#Batman: Death in the family aftermath

[metalphoenix]

Do you think theres a memorial to the second Robin in Crime Alley? I like to think that even if the rest of Gotham didn't know where he came from that Crime Alley knew he was one of theirs.

Do you think they were devastated when it came out he was dead? I don't think it would be a official memorial or anything. When it was announced he was dead people started putting candles/cards/stuffed animals/food out on their roof tops in honor of him.

Maybe a few weeks later someone graffitied a mural somewhere up high in his honor. They did it in the middle of the night. After that people started to leave things there.

Theres no official care taker for the memorial. Everyone helps out. People who leave stuff take care to clean up any trash left around. Theres a few people who make sure theres always at least one candle lit.

One day its vandalized. Robin may have been one of them but its Crime Alley and he made life difficult for criminals. Maybe someone he put in jail got angry and vandalized it. The people fix it. There no call to action they just see it and take it upon themselves to restore it.

Do you think Jason sees it when he comes back as Red Hood? I think he found it in his first two weeks back in Gotham. He wasn't big yet. He was still taking control. He stumbles upon it on accident. He's not expecting it. He's grateful no ones around because he breaks down. The enormity of everything that happened to him hits him like a brick and suddenly he's on his knees sobbing.

Maybe once he's taken over and the people trust him he'll ask about it. He'll ask why they care about the second Robin. Why do you take care of the memorial so intensely? They tell him. They tell him they know the second Robin was one of them. They tell him how much hope he brought to the people that had none. Do you think he realizes how much he meant to these people?

Maybe someone connects the dots. They don't know who he is but they see how fiercely protective the Red Hood is of the alley and they remember the boy in bright colors and an even brighter smile. They look at this angry broken man trying so hard to do good and see the boy who died too soon.

The next day a mural of Red Hood pops up across from the Robin Memorial.

[americankimchi]

realizing my recent jason posts makes it sound like i hate his character when that could not be farther from the truth. i love my unhinged toxic self sabotaging king. he has so many problems and over half of them are directly his doing. watching people grind down his sharp edges until he's a misunderstood softboy is what gets me up in arms like leave him alone he's doing absolutely horrible things to himself and everyone around him and you're going 2 accept that buddy!!

[celaenaeiln]

Hiii, how are you? I’m new in the Batman fandom, but i saw a lot of people saying that Jason is actually Batman’s favorite child, and when i was reading the comics, i really though that Dick is Bruce absolute favorite, but i saw a lot of posts here on tumblr of the fandom saying is actually Jason and that the batkids all know its Jason, but i don’t know what is canon and what is fanon (quite honestly when it comes about the batfam i don’t like a lot about the fanon version 😭), so i wanted to ask you about it

And sorry if i said something wrong, english is not my first language

Hi and no worries at all!!

Yeah, canonically Dick is Bruce's favorite by a LONG shot and canonically the batkids all know this.

Infinite Crisis Issue #3

It's says right here in the comics. Really explicitly. But not only that, time and time again, there is clear evidence of Bruce's preferential treatment of Dick over the rest of the batkids.

One time the batboys and Bruce are searching for a guy that kinda is using the Gotham criminals as his subjects. So what they decide to do is split up to narrow him down.

Detective Comics (2016) Issue #1057

But they run into issues because the villains chose a 'divide and conquer strategy"

Detective Comics (2016) Issue #1057

Bruce gets swept away! Because of a carefully planned trap. But do you what he does the second he wakes up?

Detective Comics (2016) Issue #1058

JDAKFA;BFJALEC

BRUCE LITERALLY WENT: "I love Dick and all the other not-Dicks equally" !!!!!

As if that's not enough, Bruce's biggest fear is that he's not good enough for Dick.

Bruce's fear about Dick-

Batman vs Robin Issue #3

because he believes this -

vs

Bruce's fear about Jason -

Batman vs Robin Issue #3

because he believed he failed to do this -

Batman: Hush

Reminder: Joe Chill is Martha and Thomas Wayne's killer. Enough said.

If you want to be even more explicit about Bruce's preference for Dick over Jason it can't be clearer than here:

Bruce reflects on Jason's Robin tenure -

Batman (1940) Issue #428

Something a lot of people don't know/refuse to acknowledge is that Jason canonically did have anger issues. There aren't a lot of parallels between Jason and Dick but one particular thing that DC points out is that Jason and Dick both lost their beloved fathers. The difference is that Dick was able to move on and become cheerful even if he didn't get revenge. Jason wasn't able to get over the loss of his father and became angry. UTRH makes a specific point of talking about this too.

Batman (1940) Issue #645 "He knew that Jason Todd was NOT Dick Grayson."

Do you remember why Jason became Robin?

Batman (1940) Issue #416

Bruce wanted Dick. He took in Jason in replacement for Dick. But Jason was not Dick and even on the day he died, all Bruce could think of was that taking in Jason was a mistake.

The batkids are well aware of this. Damian actually calls Jason Bruce's mistake too when he's recounting the story of the robins.

Here's what he says -

Batman (1940) Issue #713

That's Damian's retelling. Tim's is even worse -

A Lonely Place of Dying

Ouch.

Truthfully Jason is like Bruce's 4th favorite. In order of how much Bruce loves his kids it goes:

Dick

Damian

Cass

Jason/Tim (tie)

Tim/Jason (tie)

Steph

I think there's so much confusion about Jason supposedly being the favorite because Bruce grieved over Jason's that but I think a lot of people are conflating grief and self-blame with love. There have been two significant deaths in the family: Jason and Damian. If you look at how Bruce reacted in each aftermath, it becomes clear that he loves Damian more than he loved Jason.

After Jason's death:

Batman (1940) Issue #429

Batman (1940) Issue #431

After Damian's death:

Batman and Robin (2011) Issue #21

Batman and Robin (2011) Issue #20

He would forcefully make Jason relive the worst day of his life so that his other son could enjoy his.

Bruce's behavior after Jason's death was self-destructive and isolative but his behavior after Damian's death was to beat bloodly every single criminal. His reasoning for beating Dick after Jason's death was "Jason was your replacement. If you hadn't left I wouldn't have had to take him in and he wouldn't have died." His reason for beating Jason after Damian's death was "Your trauma matters so little to mean that all I want is Damian to live again and I couldn't care less about how you feel."

In summary, Jason wasn't Bruce's favorite either as Robin or as an adult. But even if it's not Dick, claiming that Jason is the favorite is so far off that no one is DC would remotely believe it. You would think there would be more analysis on Damian's death in comparison to Jason's because they were two big official deaths but I guess not for some reason. I ran out of image space but yeah there's more than just this overall. This isn't to say that Bruce doesn't love Jason. NO! He very much loves him. But he just doesn't love him the most.

On a different note - coming from someone who went from TT show to YJ to fanfic AND THEN reading comics, I've had relearn a lot about each of the characters. But for people still in the process of transitioning from fanfic to comics or just in the fanfic stage, general rule of thumb when it comes to batfamily content - NEVER trust what people say if they don't provide the evidence for it. People in this fandom are so wild that they'll have you believing the earth is the center of the universe, that you'll fall off the world if you go too far left or right, and that pigs can fly.

[thatshadowgastwhore]

I come bearing Tim, Jason, and Bruce angst.

