#ACTION COMICS 975

[disniq]

i havent read all of the comics post urban legends to gotham war with jason, but as far as i remember between them jason didn't really kill anyone? tfz is on my mind (he tried to kill 'bane' but didn't). i suppose he couldve been murdering off screen as well but i also have no idea if that's hinted at

anyway with tmwsl and the beast war stuff having him kill it means:

urban legends -> stops killing

gotham war -> is brainfuckedup by bruce. cant do shit

tmwsl -> joker unbrainfuckedups him, he proceeds to go ham and kill some goons/tries to kill the jokers

beast world -> still killing in larger amounts

so if bruce had left his ass alone would he still be in a holding pattern with the bats? way to fuck it bruce (though im happy. so.)

obviously the doyalist explanation is they probably realized jason was in a bit of a limbo atm and decided to shake it up again. but watsonian is soooo funny to me. good job b

Thank you for bearing with me anon, I'm finally free from work and mostly compos mentis at the moment, so!

My initial instinct when I got this ask was to disagree, because I didn't read Jason's behaviour in the last issue of MWSL as any more or less violent than he was in the earlier issues, I don't think he ever actually killed anybody in that run (though do correct me if I'm wrong on that), and I'm extremely reluctant to take the Beast World characterisation into account because it's a, uh... reductive view of Jason, at best.

But.

BUT!

As I was turning this over in my head, I realised why it was pinging at my brain.

It's because this exact thing *has happened*, back in RHatOs Rebirth.

Pre-rhato 25 my beloathed, Jason had been consistently using less-lethal methods in exchange for Bruce's implicit approval and regular interaction with the batfam. He specifically says this on panel in The Trial of Batwoman, this is a choice he chooses to make against his own beliefs;

Detective Comics #975

This holds until six months later, when Jason shoots Penguin. And then Bruce famously snaps and beats the everloving shit out of him in a brutal and notably one-sided fight.

After which, Jason changes up his outfit, swaps the guns for a crowbar and a katana, and becomes significantly more lethal again.

RHatO (2016) #25, RHatO (2016) #26

And when I thought about it, well. I think you could argue that each of Jason's more lethal spells are proceeded by an altercation with Bruce.

Brothers in Blood, where Jason plays a murderous, knife-wielding Nightwing to annoy Dick, is the first Jason story after the infamous Under the Hood showdown wherein Bruce chooses to cut Jason's throat instead of... doing literally anything else instead.

Batman: Under the Red Hood, Nightwing (1996) #118

And after working relatively civilly with others throughout Countdown, Jason goes full murder gunbats in Battle for the Cowl after Bruce's delightful little "you're broken and you'll never be fixed" hologram speech.

Battle for the Cowl #3 , Battle for the Cowl #1

Now, I absolutely do not want to come across like I'm saying Bruce is responsible for all Jason's more extreme actions at all, because I'm not about that lack of agency shizzle at all. Obviously Jason was already very much down to kill prior to his final confrontation with Bruce in UtRH, and I think he does genuinely believe some people deserve to die.

But I think this pattern of Jason reacting to Bruce's outright and often violent rejections by escalating the very behaviour that has Bruce repeatedly rejecting him is super interesting as a facet of their continuous cycle of abuse.

So regardless of Beast World, I wouldn't be at all surprised if Jason does lilt more lethal for a hot minute before he inevitably makes consessions to get back into Batman's good books.

[kindlingkeen]

I think something that annoys me the most about quite a few Joker Dies/Jason Comes Home fics is that they think that as soon as the Joker is dead, Jason will stop killing. Like, doesn't matter if he's the one to kill the Joker or not, as long as the Clown dies, that's it, problem solved, Jason can go home with no issue because obviously he has no more reason to kill!

and it always has me ???????????????? the Joker is not the reason Jason kills? the Joker dying takes out a massive threat to the citizens of Gotham and I don't doubt it would make Jason personally feel better just in general, but there are still horrible, horrible people around and doing things that Jason believes means they don't deserve to keep living? Just because the Clown's dead doesn't mean all the other issues Jason deals with as the Red Hood are going to disappear wtf

Anon, I’m so sorry it too me forever to answer this ask!! Tumblr disappeared it from my inbox after I read it initially, and then it just reappeared this morning! I hope you’re still around to see this.

That narrative has me going ???????? right along with you. I don’t understand it. I’ve thought about it a lot and the best I can come up with is that sometimes authors are more interested in telling a story about Jason reintegrating with the family than they are in being true to Jason’s character. Because when you think about everything Jason’s been through, his motivations and perspective, the choices he’s made, it’s actually really hard to make him play happy house with the bats and keep his character authentic. If you’re out there in the void reading this and feel differently, reblog or leave a comment with your thoughts, I’d really like to hear them.

