#big spoiler warnings for like the last 5 batman issues

[timbourinedrake]

Caught up with the current Batman run....Is somebody going to help this man. um yikes. poor bruce is all i can say

[kimberly-spirits13]

You’re Alive??? (Request)

Paring: Batfam x Batsis

Synopsis: (Based from 6 Underground) You were presumed dead 5 years ago by your family during a mission gone wrong. After a while they supposedly moved on with their lives. Meanwhile, you had actually runaway with a new team. Now that you’re back in Gotham you wonder what your family is up to now a day and if you really can keep undercover without the world’s greatest family of detectives finding you.

Warnings: Mentions of death, angst, swearing, killing (non -graphic), I have never seen the 6 Underground so I read a bunch of character synopsis and cast interviews so I hope I get it decently right, sad Damian and guilty Timmy at the end lol

Note: Flashbacks are in italics, Y/S/H/N= Your Superhero Name, Y/N/N= Your Nickname

Word Count: 3044

           Five years ago, you were in Rio waiting to head out and take down one of the drug lords that had a hand in shipping Cobra Venom. Tim and Bruce had tracked it down along with some help from a few members that were interrogated by you and your older brother Jason. The night was cool and the undergrounds of the city were alive with action. Your squad, Red Robin, Nightwing, and yourself were traveling underground the targeted warehouse. Black Bat and Spoiler were covering the sides above ground and the rest were ready for the signal to enter in through the skylight.

           The tension was rising in the air mostly from you as you knew that this would be the last night that you saw all of your siblings. It was a daunting thing to ponder on, leaving Gotham and the only family that you had ever known but tonight was about to be the start of an irreversible new beginning. You headed to the doors that secretly led to the main part of the room. Robin from above called out the positions, and at the signal given by Bruce, your squad jumped into action and flew out of the trap door to ambush the targets.

           Everything was going well until one of them slipped out of the back.

           “I got him!” You yelled running for the motorcycle that he had left running when he took his own.

           The moment that the engine started, you were flying down the street yelling at people to get out of the way as the chase began. It was exciting at first, but your stomach churned at the thought of purposely flying off of a cliff and trusting someone that you hardly really know to save you from a rocky death. The streets became closer and closer to the cliffs as your family finished up in the warehouse and were now coming after you.

           You looked behind you to see the lights of their bikes behind you getting closer and closer.

           “Y/S/H/N! Slow down we can catch him, you’re getting too close to the cliffs!” Red Robin called on the comm.

           “Back off, I’ve got this one.” You sped up seeing the checkpoint coming up that you were to jump from, “Ohhh shit Y/N, don’t fuck this up please.” You thought.

           It was important to actually catch the guy so when you go to the checkpoint, you fired off a shot that took out the wheels of the perp, leaving him crashed on the side of the road as you went off the cliff. You could hear screaming from above as you mentally cursed yourself for getting into this.

           “ONE NOW WOULD BE A GREAT TIME TO CATCH ME!” You said into your new comm after crushing the one that your family used.

           “Gotcha.” You felt someone grab you up before the motorcycle blew up on the rocks, seemingly leaving you to your watery grave. The two of you disappeared and you watched from afar as your family scrambled to find you, only seeing the tarnished cloth that came from your costume.

           Your heart hurt for them and you knew that they might never forgive you if they ever found out what happened. But, now that was in the past, now it was time to start a new life.

           “So, you ready to join the team Eight?” One asked smiling at you.

           “I just faked myself in front of my family, so yeah I don’t think I have a choice.” You replied as he patted your back laughing some.

_______________________________________________________________________

            That was five years ago today. The team had welcomed you and now the only name that you knew was Eight. Four and Seven were chilling on the couch at the base and the rest were just around minding their own business.

           “Hey Eight.” 4 said as you sat down on your phone.

           “Sup.” You replied scrolling through the news.

           There was an article that caught your attention and you stopped. It was from Gotham. One of the people that you and the team had been hunting down was suspected to be there. He was in Gotham for “business” but you knew that that business was dirty and corrupt, painted by the blood of the innocent. One came into the room and everyone looked at him as he called the team over to the briefing room.

           “So, you guys remember our friend Mr. Whitestone right?” He asked pulling up a picture of the man.

           The team nodded as you crossed your arms knowing where this was going.

           “Well, he’s in Gotham right now for what we here call the drug Coachella.” “Our mission is to take him and is comrades down.” He looked at you for a second and then spoke again, “Our only issue is keeping away from the Batman and his posy.”

           You looked down for a second at the floor and then back up realizing what this meant for you.

           “We leave on Thursday so be ready. It should be a quick in and out mission and if we finish everything on time, we can come back on Saturday.”

           Everyone left after the briefing but you who stayed behind.

           “You’re seriously going to risk being caught by Batman and the rest of them?” You asked, “He’s the world greatest detective, not just some idiot in a costume running around with the GCPD.”

           “I trust that with your guidance we can stay in the shadows without being caught.” “It will be in and out faster than they can blink.” One said.

           “Yeah but you also have to remember that Whitestone will also be on their radar so we’ll be after the same person at the same time. Look if this gets blown, I don’t know what I have to do. You had better know what you’re doing One.” You walked out of the room and back to your bedroom to think about everything and pack some for the trip. It was going to be a long week of backstabbing your family once more and the guilt was starting to ride up bit by bit, little by little.

           Thursday had come and everyone was ready to move out.

           “You ready for this?” One asked with a hand on your shoulder.

           “Yep.” You replied stepping away and getting into the car that would take everyone to the hotel.