Ever think about the fact that Jason had to be the adult when it came to his relationship with his mother? That the roles were reversed and the child had to look after the parent when she was at her most self destructive, had to be the one looking out for her to try to keep her safe from herself, and from his perspective, he failed. He wasn’t enough. Catherine died. (Obviously Jason bears no actual fault in her death, he was a child, but that doesn’t mean he believes that)

And with Bruce, pre death, Jason and Bruce had an excellent father/son relationship. At no point pre death were those roles reversed and Jason had to be the adult for Bruce. Bruce was a loving father, he wanted to keep Jason safe and it allowed Jason to be more of a child. It showed him what a parent should be for their child, unlike what he learned from Willis and later Catherine as she devolved.

You know what Jason does not witness? Bruce in the aftermath of his death. He doesn’t see Bruce spiral and become violent like Willis or self destructive like Catherine. He never has to witness Bruce as less than an ideal parent. He also never witnesses that the person who steps up to emotionally support Bruce and pull him out of his spiral is another child. A child taking on the role of caretaker for an adult.

Jason’s greatest trauma is his death, but his first trauma is Willis and Catherine. Bruce would never tell Jason the extent to which he fell apart. Tim would never divulge the information willingly. Bruce was so grief stricken, he barely remembers his time after Jason’s death, he blocks it out.

Jason may hate Bruce for not killing the joker, but he’ll never hate Bruce for becoming (briefly) like Willis and Catherine. Because he’ll never know. He’ll hate Tim for taking his place in the family, and never know Tim became like him in so many more ways than becoming Robin.

Tim knows on an informational level what Jason’s time was like pre-Bruce. He studied the family, he’s a researcher, his pattern recognition skills (literally how he unmasked Batman) are too great for him not to know the basics, but he doesn’t know the emotional level it would have scarred Jason. But even without that, he’ll never tell him what happened while Jason was dead. Even if it means Jason resents him. He’s going to take that secret to his grave.

Jason will never know that they have that in common. He doesn’t need to. It’ll only hurt more. (He can never tell anyone)

[brucewaynehater101]

Ok Tim Time Travel AU or just Tim Travel AU. Tim gets sucked in a similar event that got bruce un the Time stream. But it only makes Tim land in various events that takes place since bruce beginnings as batman.

The first event is bruce getting shot, Tim pops in and helps young bruce. As it the first time, tim didnt prepare in any way to hidrñe his identity. But bruce was out enough not to recognize him. (He wouldnt anyways)

The next time, tim is more prepared, he hacks into the drakes account to get money and with that crafts a new suit. And writes down a list of ideas of how to hide his face. As bruce can't have tim's face in his memory. (He goes from ghost maker blindfold to red hood'd helmet). The only distintive is an "R" in his suit.

And that's how it goes for a little while. Tim appears out of nowhere to help bruce with smthng. Usually to save him from posible deaths

Then he's throw in Dick's parent's death day. Then when dick almost falls off his line. Then some dick' kidnapping. And so on.

Bruce ofc doesn't trust this elusive evident experienced vigilante. But it grows on him. For the robins is this cool big brother and stuff.

Tim doesnt want to think what this means for how he interacts with his family.

Ideas are buzzing!

Cool! Anyone can feel free to list out canon events you think Tim could have helped lessen the impact of (in this AU, he doesn't have that much control. It seems more like he's helping in the aftermath). He will prevent their deaths in some cases, but let's say, for plot's sake, that he can't prevent certain outcomes.

To be extra fun, perhaps all the Bats knew about Future!Tim. Imma call him Raven just for the hell of it.

Tim finds out when he gets sucked into the time thing, that he was Raven all along. The older vigilante left him a clue that was only decipherable after Tim's first time jump.

Regardless, Tim slowly builds up a reputation with the Bats. It's difficult because he has no control on when he stays or goes. He just pops up when he's needed.

It's difficult to establish trust with someone who is untraceable and never stays.

It's heartbreaking for Tim because there are some incidents he can't change despite going back in time (like Jason dying). Tim has no control.

There's also the fear of destabilizing the timestream or whatever.

Then, as Raven, Tim learns a fuck ton about incidents that his family has hidden or never talked about. Traumas they don't or wouldn't mention (perhaps Raven learns about Tarantula and similar shit). Since Raven pops up whenever and isn't actually a Bat, there's a different type of relationship that vigilante has with the Bats. It helps them to admit shit they wouldn't to their family (which you can then get into guilt, protective anger, horror, etc).

Raven slowly starts getting close to the Bats as much as he can given his circumstances. Older Tim watches Robin debut, Nightwing debut, Jason become Robin, the aftermath of his death, Tim becoming Robin, etc.

Having an "outsiders' perspective" on all of these events must feel weird as fuck.

[silverwhittlingknife]

Dick Grayson & Tim Drake: Reading Guide

Once upon a time, two kids met at a circus... and the rest is history.

table of contents:

who are these losers?

what's fun about them?

why a reading guide?

how does the reading guide work? (tl;dr: there are quick recs, a selected chronological list, and a complete chronological list)

where is the spreadsheet? (x)

who are they?

Dick Grayson and Tim Drake: the first Robin and the third Robin.

Also known as the circus boy and the earnest computer geek, the hotshot and the pretender, the slighted prince and the new apprentice, the acolyte and the hanger-on, Nightwing and Robin, Batman and Robin, Batman and Red Robin, and Marcia and Cindy (BftC 3, N 110 & 119, B 617, DC 677, Detention Comics 1, R 168, RR 14).

Or as Jason calls them, "You idiots" (TT 47).

More seriously, Dick Grayson is one of the most enduring comic characters ever - he's been around since Detective Comics 38 in 1940! He's Batman's first ward, first partner, and eldest son. When Dick's parents are murdered, Bruce identifies with him, comforts him, and takes him into his home, where Dick ultimately volunteers to join his crimefighting mission. By candlelight, the Dynamic Duo swear an oath: That we two will fight together against crime and corruption and never swerve from the path of righteousness!

Tim Drake was created in Batman 436 and formally introduced in Lonely Place of Dying. He's a lonely kid who imprints on Dick when they meet as children, and Dick hugs him and promises to do a quadruple somersault for him; he's horrified and worried about Dick in the aftermath of the Graysons' murder, which he witnesses. He watches Batman comfort Dick, deduces Robin's secret identity, and becomes a secret devotee of the Dynamic Duo. Though he admires them both, it's ultimately Dick who he idolizes and tries to emulate when Bruce is spiraling: Batman needs a Robin. No matter what he thinks he wants.

Their slow-burn strangers-to-friends-to-brothers-to-antagonists-to-brothers-again arc develops from 1989 to 2011, and it's one of the standout examples of the DC Post-Crisis era's commitment to gradual character development and careful continuity.

what's fun about them?

SO MUCH!!! But one of my favorite things is their friendship has RANGE!! They go from sweet kids to tense strangers to loyal friends to brothers over the course of real-life years and tons of comics. They fight, they tease each other, they get protective, they worry, they chase each other down, they walk away... there's just so much story here.

They meet at the circus as children, when both their parents are still alive. They meet again, years later, when Bruce is reeling from Jason's death and they team up to stop him from hurting anyone. In the early days, they're brothers-in-arms and never quite family - instead, Dick is Bruce's loyal-but-estranged eldest son, and Tim is Bruce's new loyal-but-wary apprentice, with his own family and his own semi-estranged dad. The slow process of evolving toward found-family is a delight to watch.