As I see it, here are two pieces to your ask: 1) Joker dying. 2) Jason killing.

First, Joker. Honestly, imo, focusing on the Joker dying completely misses the point. Canonically, if Jason really wanted Joker dead above all else, he could have killed him in Lost Days. He could have shot him in the face the first time he saw him in UtRH. It’s not about Joker. It’s about Bruce. Bruce’s choices, Bruce’s actions, Bruce’s feelings (or lack thereof). Taking it one step further, I actually think that deep down there’s a part of Jason that doesn’t want the Joker dead. Because once he is, that’s it. The possibility of Bruce making things right (right in Jason’s eyes, at least) is gone forever.

Second, Jason killing. I think Jason kills because, at his core, his priority is victims. He’s willing to take that final step because he sees it as necessary for existing victims and to prevent future victims in the making. I think it’s possible to put Jay in a scenario where he chooses not to kill for other reasons. But it’s not something he’s ever going to repent for, it’s not a ‘suddenly seeing the light’ sort of situation. I think these two panels from Detective Comics #975 are a good example of that. Although I take issue with the ‘I still have enough respect for this place’ line.

So, yeah, those are some of my thoughts on Jason, the Joker, and the Red Hood’s lethality. I’m still getting the hang of these meta rambles. Hopefully that was coherent enough, lol.

Thanks so much for the ask, anon! I really enjoyed thinking this through! 💙

[bard-llama]

Too tired to write, so have a WiP list

Anyone who knows me knows I have a WiP Problem. As in, I have waaaaaaaayyy too many and jump around between them like a deranged monkey. 

Feel free to send me an ask asking more about any of these if they happen to spark your interest! I’m always happy to talk about my dumb fics lol and this is literally just a list, so if you want more info, pls hmu. I’d be delighted to tell you the absurd amount of stuff I’ve figured out for some of these fics that haven’t seen the light of day.

Gonna split this up into 2 categories: fics that have been partially published and fics that haven’t seen the light of day at all (except perhaps here in a WiP Weds or something). This includes gen + shippy fics, which I post to separate accounts, but I’m really bad at actually keeping stuff separate lol

Total count: 82 WiPs jfc

Published but Incomplete

Storyteller Zuko AKA Those Who Tell Stories Rule the World (current chapter at 1.7k words)

Following the Rules AKA The Consequences of Breaking the Rules (current chapter at 700 words)

Two Lovers Omashu Fic AKA The Pebble That Causes an Avalance (current chapter at 2.8k words)

Comic Fic AKA Seduction of the Innocent (current chapter at 78 words (remaining fic: 2k))

Ba Sing Se Boyfriends AKA Facing the Dragon (of the West) (current chapter at 156 words (remaining fic: 4.3k words))

Ba Sing Se Hookups AKA (Going) Down and Out in Ba Sing Se (current chapter (14) at 4.1k words)

S3 OT3 fic AKA Hope for the Future (current chapter at 555 words)

Dragon Mama Zuko AKA Zuko’s Terrible, No Good, Very Bad (Yet Kinda Awesome) Destiny (current chapter (2) at 3.1k words (remaining fic: 15.5k words 🤦))

Post-canon OT3 fic AKA A Royal Heir (current chapter at 2.1k words (remaining fic: 6.3k words))

Aggressive Zuko AKA I’m Your Fire, Your Desire (current chapter at 128 words (remaining fic: 805 words))

Everyone Wants Zuko AKA Reading Lips (current chapter at 461 words)

Gaang Marriage AKA Commitment to Balance (current chaptert at 708 words)

Total: 12

Unpublished These are in no particular order in that I stick them in my doc randomly and then order my 16 GDocs tabs meticulously lmao

Earth and Air (sequel to Fire and Water) - 975 words 😭

Agni’s Little Flame - 1207 words

Unyielding - 167 words

Zuko collects strays - 99 words

Harmonious Accord - 42 words

Zuko adapts other bending techniques - 2.8k words

Fire Control - 412 words

Nightmares - 1k words

Good at Bending - 1k words

Healing Fire - 1.2k words

Sibling Rulers - 247 words

Azula and her brother - 2.1k words

Crew Bonding/Breathing Fire - 1.9k words

Bounty Hunter Zuko - 683 words

Katara hating on Zuko - 303 words

Imprisoned DoBS!Zuko becomes Fire Lord and has an awkward conversation - 17k words

Zuko stops chasing Aang, so Aang chases Zuko - 8.1k words

Batman!Zuko - 7.5k words

Viva la Resistance - 217 words

Aang in the Iceberg: Dreams - 674 words

Angst Coma Time Travel - 651 words

Punishment - 52 words

Accidental Shaman Zuko - 14.2k words

The Fire Lord and the Avatar - 1.9k words

All the Politics - 13.1k words

February Challenges - 1.7k words

The Tournament of Kingship - 1.9k words

Zuko Asks Forgiveness Through Action: Actions Speak Louder Than Words - 1.9k words

