#and the hush comic has THREE robins in it

[graysongraysoff]

i started thinking about battinson having a robin again

[damianbugs]

comics are in and of itself, an unreliable narrator.

i say this because i started my comic journey with jason todd. i read all his robin appearances, pre and post crisis, then read hush and under the red hood, and all i could think about was what the fuck. what the fuck batman. how did you become this. what happened between 1988 and 2006. how did the the man who's life revolved around caring for this child, teaching this child, learning from this child, protecting this child, losing this child — become hurting him.

it was so baffling to me i found myself slipping into the batman shaped void that many never return from (lol). and so now, i have read over 1500 batman comics, over 300 different writers, spanning over 80 years of publication. i finally get to what happened between 1988 and 2006, and how batman as a character has become as unrecognisable as he has remained familiar. i see the events of alpod, knightfall, cataclysm, no man's land, the 200 individual batman issues and 200 individual detective comics issues alone that had passed, not taking into account the the other long runs, mini runs, short stories or collaborative comics that were released in those 18 years. the people he had met, lost, been betrayed by, abandoned in those stories.

it has only been about 5 years since jason todd died for bruce wayne. 5 years that have felt like two decades.

it has only been around 4 years for jason since he climbed his way out of his grave. 4 years that felt like less than three.

so when reading as jason, i felt betrayed. how could batman do this? how can't he see? he knows how i would have mourned him, he knows how fiercely i love him, how all i want is for him to prove he ever loved me the same way. how can he not change after all these years? how is he not aware that he is not the change gotham needs? (how does he not see that he is what i need — needed.) how will he save gotham? he can't. he can't save gotham. he can't save me. but i can. i can fix it.

then i read as bruce and i am betrayed. who is this? why does he doubt how much i loved him? what changed? why did he change? (am i the one who changed? no, surely not.) after everything, the people i have hurt, the people i have lost, the people i have sacrificed for gotham, how can he doubt? he would have never asked me to do this before, he understood, i'm sure he did, before. i won't choose. i can't choose. where is my son. where am i. i can't save gotham. i can't save you. but i can fix it. i can fix you.

they're both wrong.

[sisaloofafump]

Batman Comics Reading Guide

The goal of this post is to provide a bunch of launching off points for people depending on what they're interested in. As such, this is not a checklist. These are just suggestions that hopefully provide some context to navigate different eras and get a proper scope of the Batman comic landscape.

The amount of background behind characters and arcs can make it hard to jump right in (though these recommendations are geared to be more beginner friendly than average), so sites like the dc fandom wiki and comicvine are invaluable resources to catch you up on context. However, you can also learn a lot by just opening up a series and picking up the character cues as you go along.

IF I HAD TO CHOOSE JUST ONE...

Batman: Hush (2002) is amazing at introducing so many important characters at an entry level: Bruce, Dick (Robin I/Nightwing), Tim (Robin III), Alfred, Harley Quinn and the Joker, and Gordon. It also reintroduces Catwoman and starts her relationship with Batman, and explores his friendship with Superman and Lois. It also gets into much more about his upbringing than just the night of his parent's murder. My only hesitation is that it came out right before the resurrection of the second Robin, Jason, and lays the early foundation for it, so it's important to have some backstory regarding that going in. The art and the writing is great and while the story line gets intense, it has plenty of lighter interactions and art. It was originally published as Batman #608-619.

FIRST, SOME CONTEXT

There are always 2 ongoing series about Batman/Bruce Wayne and his teams: Batman, and Detective Comics. Depending on the era, these are either totally independent stories (like they are currently) or meant to be read side-by-side. It can be worth reading collected volumes of arcs rather than one of these streams individually.

There are also a bunch of series dedicated to supporting characters and teams that often have a lot of crossover. There will be info panels in the comics that tell you where a storyline started if a crossover happens, and the wiki/comicvine can help guide you if you get lost.

GOLD/SILVER AGE

If you're interested in his goofy Gold and Silver Age comics-start with a highlight collection! I recommend Batman Annual #5 (1963) from the 1940 "Batman" run. My personal favourite sub-era to read is the early 60s because it is both weird and easy to read. This era was almost entirely anthology comics, so it is very easy to bounce around in read one or two stories at a time.

Prominent Series:

Detective Comics (1937–): It was originally an anthology series but (almost) each issue #27 onwards has Batman in it! There are stories about other characters like the Martian Manhunter, and various non-hero detectives in each issue too.

Batman (1940–): A Batman solo series. Often includes three stories in each issue.

World's Finest Comics (1941–): He has a solo story in the first 70 issues. Issue #71 onwards are team ups with Superman!

Batman Family (1975-78): A short bronze age anthology staring Batman, Batgirl (Barbara), and Robin (Dick), however it really focused on highlighting supporting characters like Vicki Vale, Huntress, and Ace the Bat-Hound. It mostly includes reprints but each issue should have an original story as well. This was later merged with Detective Comics for 15 issues.

Prominent Character Issues:

Detective Comics #27 (1939): Introduces Bruce/Batman

Batman #1 (1940): Introduces Selina/"The Cat"

Detective Comics #38 (1940): Introduces Dick Grayson/Robin

Batman #16 (1943): Introduces Alfred (although his last name is Beagle, not Pennyworth)

Superman #76 (1952): Oh no! There's only one room left on this cruise and we have to share (Batman & Superman's first meeting)

Detective Comics #233 (1956): Introduces Kathy Kane aka the first version of Batwoman

Batman #139 (1961): Introduces Bette Kane aka the first version of a Bat-Girl

Detective Comics #359 (1967): Introduces Barbara Gordon aka current canon's "first" Batgirl

Detective Comics #357 (1983): Introduces Jason Todd. (His backstory is rewritten a few years later however)

DARK AGE

These are a few very important comics to Batman's history and you'll often see them referenced. You don't have to read any of them but it's important to loosely familiarize yourself with the contents.

Batman: Year One (1987): When they reset all of DC's continuity, this was the Batman origin they created. It set a new gritty vibe that some people loved, some people hated, but needless to say it is one of the most influential comics DC has ever put out. Features Bruce, Gordon, Selina, Alfred, and Harvey.

Batman: The Killing Joke (1988): This is a majorly influential Joker story and quite dark. It solidified the Joker's modern characterization and parallels to Batman. Barbara Gordon/Batgirl is assaulted and permanently(ish) paralyzed in it.

Batman: A Death in the Family (1988): Robin 2/Jason's death arc. The readers had voted on whether he would live or die. This was the result. Also published as Batman #426-429

Arkham Asylum: A Serious House on Serious Earth (1989): Dave McKean illustrated this!!. That's all I should need to tell you. It is a very interesting abstract exploration of Batman and Gotham's rogues and leans heavily on the horror aspect. I'll warn up front that there is a lot of demonization of mental health issues. It established Arkham Asylum as a major part of Gotham lore.

also the very famous but non-canonical:

The Dark Knight Returns (1986): A hypothetical future story where Bruce comes out of retirement. Carrie Kelley is the the new (and female!) Robin and helps him fight the Joker, Two-Face, and Superman. This is the first (and the best) of a trilogy.

MODERN AGE

A lot of new characters were introduced in the mid/late 90s and early 2000s. These include Tim Drake (Robin 3), Cassandra Cain (Batgirl 4/Orphan), Stephanie Brown (Robin 4/Batgirl 5/Spoiler), Kate Kane (Batwoman), Damian Wayne (Robin 5), as well as a focus on Helena Bertinelli (Batgirl 3/Huntress). It also started a third continuous series called Batman: Shadow of the Bat which ran from 1992–2000.

It would probably be illegal for me to not mention the series Batgirl (2000) here for the writing is incredible. However, the hyper-stylized art may make it better as a series to read later on.

There are many prominent story arcs, and you can find collected versions of them as the individual issues were split accross various character's series. Some important ones are:

Knightfall (1993): The villain Bane breaks Batman's back, and a religious zealot vigilante Azreal takes over for Bruce.

No Man's Land (1999): An earthquake destroys Gotham and the vigilantes work to restore order to the quarantined city. Introduces Cassandra Cain and highlights Barbara, Tim, Helena, and Bruce.

Under the Hood (2005): The bloody return of Jason Todd/Robin 2, very often referenced in fandom

Batman and Son (2006): The introduction of Damian Wayne/Robin 5.

Batman R.I.P. and following (2008–9): During this era, Batman is presumed to have died during a major crossover event The Final Crisis. Dick Grayson (the now grown-up Robin 1) takes over as Batman, Stephanie Brown becomes Batgirl, Damian Wayne is Robin, and everyone else is doing weird stuff. A major sub arc is Battle for the Cowl where the former Robins fight for the right to take over as Batman.

There is also a lot of fun crossovers with the justice league if you'd rather not stay in Gotham, here are some good ones:

World's Finest (1990): This is a wonderful Superman & Batman team up from the early 90s and has really great interactions between everyone's various personas. Steve Rude's art is so much fun and his versions of Lois and Bruce Wayne make me want to cry with how beautiful they are.

Kingdom Come (1996): a hypothetical story about the Justice League dealing with a new generation of morally careless heroes. Deeply influential and famous but more importantly, absolutely gorgeous. Do yourself a favour and just go stare and Alex Ross' art for a while (including in 2005's series Justice)

Trinity (2008): A great look at Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, and the Justice League. The first half focuses on the Trinity's similarities and differences in what they symbolize. It has a very interesting integration of Tarot too. However, they're absent for the vast majority of the second half—focusing on what the rest of the JL does in their absence. You don't need to read all of it.

Superman/Batman (2003–2011): A team up book of the title characters. The first arc is an all time favourite, and it has little crossover with their solo series, making for a read with little need for background context.

NEW 52

The New 52 (2011) relaunch event made a few major backstory changes to the Batfamily. It unparalyzed Barbara and reinstated her as Batgirl. Cass and Stephanie both lost their Batgirl (and Robin) histories and were completely set back to ground zero, ready to be reintroduced with new origins. It does introduce Duke Thomas/Signal to the team, as well as Harper Row/Bluebird (though she is not in many non-N52 books).

Honestly just avoid all of the New-52 for as long as you can, but if you do get tempted later on:

We are Robin (2015) and Robin War (2016): Features Duke Thomas, his friends, and later Dick, Jason, Tim, and Damian. If you're going to read anything, read this. It is genuinely very good and worthwhile.

Batman & Robin Eternal (2015) focuses on the whole family (including Harper Row/ Bluebird!!) and re-introduces Cass and Azreal. It has a LOT of family bickering and team ups. Ironically, it doesn't really have Bruce or Damian in it.

REBIRTH & PRESENT

The Rebirth era and following (2016-) does mostly keep the same canon as the New 52 created. However, following the Dark Crisis event (2022), everyone's backstories were merged with their previous incarnations. It is not clear to what degree this effects each character, however Stephanie is back to having been Robin now.

If you're reading the Rebirth era, I recommend starting with the Detective Comics run rather than Batman. This is just personal preference but I strongly stand by it. It highlights lesser known characters (initially Kate/Batwoman, Steph, Cass, Azreal and Batwing, with Tim and Bruce) but most importantly, it's way better written. There are a lot of batfamily crossover events (like Joker War, or Fear State). So yourself a favour and read the collected editions so you catch all of it in one place.

Three major events happen that effect all Batman-adjacent comics, that (because they still fairly recent) I will not detail for spoiler reasons, however: Batman #50 (Sep 2018) and #77 (Oct 2019), and to a lesser degree Detective Comics #940 (Nov 2016), have lasting impacts on the series.

COMIC RECS

Batman and the Outsiders (2019) is amazing. It focuses on Cassandra and Duke. Read Detective Comics #983-987 first. B&tO is continuing off from it.