They work together as Nightwing and Robin over four years of in-universe time and for over twenty years of real-time, gradually forging a fierce bond of friendship and, ultimately, brotherhood.

Then Bruce dies, and they have some huge fights.

But even when they're estranged, even when they're not speaking... they never stop loving and trying to protect each other. No matter what.

why a reading guide?

Quotes from New Titans 60 and Batman 441 (1989), Nightwing 25 (1998), Nightwing 69 (2002), Red Robin 1 (2009), Red Robin 12 (2010), Gates of Gotham 3 and Detective Comics 874 (2011)

I think reading guides are cool!! And somebody asked me about one!

More generally, I think reading guides are always helpful, but especially with Dick & Tim... you know, when I first started out trying to read their comics, I got kinda overwhelmed. Because on the one hand there's SO MUCH CONTENT - they're one of the classic enduring friendships in all of post-Crisis! their relationship is a HUGE BIG DEAL! they're constantly calling each other and hanging out and supporting each other and arguing!

But at the same time, all of that content is scattered across lots of different books, in Robin and Nightwing and Detective Comics and Batman and New Titans and Titans and Young Justice and Teen Titans and Shadow of the Bat and Gotham Knights and Birds of Prey and Showcase and DC Holiday Specials and so on and so forth. There's not One Definitive Place where you can read The Dick-and-Tim Story.

So: a reading guide!

how does the reading guide work?

Dick and Tim are in over 400 comics together and over 800 comics each separately. That's a whole lot of comics! So I've made a spreadsheet with three different reading guides, depending on how interested you are in these two:

1-5 Quick Recs: If you just want to check out a couple comics, check out these quick recs for "if you like fluff," "if you like angst," etc.

200 Starter Comics: If you want to do a comprehensive, chronological Dick-and-Tim read without committing to all the comics, this list has some of their major team-ups plus some solo comics so you know what the heck is going on. Most of them have a "sneak peek" you can use to decide if you want to read it.

Big List: A complete list of all the comics Dick and Tim are in, in chronological order, with links to dc.fandom and to DC Universe Infinite. It has filter views.

This spreadsheet was a labor of love, obsession, and SO MUCH PROCRASTINATING doing other things. I update it sometimes.

where is the spreadsheet?

it's here. have fun <3

[rubydubydoo122]

As much as I hate to say it, and as much as I love Jason ToddI'm gonna need DC to kill him again, and keep him dead this time.

Now before you come at me, let me explain why I think this. Jason Todd is a character that while alive will always be connected to Gotham, and because of his differing morals with Batman, he will always be in a cycle of conflict with him. We saw it in UTRH, we saw it in RHATO, we saw it in Gotham Wars. Because Jason isn't a villain (I feel like in UTRH he was an anti-hero, and any actions that didn't align with the morals he set during that time is because he was villainized by Batman) Bruce's actions feel overtly brutal (batarang to the neck, beating him so har his helmet broke, chemically altering him to feel fear) especially since it's towards his SON the one he claims to have mourned. It's a vicious cycle that isn't fair to Jason, and it's major character assassination of Bruce. It's overdone and I am sick and tired of it, but I do not see either characters backing down from their moral stances.

Now you might be thinking, just because Bruce and Jason don't get along doesn't mean they can't make up-- they've tried. Multiple time. Every time Jason and Bruce take a step in the direction of being close to each other again, Bruce becomes a control freak and abuses Jason like he's his own personal punching bag, and there's only so many times someone can forgive someone before enough is enough.

But I still haven't explained why specifically I think Jason should die again. And it's because of two reasons. Jason deserves peace, and as long as he's a ghost walking on earth, he won't be able to get that. Also because it would make Great Angst. We all know Bruce would break if he lost Jason again. He's going to push everyone away, and if you're going to have Bruce push everyone away, give him consequences for his actions.but we saw how protective Dick got during Gotham Wars. Just imagine Dick walking up towards Bruce and saying, "It might've been my fault last time for not picking up his calls, but this time, you can't deny that this, is all your fault." "How dare you! He was my son!" "You lost him once, and when he came back you treated him worse than any of the loonies in Arkham. You don't miss him at all. You only feel guilty because of your goddamned savior complex. You only treat him like your son when he's dead."

and while we're at it, maybe Tim can have a complete crisis. He had to pick up the pieces of Bruce in the aftermath of Jason's death last time, and look where that got him. All of his friends and family died. He was never truly recognized for guiding Bruce out of the dark, and we all know that Tim is one inconvenience from killing a bitch. Maybe this is it. I actually think it would be hilarious for Tim to take up the Red Hood mantle, Only to screw with Bruce. Because he knows that's what Jason would've wanted.

Have Damian afraid of what Bruce has become in guilt. Have Damians castle of worship for his father come tumbling down, because Damian always knew his father loved all of the previous Robins more than him, and if his father no longer wanted them, what was stopping Bruce from sending him back to the League.

Like DC if you're going to use Jason as a catalyst for an event, kill him off again. last time it was on a whim. This time, do it on purpose. This time, give his death a purpose. This time, make sure his death changes something, because god, Bruce has fucked up so much.

[arjudy224]

The Intern: Field Trip

Part 2 of The Laughing Fish

In the aftermath of the Laughing Fish fiasco, the Intern is greeted by a familiar friend. However, his motives may not be as pure as originally thought.

The Intern Collection:

Prequel: Death of a family

The Intern: Day one

The Intern: The Laughing Fish

The Intern Field Trip

The Intern: Busy Work

The Intern: Outreach Gala

The Intern: Teachers Pet

The Intern: Visiting an old friend

The Intern: Chemical Valley

The Intern: Billionaire Boys Club

Staring out at the Atlantic Ocean, I munch on my pathetic excuse for a lunch. The PB&J has a slight twinge of fish to it. The smell alone caused my appetite to disappear. I will never look at smoothies the same way ever again.

On the dock behind me, something slams with a loud SPLAT. With a slight sigh, I slowly turn to face the next problem. A carp the size of a child shakes the deck. Its large eyes stare up at me in terror. I shrug. Due to recent developments, the danger level of invasive species has fallen below my list of worries.

"Oh buddy, what are you doing?" I coo picking the big guy up by the tail, "You know better than to swim this far downstream."

The toddler-sized silver cyprinid flops pathetically. His glassy innocent gaze makes my heart swell. I lug the big guy back into the harbor with a light swing.

"That was a lot of compassion for an invasive species." A deep voice comments from behind me.

Turning my attention to the man, I shrug. The Justice League emblem catches my attention immediately.

"Man, they really let anybody on these emergency sites," I reply with a smile. "It's always good to see you, Arthur."

With his sandy blond hair and sunkissed skin, this man could star in Baywatch, yet he is hanging with the ghouls on Gotham Pier.

"Hey Y/N," Arthur greets with firm handshake, "How's Supes?"

My fingertips start tingling the moment he releases my hand.

"Still meddling in my personal life while I'm in school. You ever get that Kryptonite out of the water supply?"

I rub my palms together to distract from the sensation.

"Eventually," He winks, "Speaking of, where is the man of the hour?”

I point to the group of men talking. Dr. Harris, the Dock Master, the Commissioner, and Detective Gordan are all in an argument. Batman watches them all from the shadows. Dr. Harris glowers at the Mayor.

"Why aren't you with them?"