Shirtless Sparring - 355 words

Retribution - 364 words

Crowd Shy - 254 words

“Seduce” You to the Good Side - 530 words

Serious Take: Come to the Good Side, We Have Cookies - 3.9k words

Return to Pohuai - 1.5k words

Oviposition PWP - 405 words

Our Love Become a Funeral Pyre - 799 words

Pining - 4.4k words

Spontaneous Combustion - 2.6k words

Early S3 AU - 2.5k words

Gay Bar - 387 words

Airbender Blow Jobs - 109 words

Ozai - 163 words

Fluffy Zuko/Aang - 253 words

“My heart feels like it’s dancing when I look at you.” - 465 words

Zuko blows Aang while Katara watches - 391 words

Fealty - 1.5k words

Choosing Nonviolence: Aang sees Zuko’s Scars - 1.4k words

Choosing Nonviolence: What Is Forgiveness? - 592 words

Aang Approaching Zuko Morning After - 1.6k words

Dreams/Nightmares - 436 words

Pampering Zuko - 460 words

Zuko navigating 10 (billion) relationships - 1.3k words

“Being in love is not a weakness, you know?” - 118 words

Truth Serum - 144 words

De-aged Zuko - 1.8k words

Treasure (Sequel to Pearl drabble) - 1.1k words

“I’m in love with your voice.” - 393 words

First Kiss/First Time - 1.1k words

Sex Pollen Hakoda/Zuko + Kuei/Zuko - 753 words

Southern Water Tribe Family/Zuko: A Southern Water Tribe Welcome - 119 words

Global Leaders Orgy (🚫Arnook🚫) - 65 words

Maiko + Gaang - 107 words

Sex Pollen Blue Spirit/Aang - 1k words

Everyone Wants to Fuck Zuko - 1k words

Consensual Somnophilia - 226 words

“Prisoner” Zuko - 498 words

Working Together/Mission Fic - 1.9k words

Pao’s Teashop Office Sex - 449 words

Zuko becomes Fire Lord AU - 829 words

Toph Joins S1 - 1.1k words

Total: 70

[comicsclois]

Action Comics #975

[fyeahsupermanandloislane]

Jon who? -- Action Comics #975

[thirdeyecomics]

NEW COMIC DAY TODAY, OUR PICKS: ACTION COMICS #975 *SUPERMAN REBORN PT 2* -- The awesomeness that is Tomasi and Gleason’s SUPERMAN run has exploded into a killer crossover with SUPERMAN REBORN, and Third Eye Faithful, we are HOOKED! Another layer of the Superman / Clark Kent mystery is exposed, as we learn just what it all means to the Son of Superman — who is a prize in this most deadly game! What’s the scoop on SUPERMAN REBORN? The very mysteries of REBIRTH itself surrounding Superman, pre-FLASHPOINT, and how the events of LOIS & CLARK took us into the FINAL DAYS OF SUPERMAN, are finally revealed here. This crossover will bounce between two titles: SUPERMAN and ACTION COMICS, and it sees the return of the mysterious Mr. Oz — a sinister figure who’s been messing around in the DC Universe and kidnapping people who seem to have something to do with the PRE-FLASHPOINT timelines. Now, one of those prisoners have escaped… and what transpires will lead to some serious tragedy for Lois and Superman.

[hondobrode]

ACTION COMICS #975 

(W) Dan Jurgens, Paul Dini (A) Doug Mahnke, Jaime Mendoza, Ian Churchill (CA) Patrick Gleason, Mick Gray

"SUPERMAN REBORN" part two! Celebrating our 975th issue with a supersize special as another layer of the Superman/Clark Kent mystery is exposed! And in a backup story written by  Paul Dini with art by Ian Churchill, learn what it all means for the Son of Superman, who is the prize in a deadly game! The covers by Patrick Gleason and Mick Gray and the variant covers by Gary Frank for SUPERMAN #18-19 and ACTION COMICS #975-976 will connect to form a single vertical image.

click for best comics talk

[dailycass-cain]

Cassandra Cain Reading Guide Part 2: Modern

Part II of my reading list for Cassandra Cain. This one chronicles the current iteration of the character, and all her modern appearances.

Part I you can view here. 

Part III reading guide (Random) you can find here.

Part IV reading guide (Alternate versions) you can find here.

Part V reading guide (PAIN) you can find here.

Batman & Robin Eternal #1-8, #10-14

-  #1 features the reintroduction of the character into the Batman Universe. #10-13 is her new origin, with one section not mentioned, but you can easily put the pieces together what it is (aka Cass killed Harper's mother).