Batman: The Knight: a 10 issue series about Bruce's training years and the friendships he made. Introduces a prominent character who shows up a lot in Batman #100 onwards. This is just really great

Batgirls: If you like Barbara, Cass, and Stephanie, I highly recommend reading the first arc of this. The art and the story are a lot of fun

All-Star Batman (2016): features Duke Thomas with Batman blasting heavy metal music out of his chest. It's a series of contained stories and doesn't require context from other runs

Task Force Z: Jason is roped into leading a government team of resurrected villains. It is quite an interesting exploration of his current ethics. The rest of the family do make appearances as well.

And additionally:

Wayne Family Adventures: an official (but non-canonical) Webtoon about the various domestic shenanigans of the Batfamily. It's light and funny and heartfelt and updates every Thursday.

-------

Lastly, I want to recommend my favourite oneshot, and it has absolutely no bearing on any plot, characters, or world:

Batman: Dreamland (2000): It's Batman exploring Area 51 and he looks like this:

What more could you possibly want?

[celaenaeiln]

do you have any recommendations for dick and jason (together or separate, both is fine) comics for someone who’s just starting to read them? i have some knowledge of the characters and batfam and i’ve read several batman comics, but i never really got into the robins-after-they-were-robins comis so i’d like to start with dick and jason…thank you so much :)

ok non-batman related stuff-

Nightwing

Nightwing 1996

Nightwing 2011

Nightwing 2016

Nightwing and Huntress (one of my favs)

Future State: Nightwing

Batman/Nightwing: Bloodborne

Batman: Prelude to the Wedding: Nightwing vs. Hush

Red Hood

SKIP Red Hood and the Outlaws! Do NOT read. You won't miss anything but butchered characterizations that wipe away decades of character building anyway because DC creators were so disgusted by the comic, that nothing that ever happens in it is ever remotely referenced by any other comic. Which is HIGHLY unusual because there's usually tie-ins but this was so bad it has been collectively ignored by virtually the entirety of DC. Please don't read Arsenal/Red Hood for Roy's sake. He is way more than that. It's just so frustrating because the three comics were supposed to be one of the main comics for him but Scott Lobdell does such a fantastic job desecrating people that there aren't a lot of other good comics focused solely on Jason Todd to read.

Read-

Red Hood: The Lost Days

Batman: Under The Red Hood

Task Force Z

Teen Titans: Life And Death

Batman: Prelude to the Wedding: Red Hood vs. Anarky

Batman Eternal

Both

You've probably already read Battle for the Cowl but also-

Gotham Nights (2020) Issue #11

DC's Ghouls Just Wanna Have Fun 

Nightwing (2016) Annual 2021

[hanahaki-disease]

You’ll Never Bear the Weight of Two

Hell or High Water - a Percy Jackson x DC crossover

Summary:

“You promise you wont hurt us?” Percy stuck his pinkie out, green eyes staring at the whites of his cowl.

It was comical how big Batman’s hands were compared to Percy’s. The gloved finger swallowed Percy’s when he wrapped around his, and Jason had to hold back his shock when Batman gave his brother a smile. “I promise.”

************************************************************************

“Stay here and don’t come out till I say so, okay?”

Crouched behind a dumpster, a little boy no older than seven stares up at his big brother with wide green eyes and dirty black hair. Patches of dirt stain his slightly hallowed cheeks and covered the feeble pieces of clothing they had managed to find for him, his brother wasn’t fairing too well either. His own clothes were baggy over his small frame, baby fat cheeks hallowed too, and his curly hair in a matted, dirty mess. But the blue of his eyes were as bright as the street lamps they shied from, hiding for their own protection from those who wished to separate them.

“But I wanna help! I’m strong too!” The little boy protested.

“I know you are,” the older boy shushed him, worried the outburst alerted any one where they were. “But if something goes wrong, I don’t want you to be taken too. I’ll only be down the alley, okay? So just stay here, Percy?”

“Okay.” The older boy smiled and ruffled Percy’s hair, before making his way down the alley.

It was nearing midnight, the inky blue of the sky was hidden behind the smog that belonged to Gotham, but sometimes the boy would imagine what the stars would look like. He’s read about them plenty, mostly the ones in the library, and he’s read them to his little brother multiple times, but it wasn’t enough. Sometimes, he would drag Percy to the roof of a building and they’d pretend that the lights of downtown Gotham were the stars themselves. Connecting the lights of apartments and offices into their own constellations. And a few times they’d catch a glimpse of Batman and Robin, running over rooftops far away, swinging into a battle they couldn’t see.

Speaking of Batman, a grin grew on the boys’ face as he got closer to the car. This was the Batmobile. The most sought after, coolest car, ever. Taking anything off it and selling it would feed the boy and his brother for a good long while. They could even have enough money for a coat come winter, or boots, or a hot meal, maybe they could splurge for their birthdays and spend the night in a motel where they could use the shower! Oh, the kid could see it now. All he had to do, and all he could do, was to take those pretty and shiny tires and wheel them back to where Percy was waiting with the tarp to cover them.

Hell, he didn’t even need the tire, the hubcaps would work too if he sold it to the right people. But if the boy wanted to make sure they had enough for a while, they’d need the whole tire.

He pried off the hubcaps, wincing when it clanked on the ground, before getting to work. And, boy, was it hard work. He was only seventy pounds on a good day and he was sure the tire was at least half his weight, but he was determined to take it off.

“Jay? Almost done?” Percy’s hushed voiced carried from down the alley, one hand cupped around his mouth as he peaked his head around the dumpsters’ corner.

“I just need one more, I told you to hide!” Jay said back, stepping on the tire-iron to loosen the lug-nut. The other three tires lay beside the car, the shiny chrome twinkling in the street lamp light. The kid was impressed with himself but he was also cautious, Batman could come back any time to stop him and then what would happen? Would he take to jail, prison? Maybe he’ll turn him into CPS, have him be relocated to another foster family. That can’t happen, he need to be there for Percy, who’ll take care of him if Batman takes him away?

Jason has to hurry. The longer he takes to remove the tires is another second closer to getting caught.

“What are you doing?”

Shit.

He turned to face the voice. Pointed ears and the vague shape of the Batman sent a shadow over Jason, making the man look bigger than he was. Though, he was already massive compared to the small ten year old anyway. He was intimidating, that’s for sure, and it seemed like that factor was being wasted on a kid. Shouldn’t Batman be kind to kids? Isn’t that his whole thing, mean to the bad guys but nice to the children he saves? Especially since he had Robin with him.

Either way, Jason couldn’t stay here any longer than he needed to. Forget the tires, this wasn’t worth it anymore. Slowly he got up from where he was crouched, the tire iron falling to the ground with a clang. He faced the Batman with his hands open at his side to prove he didn’t have anything else on him.

“Stay back!” Jason barked when Batman stepped forward, his hands were itching to grab the tire iron. It wouldn’t be much help against him, but it’d be something.

“Where are your parents?” Batman asked again, ignoring Jason’s protest. If he continued pestering him like that, then in it was well within the kid’s rights to attack in self defense, right? After all, it was Gotham. It wouldn’t be a surprise if a little brawl happened in a random alley way between a fully grown man and a child, wouldn’t be the first time either. But it would confuse the passer-bys that it was between a little kid and Batman of all people.

“I said stay back, you boob!” Jason dropped down and grabbed the iron, swinging it into Batman’s stomach before running down the alley. He pulled Percy on to his back before disappearing out the other side of the alleyway. He was NOT going to get taken. No sir, no thank you.

But as luck would have it, which isn’t a lot for the Jackson’s, a week later Batman found them again. They were holed up in a wooden crate. The puttering of the rain against the plastic tarp and asphalt would have usually put the two boys to sleep, but sleeping in their threadbare clothes on a cold, rainy night was sure to welcome sickness. They couldn’t afford to be sick. They didn’t have the money for medicine or warm clothes or a dry place to sleep, being sick meant they could die.

The older of the two watched the cars pass in the street up a head, all them old and rusted. Squeaking breaks and coughing motors, each drive threatening to be their last. Some of the people who walked the sidewalk were the same. Dirty, old clothes trying to catch their breaths, hands fisted and held up to their mouth as they wheezed. A few had cigarettes in their hands as they did that, others a bottle of something, but the ache in their chest didn’t deter them from another hit.

“You must be cold.” Jason startled at the familiar voice. Batman was just outside their create, leaning over to catch Jason’s attention. His cape draped over his shoulders and covered his body, his white eyes and jaw were the only thing visible.

“We don’t need anything from you,” Jason snapped and tucked Percy behind him, waking the little boy up a little.

“I could get you both a hot meal and a safer place to rest, if you’d like?” Batman offered, not once flinching at the scared and angry glare from Jason.

“Why? So you can drop us off at CPS later? No thank you, we’re fine,” He answered, holding tight to Percy behind him.

“I won’t if you don’t want to,” Batman answered.

Jason hushed his little brother when he gasped in awe behind him. Of course he’d be impressed, it was Batman. But Jason was old enough to recognize a creep when he saw one. He’s had to…work with a few to scrape by a few times. He couldn’t trust him fully, because even though it was Batman, and Batman didn’t hurt kids, there was still a guy under the mask. There was still a normal (or as normal as one could be dressing like a bat every night) person who went to bed and ate normal food and bled red like he does. And that is what scares Jason.

A normal guy could do so much, they were capable of anything. And while Jason doesn’t really care about what happens to him, he doesn’t want anything happening to Percy. He was only seven. He should be able to somewhat resemble a normal childhood.

“I wont hurt you, if that’s what you’re worried about.”

Percy slipped out from behind him and Jason was too slow to stop his kid brother. The rain streaked the dirt on his cheeks and made the too big, too thin shirt he wore sag and cling to his little body. The waves in his hair seemed to spring back to life when the water hit him, the glow in his tanned skin a little brighter despite it being night. He walked up to the Batman, little hands fidgeting in nervousness, and he startled back when Batman dropped down to his height.

“You promise you wont hurt us?” Percy stuck his pinkie out, green eyes staring at the whites of his cowl.

It was comical how big Batman’s hands were compared to Percy’s. The gloved finger swallowed Percy’s when he wrapped around his, and Jason had to hold back his shock when Batman gave his brother a smile. “I promise.”

************************************************************************

I had this idea brewing in my head since, like February and I had read almost all of the PJO/DC fics on ao3 andd I was like “y’know what? Lemme make my own”

So here we are.

Also, I’ve been meaning to put this on here anyway, and I just kept forgetting….

Asks are open if you have any questions!!

Hanahaki <3

Masterlist | Next | ao3

[theapangea]

Night Out

Chapter: Boys Night Out Pt.1

Pairing/Characters: Steve Harrington x Reader, Dustin, Mike, Lucas

Summary: You and Steve have been dancing around each other for sometime now, neither of you wanting to make the first move. All your friends decide it is finally time for you both to confess your feelings.

A/N: This is just fluff stuff so a little different from what I've been posting for you little pervs lately... you know who I'm talking too lol. Ok so this series is based on those tv episodes that like everything is happening all at the same time but split into two episodes. I just love Steve in this and everyone pushing you two to be together!! Let me know what you think!!

*Also posted on AO3: Theapangea*

Part 2 | Part 3

“What about Y/N?” Dustin says out of the blue. The question was not posed to or at anyone, but definitely directed at the only boy old enough to date you.

“What about Y/N?” Steve is the first to answer, the words hanging from his lips. The room is instantly silent again as the three younger boys look between each other, quietly discussing who will speak first. Steve clearly still dumbfounded watching their interaction. 

Dustin begins to explain, this time in a more hush tone than before, not sure how Steve would take the answer, “You know…to get you out of this slump?” 