The Dock Master flashes red in the face before he takes a swing at the Commissioner's head. Arthur slowly nods in understanding.

"You are welcome to sit at the Intern table if you want to avoid the boys club over there." I joke gesturing to my discarded PB&J

"Good to know."

The Sea king marches towards the angry group of men with the confidence of a politician. If Batman asked for backup, we must really be desperate.

A chilly gust of wind creates goosebumps down my spine. The strain from the day aches in my bones. With heavy eyelids, I sag in exhaustion. Dr. Harris has disappeared of course, so my only ride home is out of commission.

"Kid, do you ever go home?" Arthur chids cutting through my drowsy haze, "I hate to break it to you, but they can survive without the intern."

The dock creaks slightly as he takes a seat next to me. His heavy gaze rests on the thermos in my palms.

"My ride is currently picking fights with the Mayor." I groan twisting the lid off.

Arthur laughs leaning back on his hands. The gold plating of his suit shimmers in the moonlight. I take a swig of the bitter liquid.

"I don't know how you do it. Those guys are something else."

Spoiler and Red Robin nod in greeting. I give a slight wave in response from across the dock.

“You get used to the intensity… They don’t trust very many people.”

The deck shifts as he takes a step closer.

“Do they trust you?”

I laugh bitterly while rubbing my temples. The long day has left a throbbing sensation behind my eyes.

A few minutes later, I respond.

“Sometimes,”

Arthur’s right of course. Dr. Harris has most certainly forgotten about my existence . Stumbling to my feet, I make a move toward my back pack farther back on the deck.

"Y/N wait!" Arthur calls in a panic.

Looking back at him, my world shifts upside down. Arthur's expression suddenly shifts. No longer jovial the man lunges toward me, yet his fingertips barely graze my wrists. Within moments, the wind whistles past my ears. The sudden change of momentum is paralyzing. Is this... flying? The upward movement slowly comes to a stop before I start to plummet back down to the dock.

Tears cloud my vision, but I can vaguely make out the Professor's horrified demeanor. An incoherent shout escapes his mouth. It’s funny. I’ve never seen him so frightened. Annoyed yes. Angry. Frequently… but terrified… It makes the sudden drop so much worse.

It doesn't take very long for each vigilante to rush in my direction. Against my better judgment, I spread my arms and legs out to slow my descent. The wind whistles past my ears. Paralyzed with fear, I can't even manage a scream.

As I plummet towards the jagged rocks, I reflect on my final moments. Gotham does look awfully pretty today. The stars shine bright against the light pollution. As horrific as the Joker fish appear, the shutdown inadvertantly cleared the sticky film from the boats. The harbor glows from the break.

My last thought before impact is, "Maybe this was the joke after all."

I awake to the smell of sea salt, the gentle rocking of waves, and a windpipe full of water. Panic wells in my water-logged chest. Clawing at my throat, I gasp for air to no avail. I am going to die. My heart pounds so loudly that it rings in my ears.

"Shhhhh.... It's okay... You are going to be okay." A voice reassures, "I've got you."

Lunging away from my savior, I frantically crawl away. My vision blurs. The golden sand burns my feet. With one final sputter, I cough up the last bit of water. Collapsing on my back, I soak up the sun's morning rays. My entire back stings from the impact.

A shadow falls over my fallen figure. Opening one eye, I squint up at the man. The figure loams over me in a cascade of shadows.

"You are blocking my sun," I murmur covering my eyes with a hand.

"My most sincere apologies," The man remarks with a devilish smile, "You remember me?"

The voice jumps my memory. Arthur’s blinding white teeth glisten in the shadow.

"Unfortunately," I groan wiping the sand off my wet cargo pants, "What the hell?”

Arthur's face ties a visual to my most recent memory. The dock. I stumble to my feet suddenly realizing the situation I'm in.

"Oh no. What the hell happened?"

"Do you know why an Atlantean would want to kill you?" He questions

I shake my head in disbelief.

Arthur's eyes look different in the light. His shark like gaze holds a quiet intensity. Circling me not as prey, but as something he can't quite put his finger on. Arthur turns around to walk farther up the beach. The white sand causes me to hesitate. We aren't in Gotham anymore

Trailing behind the hulking man, I do my best to ring out my uniform. The mandated cargo pants were built to soak up acid before it could touch skin. Typically, the pants are great in the field with the half dozen pockets I keep snacks in. Unfortunately for me, the designers never expected to go swimming in them. With each step, the pants swish & chafe against my thighs.

"Where are we?" I question struggling to keep up with his large strides.

Arthur shrugs. Running a hand through his hair, he thinks for a moment.

"My guess would be somewhere in the Caribbean."

My jaw drops. I stop in my tracks. Gasping like a fish, I exclaim.

"The Caribbean???! I can't be in the Carribean!"

An amused smile watches my outburst.

"Now, why can't you be in the Carribean?"

Throwing my hands in the air, I search for any reason not to start an interspecies war. A seagull flies away at my sudden movement.

".Because...I have work tomorrow. Everyone thinks I'm dead!"

"So, your solution is to immediately go back where they can target those you love?" Arthur retorts, “We don’t know who we are dealing with.”

I cross my arms in annoyance. Fine.

“What would you suggest then?”

"Go off grid for a few hours.”

I roll my eyes.

“I’m serious. Whoever you pissed off means business.

I hesitate.

"What about the fish in Gotham Harbor?" I question glancing around for any suspicious onlookers.

Nobody gives us a second glance.

"I've got people on that. We’ll have this all sorted out by the end of the day.”

At my bewildered expression, he continues

"Commander of the Seas... Remember?."

"Right."

I slide into a seated position. The white sand seems to glow against the midday sun. The choice seems simple enough. Write an incident report or explore an underwater city. The gentle ocean breeze flows around me in a salty embrace. Gotham can be so gloomy sometimes... Would it be such a bad thing if I pressed pause on my life for a few hours? Thirty feet from us a woman basks in the summer sun . Every couple of minutes, she takes a sip from her fruity cocktail. I've never wanted to be someone more.

"Fine... a few hours couldn’t hurt.”

Arthur smiles like he won a medal. 1st place in tricking drenched and overworked interns.

"That's great."

"Not so fast Mr. Curry. I'm not going anywhere until you buy me a drink.”

With a somber nod, he stretches out his palm for me to shake.

“Understood.”

The waves crashing against the shore make for a pleasant distraction from my worries. The salty sea air is a drastic change from the waters of Gotham city. With the sunshine warming my exposed back and the charming sea king at my side, I can't imagine a more relaxing day.

"Why do you keep running back to Gotham?"

My beachy high immediately crashes. I side eye him for a moment. My palms get clammy.

"What do you mean?"

Arthur shrugs.

“I like to keep in contact with developing talent.”

"Back in my day, we called that stalking,” I remark fiddling with one of the seashells I had collected,

I shift my weight. Running my fingertips through the water, I try to rinse the sudden anxiety off my palms.

“There’s nothing to discuss; Gotham is my home.” I continue dragging the shell against the tender sunburn on my forearm.

With a light flick of the wrist, a nurse shark the size of a child nuzzles against my calve.

"Is that why you ran away?”

Rage simmers below the surface. Keep it cool. He’s doing you a favor. At my sudden shift in demeanor, a large conch shell appears near my pinky toe.

“I didn’t run away.” I respond coolly reaching for the exuberant shell.