#7 is worth the price alone of Cassandra watching ballet for the first time in this universe. As is #13 with GORGEOUS art by Marcio Takara, and is the crown jewel of the entire series for Cass.

The thing is though I can't really recommend the remaining portions. If you want to understand the finale then read #14-26. But-- it isn't as strong like the first fourteen issues (well save the brief period Tim/Jason go to Santa Prisca and are jerks to Bane).

Detective Comics #934-940

-  the "Rebirth" era where Cass joins a team that features Tim, Steph, Clayface, and Batwoman. One tiny nitpick with the opening (which I guess goes the, if it ain't broke don't redo it) is Cass is bestest friends with Tim/Steph, and only told she is.

Still, the opening arc features Cass being Cass and has some damn good action moments of her being the "tank" of the team.

Batman #7-8

Nightwing #5-6

Detective Comics #941-942

Now I know some might skip this but x-over "Night of the Monster Men" does feature some Steph/Cass moments. Plus it's the first time in A LONG time Cass is in a crossover and it's the Bat-Family vs. Giant Monsters. 

Detective Comics #943-944

-  is the foundation of Cass/Clayface friendship probably one if THE hallmark of this entire run by run writer James Tynion IV.

Detective Comics #950-956

-  the "League of Shadows" aka the arc that focuses on Cassandra and has her take on Lady Shiva. #950 and #955 are the hallmarks of this arc with an entire issue (#950) focuses on Cass, and the later is a giant fight scene of her vs. the League.

The problem with the arc is it feels like the "Empire Strikes Back", with no real payoff to the ending of it involving the conflicts of Ra's/Cass/Shiva.

Detective Comics #957-962

- has numerous Cass moments sprinkled in this arc. Namely more Basil/Cass goodies (him teaching her Shakespeare) and Kate/Cass taking on a brainwashed Azrael in a BRUTAL battle.

Detective Comics #964 

- is the second of a two-part story involving Steph/Anarky/Bruce. But it's this issue that has the apex of Cass/Basil friendship with the later at his breaking point, and Cass is there for her friend. You might need the tissues for the feels.

Detective Comics #969-974 

- features the return of the Victim Syndicate (the second arc's big bads) and they have their focus solely on using Clayface to tear Batman's world apart. If #964 didn't rip your heart out, this arc will. But damn is it good.

Detective Comics #975-981 

- James Tynion IV's grand finale for his Tec run and Cass is heavily featured in all the issues. But #980 is a big one for Cassandra as she and Stephanie learn of their previous lives being Batgirls and Steph’s time as Robin.

Detective Comics #983-986 

- is basically Batman & the Outsiders prelude. #984 has Cass taking on the arc's villain Karma alone. But it's #985 where we get some damn good Cass moments as she, Black Lightning, and Batman foil Karma's schemes.

***Updated note for this section. Shadow of the Batgirl graphic novel. A spectacular reinterpretation of Cassandra's origin story that takes place outside the main continuity. It hits all the beats that are why some of us love Cass and will defend the character. It's a one and done story. Perfect for new readers.

DC: The Doomed & the Damned

Truth & Justice #16-18 (online via DC Infinite), #6 (physical copy that collects the entire story.)

Truth & Justice has a Damian story by Juni Ba that includes the Bat Family celebrating Damian’s birthday, but it is crashed by Ra’s Al Ghul. Has a really cute tiny brother/sister moment between Cass/Damian. Worth it alone.

- A spooky story called “The Hunt” that stars Cass and Orca. The former comes across human traffickers and the fight is interrupted by Orca. A simple but sweet story by Alyssa Wong, (who’d go on to write another fun Cass appearance in Batman: Urban Legends #8). 

Batman & the Outsiders #1-17

-  (there's an Annual and it's an amazing Katana story but no Cass insight there). This series did an amazing job showcasing why Cassandra doesn't need the Orphan identity any longer.

It also FINALLY gives us evolution in the relationship between Cassandra and her mother Lady Shiva. Because going this route adds many more layers, and more story possibilities now. Instead of the tried standard Cass/Shiva death-match, we've gotten in the past.

Besides the new layers of depth added with her relationship with Shiva, we also get Cassandra bonding numerous times with Duke Thomas aka the Signal. If you've been hungering for brother/sister moments that we haven't gotten in AWHILE.

If there's any negative, is that Duke doesn't get the same attention as Cass does throughout the comic. I still hope beyond this comic that writers remember how close these two are and have a few more adventures.