“What slump?” Steve refutes, deflecting the answer he already knows. He has been in a girl slump for sometime, no luck with Nancy or Robin or any other girl that would look his way. The only girl he hasn't tried to hit on in Hawkins is you. He wasn’t sure why. You were pretty and funny and smart but for some reason Steve couldn’t get the courage to actually ask you out. Plus you were best friends with his ex-girlfriend which didn’t help his situation. 

“We all see it, dude.” Mike added before tossing a cheese ball into the air to catch with his mouth. He misses by a mile, quickly grabbing another one to try again. Another miss.

“I don’t even know what you are talking about.” Steve leans back, propping his feet onto the coffee table. 

“We all see that you like her.” Lucas chimes in nonchalantly while flipping through the pages of a comic book.

“I do not .” Steve quickly protests. Crossing his arms, trying to deflect any proposed suspicion

“You’ve got to be kidding me.” Dustin whispers as he throws a cheese ball at Steve’s head. Steve tries to swat it away but it hits his cheek leaving a small mark of cheese crumble. 

“You seriously just need to ask her out already.” Lucas urged Steve. Their eyes meeting for a brief moment before Steve adverts to look at the ceiling. 

“Steve, let me give you some advice from one man to another.” Dustin begins, moving forward on the couch, “Women want a man who is going to make the first move.”

“I can’t believe you just said that to me right now,” Steve confesses, a hand wiping the embarrassment from his face. 

“He’s right,” Mike agrees, still trying to catch the ball of cheese in his mouth. Another miss.

“Have any of you actually hit puberty yet?” Steve looks at the oblivious bunch. “I can’t believe I’m hanging out with a bunch of 12-year-olds.” He huffs, slumping lower into the seat.

“We’re 14 actually.” Dustin points out.

Steve lets out another huff, “Doesn’t make it any better, Henderson.” 

“We’re right though. You need to just ask her.” Lucas repeats, this time a little more demanding. 

Steve hesitates, “Okay, say that I did like someone…but she’s friends with your ex. It’s not necessarily the best situation.” 

“Who cares?” Mike declares with the other two boys in agreement. 

“ Women . Women care.” Steve retaliates, “Women care about that kind of stuff.”

“Look, the worst thing that she is going to say no.” Mike adds, finally catching the cheese ball in his mouth, his hands shooting up in triumph.

“Yeah, you’ve gone through enough rejection that it shouldn't hurt.” Dustin teases, the cocky smile plastered on his face.

“Thank you, Dustin.” Steve tries to shake off the comment.

Dustin’s eyes widened as he gets the bright idea, “You should call her now .” 

“Yeah, go call her.” Lucas agrees, putting the comic book down on the table, gesturing towards the phone. 

“I don’t know.” Steve leans forward in the old chair, the creaking shooting through the basement.

The uproar of encouragement quickly fills the room. All three boys are trying to convince Steve that he needs to confess his feelings for you. It was overwhelming to say the least. Steve really didn’t know what to do. Does he listen to them or does he just not do anything? Maybe it was time for Steve to tell you how he feels even if it does make things awkward between you and Nancy.

He must have been in his thoughts for too long as he sees Dustin crossing the room, picking up the phone, and dialing the number. Steve frantically getting up to grab the phone before someone answers. 

“Yeah. Hi I was wondering if Y/N was home?...ok…ok…yeah I will call them then…thank you…goodnight.” The conversation ends as soon as it begins. 

“She’s not home.” He lightly bangs his head against the wall. Dustin gives him a reassuring pat on the shoulder, not sure what to say. 

Was this a loss? What would he even say to you if you actually picked up? He never got the feeling that you liked him. You were normally cold towards him, rarely laughing at his hilarious jokes and always the first to put him on babysitting duty. He hated that you got under his skin, he hated that he didn’t know who you actually were. Hated that he never tried to know. Silently cursing to himself how much of an idiot he has been all these years.

“Damn.” Mike trails off, wiping the snack crumbs from his face, “We should go find her.”

“We are not going to go find her,” Steve injects before anyone else, clearly unamused by Mike's idea. 

“Why not?” Dustin pleads, tugging lightly on Steve's sleeve. 

“It’s stupid." He turns toward the young boy at his side, "This isn’t some movie. What if she doesn’t even like me?” Steve tries to explain the situation at hand as simply as possible. His feelings for you were complicated, never understanding how he felt towards you and never taking the time to realize that he actually really did like you in more ways that a friend would.

“Max says that she likes you.” Steve’s ears perk up at Lucas’ comment as he shoves a handful of cheese balls into his mouth.

Rushing over quickly to Lucas side, kneeling down beside the couch, “How does Max know that?”

“Well Max said that Robin said that she and Nancy talk about you and it seems that she likes you.” Lucas explains between chewing, every other word slightly muffled by the food.

“Dude you’re in.” Dustin beams, the look of joy washes over his face. 

Maybe you do really like Steve. Maybe Dustin, Mike, and Lucas were right and he just needed to finally ask you out. But when? He had the confidence to do it now but you were nowhere to be found. What if by tomorrow he is not able to gather the courage? What if you find someone else by then? 

Steve pushes himself onto the sofa, head in his hands, trying to make sense of this situation. "We don’t even know where she is.” 

“Well, Hawkins is pretty small. There isn’t much ground to cover.” Dustin explains, reaching for his jacket. The other boys following suit, standing, wait for Steve to make the final decision. Dustin dangling his car keys out in front of Steve's face.