Within moments, 3 more shells resurface. Ignoring them, I gently pat the creature’s smooth flat head. It‘s wide round eyes melt my icy exterior.

With a final sigh, I search for something to say.

"I made someone a promise that I would always wait for them."

"Are they worth waiting for?”

My throat closes up. I flounder for something to say.

“They were.” I manage to choke out. “Now, it appears that I have a lifetime until I see them again.”

Tears sting my eyes. A light hand caresses my shoulder. When I meet his gaze, there’s a painful understanding there. He doesn’t tell me it’s going to be okay… or that it gets easier. There is no pity behind his gaze. Just sorrow.

“Lets get you home kid,”

I nod giving my little friend one last pat.

GCPD‘s main lobby buzzes with life. My flip flops lightly tap off the wooden floors. Glancing around at the bustling of the forensics team, something must have went down.

“Hey, what’s going on?” I ask a passing officer.

Briefly glancing up in between documents, he shrugs.

"Apparently an intern went missing. Top secret. Nobody in or out.”

Arthur flashes me a knowing smile.

"From what I've heard, they don't typically last long."

The young man snorts before sticking his back in between the files.

“That’s the understatement of the year.” He mutters combing through the next case study.

We slip past the chaos with surprising ease. Awkwardly, I wait outside Gordon’s office. Am I supposed to knock?

"Y/N?!"

In a surprising bout of passion, a figure knocks me off my feet in an embrace.

"Where were you? What happened?" Professor Harris demands.

His frantic eyes scan my face for any signs of struggle. He ignores my reassurances that I am in fact all right.

“We’ve been scouting the docks for days.” He states focusing on the hibiscus flower by my ear.

Dr. Harris’s mask of composure slides back into place when he registers my tropical attire combined with the man by my side.

"Where did you two end up exactly?" He questions eyeing the sea shell necklace in his eyeline.

“I’m not quite sure. We didn’t stay in one place very long.” I elaborate, “We were afraid they would attack again.”

Professor Harris’s eyes narrow. Following his gaze, I am shocked to find the man beside me has vanished.

"Ms. L/N, we apprehended the man who attacked you days ago. He was supposed to attack Aquaman.”

My blood runs cold. So much for endangering my friends and family.

“Days?” I echo back at him.

The office chatter goes silent in my head. He nods.

“I need a moment.” I choke before storming out the back door.

Gotham Harbor pulsates with life. The sailors peacefully unload their cargo while enjoying the beautiful sunny days. I however sprint past them intend on kicking someone’s ass.

Arthur patiently waits at the edge of the dock completely unaware of the position he put me in.

"You kidnapped me?" I hiss stomping towards him, “You didn't tell me that I had been unconscious for TWO DAYS.”

"I couldn't exactly take you home. Norm knew where you were."

I pause for a moment. Glancing around, I watch as the curious sailors gawk at the scene unfolding. In the distance, Gordon and Harris leans against his truck waiting for the drama to unfold. Kicking him in the shin, I wait for him to lurch downwards before grabbing him by the ear.

"Do not ever lie to me again." I growl ignoring my red tainted vision, “What is wrong with you?”

“It was a favor for a friend.” He calmly replies detangling himself from my grasp.

“Clark.” I spit in disgust.

Arthur stays quiet allowing me to connect the dots.

“You need to check in with them.”

Enraged, I spit, “I'd rather drown Fish boy."

Turning on my heel, I stomp down the dock. The wooden planks creak as I stroll past.

"I can make that happen." He calls watching me leave.

Gordan narrows his eyes in disgust. Glancing at Harris, he winces, "I expect you can take care of this."

Tag list:

@nosyrobin, @jjsmeowthie, @epicyOn, @gaychaosgremlin, @rory-cakes, @luna-zendra-star, @b4tm4nn, @chibiduck, @anuttellaa, @noontimeself

[overwhelmedandlonely]

Fear. Gotham runs on it. And even heroes have fears.

Dick’s biggest fear is losing his brothers. Losing Bruce would be hard, but he’s always known Batman will someday die in this line of work. His brothers though, he can’t lose them. Because if they die as Robin, the symbol that HE created, it will be his fault. Losing Jason threatened to destroy him. And when Damian died it almost took Bruce down too. There have been too many other close calls to count, each one threatening to drag him into the darkness. He’s memorized every inch of their faces, how they move and speak, because each time he sees them could be the last. He keeps fighting, keeps smiling and joking, refusing to think about what would happen if he lost them. Because if he does, he might be lost too.

Jason’s biggest fear is dying. Not because dying was so terrible, but because he got to see the aftermath of his death. He saw how it shattered the man he called his father. He saw the rift it tore between Bruce and Dick. He saw the pain it caused Tim, who not only had to live up to the name of Dick Grayson, Boy Wonder, but heal the wound left by Jason Todd. The one who couldn’t be saved, Bruce’s biggest regret. Dying was easy. But leaving those he loved behind to deal with the fallout is what scares him. He hopes at least next time they all come to his funeral. He hopes next time they can forgive him.

Tim’s biggest fear is running out of time. He has big aspirations, ideas for the future that could change it for the better. After all, he has a name to live up to. Batman didn’t chose him like he did Dick and Jason. He isn’t Bruce’s son like Damian. He says he didn’t even want to take up the mantle but deep down he knows that’s not true. All he’s ever wanted was to belong, to help people, to have a family. And now that he does, he’s terrified of disappointing them. Of not completing everything he’s set out to do.

[fishfission-dc]

I recently came across these panels of Green Arrow 2001 where Oliver is in the afterlife, and I have some thoughts below.

It’s the line “Spooky didn’t even mention it to me” that really takes me out because how many people did Bruce actually tell about Jason’s death when he was grieving? Obviously Clark knew, he was there in Death of the Family’s aftermath to prevent Bruce from killing the Joker, but if Green Arrow didn’t know, that’s like… a pretty core member of the Justice League.

Batman just went about his JL missions while grieving and internally suffering and at least Green Arrow didn’t notice, but also I don’t know who would have said anything if they did notice. It’s a somewhat known fact in-universe now I think, but I don’t know, it just makes me sad that he didn’t say anything about it when it happened.

[squishykitty825]

A mother's love

The Wayne family exited the theater late in the night. Martha tried to convince her husband not to take the shortcut, but Thomas was adamant about his choice. Bruce clung to his mother's hand, his eyes darting around at the city around them, searching for the beasts that lurk in the darkness. He knew what sort of things happened in Crime Alley.

As they walked, they were stopped by a man stumbling around the corner in front of them, his head covered by a hood as he muttered under his breath. The man lifted his head, pulling his hand from the pocket of his jacket.

Beside him, Bruce heard his mother's gasp. He looked up at her as his father released his hand from Martha's and tried to calm the man down. Martha's pale face was a stark contrast to the dark waves of her hair and the black fabric of her long coat. Her grip on Bruce's hand tightened almost painfully.

Bruce opened his mouth to ask her what was wrong when he heard the gunshot. His head shot to his father, but then his mother was putting herself between Bruce and the gunman, her coat flaring behind her as she wrapped her son in her arms.

Her embrace was so warm, so comforting, and so so tight. And then it loosened, the loud bang of another gunshot preceding the loss of Martha's strength, and Bruce struggled under the sudden weight of his mother's limp body as she collapsed to the ground. Bruce didn't move as he heard the gunman stagger away from the scene. He could feel his mother's blood drying on his face as he fell to his knees next to her body and reached for her outstretched hand.