-Batman: Joker War Zone Event --

Batman #95-98 (No Cass)

Batman #99 (Cass has entered the Joker War chat)

Batman: Joker War Zone #1 (Cass becomes Batgirl again doning a variant of her old costume, Steph slaps a Bat symbol on her Spoiler costume and goes back to a half mask but also goes by Batgirl too)

Batman #100

- For a more continuity friendly version that follows the characters specifically: Batman & the Outsiders #17 (i.e. the Bruce/Cass talk) Batman: Joker War Zone #1 (page 3) Batman #99 Batman Joker War Zone #1 (pages 1-2, 4-8) Batman #100

Cass becomes Batgirl again after more than ten years from dropping the mantle. NUFF SAID!

Batman #103-105 

 Infinite Frontier #0 

Batman Urban Legends #2-3

- Various appearances of Cass that have her running around as Batgirl with Stephanie. #3 of Batman: Urban Legends continues Shiva subplot started in Batman & the Outsiders. The story is flawed, but still worth it for the ending. 

There are three issues I'm neglecting in Detective Comics even if two of them have gorgeous art by Bilquis Evely. But the arc is rather meh on Cass. You might see this specific arc pop up on another reading guide for Cass.

Joker #3-4, #7, #9  #11-13, and #15

- Cassandra figures heavily into the Joker ongoing helping out both Barbara Gordon (Oracle) and Jim Gordon in their search to find the Joker and solve the mystery as to why several groups are after the Clown Prince of Crime.

Features Cass vs a Talon. 

Highly recommended reading as it is truly a stealth Jim Gordon ongoing.

Batman: Urban Legends #7 

- “Hunter or Hunted” is a story starring Cass in the "Future State" alternate future. It's a self-contained tale that tells an exceptional fight sequence with some awing visual treats for the reader.

For those readers who've read Batgirl Vol. 1, this story is the first time in all those years we finally get a story where the artist is allowed to let the fight breathe. You take in every move and emotion.

Detective Comics #1038 (backup story) 

Detective Comics# 1039 (one panel but it's Dan Mora drawn-Cass) 

Detective Comics #1047-1058 (Shadow of the Bat arc) 

#1061 (assists Bruce in the finale to Tamaki's Riddler arc and final issue of her run with Ivan Reis drawn-Cass)

- Mariko Tamanki’s Tec run had Cass appear in the latter stages of it. These are the key areas Cass featured or appeared in. Shadow of teh Bat was the arc she appeared most in. 

One Bad Day: Two-Face #1

- Tamaki again writing Cass (and Steph) as they tag on a case with Bruce that involves someone targeting Harvey Dent’s father. 

- Batman: Fear State Event -

Fear State Alpha #1 (first appearance of Seer) 

Batman #112 

Batman: Urban Legends #8 (framed for murder by Seer and team-up with Batwoman)

Batman #115 (secondary story: Batgirls Part 1) 

Nightwing #85 (The Clocktower goes boom from Babs/Dick/Tim's PoV) 

Batman #116 (secondary story: Batgirls Part 2 aka Cass/Steph's PoV when the Clocktower goes boom) 

Nightwing #86 (Babs/Cass/Dick/Tim/Steph team-up extravaganza)

Batman #117 (the main story occurs during Nightwing #86 and after it)

Batman #117 (secondary story: Batgirls Part 3) - Post-Fear State set-up for Cass/Steph that leads into--

Batgirls #1!!

Batgirls #1-6

- Cass & Steph together sharing an ongoing book with Barbara as their mentor figure?  Cass truly shines in these first six issues, but the story is hampered with a few flaws (the narration gets a bit too much, Barbara as Batgirl is treated so normal when it should be a something BIG). 

Besides Cass, the art by Jorge Corona is more than worth the read. That and the villainous Tutor. 

Batgirls #9-12

- Cass/Steph investigate the Hill Ripper, a serial killer targeting at random around the neighborhood they live. The arc has nice twists/turns you just don’t see coming. Add to that, Cass is given two good fights in this arc. A bonus is we get the long-awaited meeting/team-up of Cass with Maps Mizoguchi. Add a fun reinvention of Killer Moth. This arc is a fun read from start to finish.     

Batgirls 2022 Annual, #13-15

- Cass/Steph have a body swap episode and have to confront a parental figure of the other’s (Steph with Lady Shiva/Cass with Cluemaster). The arc steps up a rogue sect of the League of Assassins is attempting to set up in Gotham with Shiva trying to stamp it out (by also asking her daughter for help).

An unhinged Cluemaster (alive and this arc drops the Young Justice issue that brought him back) kidnaps his “daughter” in a hope to reconcile. In the end, Cass/Steph get their bodies back. 

#14 features a Cass solo story and “silent issue” where she goes on a quest to find Stephanie (now in the clutches of Cluemaster). This issue is (so far) the series best issue bar none. Focuses on the advancement of Cass is with reading and her detective skills. #13-14 features exceptional art by artist Jonathan Case.

The Annual and #13 are kind of weak (retreading plot devices we’ve seen with both Lady Shiva and Cluemaster), but the last two issues more than make up it.