“Fine.” Steve rises while chuckling at their enthusiasm, snatching the keys before leading the group out of the basement into the night. 

~~~

I'll be posting Part 2 tomorrow probably (don't hold me to this deadline)

Tell me what you think as I NEED validation!! love you!

[bluejaysandblackbats]

Eyes and Ears

Fandom: DC Comics, Batfam

Summary: An AU where Barbara finds Jason instead of Bruce.

Chapters: 3/?

Characters: Jason Todd, Barbara Gordon, Jim Gordon, Dick Grayson, Bruce Wayne, Sheila Haywood, Original Character(s)

Relationship(s): Jason Todd/Original Character(s), Past Barbara Gordon/Dick Grayson

Additional Tags: Canon Divergent AU, Older SIbling Barbara Gordon, Jason Todd-centric, Barbara Gordon is Oracle, Jason Todd is NOT Robin, Jason Todd Has Issues, Jason Todd Has a Crush, Adopted Siblings

Chapter Three: Michigan Style

When Barbara and Jason got home, Jim was gone. He'd left a note saying that he would be back late. Jason and Barbara had dinner, and she went out as Batgirl. Jason tried to sleep, but he found himself tossing and turning. Jason rolled out of bed and went to the kitchen to make himself a cup of tea. He warmed the milk on the stove, and he read through one of his library books. Jim came in from work and locked eyes with Jason. "Oh, hey there. I wanted to talk to you..."

Jason's heart dropped into the pit of his stomach, and he swallowed hard. "You want me to leave?" Jason asked. Jim shook his head.

"No, I don't want you to leave, son... I just wanted to know if you knew where your birth certificate was," Jim replied. Jason shook his head. "Well, Jason... The thing is, I went looking for it, and I found it. Eleven-forty-nine p.m. in Gotham City Hospital—."

"Yeah," Jason interrupted to move Jim forward.

"What is your mother's name?" Jim asked.

"Catherine," Jason answered. Jim took a deep breath. "That's her name. I'm not lying," Jason raised his voice slightly, and Jim gestured for him to keep his volume down.

"No, I know you're not lying. I just wanted to make this easy on you... I just don't know how to put it. Jason, your mother's name is Sheila Haywood—."

"So what if she went by a different name? It doesn't mean—."

"I don't think you understand. Sheila Haywood is a different person, and that after a bit of digging, I found out that she has been missing since you were a baby," Jim whispered, "Jason... Look—."

Jason's head started to spin, and he turned the fire off on the stove and went back to his room to lie down. Jim turned the milk on and finished making the tea. He made two cups and knocked on Jason's door. "Jason, it's chamomile," Jim whispered. Jason took a shaky breath and wiped tears from his eyes. "I'm so sorry, son..."

"Catherine is my mom," Jason cried as he faced the wall. Jim crouched by Jason's bed and sat the mug down on Jason's nightstand.

"Yes, yes she is. Jason, nothing changes that... It's just that I wanted you to know because if I do find her—."

"Why do you think she disappeared?" Jason asked as he sat up and wiped his tears away. Jim waited for Jason to take a sip of his tea.

"I don't know," Jim whispered. Jason continued to sip his tea, and Jim wrung his hands. "Babs said you went to work with her. How was that?"

Jason shrugged. "What'd she say to you? How'd she make you let me stay here?" Jason asked. Jim smiled.

"She said that someone has to look out for you... You know she must see something special in you to fight for you like that," Jim answered him. "I want you to know that this can be your home too if you want it to be."

Jason set the mug on the nightstand and lay down facing Jim. "We'll see, Commissioner... We'll see," Jason mumbled.

"Goodnight," Jim murmured.

Jason drifted off to sleep only to be startled awake by Barbara. "Hush... Jason, shh," Barbara whispered. Jason clutched his chest and grimaced at her.

"What?" he mouthed angrily.

"I thought you were crying, so I came to wake you up. I'm sorry," Barbara apologized. Jason closed his eyes and sank back into his pillow. Barbara fixed his blankets and went back across the hall.

Jason slept until noon the next day, and when he woke up, he searched for Barbara but found Jim instead. "Babs is at work, so it's just you and me for right now," Jim explained. Jason's face went grim. "I was just about to sit and watch tv... D'you like action movies?"

Jason nodded. "I'm gonna go brush my teeth," Jason replied. Jim nodded. "Hey... If you find her, would it be okay for me to meet her?"

Jim nodded. "If I find Sheila, I wouldn't think to keep you from her," Jim replied. Jason grinned and turned back, and went to the bathroom. Jim went to the kitchen, boiled hot dogs, and put on a can of chili. He wasn't quite sure what to say to Jason, but he had to admit it did feel nice to have a child in the house.

Jason stepped out of the bathroom and met Jim in the kitchen. "Can I help?" Jason asked. Jim nodded.

"Wanna get the chips and put the sodas on the table?" Jim requested. "You look a lot like him."

"I know... Everyone says I look like him," Jason mumbled. He hated to hear it most of the time, but he had to admit it was nice for Jim to acknowledge that Jason had a family before he got there. "Why are you being so nice to me?"

"You're just a kid... And I know how easy it can be to get into trouble as a kid when there's no one to look after you," Jim explained. Jason cocked his head. "Don't look at me like that. I got in my fair share of trouble when I was your age." Jim chuckled, and Jason grinned. "What'd you say to Babs to get her to like you so much?"

"I don't know... I wish I did. She sort of tricked me into coming here, but I'm glad she did," Jason answered with a sweet-natured shrug.

Jim stirred the chili and shrugged in return. "Is the movie rated R?" Jason asked, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.

"PG-13," Jim held back his laugh as he made their chili dogs and put them on a platter. "Do you wanna get two plates for the table?"

Jason nodded and grabbed the plates, and set them down on the coffee table. Jim set the platter down and turned the movie on. Jason started eating, and Jim poured a few chips onto Jason's plate. "He's odd, isn't he?" Jim asked, and Jason giggled. They both started laughing. "Wanna finish off the chili?"

Jason nodded, and Jim got up and went to the kitchen. "Want me to pause the movie?" Jason asked. Jim shook his head, and Jason poured a few more chips onto their plates. Jim gave Jason a bowl of chili, and they went back to watching the movie.

When they were more than halfway through the movie, Jim got a call from Barbara. "Hey, Pumpkin," Jim greeted her.

"Is Jason okay?" Barbara asked. "I didn't want to wake him up again... Otherwise I would've taken him with me—."

"We're just watching a movie," Jim paused and glanced over at Jason. "It's Barbara. She wants to know if you're doing alright." Jason smiled at him.

"Tell her I'm having fun," Jason smiled. Jim grinned and nodded.

"He said he's having fun," Jim repeated for Barbara.

"That's good... Um, I'm sorry you had to watch him on your day off," she apologized.

"Don't worry about it. Jason's great," Jim reassured her. She let out a sigh of relief. "Don't worry. He's fine. Enjoy your lunch."

"Thanks, Dad. See you later," Barbara replied before hanging up. Jim looked over at Jason.

"Like it or not, I think you've got yourself a sister," Jim joked, "She was worried about you."

Jason looked up from his bowl of chili, and he wanted to say something, but he couldn't find the right words. "You said I was great," Jason whispered, "Is she worried that I'll get on your nerves?"

Jim shook his head. "No, I think she's worried that I'll get on your nerves. Or maybe she's afraid she'll come back, and you'll be old and boring like me," Jim joked. Jason snorted before letting out a laugh. "See, I told Babs I was funny." Jason shook his head.

"Just old," Jason joked, and Jim playfully nudged him.

They finished watching the movie, and Jason offered to do the dishes. Jim said no at first, but Jason insisted. While Jason cleaned up, Jim started preparing dinner.

"This is nice... I wasn't sure if I should say anything at first, but with Barbara being so busy sometimes, it's nice to have another kid in the house," Jim confessed. Jason frowned, and Jim thought that he'd said something wrong.

Jason wanted it to feel normal, but he knew how good new things could seem. He knew how horrible things could get once the newness faded, so he said nothing.

[geekcavepodcast]

DC GO! Webcomics Announced

DC Comics has announced DC GO!, webcomics designed for mobile devices that will be published exclusively on DC Universe Infinite. DC GO! will feature a mix of original webcomic content as well as vertically reformatted DC and MAD Magazine classics. The original titles will release weekly. The first three original webcomics are Harley Quinn in Paradise, Nothing Butt Nightwing, and Renaissance of Raven. Reformatted DC classics will include titles like Batman: Hush, All-Star Superman, and Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow.

Harley Quinn in Paradise is a romance / comedy from CRC Payne, Siobhan Chiffon, and Cathy Le. "Harley Quinn is rarely lucky in love—and after her recent breakup with The Joker, has been feeling particularly chaotic. Ivy advises Harley to lay low for a while—maybe a little R&R (recklessness and robbery) would be good for her! Good advice, right? True to character, Harley decides the best way to lay low is to plaster her face across every television in America and find true love on TV’s hottest reality dating show. Harley heads for the show’s island setting, ready to be the best contestant the program has ever seen…because she’s playing to win by any means necessary! And can she help it if she accidentally falls in love along the way?"

Nothing Butt Nightwing is an action / comedy from Patrick R. Young and Moy R. Marco. "Dick Grayson, the first Robin, has made a name for himself as the hero Nightwing. But after several failed civilian-identity career attempts (a bar, a gym, etc.), he lands his biggest deep-cover operation yet—as an international supermodel! He’s got the eyes of the audience, the other models, and even a few agents. But he only has eyes for one thing…the Poison Ivy protégé on the hunt to steal the expensive (and environmentally harmful) jewels around the models’ necks…and perhaps the models themselves! But can he serve justice, and serve lewks, while traveling the globe?"

Renaissance of Raven is a fantasy from Sina Grace, Nico Bascuñan, Katherine Lobo, and Carola Borelli. "Raven needs an escape. Her fellow Titans won’t leave her alone, she just had a fight with Beast Boy, and to top it off, it’s the anniversary of her mom’s death. We find her trying to live life beyond the curse of her father. She’s over it! Raven is more than her trauma! When a strange girl in a graveyard proclaims that Raven is some kind of destined hero, she’s ready to walk away…until suddenly, she’s pulled through an enchanted portal…to the kingdom of Galonia. Raven is sent hundreds of years into the past, where she must contend with a cabal of witches and the difficult choice of helping those in need or returning home!"

DC GO! launches on November 20, 2024.

(Images via DC Comics - Covers of Harley Quinn in Paradise, Nothing Butt Nightwing, and Renaissance of Raven)

[zahri-melitor]

Dick's memories:

I've been working on this part for 6 months. I wrote a lot of it from memory and then went to find the panels and check I was characterising them correctly (and add the attribution).

There are some big moments in Dick and Tim's relationship referenced here, of course. But wherever possible, I tried to choose slightly less well known moments, or an alternate panel from the main one pointed to in that issue.

Some fun facts:

38 footnotes, referencing 34 separate comics (I use two scenes from the same issue for 4 comics: Batman, Nightwing, Robin, and Gotham Knights)

15 different comic runs are referenced (Batman, Detective Comics, Azrael, Birds of Prey, Nightwing, Robin, Red Robin, Batman: Shadow of the Bat, Gotham Knights, New Titans, Showcase '93, Joker: Last Laugh, Identity Crisis, Infinite Crisis, and Blackest Night: Batman)

The years covered by the comics are the following: 1990, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011.

The years missed are the following: 1989 and 1991.

1989: I skipped because I really, really wanted to open with Tim's first actual team up with Dick after A Lonely Place of Dying. Plus, Dick didn't really look and see Tim until after ALPoD. That's why no circus, no baby Tim, no origin story.

1991: Dick and Tim do not interact in any comic labelled 1991. They do appear in a single splash panel together.

I struggled with myself over whether to include 2009 or not, because I wanted moments of brotherhood between Tim and Dick, where they clearly cared for each other, and I didn't want to include any of Battle for the Cowl or the Red Robin fight. There were in the end only three stories that really qualified: The end of Heart of Hush; the 2008 Holiday Special (which has a Feb 2009 cover date); and Blackest Night: Batman. The only issue of Heart of Hush with a 2009 coverdate simply doesn't have any conversation BETWEEN Dick and Tim to use (they're too busy explaining to Tommy how much he screwed up); while I do like the Wonderful Life story, the costume handover was a bit too twee to fit anywhere into the flow of memories plus Owen Mercer's there; and in the end, I used the panel AFTER the panel of Blackest Night. This was a slight cop out in terms of the whole 'avoid the Red Robin fight' aim, but it's the one big moment that shows Dick and Tim were still in sync during that time, and in terms of the scene build it slotted quite nicely into the explosions-building-to-dead-Tim run of memories.

14 different writers created the comics (Marv Wolfman, Alan Grant, Doug Moench, Chuck Dixon, Dennis O'Neil, Devin Grayson, Scott Beatty, Brad Meltzer, Geoff Johns, Adam Beechen, Fabian Nicieza, Peter Tomasi, Christopher Yost, and Scott Snyder)

The most common writer was of course Chuck Dixon, who wrote 10 of the issues; Devin Grayson was in second with 6 issues.

The comic that appears the most often is Nightwing, with 6 issues; Gotham Knights has 5 issues appear.

I had great fun constructing this; I hope while you were reading it many of the scenes also played in your head.

[havendance]

I would say ‘Huntress’ as a gimme for you but honestly I think I already know that one; how about ‘Tec runs instead?