Years later, Bruce would have his mother's coat in mind when he was designing Batman's cape.

Bruce watched an eight-year-old Dick Grayson dealt with the aftermath of watching his parents fall to their deaths. He couldn't help but see himself in the boy, taking him in and caring for him. Then Dick became Robin and Bruce found himself throwing his cape over him when a criminal got the bright idea to shoot at him over Batman.

It was with shock and amusement that Bruce watched eleven-year-old Jason Todd trying to steal the tires of the Batmobile. Jason was a bright ray of sunshine in the darkness of Bruce's life when he took him in. Then Jason took up the Robin mantle and Bruce found himself covering him with his cape as he held his broken body as though he could still protect him from the explosion.

Bruce didn't ask for thirteen-year-old Tim Drake to come and pull him from his grief. He didn't want the Robin mantle to be taken up again. Didn't want to put another child on the front lines of his war. But then Tim was taking on the Robin mantle and Bruce couldn't stop himself from throwing his cape over the boy who had forced himself into his life, protecting him from the madman who had turned his mind against him.

Having children of his own was not something Bruce had ever planned on, but he couldn't find an ounce of disappointment when Talia brought ten-year-old Damian Wayne to live with his father. Then, once again, Bruce saw his son taking on the Robin mantle and he knew it was something Damian needed just as much as any of his predecessors. And, despite his son's insistence on not wanting or needing protection, Bruce instinctively threw his cape over Damian's small frame, feeling shrapnel pelt his cape.

As he moves, throwing his cape protectively over his children, Bruce is taken back to that night. Taken back to the moment his mother threw herself between him and the gunman, using her long black coat as a protective shield, and he remembers something Alfred said to him after his parents' death, "There is no force on Earth more powerful than a mother's love."

[greenarrow-core]

THE COMPLETE BATMAN BY DENNIS O'NEIL - READING ORDER

The list won't mention whether it's "a, b, c" story most of the time. Open the issues or check them on the wiki or locg to see what O'Neil wrote on them. Some issues will have a note on whether it's an a or b story.

The order here is based on release order from comiccollectorlive and counts on possible slight chronological adjustments from dcuguide.

Also, I haven't read all of it. This is kinda just me sharing what I organized for myself.

Make sure you really are reading only, and all, O'Neil stories from each of the issues. To a lot of people I believe it wouldn't matter, but to me, and some other people like me, I believe this is really important.

And please, notify me if there's anything wrong in the order, missing issues or issues that shouldn't be here.

PRE-CRISIS

Detective Comics #395, 397, 399

Batman #224-225

Detective Comics #404-405

The Brave and the Bold #93

Batman #227

Detective Comics #406, 410

RA'S AL GHUL SAGA

Sure, some issues here aren't part of it but this is just for the sake of separating a section. I read it in this order

Detective Comics #411

World's Finest Comics #202

Batman #232, 234

Detective Comics #414

Batman #235, 237

Detective Comics #418-419

Batman #239-240

Detective Comics #422

Batman #241

World's Finest Comics #211

Batman #242

Detective Comics #425

Batman #243-244

Batman #245

Detective Comics #431

Batman #247-248, 251, 253, 256-264, 266

Detective Comics #451

Batman #268

Detective Comics #457

Batman #286

DC Special Series #15(b and c stories)

The Batman Family #18-19

Batman #303

Detective Comics #480-483

World's Finest Comics #256(a story)

Detective Comics #484

World's Finest Comics #257(a story)

Detective Comics #485

World's Finest Comics #258(a story)

Detective Comics #486

World's Finest Comics #259(a story)

Detective Comics #487

World's Finest Comics #260(a story)

The Brave and the Bold #159

Batman #320

Detective Comics #488

World's Finest Comics #261(a story)

DC Special Series #21(b story)

Detective Comics #489

World's Finest Comics #262(a story)

Detective Comics #490-491

World's Finest Comics #263-264(a stories)

POST-CRISIS

FABLES

Detective Comics Annual #1

Green Arrow Annual #1

The Question Annual #1

SHAMAN

Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight #1-5

Secret Origins #50(a story)

Secret Origins of the World's Greatest Super Heroes #1(a story)

Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight Annual #1

PRE-KNIGHTFALL:

Venom and Sword of Azrael, specifically.

Venom

Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight #16-20

Batman/Green Arrow: The Poison Tomorrow

Batman: Birth of the Demon

Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight Annual #2

Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight #27

Part of the storyline The Destroyer

Part 1: Batman #474

Part 2: Legends #27

Part 3: Detective #641

Batman: Sword of Azrael #1-4

Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight #50

KNIGHTFALL

O'Neil stories from Knightfall. The first two are their own mini arcs. The last one is the end of KnightsEnd. After that, In Knightfall there's only the aftermaths like Prodigal.

Justice League: Task Force #5-6

Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight #59-61

Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight #63

Batman/Punisher: Lake of Fire

Batman: Death of Innocents

POST-KNIGHTFALL

CONTAGION

Azrael issues from the event.

Azrael #15-16

Batman Black and White (1996) #3(e), 4(d)

Batman Chronicles #6(c)

Detention Comics #1(a, Robin story)

Batman/Aliens #1

Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight #100(a)

NO MAN'S LAND

Azrael issue from the event

Azrael #48-61

Batman Chronicles #16(c)

Batman: No Man's Land: Secret Files and Origins #1

Profile pages:

BRUCE WAYNE: FUGITIVE

Azrael issues from the event

Azrael: Agent of the Bat #91-92

THE ARROW AND THE BAT

More of a Green Arrow story. It's a sequel to Peacemakers(Legends of the DC Universe #7-9)

Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight #127-131

LAST DAYS OF GOTHAM

2 part story by O'Neil

Batman #684

Detective Comics #851

Detective Comics #866

DC Holiday Special 2017 #1(b)

Detective Comics (1937) #1000(d)

THE OFFICIAL COMIC ADAPTATIONS

Batman: The Official Comic Adaptation

Batman Returns: The Official Comic Adaptation

Batman Forever: The Official Comic Adaptation

Batman and Robin: The Official Comic Adaptation

BATFAMILY, BATMAN MYTHOS, non-Batman family from 'Tec, and others:

BATGIRL

Detective Comics #400-401

DC Comics Presents #19

ROBINS

Nightwing(1995)

^before Azrael #13, chronologically

Detention Comics #1(a)

^Tim Drake story

Batman: Gordon of Gotham

Year One-type story

JOKER

The Joker #1–3, 6

The Joker 80th Anniversary 100-Page Super Spectacular #1(d)

AZRAEL

Release order.

Sword of Azrael

Azrael #1-9

Azrael Annual #1

Azrael #10-20

Azrael Annual #2

Azrael 21-24

Azrael Plus

Azrael #25

Azrael/Ash

Azrael #26-33

Azrael Annual #3

Azrael #34-46

Azrael One Million

Azrael #47-100

OTHER:

Superman & Batman Magazine #4 Karate Kids! Martial artists I don't know about this one, not even a comic story... I'l leave it here anyway

NON-BATFAMILY:

They are from 'Tec backups, so I don't know, felt like leaving here, at least helps understanding O'Neil didn't write Batman stories in these issues.