Batman: Failsafe (#125-130 for the arc, #126-128 for the Cass stuff).

- After Penguin frames Batman for his “death” a Failsafe robot is activated (one that Bruce created just in case he ever went “rogue” but Alfred kept switching off until his death) and attends to “save” Gotham and end the Batman & Bat-Family.

Cass encounters the robot in #126 with her and the entire family beaten. #128 is a flashforward where the entire Bat-Family save for Bruce, Tim, Cass, and Duke Thomas have all been captured (along with some members of the Justice League).

The arc is alright. It has a gorgeously drawn Cass by artist Jorge Jiménez. Yes, Cass is one of the few to escape Failsafe, but there isn’t much done in the arc with either her or Duke afterward. 

Things just return to normal for Gotham with the defeat of the machine in #130. This is writer Chip Zdarksky’s first arc on the comic and it’s-- alright. Zdarksky falls into the trap of listing only Dick, Jason, Tim, and Damian as his “sons” in Bruce’s narration while Cass is neglected (along with Duke).

Batman vs. Robin and Lazarus Planet Event (Lazarus Planet: Dark Fate #1, Batman vs. Robin #5)

- Cass skips out for most of Batman vs. Robin series until the final issue where she teams up with the rest of the Bat-Family (minus Signal and Batwoman) to take on a demonically possessed Batman. 

The Family job but Cass is the main member (besides Damian and the wild card Monkey Prince) who provides enough of a fight until mystical shenanigans occur. 

Prior to this issue Cass shows up in the Lazarus Planet tie-in teaming up with new mystical hero Xanthe Zhou as they team-up (along with a begrudging John Constantine) to deal with mystical creatures rising up due to the “Lazarus event”. Story ends with Cass getting sent to the Spirit World (see Spirit World #1-6). 

Batgirls #16-19

- Closes out this particular series with #16 tying up the loose plot threads from #1, while #17-19 has the three Batgirls tangle with a vindictive sniper.

Has some really sweet Cass moments (and callbacks) sprinkled throughout the remaining issues.  Why'd this series end?

Detective Comics #1069-1073

- Assists Batman in his latest case, and that's all I'll say about it because the run is underrated and you should be reading it if you aren't other than... These issues close out the first half of Ram V's Tec run.

Tim Drake: Robin #10 

Batman #136

Batman: The Brave & the Bold #4

- Various Bat Family moments with Cass assisting the family. Light-hearted and cute moments. 

Spirit World #1-6

- Continues the story that began in Lazarus Planet: Dark Fate #1 with Cass trapped in the Spirit World with Xanthe Zhou and John Constantine to rescue her.

Alyssa Wong returns for a FOURTH time to write Cass and second for 海凝 Haining drawing the character.

Visually stunning from 海凝 Haining with character, set designs, and sequences. Wong ties some elements of this story from Batgirl Vol. 1, but doesn't fully answer the ideas introduced here.

 Cass gets an amazing mystical costume for the comic combining her various identities.  

Birds of Prey Vol. 5 #1-6 (Mega Death) 

 -   A new Birds of Prey team gets together (Dinah, Cass, Barda, Sin, Mirai Maps, and a rotating team this arc has Harley Quinn and Zealot), and Cass plays a big role in the series. - Friendship with Big Barda is formed and IT IS GLORIOUS.

- We get a glorious fight in #4  between Cass/Wonder Woman (drawn by Leonardo Romero and gorgeous colors by Jordie Bellaire) with the former stalling for time.

- Nice bonding between Cass and Black Canary too throughout.

#7-8 (Undercover Animals)

- Two-parter (now with Barbara Gordon and Vixen), with Cass/Dinah trying to prevent someone from trying to kill Babs.

- Goes on an undercover mission with the Birds at a fashion show wearing lingerie and kicking butt. Get a tiny Batgirls nod here.

Detective Comics  #1077-1080, #1082, & #1084 

 - Ram V continues his epic run and Cass is along for the ride.  This section solidifies again why she is an heir (along with Dick and Jean-Paul) to be Batman. As she keeps the symbol alive with Bruce out of action.

- Her and Babs team up with the Catwomans (Selina and Eiko), Jim Gordon, Azrael, Lian Harper, Cheshire, Solomon Grundy, the Question, Poison Ivy, and Mr. Freeze to free Batman from the Orghams #1077-1080).

- #1082 and #1084 are her trying to keep Gotham safe and as stated before keeping the bat symbol alive as the Orgham tries to wipe the memory of the bat out.

- #1084 she stars in a backup story by Alex Paknadel and Robbi Rodriguez where she teams up with her mother, Lady Shiva.

- Shiva helps Cass out with the mental fatigue she's experiencing during the story with the constant Orghams threat.