13. David Lapham -- I AM grumpy that post-war games instead of getting a tec run that engaged with the changed status quo and the fact that Batman was now wanted by the GCPD, we instead got a 12-part overly depressing and gritty flashback story (and then when we did get something engaging with the post war games status quo it was war crimes :/)

12. David Hine -- wrote a boring joker batman imposter war story that was ostensibly dickbats but really felt like a bruce!Batman story with the details sanded off. I do respect the Question Renee story in the annuals that I'm pretty sure he wrote, but I'm not counting that here.

11. Peter Milligan -- Idk if he really belongs at the bottom here, but I read his tec stuff way back when I was first starting to dip my toe into comics and remember approximately none of it.

10. Andersen Gabrynch -- He wrote some stuff I liked (Bruce buying Jim's old house and some of the pre war games Leslie stuff), however there is also the War Games and War Crimes of it all.

9. Alan Grant -- Honestly, simliar to Milligan, I don't remember a lot of his 'tec comics and didn't read most of them. I remember his Batman and Shadow of the Bat comics more, but he also has the advantage of me liking his other comics.

8. Ed Brubaker -- His tec run was short and not particularly memorable. I remember enjoying it well enough at the time and I have vague memories of pages that were satisfyingly full of explosions at the conclusion of the arc, but I can not tell you any more details than that for the life of me.

7. Chuck Dixon -- I've mainly read his 'tec run through event tie-ins and pre Robin getting a solo series and I don't have any real desire to go back and fill in those gaps. However, those event tie ins were always perfectly serviceable and he also gets bonus points for reintroducing Helena to Gotham and also Steph during it.

6. Scott Snyder -- I agree that his Black Mirror stuff is probably the best DickBats comic, and I really liked the first three issue arc. However, this run also introduced James Jr. (not counting Batman: Year One) for which fact I'm not sure if I can forgive it.

5. Mariko Tamaki -- Her 'Tec run was very fun. I like that she used Huntress. I'm not sure if I'd call it anything outstanding but it was solid and had good art and I appreciated the ensemble aspect in the Tower of Gotham storyline.

4. Paul Dini -- I really appreciate the Dini was like 'I'm going to write so many oneshots' and they were all good. Not sure how much I care about the Heart of Hush or House of Hush plotline or whatever he did at the end, but it was very much one of the highlights of my read at that time.

3. James Tynion IV -- I can really appreciate what Tynion is doing with this run. I like the ensemble, the arts consistently good, and I'll probably end up rereading it when I get to Rebirth in my read.

2. Greg Rucka (first run/New Gotham Era)

1. Greg Rucka (Second Run/Batwoman Elegy) -- It feels a little like cheating to have Rucka in both of these slots but these are two different runs and also it's MY ranking so. They're both very good and different aspects of them live in my head, but Batwoman: Elegy has J. H. Williams art and also Helena and Renee backups so it is the clear winner here.

[brokentoys]

Speaking of the good comics, which ones are those or what ones do you recommend?

Okie! ✌️ I'll list my absolute favorite ones!

Batman Chronicles #3 (1995) / Riddle of the Jinxed Sphinx.

This one is actually a mini-story in a comic filled with three mini stories. (The other two being about Zsasz, and Croc) - but that doesn't matter. Despite it being a short story, you get a good look in Ed's head. This is actually a take on the "Eddie tries to give up leaving riddles behind". Which there's been at least three of those I can recall. Most people know of the one based on the Animated Series / New Adventures of Batman & Robin. And while that one's good. This one's the best because it focuses on Riddler more rather than Batman and Robin trying to figure out if Eddie's actually giving up riddles or not. It's also more realistic to OCD compared to the other one(s) which does it in a sillier manner. I'd go into depth as to why, but I don't wanna spoil anything.

That being said...

Batman Gotham Adventures #11 (1999) / The Oldest One in the Book!

Even though, imo, it's not as good as above, I still recommend reading it regardless! It has a very emotional ending, and it still has some characterization points I like. (Dealing with Ed's shame regarding his mental illnesses). Which is funny, given that I actually dislike most of the Gotham Adventure comics with Eddie because they also watered down his character to be a money grubby thief and nothing more. (When that goes against everything about Animated Series Eddie from the beginning - who didn't care about money / tried to kill a greedy CEO)

Batman #23.2 (2013) / Solitaire

May be my FAVORITE Eddie comic. Maybe. Also you'll notice it's one of the few recent / post New 52 comics I'll add to this list. It's such a satisfying read.

DC Strange Love Adventures (2022) / Dinner for Two

EDDIE IS CANONICALLY BISEXUAL HELL YEAH. A short story in a comic with many short comics (most of them are Movie Baits) but this one is so so so so fucking good. Probably the best Riddler comic in the last nine years or so (at its time). Which is sad. But it's a comic that truly understands what a lonely person Eddie is. Which I wish more comics would acknowledge that. Amazing read. It's the last one in the book, though.

BATMAN #608-619 (2002) / HUSH

If you read this one expecting Riddler - just know you won't see much of him. But by god, the moments you DO see him? Totally worth it. Jeph gave a new concept for Riddler, and how he could be a WONDERFUL villain. Unfortunately DC discarded all of this.

Batman Confidential #26, #27, #28 (2009)

A Batman and Riddler team up comic! Although there are parts I've felt were contrived, this is a VERY enjoyable one that's three parts. Eddie and Bruce's dynamic is just so fun and hilarious (in a good way!) And Eddie's characterization is also entertaining as hell. It helps show how Bruce and Eddie can help each other, too.

The Brave and the Bold #183 (1982) / The Death of Batman

ANOTHER Batman and Riddler team up comic, though older! This one's also a blast just because, again, Eddie and Bruce's dynamic is so entertaining. But Bruce's patience seems to be much thinner in this one, because he snaps at Riddler A LOT. They also share some pretty hilarious back and forths.

Detective Comics Annual #8 (1995) / Questions Multiple The Mystery

In this one, Eddie finally opens up to an Arkham psychiatrist, and tells his story. Whilst this one, unfortunately, goes with the "Eddie is a cheat and cheated in school" concept - the rest of it makes up for that. I also feel it has some good depictions of his psychosis. May even been the first comic to show him struggling with psychosis? But I can't quite remember that.

Gotham City Sirens #3 (2010)

About a reformed Eddie. And man, he just has some good development in this is all.

Gotham City Sirens #9 and #10 (2010)

This one has many reasons why I love it - like how I love most of these, it's another comic that gets deep into his psychology. And for once, depicts Eddie as beating himself up / talking down on himself rather than the generic "I'm THE GREATEST PERSON ALIVE-" I guess what I'm saying it also feels like a more realistic depiction of NPD.

HONORARY MENTIONS

BATMAN ZERO YEAR (2013) ... YEAH THIS ALSO WENT ON FOR LIKE 12 FUCKING ISSUES

I didn't love this comic. And frankly, it was definitely dragged out waaaay longer than it needed to be. That's because they literally wanted this to go on for a year (as comics release monthly) But imo, it took way too long to start and takes many issues in before it gets actually interesting. But I bother to mention it here just because it's one of the very, very, very few events where Eddie's the main antagonist. (Other than the War of Jokes and Riddles - but you'll never see me recommending a Tom King book) So props to him. And it still has some fine moments.

Batman Legends of the Dark Knight #185-189 (2005) / Riddle Me That

EMO PLASTIC SURGERY RIDDLER. MY BELOATHED. I literally have a love/hate relationship with this one. Riddler's design, and his characterization was just... okay???? And it's way longer than it should be. This was an attempt to rebrand the character to Appeal to the Modern Kids - and kinda spat on Eddie's old design, plus everything Jeph Loeb did with Hush. Which all failed. However, there are still some things I really enjoy in this comic. For one, it MIGHT be the first to retcon the "Eddie's a cheat / Eddie cheated in school" and instead changed it to that he was a victim of gaslighting by jealous parents. I would say it may be the first time Eddie was depicted as an abuse victim - but I don't know if it's credited to this comic, as it seems like that's just an idea DC must've had in general. As Alex Ross' Justice also mentioned him being beaten by his father for "cheating/lying," and Batman 2004 cartoon also depicted Eddie with a bad father (though the abuse was watered down due to being a kid's show) so it seems like that's just something DC told everyone they were doing with Ed's character or something. Anyway, despite having several glaring issues - there are still moments I love in this comic, regardless. Read it with caution, I guess.

JUSTICE #2 (2005)

While part of a short series, I've only ever read this one. It's an enjoyable one! Ed's intelligence is also credited in this one. However, I like it for it also mentions the abuse Eddie went through. It's also where I got my URL from.

Catwoman: Lonely City (2022)

A Catwoman comic? Why? Because Eddie's drug abuse is mentioned (also since it's a future, it's revealed he got clean <3) and he also fucks Catwoman. What more could you want?

There are more I could recommend. But these are, imo, the very best ones. Of course, I will also recommend watching the Animated Series (he was only in three eps </3) as well as checking him out in Arkham City and Arkham Origins - as those are my fav Eddies in those games.

[perceivedregret]

part 3 is here! can also be found on ao3, user is the same over there. part 1 of Extended Hours can be found here.

all of eden's vices running through my veins, oxytocin running in the ether

"So– you think Robin is pretty?"

Steve can't see their reactions, but he definitely feels it the way his hair gets pulled between their tiny fingers as the girls behind him agree adamantly with the statement.

"Mhmm, she's really pretty. Muy, muy bonita." Riley hums. Her fingers have stopped moving, which allows Steve to turn his head just enough to get a look at Riley, Jane, and Max behind him. Riley seems to be contemplating something. "Son sus ojos. Her eyes-"

"Robin does have nice eyes." Max agrees, her lips downturned at the corners in a way of agreement.

"I like her freckles," Jane mutters, pulling at a strand of Steve's hair before placing a bright yellow clip to keep it in place.

"Ugh, I hate my freckles."

"Ow! Okay, well you don't have to take it out on me," Steve's hand reflexively goes up to soothe at the sudden tug when a quick hand slaps his out of the way. " Hey -"

"Okay okay, sorry. But don't touch, we're not done playing with your hair." Max says in a hushed voice, taking another strand and beginning to twist it into a braid. They can't see the way Steve rolls his eyes.

"Well. If it's any consolation, I like your freckles." He glances down at his nails, which were an abhorrent mess of blue, green, and purple, picking at his cuticles to pull at the polish that overflowed his nail-beds and onto his skin.

He doesn't remember agreeing to this sudden makeover. Most of the kids had gone home pretty early for a Thursday, for whatever reason, so he and Robin decided to get the kids to eat their snacks a bit earlier than usual and wait out the last hour and a half in the cafeteria.

Right now the only ones left were these three who had Steve at their mercy and Darren and Alex. Robin was with the other two, helping them out with some math homework a couple tables down– something about going over their division and multiplications. Steve had been over their shoulder, watching Robin help them out for a while before the girls asked if he could "come over here really quick," and "just sit here," and "can you tilt your head back- yeah, like that! Now don't move."

Was it possible to be manhandled by a bunch of pre-teen girls?

"Where did you kids even get this stuff anyway?" He pulls the small bag of torturous devices and barely has the chance to rummage through the contents before Max yanks it from his grasp, fishing out a small band to tie off her finished braid before immediately starting a new one.

"From Chrissy. Eddie took me with him to her house yesterday. After he finished up with the Hellfire meeting, we went over to her place to have dinner with her and watch Poltergeist II . She said she didn't use these anymore and that I could have 'em."

" Poltergeist ," Steve huffs, "are you even old enough to watch that?" Wait . Back up . "Hold on, Chrissy? As in, Chrissy Cunningham?"

Max bobs her head, tongue between her lips as she gets towards the end of a strand and struggles to get the final stragglers together before putting on another tie. Jane had stopped participating in Steve's demise for the moment, had abandoned him and his impromptu makeover for one of her comics while Riley went through the bag and practiced naming the colors of different products in Spanish.

Eddie's circle continues to confuse Steve. A part of him remembers that the duo had already mentioned Chrissy casually in passing, something about giving her a ride home. But at the time Steve had thought nothing of it. He was always giving out rides, happy to help if he could. A long car ride was always appreciated to clear his own head.

And, sure, Max made sense after the whole moving across the street from him and… other developments. But what circumstances would bring Eddie together with Chrissy?

"Have you changed your mind about the make-up yet?" Max interrupts Steve's stream of thoughts as she reaches out to readjust the clip Jane had put in, gently setting it into a spot she deems appropriate. "I think you'd look really good with some color. Can I please put some blush-"

"Absolutely not. I've let you gremlins get away with enough for one afternoon," Steve remarks, a finger going up in warning.

