/n)," leaning in to plant a kiss on your bandaged forehead.

Suddenly, a loud squeal could be heard from outside of the room. Robin let out an exasperated sigh.

"I should've known they'd come and spy," Robin muttered lowly, to himself.

After gently peeling off your hand that grasped his -- with much reluctance -- he went out to see Miss Martian apologizing, Kid Flash looking slightly terrified, Superboy with a neutral look, Artemis sighing, and Aqualad shaking his head.

"Now, why were you guys spying on me?" Robin leaned against the wall, a smirk played on his lips.

Miss Martian sheepishly looked away, rubbing the back of her neck, "We were curious."

"I heard singing," Superboy flatly responded, a slightly amused look displayed on his face.

"Dude! Why didn't you tell me you can sing?" Kid Flash whined whilst Artemis -- who stood beside him -- rolled her eyes.

"Why don't you try using the tiny bits of your brain to solve that question, genius," Artemis retorted lowly that only Superboy was able to hear her.

An amused smirk crawled its way to Superboy's lips at her remark.

Aqualad stepped forward, "We apologize for intruding, we were simply worried."

Robin sighed, "It's fine, that and I didn't tell you I can sing because I know you'll probably tease or pester me about it or even use me, Wally."

Kid Flash pouted while Artemis chuckled beside him.

"It's not funny! That actually hurts!" Kid Flash childishly scoffed.

Artemis rolled her eyes at his exclaim, but a playful smirk graced her lips.

"Of course it does," sarcasm dripped from her words like venom.

"You both really act like an old married couple," Robin teasingly commented.

Red dusted their cheeks as they fumed, but didn't retort against it. Robin smirked triumphantly before looking back to you through the transparent panel. You were still in the same position as Robin left you.

"I wonder how much longer will it take for her to wake up?" he questioned to no one in particular.

A sun-kissed colored palm tapped Robin's shoulder, "When the time comes, she will awake."

"Thanks."

-

It was the end of the week, the seventh day of your comatose. Like any day Robin visited your room. He wore his civilian clothing accompanied by his signature sleek black sunglasses.

Robin took a deep breath in front of the infirmary door. Bracing himself to be met with your sleeping form once again. Reminding himself to be optimistic and hope for the best. The door opened automatically when he took a step forward.

"Robin?"

Robin's eyes immediately darted to the bed. There you were, sitting on the bed casually. Your hair as big of a mess as a lion's mane from bed hair. Bandages still wrapped around your forehead and forearms. And you were still wearing the plain mint green hospital robe when you first arrived in the medical wing.

Normally people don't look attractive or even decent after a coma, but you look absolutely stunning in his eyes. Your head tilted to the side showing genuine curiosity and worry.

"Is everything alright?" you asked, edging closer to the end of the bed.

Robin pinched himself much to your worry and confusion.

"I'm not dreaming," he mumbled, still pinching his reddening cheek.

"No you're not?" you hesitantly responded. "Are you alright Robin? Should I call the doctor?"

"I'm not dreaming!" Robin suddenly cheered, scaring you a tad bit.

You were about to question him once again before he suddenly engulfed you in a hug.

"I'm not dreaming," he blissfully whispered, laying his head on the crook of your neck.

You didn't understand why he was like that or why you woke up at the infirmary, but those questions were for later. Right then, you were focused on returning Robin's gesture. Calming him the best way you can. You stroked calming circles on his back.

"No you're not, I'm here Robin. I'm right here, and I'm not going anywhere anytime soon."

You two stayed like that for a few minutes. Him, relishing the feeling of having you conscious, safe, and alright in his arms. You, trying console him the best you can. After about ten minutes, Robin released his hold on you.

"Sorry, it's just that, I really missed you. I still do honestly," he meekly chuckled, wiping stray tears in his eyes without revealing his eyes.

You giggled at his tiny confession, "Seriously, you made me so worried, for a moment I thought you got injected with the Joker's poison or something."

Robin playfully glared at you through his sunglasses as a grin crawled his lips.

-

Robin took a seat on a vacant stool near your bed and told you about the accident and how you fell into a comatose. Staying unconscious for a week, worrying him sick.

"You know, you shouldn't be really worried. I can take care of myself you know and as many have said, I am a fighter, Robin.

I will not let something like crushed by a boulder stop me from finally defeating you in martial arts. So stop worrying about me."

"Sorry, no can do," he trailed off with a smirk.

"It's my job to worry, (H/n)."

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Please feel free to request or comment!