- Features the return of pre-New 52 David Cain to the DCU in a flashback.

Nightwing #106, #108 (backup story by Michael Conrad and Serg Acuña.)

- Cass features in this fun little side story where she has some fun sibling antics with Nightwing (along with Stephanie and Jason).

DC's How to Lose a Guy Gardner in 10 Days #1 

 - appears with Steph in Dick/Babs story. 

 Titans Beast World Tour: Gotham #1 

 - Co-stars in a story with Huntress that recanonizes her old NML Batgirl origin. 

 JL vs. Godzilla vs. Kong #5 (one-panel cameo)

[jetslay]

Superman Rogues by Doug Mahnke. (From Action Comics #975-976)

[scorpionyx9621]

My Urban Legends: Jason Todd Rant

Maybe it's just me but I'm actually really happy with how Jason's story ended in Urban Legends. I've seen a lot of mixed reactions overall. Do I think the ending has it's issues? Yes. That being said, the general consensus is that that people were asking for Zdarsky to write an opera in 6 issue monthly comic.

Jason's characterization was a bit all over the place at the beginning. However I wouldn't call it out of character. Jason always has been a very emotionally driven character. And I've seen a lot of the more vocally angry people at this comic say that we should go back to the 'good old days' of Judd Winick and Jason just being a villain. Cold, uncaring, and just wanting revenge. But here's the thing that may shock you, Jason Todd and Red Hood were never villains. At least not in the sense of how Joker is a villain.

Jason Todd is a character driven by his emotions and a sense of seeking revenge. But he never has actively gone out of his way to kill someone he doesn't think deserves it. Hell, look at Tyler's dad. Jason killed him and he was a father. But at the same time he was a father who was abusive towards and gave drugs to his wife and child. That's still fair game in Jason's book. But it's the fact that he did that, that he killed the child whom he was trying to protect's father. That sent him on this emotional turmoil to begin with. This was the first time there was any gravity to his actions in a comic. Jason Todd isn't a black or white character. Just very, very dark grey.

But the one thing this issue got so right and emphasized so much which is, what I would argue the cornerstone of Jason's character, is his loneliness, and how he seeks to have people who accept him, a family that accepts him. When he's under the cheer gas's effect, we see this vision.

For a drug that makes you happy and makes you hallucinate the one thing you want most in life. To see that Jason's happiest vision is him being surrounded by a family that loves him, and a Bruce that accepts him? Jason Todd, the fearsome Red Hood, the one who instills fear and intimidation in the hearts of his enemies and has brutally murdered upwards of 80 people? Jason Todd is having an emotional breakdown crying surrounded by his found family and his father figure holding him as he cries.

I'm not saying Bruce is father of the year, nor is Jason Todd a saint. But this scene is so important to me as someone who identifies as a man. We dictate how boys have to act a certain way, and showing any emotion other than happiness, rage, or general emotionlessness is seen as weak and unacceptable. And for as popular of a character as Jason Todd is being vulnerable and being surrounded by loved ones? It's a powerful scene despite it being a hallucination. Jason still is that scared kid who grew up on the streets and watched both his parents disappear and fade away in front of him.

Also? Miss me with that crap about Jason is now too soft and too emotional. Prior to the New 52 Jason was still that scared kid struggling trying to find people who would accept him and love him for who he was. Despite blowing up her school, he tried recruiting Mia Darden because of their similar upbringings of being homeless orphans in their respective Gotham's and Seattle's. And anyone who's saying Jason's attachment is out of character, I literally beg you to actually read some of the comics. This powerful scene came from Detective Comics #975 and puts it best from Jason's words himself.

"Being here, being one of you all, it's important to me. I lost it for a while, and I wanted it back. So I made an agreement that I might not fully buy into in exchange for that."

Jason Todd loves his family. Why else is it that whenever there's an issue, especially in newer continuities, Jason almost always responds to every call for help from his family? Yes he's done a lot of harm towards the family, he's tried on multiple times to come for the lives of Bruce, Dick, and Tim. And while a lot of that is explained away via continuity scrubs, Jason still, despite all of the pain, all of the anguish, and all of the suffering he has dealt with. He still loves his family. Is it correct for him to be with the family after everything that has been done to him? I'm not certain. Maybe it's Stockholm Syndrome, maybe it's an act of genuine love. Is it entirely healthy? No not at all, this is a family of fictional vigilantes in a world where we have a billionaire who dresses as a bat have a kleptomaniac response to collecting troubled kids and turning them into sidekicks and said billionaire's best friend is a literal alien sun god.