Jane and Riley's attentions are officially back as they drop their distractions. They move in front of him  while Max continues to move strands around his head behind him. The three girls tower over him in his current position on the floor, inspecting their work as they move his head in different positions, seemingly impressed with themselves.

God, what did they do to me?

"Steve, stop frowning . We're trying to make you pretty."

A scoff escapes him as he dramatically places a hand to his chest, feigning offense and tugging his eyebrows even further together. He pulls his head away from their reach, earning him exasperated sighs as he spins in place from his criss-crossed position to fully face Max. 

"Maxine Mayfield, are you saying I'm not pretty?"

She opens her mouth to respond, except the reply doesn’t come from her, it comes from behind him– and it is definitively not the voice he expected, wanted ,  to hear right now. Not when he looked like this .

"I mean, I don't think we'd call you Steve 'the hair' Harrington if the world didn't think you were oh, so pretty."

Steve slowly shuts his eyes as he exhales forcefully from his nose. Heat was already rushing up his neck, to his ears until he's quite sure his cheeks were the shade of cherries. He's starting to wonder when he can start billing Eddie for his medical expenses– the constant sudden onset of palpitations could not be healthy.

When he opens his eyes, he barely suppresses a surprised gasp. Eddie was crouched in front of him, a ghost of a smile on his lips. He had his hair half up today, curls draped over his shoulders while the top sits in a small, loose knot. The tattoos were in full display as he wore a black sleeveless shirt, some band Steve doesn’t recognize across the chest.

Steve watches as Eddie raises his hand towards Steve's face to gently grasp his chin between his thumb and forefinger. Turns to the left. Turns to the right. Eddie then adjusts his hand so that his rings, ice cold against Steve’s burning face, are under his chin and gently tilts his face up.

“Today I’d say you look pretty charming .” Eddie’s eyes make a final sweep across Steve’s face before standing up, hand outstretched in offering.  “Ladies. Brava .” After helping Steve to his feet he makes a show of kissing his fingers like some Italian chef as he tilts his head to the girls. They giggle and play along with his antics, making exaggerated curtsies.

“Whatever Munson, wait until one of these days these girls decide to get their hands on you. Hair like yours? Count your days.” Steve playfully hits Eddie’s arm with the back of his hand once he’s up. He then makes an attempt to brush his hair back, out of habit, but stops as his fingers hit against a few clips. He rolls his eyes as he starts to remove the first one his fingers find.

“Take a seat, Harrington. I’ll get your scalp free, seeing as it was my dear Red here's doing.” Eddie directs an accusing look in Max’s direction before winking at her. He is fighting a bubbling laugh as he pulls on Steve’s arm, directing him towards the head of one of the cafeteria tables before motioning for him to sit. Eddie kicks lightly at Steve’s feet to get him to spread them enough so Eddie can stand between his knees and get started.

Except it’s not soon enough because just as Steve and Eddie settle into a comfortable position is when Darren, Alex, and Riley’s parents decide it’s time to pick up their kids.

“Hey kiddo! Are we ready to go- oh my goodness Steve! What have these girls done to you? Were you a part of this, too?” Mrs. Rider hides the laugh behind one hand as the other reaches out to Alex who approaches her, whose shoulders are shaking with laughter as she shakes her head in response. Alex turns back towards Steve and Eddie once she’s in her mother’s arms, her smile wide enough to expose the fact she’s missing one of her canines.

Steve acknowledges them all awkwardly from his position, lips in a tight line of embarrassment. He says his good-byes, wishing Darren and Alex good luck on their math quizzes for tomorrow, a quick “te veo mañana,” (he learned that one earlier today, thank you very much) to Riley who waves excitedly to him as her mother ushers her towards the doors.

“I think you look great.” Robin chirps from Steve’s left, already jotting down the pick up times and names on the sign-out sheet as the three families make their way towards the parking lot– but not without a few questioning glances from Mr. Win and Mrs. Corewell before they make their way outside, children in tow. Steve doesn’t notice, too busy glaring at Robin who says something about needing a drink before disappearing into the kitchen as Eddie makes work of his hair.

“Don’t you worry, my liege. Face like yours, it’s nearly impossible to ruin your image. Your crown will be back to normal soon. Promise,” Eddie murmurs, running his fingers through a section of hair that’s finally free.

There’s a knot. Except it isn’t in Steve’s hair because Eddie is gentle and methodically. He made sure to get the braids undone, clips freed, ties unwrapped before running his fingers through.

No, the knot isn’t in his hair– it’s in his gut. It jumps up into his chest, burrowing its way deep behind his ribs when Eddie’s nails rake through. They run through again, past his ears and towards the back of his neck. The knot is in his throat when Eddie tucks Steve’s hair behind his ear before he starts to undo another section.

If Eddie notices the way Steve's breath stutters, he doesn't comment on it.

The way they’re positioned has Steve about a head lower than Eddie, so at first his eyes had settled on the collar of Eddie’s shirt and the silver chain that hangs around his neck. But then his curiosity of Eddie’s tattoos took over, figuring he won’t get another opportunity to take a look. He remembers the bats on the forearm, but at this angle he’s able to see that he has a black cat on his bicep, mouth open in a hiss.

He tries to get a clearer look of what’s on Eddie’s forearm when Eddie runs his nails through his scalp again which makes Steve struggle to suppress a shudder. He has to close his eyes and bite the inside of his cheek as a tingling sensation trails down his spine. He gives up on trying to look at Eddie’s tattoos and focuses on keeping his breathing even.

It goes on like that until Steve’s hair is free. He only opens his eyes once he's sure he can stand up straight without keeling over. Eddie rests his hands on his own hips, leaning back to look over his handiwork, lips quirked in a lopsided smile. Max and Jane move to stand at either side of Eddie, mirroring his stance.

"Okay so maybe all the braids and clips killed some of your usual zhuzh, but "the king" shall reign." Eddie raises both hands as he takes a few steps back, fingers forming L's to frame Steve's face. He winks as he clicks one of his fingers to snap a shot. 

Steve rolls his eyes. "Please Munson, enough with the 'king' bullshit, I'm just Steve. Not 'the hair,' or 'your highness,' alright?"

Eddie drops his arms, a bit deflated before extending out his hands, soft smile on his lip. "Okay, just Steve, first off– I don't think I've referred to you as your highness before, but… I hear you. I'm pleased to make your acquaintance. I'm just Eddie. Although I take pride in being 'the freak,' so-"

"I don't think you're a freak, Munson," Steve huffs as he takes Eddie's extended hand and gives it a quick shake. "But, thank you." As Eddie pulls his hand away, his fingers trail from Steve’s wrist to the very tips of his fingers, catching for a moment before pulling away entirely.

Steve can’t bring himself to look away first. Eddie is the first to break their gaze as Max slips her pinkie into his before gently tugging at him.

“Mom is probably home right about now. We should go now so you can drop me off and you can make your shift.” Max seems to note the confused look on Steve’s face. If she’s home why isn’t she the one picking up Max? She answers the question in Steve’s frown in a near whisper as she averts her eyes. “Her car got repo'd.” She doesn’t explain further, but it’s enough for Steve to share a look with Eddie.

“You’re right.” Eddie clears his throat, bending his knees to pick up Max’s bag before shooting Steve a final smile. “Until next time, just Steve.” He shoulders her belongings as they make their way towards the doors.

“Eddie is pretty.” Jane mutters, mostly to herself right beside Steve as she waves at their retreating forms. He nods in agreement subconsciously.

“Bye Eleven. Call me when you get home.” Max shouts over her shoulder before disappearing with Eddie into the waning afternoon.

Steve turns his head to look down at Jane. “Eleven?”

She shrugs. “She noticed I’m always eleventh in line when you do the head counts.” She bends over to grab her belongings. She’s getting a ride to the station from Steve today. Hopper had called, something about a meeting with the Mayor. “You’d think after two years this dumbass would understand the concept of permits .”

“Robin, let’s go!” Steve has the clipboard in hand, filling out the rest of the sign-out sheet before grabbing his things. Robin burst through the swing-doors of the kitchen, 3 pouches of apple juice in hand and a glint in her eyes.

“I could go for some ice cream right now.”

—----------------------

Steve doesn’t know when he decided to make this right turn down this road. Just that it was an absolute last second decision as he swerved hard into the street, barely avoiding the curb. He currently finds himself parallel parked a few store fronts away from Skylar’s Vibe, his knuckles white on the steering wheel as he contemplates entering the store.

He had already dropped off Eleven at the station and had just dropped off Robin who had been rambling on and on about Madonna and her new album and wanting to pick it up but not having a chance to.

“Robin, do you want to swing by the Vibe and pick up a copy? We can go right now.”

 “Ohhh, but Steve, do you think you could get it for me? I can’t go with you tonight. I have so much homework I need to get done and Nance is expecting me to call her at some point tonight so she can help me go over some of our chemistry notes. And Mr. Vargas is having us play for our Chairs tomorrow and I’m sure if I can get this last part of the chorus right I can just land Second Chair, so I need to get some practice in before bed. Before you start, no it can’t wait and yes I need this album yesterday! And you should definitely do this thing for me right now after dropping me off because you’re my best friend and you love me and you know I love you and will totally owe you one and- OH ! I’m so sorry.”

Steve couldn’t tell if what he felt for Robin was truly love in that moment as a few droplets of her strawberry ice cream flew directly onto his arm and shoulder, properly staining the sleeve of his lite-green polo.

“Robin, this is why I never want to get ice cream with you. You never finish it before it starts melting and you make such a mess when you start moving your arms like that. God , you’re lucky that I do in fact love you. I’ll get your damn album.”

“ Yay !”

Steve groans as he bows his head, forehead to steering wheel as he removes the keys from the ignition before stepping out. He inspects himself in the reflection of his driver side window. He’s back in the yellow sweater that he had in his bag, green polo definitively out of commission. He pinches at the faded purple stain that refused to come out at the hem with a small huff. Brushing his hair back as he stands up straight, Steve shakes out his hand to get the ants off his finger tips before making his way towards the store.

The ding of the bell above the door announces his arrival. “What’s up, welcome to- Harrington? What are you doing here?”

Eddie is dressed the same as he had been when he picked up Max from Extended Hours, except now he sports his patch and pin adorned vest. He’s behind the counter with a magazine of some shirtless guy in too tight leather pants on the cover with hair longer than Eddie’s. The guy has his head thrown back as their hips push suggestively against a bright red electric guitar. Eddie slowly shuts it as Steve makes his way over.

“No hi , hello, welcome to the Vibe– how can I help you, sir?” Steve leans onto the counter, finger interlocking as he stares at Eddie accusingly. “Where’s that customer service, Munson? What’s Skylar thinkin’, having you man the counter like this?” 

Eddie stares back at Steve with pursed lips and a glint in his eyes before leaning onto the counter, arm grazing Steve’s as he leans far enough until he’s close, too close. Steve takes a sudden intake of breath, which was a mistake because all he smells is Eddie’s shampoo and it makes his head go foggy. Apricots? 

He doesn’t stop leaning, doesn’t hesitate when his nose brushes Steve cheek. Doesn’t stop until his lips are so close to his ear Steve thinks he might actually melt right there. Apricots .

“I think Skylar is pretty ecstatic to have access to this po-dunk town's best stash of weed, thanks for askin'.” The heat of Eddie’s breath against his neck makes Steve's brain short circuit, wires flayed and Steve is unable to form words in response. 

Eddie pulls away enough until his face is in front of Steve, his smile wild. “What do you want, Harrington?”

"You- I mean, do you, the store- does this place have that new… shit." Steve leans back, bracing himself against the edge of the counter with his elbows locked and the tips of his fingers white from his grip to get away from that scent . Eddie watches with an amused smirk. Steve swallows hard before clearing his throat. "Sorry, um, Robin really wants that new Madonna album and I'm just being a great friend and getting it for her."

"Hmm, new Madonna album…" Eddie bites his bottom lip, eyes boring into the tapestries that hangs low from the ceiling as he searches for an answer in the pattern. "Oh, that album." He snorts as his head drops, face hidden behind his hair before he flips it back up. "It's over here." Eddie uses two fingers to beckon Steve to follow him.

Steve is resolved to taking shallow breaths as he trails behind Eddie. They walk past the milk crates and beaten up cardboard boxes of vinyl, magazines, and different how-to instrument books until they get to the pop section.

“Personally, this isn’t my genre of music,” Eddie starts as he pulls a vinyl from a bin before also picking up a cassette case from the bin adjacent. He turns to Steve with the cover of the vinyl pressed against his chest while the cassette is held up between his pointer and middle finger.  “But this actually makes a lot of sense for Buckley.” He presents them to Steve.