Tim Trench by Dennis O'Neil: Detective Comics #460-461

Elongated Man by Dennis O'Neil: Detective Comics #462

[littlefankingdom]

Fanfic Friday

"Hold On To Me (Let Me Hold On To You)" by SummerKnight717 Chapters: 1/1 Series: Part 6 of "Whumptober 2024", Part 2 of "A Death In The Family - A Different Turn" Fandom: Batman Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Dick Grayson & Jason Todd, Jason Todd & Bruce Wayne, Dick Grayson & Bruce Wayne Characters: Dick Grayson, Jason Todd, Bruce Wayne, Joker (DCU), Rogues Gallery (Batman) Additional Tags: Hurt/Comfort, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Angst, Grief/Mourning, Jason Todd Needs A Hug, Dick Grayson Needs a Hug, Good Sibling Dick Grayson, Protective Dick Grayson, Bruce Wayne's No-Killing Rule, Dead Bruce Wayne, He will come back after a lazarus pit dive, but not just yet, Dick Grayson and Jason Todd are Siblings, Gotham City is Terrible, The Rogues Gallery (Batman), Revenge, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Post-Comic Arc: "A Death in the Family" in Batman (1940) #426-429 Summary: Dick doesn’t have to ask the kid what he is doing with the schematics spread on the screen before him. He can recognise it without even any of the labels. He’s grown too familiar with it over the years. Arkham. Specifically, the high-security wing. And, more specifically, a single cell in there. Jason glares at him. “You won’t do it. Someone has to.” The aftermath of Bruce's death brings tough choices - and even tougher explanations. Whumptober prompt: If my pain will stretch so far

I need more canon divergence fic where Bruce is the one to die instead of Jason. I love reading stories of Jason dealing with his grief.

But this one is so good because we get another great explanation of the no-killing rule and why it matters, why Joker cannot be an exception, and certainly not because it's personal this time. And as a stan of the no-killing rule, I love it.

[apopcornkernel]

overanalyzing the cover of batman annual #25 in comparison to Michaelangelo's pieta LET'S GO!

so in Michaelangelo's pieta jesus's head is cradled on viewer's left and his legs on right, it's the same for the death in the family panel. but in annual #25 jason's position is REVERSED—his head is cradled on RIGHT and he's in red hood garb

the reversal could either speak to a perverted second "death" (death of the son) and/or "birth" instead of death (resurrection & birth of the red hood) I'm actually inclined towards both.

in a sense bruce kills his own son or at least helps it along when he throws that batarang, and the wrongness of that killing echoes in the perversion of the pieta pose. moreover jason is helmeted which means bruce cannot even see his eyes this time, or perhaps a metaphor for how bruce cannot stand eyes on him in the wake of his grave sin

we can also say it's birth because the reverse of a dead/dying jesus would thus be a birth, and both birth and death have the body covered in blood. in this case bruce's perceived inaction/ineffectual action toward the joker + hush confrontation is what gives birth to the red hood, and the blood on his hands is not just that of a newborn's but also that of all the blood they have shed between them, all the blood jason has shed in the aftermath of that "birth"

another difference: jesus's face is turned up towards God and heaven—salvation—while jason's head lolls down, facing hell—damnation

and while jesus is nearly naked, jason is still fully clothed. no inch of skin shows; even his hands are encased in gloves. jesus is with his mother at his most vulnerable, most bare—jason is cradled in the arms of his father, and yet he still uncovers no part of himself; still keeps up every single inch of fabric armor.

i also like the way bruce's cape is drawn here. in conjunction with the light, it looks like blood spreading outwards from him. he's kneeling in it. and he looks like he's lifting up, offering up jason to the same light that shone down on him in crime alley, that which claimed him and set him on the journey to becoming batman

and wrt bruce as mary, in a sense bruce is also a virgin mother in that until now all his kids have not been his own, they were sent to him via extraordinary circumstances. i will not outright say that jason is a Jesus figure, however he did die and come back to life so they have that in common.

i know the artist probably didn't put all of that on purpose but i just need to gnaw on them and this cover forever. thanks for actually reading this post <3

[izzysink]

𝒊𝒛𝒛𝒚𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒌𝒔 𝒂𝒐𝟑 𝒇𝒂𝒏𝒇𝒊𝒄 𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒔

𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑠𝑓𝑤!

𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐥:

Death Before Inaction by hppjmxrgosg

“Fuck off, Nicky.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ “Hasn’t anyone ever told you spider-napping is illegal?” ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ “You can’t hold me here, I know my spider-rights.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ “God, you guys are so old. What are you? Like 27?” ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ “Scale of 1 to 10, how upset would you be if I told you I banged your mom?” ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Or, I got my grubby little hands on the spider-man time line and fucked around a little bit. Not much (everything) changes.

Peter Parker centric, what if Peter was the more experienced, professional hero? horrifically angsty and hilarious, pretty slow updates but the author is a stem major so it's worth the wait 1000x over!!

𝐝𝐩 𝐱 𝐝𝐜:

the only crossover I will defend with my life <3

Vertical Limit by hppjmxrgosg

Danny Fenton is not okay. TM. Honestly? Just overall bad vibes. But he's doing his best. Making it work. And trying not to become fully dead in the process.

The Justice League is very concerned. But it's actually their fault they got involved so take that one, Batman. John Constantine told them not to do the thing. They did it anyway.

Or, Danny gets summoned by the League, and he actually kind of adopts them in the process. Because these big city heroes don't know anything about ghosts and who is he if he doesn't help them out? Besides, the Watchtower is in space. Danny's always wanted to go to space...

DANNY MY LOVE anyways idk if you guys can tell but I kinda have a favourite writer🌝

𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐲 𝐣𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐬𝐨𝐧:

Falling for You by 1967HogwartsGoddess

In an alternate series of events, Percy saves Annabeth from falling into Tartarus. Too bad he can't save himself. As Annabeth leads the Seven on a treacherous quest to meet him at the Doors of Death, Percy fights through a wasteland of pain, torture and difficult choices.

Surrounded by monsters, alone in the darkest corner of the underworld, he starts to question whether he's a good kid anymore.

what if it was only Percy who fell into Tartarus? this legitimately made me cry (;´༎ຶД༎ຶ`)

𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐝:

Just Another Monster by EmlynC

Blackened teeth sink into Carl’s shoulder, and the pain is cold as ice.

Carl Grimes centric, I love to torture carl. he can handle it dw

A Different Road by xXQueenofDragonsXx When the Governor attacks the prison, Carl Grimes doesn't escape with his father. He escapes all alone, with only the clothes on his back and a determination to find and reunite with his family. But as the years go on, he doesn't manage to find them. Instead, he comes across a group of people, ones who call themselves the Whisperers, and he joins them, setting off a chain of events he could have never foreseen.

yes king, collect that trauma like Pokemon!

𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐮𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐠𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐬:

The Life Of A Victor by folkloregryffindor

In this alternate universe (AU), where the Capitol successfully quashes the rebellion, Katniss and Peeta find themselves alongside Haymitch as mentors. Surprisingly, the next victor from District 12, emerges triumphant just a few years later, in the 78th Hunger Games. The fanfic delves into his life, the intricacies of his Games, and the aftermath of his victory, all while navigating the challenges of mentoring. As the world begins to stir a new revolution, join the journey through this compelling tale that explores resilience, unexpected triumphs, and the sparks of a burgeoning rebellion.

what can I say? I'm a sucker for hunger games oc fics <3

Mouse by NatalieThatOneNerd

Mice were common creatures inside the homes of District Nine. A constant reminder of their failure during the rebellion. Originally released by their oppressors as a form of biological weapons, it wasn’t uncommon to see their descendant’s scurrying the dirt streets.