I think where Zdarsky succeeded is welcoming Jason back into the family fully. I understand a lot of people feel like this is rushed and sort of out of the blue. But in the actual issue of Urban Legends itself. Bruce and Jason realized that they both wanted the exact same thing. Jason wanted to be loved and accepted by his family and by Bruce. And Bruce wanted Jason back in the family and loved and safe, but more importantly, he wanted his son back. It's that mutual understanding of knowing they both want the same thing that helped each other in the end.

Jason grew as a character from this comic, and he's grown so much as a whole. I understand a lot of people are giving this scene in particular flack because they just shake hands and Jason rides off. It's very healthy that they ended that way with a handshake because it shows that they are putting healthy boundaries up. The two clearly respect and love each other. But after so much pain and years of fighting, perhaps a hug isn't appropriate.

Maybe this is all endemic of us vilifying Bruce for so long. But honestly I think it needs to be approached with more nuance. Bruce is by no means winning father of the year. But Bruce has always loved Jason. (even though this last image, while reaffirming his love of Jason and his acceptance of him, also affirms that THAT scene from RHATO where Bruce beats Jason to within an inch of his life is still canon) Bruce has always done everything he can to try to reform any villain, and for Jason his efforts extend tenfold. Look at Clayface and Harley Quinn, two cast members who were former members of Batman's rogues gallery, now welcomed by Bruce into the crimefighting family.

Was this the perfect comic and does it automatically solve all of Jason and Bruce's problems? No absolutely not. But it does show that the beginning steps of healing are taking place. And that's the thing with healing. It's messy and you're going to fall down and make mistakes a lot. But we succeed in healing when we pick ourselves up and help each other try to heal and learn to love a little bit more. I want more stories of Jason learning to grow back into his spot into the family. Yes people are going to still look at Jason like he's going to explode at any moment and that's hard to work through. But with the proper writers, and with a family that truly loves each other. I think Jason and Bruce have the potential to turn out alright. Thank you Chip Zdarsky for making this. I look forward to seeing what you make in the future.

*edit* spelling and grammar

[ailelie]

From Detective Comics #975

And wow is this issue hitting all of my Batfamily feels. Context: Bruce, Dick, Jason, Tim, Damian, and Barbara are trying to decide what to do with Batwoman after she crossed a line.

This is still part of the Tynion IV run and I am still impressed. It is hitting some great emotional beats for multiple characters without slowing down the action. Arcs weave in together really nicely as well.

[trendingpopculture]

Best Comic Covers Of The Week 3-8-17

Best Comic Covers Of The Week 3-8-17

New comic book release day 3/8/17. New comic releases are subject to change. These are our favorite covers from the new comics arriving this week. Listed below is the comic book with the cover artist. What are your favorite covers this week?

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[fyeahsupermanandloislane]

Action Comics #975 (Preview)

[thirdeyecomics]

NEW COMIC DAY TOMORROW, OUR PICKS: ACTION COMICS #975 *Superman Reborn Part 2* -- The awesomeness that is Tomasi and Gleason’s SUPERMAN run has exploded into a killer crossover with SUPERMAN REBORN, and Third Eye Faithful, we are HOOKED! Another layer of the Superman / Clark Kent mystery is exposed, as we learn just what it all means to the Son of Superman — who is a prize in this most deadly game! What’s the scoop on SUPERMAN REBORN? The very mysteries of REBIRTH itself surrounding Superman, pre-FLASHPOINT, and how the events of LOIS & CLARK took us into the FINAL DAYS OF SUPERMAN, are finally revealed here. This crossover will bounce between two titles: SUPERMAN and ACTION COMICS, and it sees the return of the mysterious Mr. Oz — a sinister figure who’s been messing around in the DC Universe and kidnapping people who seem to have something to do with the PRE-FLASHPOINT timelines. Now, one of those prisoners have escaped… and what transpires will lead to some serious tragedy for Lois and Superman.

[omniversalobservations]

Action Comics Vol. 1 No. 975 (May 2017)

Mister Mxyztplk states he he is the only one who can pop from world to world and depending on the reality his name is pronounced and even spelled differently. He also hints that Mxyztplk is another one of his identities.

Source: DC Database

(image via Reddit)

[hondobrode]

SUPERMAN #18

(W) Peter J. Tomasi, Patrick Gleason (A/CA) Patrick Gleason, Mick Gray

"SUPERMAN REBORN" part one! In DC UNIVERSE: REBIRTH #1, the enigmatic Mr. Oz told this Superman, "You and your family are not what you believe you are. And neither was the fallen Superman." Now, in the first Rebirth crossover between SUPERMAN and ACTION COMICS, the shocking truth behind Oz's words is revealed. It begins with one of Oz's prisoners escaping, and ends in a tragic moment for Lois and Superman. The covers by Patrick Gleason and Mick Gray and the variant covers by Gary Frank for SUPERMAN #18-19 and ACTION COMICS #975-976 will connect to form a single vertical image.

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