“Robs-” Steve fights a smile as he takes the vinyl and cassette of ‘Like a Virgin’, flipping the vinyl to get a look at the song list before flipping it back. Steve turns his head and squints until he sees Nancy staring back at him. He stops fighting and allows the smile to take over his face.  “Oh, this is perfect. I’ll take the cassette– Buckley doesn't have a vinyl player at her place. Do you guys have any posters of Madonna? Doesn’t have to be for this album in particular.”

They never did talk about the whole Robin crushing on Nancy thing, haven’t really had the time since it came up. Maybe he can broach the conversation tomorrow after Extended Hours when he gives her these.

“The things we do for the girls we love, huh?” Eddie moves past Steve and heads towards their section of posters.

“Yeah… think I’d die for that brat, ya know?” Steve mutters, mostly to himself, still going over the song list on the back of the cassette. 

“I’ll be completely honest with you Steve. When I first saw you and Buckley working together the last few times I came to pick up Max, I was genuinely surprised to see that the two of you were actually so… close?” Eddie returns with a rolled up poster before stopping in front of Steve and using the tip of the poster to poke Steve’s chest. “Can I ask how that even happened?”

“Oh, well, first off she and I aren’t together -”

“I didn’t say you were,” Eddie interrupts, voice soft as his lips pull into a smirk. His eyes roam over Steve’s face.

Steve swallows, hand going up to scratch away at the ants. “Oh. Sorry, it’s just what everyone assumes and we’re always having to-” Steve shakes his head. “Anyway, we first met when we worked at Scoops Ahoy, for a bit. That ice cream shop that opened up at Star Court. You know the one?”

Eddie’s eyes widened in recognition. “Wait, the one with the sailor hats and the blue uniforms?”

Steve nods solemnly before huffing out a breath. “Those shorts and that hat were a nightmare.”

“I bet.” Eddie’s eyes are looking past Steve, eyes glazed over for just a second before his eyes snap back to Steve, tips of his ears turning red before he leans back against one of the shelves and crosses his arms tightly against his chest, poster against his arm. “Sorry, you were saying?”

Steve squints at Eddie before continuing. “It was during the summer before my senior year and her junior– before the whole mall basically went up in financial flames and the whole thing shut down. We didn’t really get close until we ended up working Extended Hours. Murray had those sign up sheets for anyone interested and she and I were the first ones to sign up, fresh out of our summer jobs. Figured we worked well enough at Scoops, that maybe we could handle the kids since I was around most of them when I was dating Nancy.

“We were snooping one day while watching them in Miss Lowers classroom. She let us use her room while the janitors were cleaning up some mess in the classroom we usually use. And there were these…” Steve almost hesitates to continue before remembering who he’s speaking to and giggles through it. “There were these laced gummies we found in the desk that Miss Lowers had confiscated from Bonnie Wr-”

Eddie blinks a few times as if processing this information as he throws a hand out. “Hold on. You mean to tell me Robin Buckley and Steve Harrington are joined at the hip because they got high together on school property ?”

“Dude, first off, we didn’t know   they were drug gummies. And, B, we didn’t end up eating them until way later when I was giving her a ride to her place. No kids were harmed or left improperly supervised.” Steve’s finger goes up, eyebrow arched. Eddie’s hands go up as if in surrender before beckoning for Steve to continue.

He looks up, eyes lost in the memory of the moments leading up to. It was so vivid until it wasn’t. “We ended up at her place just before it started to kick in. I was walking her to her door one second, and the next I was on my ass in the middle of her driveway and I swear to you, I thought I was fighting for my life against some Russian spies who wanted the secret ingredients to Scoops ice cream.”

Eddie’s hand slaps up to his mouth that’s in a straight line, fighting a laugh before muttering a silent “Oh, no.”

“It’s okay, you can laugh but– Munson, I genuinely thought we were going to die if I didn’t give this guy what he wanted.” Steve is in a fit of giggles, which sets Eddie off whose head goes back, arms at his stomach as a silent laugh racks his body. He exhales as he rights himself, wiping at his eyes before he looks back at Steve. 

Eddie shakes his head. “So, did the Russian spies get the secret ingredient?”

Steve gets stoic before he huffs at his nails, buffing them against his shoulder. “Can’t break me. The secret dies with me and Buckley.” Steve breaks immediately, cringing at himself. “But no, we… had a moment. That ‘we’re going to die so here are all my life’s secrets,’ kinda moment. She’s my best friend and I love that rambling band nerd.” He smiles at the memory one final time before rolling his eyes. “Even if she doesn’t know how to eat her ice cream. But speaking of friends, how did-”

Steve stops talking because Eddie’s eyebrows come together as his eyes catch onto something. He points to that something as he approaches Steve, who’s hands go up because why is Eddie pointing towards-

“Was this Buckley?” He grabs at the hem of Steve’s sweater, the fabric between his fingers as he pulls at Steve’s shirt slightly to get a better look.

Eddie’s rings barely graze against Steve’s abdomen, sending a chill up Steve’s spine. “No. No, that was me. Was making the kids PB&Js the other day. You make fifteen of those things and you're kinda doomed to make a mess.” He says it barely above a whisper, doesn’t need to be any louder because Eddie is that close. His throat clicks as he swallows. “Tried getting it out, but….”

“Hmm. Think I know a way to get that out. This is a nice sweater.” Eddie hums as he glances up at Steve. “You look good in it.” 

They don’t move. Eddie continues to pinch the hem of Steve’s shirt while Steve’s hands are clenched at his sides so tight that he’s surprised the cassette doesn’t crack. He's sure to have half moon crescents on the palm of his hand that doesn’t hold the tape. He wills his body to stay put, doesn’t even try to breathe because if he does his lungs will fill, and if his lungs fill– no, he can’t because he’s sure to go insane.

What’s wrong with me?

Eddie’s lips part, about to say something when the sound of the front door’s bell chimes throughout the store.

“Hey man, let me know if you need help with anything.” Eddie doesn’t avert his eyes. There’s a moment of hesitation, a flicker across his face but it’s gone just as quickly as it appeared. “I can check you out Steve.” Eddie just barely pulls at the sweater, but it’s enough to sway Steve forward. And he’s grateful because he’s sure he wouldn’t have been able to take the first step to follow Eddie towards the counter without it.

With anyone else, at any other moment Steve would have had a come back, made a joke about the ‘checking him out’ comment but no, his tongue stays firm against the roof of his mouth. Can’t figure out why, can’t put it together, the same way he can’t figure out where those damn ants keep coming from.

He’s silent the entire way over, lost in his own head. He sets the cassette on the counter where Eddie takes it before grabbing a Thank You bag from behind the counter, tying the ends of the bag gently around the poster before setting it down and gives Steve his total.

He pays for it on autopilot, feels as if his head is under water as the guy who came in asks Eddie a question from somewhere far behind him. Steve doesn’t hear the response, just pulls out his wallet, pulls out some bills and waits for Eddie to give him his change. And when Steve holds his hand out, palm up he can’t help but feel… something because of the way Eddie’s hands hovered too high, just barely avoids touching his hand as the change cascades down.

Steve pockets it, barely hears Eddie as he continues to hold a conversation with the guy. The guy who interrupted them. Interrupted something . Was it something? It must be, because it was enough to leave this feeling in Steve’s chest.

Eddie is moving, still talking, but not to Steve. He comes around the counter and pats Steve on the back. His hand lingers and it’s like that touch that shocks him, what brings him back to the surface.

Suddenly Steve is spinning in place, arms out, searching until they find him. Steve grabs his arm, the bag of goods swaying dangerously in his other as he asks–

“Are you doing anything tomorrow?”

part 2 | part 3 | part 4 | part 5 | part 6 | part 7 | part 8

[plotbunny-bundle]

There are too many fucking comics.

I am so lost. I’m trying to stick with it this time. And following the advice of ‘pick a comic and read it’ but there is so much cross over in the Batman stuff. There are like 20 comics and they cross over three times a year.

This time I’m into Nightwing so I guess I’m starting with teen titians. There are so many titans comics tho. I had to sort them by first published year. I’m starting the 80s but with the Outsiders and other Titians I’m not sure where this will go.

My original plan was to pick up Robin and Nightwing and read them through. But now it seems I’m going to read 40 years of Night wing adjacent comics. I also have some library volumes on my desk I haven’t figured out the Hush order yet. and I’m getting interested in Roy and Starfire.

Too much stuff. Glad Wikia has a recommend tab for characters.

One comic at a time and read it through. Cross over as they come. That’s the plan. OTL

[nightwings-kiwi]

For my sanity and my obsession with lists, I've decided that I have to make a complete collection of the DC content that I've consumed

Comics: Adventure Comics: #1-#6 Batman and Robin Vol. 1: #1-#26 Batman & Robin Eternal: #1-#26 Batman Arkham Knight Genesis Batman: #635-#641, #645-#650, #687-#700, #703-#713 Batman Battle of the Cowl #1-#3 Batman Beyond 1999: #1-#6 Batman Beyond 2001: #1-#24 Batman Beyond 2010: #1-#5 Batman Beyond 2011: #1-#8 Batman Beyond Neo-Year: #1-#6 Batman Beyond Rebirth: #1-#50 Batman Beyond Return of the Joker Batman Beyond Universe: #1-#16 Batman Beyond Unlimited: #1-18 Batman Pennyworth R.I.P. Batman Prelude to the Wedding: Nightwing vs. Hush, Red Hood vs. Anarky Batman Three Jokers: #1-#3 Batman vs. Bigby: #1-#6 Batman Wayne Family Adventures DC Special: The Return of Donna Troy DC vs. Vampires Gotham Academy #1-#18 Grayson: #1-#20, Annuals #1-#3 Li’l Gotham: #1-#24 Nightwing Alfred’s Return Nightwing and Huntress: #1-#4 Nightwing Our World’s at War Nightwing Secret Files Nightwing The New Order Nightwing The Target Nightwing Vol. 1: #1-#4 Nightwing Vol. 2: #1-#153, #1,000,000, ½, Annual #1 Nightwing Vol. 3: #0-#30, Annual #1 Nightwing Vol. 4: #1-#49, #75-95, Annuals #1-#3 Outsiders Vol. 3: #1-#50 Red Hood and the Outlaws: #0-#40, Annuals #1-#2 Red Hood and The Outlaws Vol. 2: #1-#26, Outlaw #27-50, Red Hood #51-#52, Annuals #1-#3 Red Hood/Arsenal: #1-#13 Red Hood The Lost Days: #1-#6 Robins: #1-#6 Robin War Superboy Smallville Attacks: #1-#7 Superboy Vol. 5: #0-#34 The Titans Vol. 1: #1-45 Titans Hunt: #1-#8 Titans United: #1-#7 Titans/Young Justice Graduation Day: #1-#3 Read the comics related to my blorbos only: Action Comics Azrael Agent of the Bat Batgirl and the Birds of Prey Batgirl Vol. 2 Batgirl Vol. 4 Batgirl Vol. 5 Batman and Robin Vol. 2 Batman and the Outsiders Vol. 2 Batman Beyond 2015 Batman Day of Judgement Batman Gotham Adventures Batman Gotham Knights Batman Gotham Nights Batman Outlaws Batman Vol. 1 Batman Vol. 3 Batman/Superman Batman/Superman World's Finest Birds of Prey Vol. 1 Birds of Prey Vol. 2 Convergence Countdown to Final Crisis Detective Comics Vol. 1 Detective Comics Vol. 2 Detective Comics Vol. 3 Future’s End Green Arrow Vol. 3 Injustice Gods Among Us Outsiders Vol. 2 Red Robin Robin Robin Son of Batman Superboy Vol. 1 Superman Vol. 3 Teen Titans Vol. 3 The Ravagers Titans Together Titans Vol. 2 Titans Vol. 3 Truth and Justice We Are Robin World’s Finest Young Justice Vol. 2 (There are more. Assume anything with Dick Grayson, Jason Todd, Terry McGinnis, and Conner Kent has been read)

Cartoons: Teen Titans (Most of which when I was younger, but have rewatched a fair bit) Young Justice Seasons 1 & 2, 6 episodes into season 3

Movies: Batman Unlimited: Animal Instinct Batman Unlimited: Monster Mayhem Batman: Bad Blood Batman: Under the Red Hood Justice League Justice League vs. Teen Titans Shazam! Son of Batman Teen Titans: The Judas Contract The Losers Wonder Woman

Series: Titans Seasons 1 & 2, 2 episodes into season 3

Video Games: Arkham Knight Gotham Knights

[captaindeadpoool]

Alright so here's the recs for Batman villain origin stories ! This is gonna be long and it's not even close to covering all of the villains. But these should be most of the big names that show up regularly, at least.

Catwoman : Batman Year One, Catwoman (1989), Catwoman (1993) #0 (in that order)

Clayface (1-3): Secret Origins (1986) #44 (there's multiple villains using the name Clayface; this issue has the origin stories for the three main ones)

ManBat : Secret Origins (1986) #39

Poison Ivy: Secret Origins (1986) #36 "Pavane" (old origin story); Poison Ivy #19-21 (current origin story)

Riddler: Detective Comics (1937) Annual #8 (this origin is not canon anymore but the modern version doesn't have a specific origin afaik. this annual is still the best introduction to the character either way imo)

Ra's al Ghul: Batman: One Bad Day - Ra's Al Ghul is actually a fine enough first read for him

TwoFace : The Long Halloween (multiple other rogues show up during this), Detective Comics (2016) #1065-1067 "TwoFace: A tale of three halves" (the TwoFace story happens in the backup issues, not the main ones)

Bane: Batman: Knightfall (mainly the first issue ("Vengeance of Bane") in the collected volume (TPB 1) but probably better to just read all of it since the arc is famous. Fair warning though, aside from the first issue it's going to be a bit confusing if you don't know Batman lore and characters)

Firefly: Detective Comics (1937) #661 (this is during the Knightfall arc, so if you read that one you'll get to this story anyways)

Scarecrow: Shadow of the Bat (1992) #16-18 (also set during Knightfall)

Hush: Batman:Hush (you probably should read about the other villains first though)

Harley Quinn: she was first introduced in Batman: The Animated Series , so I'd suggest watching her episodes in that