When the Capitol learned of them being easily slayed during the war, they modified the failed jabberjays to attack anyone who harmed the disease carriers. A trait that the Mockingjay sadly kept.

To this day the people of Nine can’t go near a mouse without the birds attacking. As after all… what was a Mockingjay without a Mouse by their side?

༻❁༺

pre hunger games, to mockingjay part two

Anona my love ❤️‍🩹

𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐢𝐫 𝐛𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫:

All At Once, Everything is Different, Now That I See You by quillthrills

stuck in her tower for all eighteen years of her life, katara had come to peace with her own lonely, repetitive existence, her only company being her mother, hama. at least, she *was* at peace, until a certain airbending thief happened along her tower, caught her eye, and forever shifted the path of her destiny.

OR: kataangled. and yes, i came up with that brilliant wordplay all on my own.

for day two of kataang week 2024: protectiveness/ bodyguard

cutie patooties <3

birds of a feather by littlerosette

Overall, she’s had a wonderful experience so far; full of light, learning, and friendship. Katara is positive she wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world, especially because of how it brought Aang into her life. But still—

She whirls, too fast, and a gate catches the curve of her shoulder blade. Katara trips over her own foot, crying out in pain, and falls off of the platform, landing solidly onto her back with an oomph!

“Ow,” she whines, unwittingly, as Aang dashes to her in a panic.

It’d be nice to be good at this— actual airbending.

Or:

Avatar Katara is struggling with the Airbending gates. Aang comes up with a plan to help her.

Role Swap AU

agfiesgfahjow (づ￣ ³￣)づ

[jason-todd-week]

Feature Post

Congratulations to everyone who did Jason Todd Week 2025! (We will also have a summer event, so look out for that!)

Here we have a list of works (fanart and fanfic) by some of the awesome creators who participated in this event. Levels of detail vary by what was submitted to the feedback form. Please check the tags for warnings!

Without further ado...

Lycanwing (@star-wars-lycanwing-bat, Star_Wars_Lycanwing_Bat on AO3) - Series

Road to Murder - On his way to murder the Joker, Jason questions his life's choices. (Drive)

Olive Branches - After a long day, all Jason wants is to go back to his apartment, but a little bird tries to get him to join in on family movie night. (Chronic Pain)

Monster - A half dragon kills Joker and reveals himself to Bruce. (Monster)

Isn't It Lovely, All Alone? - Jason is buried alive and he dies but the pit keeps bringing him back. (Grave, Buried Alive, Immortal Jason Todd)

Hello, Welcome Home - The aftermath of day 5 AKA The family cuddle pile. (Family)

Feline Therapy - Jason rescues a cat but what he doesn't know is that the cat is Tim. (Enemy to Caretaker)

Another Version of Me - Jason get triggered and Dick helps his brother realise that he is loved. (Return)

Birdie (@birdiedoesdc, a_alene on AO3) - Series

N.J.S.A. 39:3-10 - Drive

do you still wake up reaching for an empty space? - Chronic Pain

buried, banging at your door - Monster, League of Assassins

i'm gonna kill you if you don't beat me to it - Immortal Jason Todd

this live, throbbing age that brawls - Jason is a Literature Nerd

mechanically up all night, though - Red Hood and the Outlaws

i'd save a life if i thought it belonged to you - Lifeline

whenicarusflies (@whenicarusflies, whenicarusflies on AO3) - Series

We walked as tall as the skyline - Drive, Time Travel, The Batmobile Tires

when i take a breath I drown - Fear Toxin

How can I then return in happy plight? - League of Assassins

always and forever the last day alive - Grave, Buried Alive, Immortal Jason Todd

Family Problems - Family, No Capes AU

could you give me something for the pain - Enemy to Caretaker, Lifeline

you can't wake up, this is not a dream - Return, Outsider POV, Crime Alley

Chaos (Fic)/Lito (Art) (@freedom-of-speech333, Freedom_of_speech333 on AO3) - Series

The Loss of Tires (The Return of Hope) - The Batmobile Tires

Laughter Follows Me Back To Life - Joker

The Ghost of Who I Was/The Most of Who You Loved - Supernatural AU

I'm Still Here - Immortal Jason Todd

I'm Only Here For The Books - Jason is a Literature Nerd

You’re My Brother, After All - Enemy to Caretaker

The Life, Death, and Second Life of Jason Todd - Outsider POV

basalting (@basalting) - Series

late night drive - Drive

a good fuckin' day - Joker

cuckoo's egg - Supernatural AU

rest your weary heart - Grave

buy one, get one 50% off! - Family

don't think nothin' of it - Red Hood and the Outlaws - Implied Roy/Kori/Jason

it takes a village - Outsider POV, Crime Alley

Stormz (@stormz369) - Masterlist

Day 1 - Flashbacks to Jason's early years with Batman + Reader finding out he was killed. (Batmobile Tires) - x Reader

Day 2 - Reader helps Jason deal with a PTSD nightmare. (Joker) - x Reader

Day 3 - A civilian kid is afraid of Red Hood & Jason processes his feelings about it. (Monster) - x Reader

Day 4 - Jason + Reader at his grave. (Grave) - x Reader

Day 5 - Damian designs scar cover up tattoos for Jason (Family, Jason is a Literature Nerd) - x Reader

Lark Alliance (@snowberriesromanoff, lyricalark on AO3)

Day 7: come in she said i'll give you shelter from the storm - Jason Todd, the Narrows, and something like faith. A character study of Jason's pre-Robin years and the people who help him survive. (Crime Alley) - Selina Kyle/Holly Robinson

nursal1060 (@nursal1060writes, nursal1060 on AO3)

Day 2: The Pain Fades When We're Together - Chronic Pain - JayTim

salem (@worlds-okayest-fag, salemisntdead on AO3) - Series

Carry on my wayward son, there will be peace when you are done - Basically jason gets kidnapped by dick (not that he knows its dick lol). (Drive)

don’t need advice for my pain (it's making me more insecure) - Jason has a not fun night and wont ask for help. (Chronic Pain)

jason todd and the no good terrible very bad day - Supernatural AU

A minute from home (but so far from it) - Jason stuck in a time loop digging himself out of his grave over and over again. (Grave, Immortal Jason Todd)

ohana means family and family means nobody gets left behind (except tim) - Jason, Tim and Dick on a Batburger run for a family movie night, Dick and Jason argue about Disney movies and they accidentally leave Tim behind. (Family, No Capes AU)

And though I am crying and bleeding and barely breathing (youre killing me) - Absolute angst piece about Jason having a mental breakdown in his bathroom bc trauma. (Scars)

i don't believe in luck (against the sun we're the enemy) - Sentient Gotham AU where Jason is Gotham's chosen knight. (Outsider POV)

FaalThien (@faalthien, Faal on AO3)

Day 1 - Time Travel

Day 2 - Joker - JayDick

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Day 4 - Immortal Jason

Day 5 - Monster, Jason is a Literature Nerd

Day 6 - Scars

Day 7 - Return