Mr. Freeze: his modern origin stories are usually based off of his backstory episode in Batman: The Animated Series, so similarly as with Harley that should be a good introduction. There is also Detective Comics (2016) #1069-1071 "Absolute" (again just the backup issues) which should give you a pretty good first look at the character as well

The Ventriloquist: for the original Ventriloquist (Arnold Wesker) there's a page detailing his origin in City of Madness #2. therd's a second Ventriloquist but she shows up rarely so idk if you want to read about her.

The Demon Barbathos: Batman: Dark Knight Dark City (worth noting that Riddler is in that story and that he is written unusually edgy, especially for that time, to the point of characters pointing out that he is acting ooc in the comic itself. so while this comic has Barbathos' origin story, you probably can more or less ignore Riddler's characterisation in it for the character in general)

unfortunately I don't know of any specifically good issues to get a first look at Penguin or Mad Hatter. the Batman: One Bad Day Penguin issue should be fine enough though

I also don't know what issues Killer Croc's origin story would be in, but Batman: Earth One has good Croc characterisation and might be worth reading for him. (Earth One is an AU verse though. So the things happening in there as well as character constellations and characterisations are not canon, they're reinterpretations. Killer Croc is relatively consistent with current interpretations of the character though. You could also read Batgirl's "I know what you did last Crisis" issue that just released for a look at Killer Croc though).

Have some origins for other characters, too:

Batgirl (1): Secret Origins (1986) #20 (there's multiple Batgirls, this is the first one, Barbara Gordon)

Batgirl (2): Batgirl (2000) #1 (the second Batgirl, Cassandra Cain, got her own run here)

Robin (1) : Dark Victory (there's multiple Robins, this is the first one, Dick Grayson)

Huntress: Batman/Huntress : Cry for Blood

(If you read Knightfall you're probably going to want to read Azrael and Robin 3/Tim Drake's origins, too, but idk what issues those are in. )

And that's it for Batman villain origins, at least for most of the big league guys! Hope this list helps you !

THANK YOUUUU LOVE YOU MWAH

[tallochar]

Stephanie's behavior in Robin #80, Robin #82 and Robin #83 (all three from 2000) just pisses me off on so many levels and then Bruce adds in during Robin #84 and then in Robin #87 post Officer down and he pisses me off SO MUCH TOO.

This is just me grumbling about it, so you are all welcome to skip this, I am putting it under a cut and I'm not tagging it with any character names so it won't show up in her tag.

I mean, I am 1000% sure Tim never finds out what she did, because she'd never admit to it and also he's in Nassau on the Danny Temple storyline at that point so he's not around for it, but I am pissed off about it.

Starting from her barging all over his boundaries when he tells her not to follow him (repeatedly and yes, he addresses her as Spoiler first and then when he gets frustrated he uses her name, which is not okay, especially in the field, especially in that era, even if they are alone it's very much something wrong he did and she does call him out on it, which she should have done so good on her for that!) and just disregarding all the repetition about not going along completely and then how callously she just assumes he's 'two-timing' her (yeah because god forbid someone gets shot on Tim's watch and this is not about him cheating on Steph) and then the she beats up her ex not because her ex did anything to deserve it but because she's pissed at Robin (she straight up says to her mom her ex wasn't the one she was pissed off at).

Then she refuses all attempts of Robin to communicate (first tells her to not contact her, then freezes him out for a while, then when, after a few days, he does try to phone her she hangs up on him, refuses to answer his email except for one where she tells him to get lost, and even throws a shoe at his head [which hits him] when he tries to go visit her) because she's still so sure he's cheating on her and goes to pretend to be a nurse in hospital to try and get clues to his identity.

(Before Tim leaves for Nassau, around this point, he tries to ask Dick if he thinks Bruce might let him tell her and before he's even finished speaking Dick goes "Never!" and Tim's like "yeah, I knew that" because it's not that Tim doesn't WANT to tell Steph, it's that he's literally bound into secrecy, because this was back when secret IDs were important and most people only knew who a few other people did and it was A Big Deal)

She sees something signed T.D. then a guy called Tito enters the room and she assumes it's Robin, follows the guy around, intervenes in a shady deal the guy's doing (while thinking about how she is going to have something to hold over him now, because this clearly justify all the gross boundaries crossing she has been doing) and when he runs away she STILL assumes it's Robin, calls him "the boy-coward" because she is fully 1000% fully ready to believe that that is what Tim would do, run away and leave her in a heap of trouble with people firing at her and then tackles the boy onto the ground, grabs him and stands poised above him with a fist ready to go and smack into him (possibly sending his head back to thump into the ground, given the positions) while going, I quote:

"What's the deal Robin? You've never run from a fight before. Are we really that over that you'd leave me to die?"

Says the girl who has refused to talk to her boyfriend, threw a shoe at his head, told him to get lost, etc. is now about to beat who she thinks is that boyfriend up, while Tim is in Nassau telling Danny that he does have a girlfriend, but things are rocky between them now, a trip that he took, in part, on advice from Dick to go and leave Steph space and time.

"Or is your stupid secret identity so important that it's okay I get killed to keep it hush-hush? Which is it, Robin?"

Emphasis from the comic.

You are the one who decided you were over, despite all of your boyfriends attempts to communicate with you, Stephanie and you are the one who believes this shit of Tim, who has shown himself to be capable of nothing of the sort so far.

(Wondering how much of this is projection your part, Stephanie)

And it's not his "stupid secret identity", it's his identity and all the people you can connect to him through it and him being under mandate from Batman to keep it from you (which she knows because she tells as much to her mother in the next issue, Robin #84 [2000]) because it would affect way way way way more than just Tim and it's something you were told from the get go you were not going to get.

(Also loose lips sink ships and look what Steph immediately did, when stressed, she told her mom that she had a boyfriend and that boyfriend was Robin, Batman's Robin, and that the boy could not tell her his identity because Batman forbid him and then went into saying they were over because Robin just cares about Star and then ran upstairs and congrats Steph, you just dropped so fucking much on a civilian and I don't care that she's your mom, you have no idea what she could or might do with all that information you just handed over because you needed to have your teenage fit).

If this is a deal breaker, sure go and break up with Tim (which if she did do that, or considered them broken up, she decided that on her own and never bothered to inform Tim about it) but this does not entitle you to all of this shit behavior and choices or to throw shoes at his head and treat him like shit.

Tim's secrets are NOT automatically yours to have just because now you've decided you want them.

Also note that in this comic (Robin #84 [2000]) she assumes that she and Tim are over because "he only cares about that other girl" aka Star aka the civilian that got injured on Tim's watch and he'd care about even if she wasn't his friend and that he told you back in #80 that he couldn't specify to you how he knew her, because it was too close to his secret identity thing (which you immediately took as a reason to go pretend to be a nurse so you could try to figure out said secret identity to try and beat him up).

This is all a fantasy trip she's made up in her mind and while I am actually cutting her some slack for being a teenager, me understanding where she might be coming from (hell this kind of fantasy trip is not even just a teenager thing, it's an all ages thing from what I've seen) does not cut her any slack for her actions and choices.

And then Bruce tells Steph about Tim's identity (in Robin #87 [2000], because he and Alfred are not talking and he'd rather do this massive breach of trust and betrayal than fucking risk having to talk to Alfred, whom he knows is with Tim and could get him in touch with Tim) and she immediately goes to find him and goes, I quote again:

"Um hi, Robin. Or can I call you Tim?"

"Steph?"

Tim's reaction as this is happening:

No.

This isn't happening.

My worlds collide.

Spoken, by Tim: I -- I --

My heart's racing, my mind's in a spin.

Spoken, by Steph: Batman said it's time I joined you guys. I hope you're all right with that.

I feel trapped, I feel like I have to get away.

Spoken, by Steph, as Tim grapples off and away in a panic: ROBIN!

Tim's thought bubbles as he runs away and she goes after him:

It's too late to run.

It's too late to hide.

This can't be undone.

But I just can't deal with it.

Which means he's having a panic attack, retreating away from her and she's running after him, not giving him any of the space he gave to her.

And as we will soon see, it's to immediately tell him that they can be together, because that's what matters to Steph, that SHE decided they were broken up and he cheated her and then that SHE decided that they weren't broken up anymore and that SHE decided that they could only be together if she knew his ID and then that SHE decided they are together now, with no input from Tim and no interest in his opinion or anything he might have to say to her, because she doesn't really care about his opinion, as long as SHE has her way.

At which point Bruce steps in (notice that the point of all this was for Bruce to contact Tim through Steph without risking running into Alfred, as Tim is about to point out, but Bruce came along NONETHELESS, thus making this even worse).

Spoken, by Bruce, as he holds out a hand to stop Tim mid-run: Stop Robin. It was my decision.

Which is the moment where Steph, all the thoughts about Star potentially being Tim's girlfriend forgotten and abandoned because now she knows Tim's secret identity (something she, as mentioned before, in an earlier comic considered something "I could hold above his head") now she can have it all, goes:

Spoken, by Steph: We can be together now.

As if she didn't did all of the awful stuff above and treated Tim like shit and ignored him and decided they were over and didn't tell him and that he cheated and didn't tell him and like fucking damn it if it was me I wouldn't just have done what Tim did which is:

Spoken, by Tim, warding her off with a swipe of his hand that is wide off her chest: NO!

Spoken, by Steph, in the background of this panel where Tim is forefront and pissed off: What?

And Tim immediately takes Bruce to fucking task about all of this rather than talking to Steph anymore (which is way more gracious than I'd have been)

Spoken by Tim, spreading his left arm out in a clearly angry gesture: I vowed LOYALTY to you. Your word is THE word. But that goes for Robin, NOT Tim Drake. You had no RIGHT to reveal my secret. I've kept YOUR secret. Sometimes at the risk of my LIFE. You sent her here alone because you were afraid you'd run into ALFRED.

Spoken, by Tim, as he bares his teeth at Bruce: This is MY life. It was MY decision.

At which point we are reminded / informed by the editor's box that "Bats & Alfred had a falling out in Officer Down"

Spoken, by Tim, while the panel focus on Bruce as Batman being impassive: And that would blow YOUR secret.

Spoken, by Tim, as he walks off raising his left arm in a denial gesture: So you just GAVE mine away.

Spoken, by Tim, in the same panel: FORGET it. There's NOTHING you can say...

Spoken, by Bruce, in the same panel as the previous line as Tim walks away from him and Steph: Robin...

"This has happened before. Each Robin has a time when he rebels. Sometimes it ends well. Other times..."

And then Bruce tells Steph to let Tim go because Tim is feeling betrayed (making me want to throw hands and hit him with a clue by four or a wrench), Steph argues that Tim has been betrayed by both of them (good on her that at least she is realizing that now but also too little too late insofar, and a bit too much metaphorical crocodile tears to me, as far as I'm concerned) and Bruce immediately goes, making me want to smack him hard enough to give him a concussion:

And then, after a few more bubbles of dialogue, the comic ends with Steph asking who's Alfred.

Because Bruce did not tell her his own identity, did not tell her about Alfred, did not tell her anything except Tim's own fucking civilian identity that he refused to allow Tim permission to disclose to her prior to this and who he didn't even allow Tim to reveal to YJ, Tim go to reveal his face to them before he could his name.

You know why Tim wasn't ready? Because you didn't give him permission to share Bruce so he could not come at it in his own way and in his own time, you did not allow him that grace and the way you immediately shrug off any responsability and then compare Tim reacting WAY LESS BADLY than he could have to this utter betrayal of him and his dedication to you and all the sacrifices he's made and all the stress he's put himself through to what happened with Dick and Jason.

This whole arc pisses me off so fucking much, both Bruce and Steph do in it and I cut neither of them any slack over it. I could barely stand to go over their parts in the comics this makes me so viscerally angry.

And Bruce being this level of absolute dick about how he went about this has no impact on Steph's actions prior to Bruce needing to find Tim.

God the levels of invasion of privacy, disregarding of boundaries, the shitty way Tim is treated .... god fucking damn it I hate this side of this goddamn arc so fucking much.

I would throw the comic at the wall except I don't do that in RL, but god I wish I would.

Imma go punch my pillow a few times and then take a shower and then sleep because I work tomorrow.

This fucking arc I fucking swear.