           The car pulled up through the traffic and you guys walked upstairs to your rooms. You were sharing a room with Five and Two. You looked in the mirror at your dyed hair to see the new blonde color instead of the black that you had so famously inherited from Bruce. Maybe it wouldn’t be a big help, but it was better than nothing. Tonight, would be filled with patrolling the areas of the target and possibly taking a few down but really, that was Friday’s objective.

           You and the team left the hotel to go patrol yourselves around Gotham. It was early but the targets were already out doing whatever illegal shit they would be partaking in for the night. You and your squad stalked one of them. Two was about to make her move when you pulled her back.

           “Wait, just let me take this one. I used to come to Gotham a lot, I know where everything is.” You whispered before jumping down and gagging the man so that he couldn’t make a noise.

           One had informed that the team didn’t need intel from him so you didn’t bother asking questions.

           “Run, don’t make a sound and I’ll let you live.” You whispered into his ear.

           He whimpered and you let him go before killing him with what might look be similar to a batarang.

_______________________________________________________________________

           “This can’t be real.” Tim whispered under his voice, “That’s her! That’s Y/N.”

           He was watching the security cameras closely and saw your figure, “That’s the form that she would use and everything.” “Plus, she knew where the security cameras were.”

           “What are you over here mumbling about Timmy?” Dick came and sat down next to him as he whipped newly formed tears from his eyes.

           “Tim what’s wrong?” Dick went into mother mode and was now actually greatly concerned for Tim.

           “I think I found her. Y/N is still alive.” Tim whispered, “Look at this.”

           Dick watched the video and his eyes went wide, “That was her form and everything. I mean it’s unmistakable.” “She would always throw it in that way and then step back with her left foot.” “Wait.”

           Tim looked up with almost a shade of terror in his eyes.

           “That’s blonde hair not black like Y/N had.” Dick remarked falling back into the chair, “it just can’t-.”

           Tim cut him off, “Y/N TOLD ME THAT IF SHE EVER DYED HER HAIR IT WOULD BE BLONDE!”

           “When did she tell you that?” Dick asked rubbing his eyes.  

           “She told me the exact shade right before her last mission.” Tim Googled the shade and then color matched it in the right light, “That’s it too.”

           “Tim, this is a great dream but, it can’t be. We all saw that wreak.” He said looking at his younger brother.

           “No, Dick, you’ve always told me that if I know for sure that something is the way it is, I should go after it. I KNOW that this is her.” “And, if we track based off of the person that was killed...” He stopped for a moment thinking, “The next logical target is Aron Whitestone.”

           “Timmy, if you really think that this is her... we need to go find her.”

           “My thoughts exactly.”

           Tim called in Jason and the three of them decided that this would be their secret incase the lead was wrong. Jason would be the one to go after her and the two of them would be in the background.

           The team was following Mr. Whitestone and his posy when you started getting a bad feeling about still being in Gotham. Last night your kill was sloppy. You realized that maybe it was on purpose but at the same time it might not be worth risking blowing your cover over.

           Like last night you, and now the entire team was stalking the group of 6 that were walking around the docks.

           “Of course, it HAD to be the docks.” You thought, “These people must be new in town.” You smiled some remembering what it was like to wait with Tim or even Jason when he was Robin listening to the men’s conversations.

           “What’s so funny?” Four asked looking at you.

           “Nothing.” Your smile immediately dropped as you scanned around the area to search for maybe a Black Bat or stray Batgirl running around or perched on a stacked train car. To your partial avail, you saw no one.

           “Eight, you take Mr. Whitestone, the rest, take the ones around him.” One said.

           “Why does Eight get the best one?” Four asked.

           “No questions just go.” One said dropping down.

           Just as you finished off the man someone grabbed you. You flipped the person over your back and stopped when you saw the giant red helmet looking at you.            

           “Y/N?” He asked as you noticed the team ready to take him.

           “Stand down.” You said pinching the bridge of your nose. They didn’t, “I said stand the fuck down.”

           That got their attention for once.

           “We thought you were dead.” You pulled him up, “And who are these guys.”

           “Hood... I know I have a lot of explaining to do, but I really can’t.” You answered looking back at One who was now looking at someone behind you.

           “You really do.” You turned around to see Red Robin and Nightwing.

           “What are you guys doing here?” You asked.

           “No, I think the question is what are YOU doing here?” Nightwing remarked walking closer to you, “That form isn’t really a good way of hiding your identity Y/N/N and I know you knew that.”

           “Just give me a second.” You walked over to One and the rest of the team.

           “So does this mean I’m kicked off?” You asked, “I mean they know about me now which sort of defeats this entire dead man thing.”

           One was also confused and partially irritated, “I need to think about it. Maybe you are.”

           “What if I just joined in when you need me?” You asked, “I mean then it wouldn’t be as you know... violating of the code.”

           “Just go with them. I’ll know where to find you when I have a decision.” He said. “Team, let’s move out.”

           You watched them leave, only Five coming to give you a small hug. After that, you were at the mercy of your brothers.

           “Okay... what the hell was that?” Jason asked getting visibly angry.

           “Those people are my team. They are who I’ve been with for the past five years.” You said fiddling with your fingertips.

           “Why did you disappear like that?” Tim asked.

           “I-I...” You fell into silence as a tear streaked down your face of all of the years pent up alone, guilt eating you alive.

           Nightwing was the first one to pull you into a massive hug followed by Tim and then eventually Jason. You smiled some at the feeling before sighing.

           “You guys are actually going to kill me.” They stepped back to let you explain, “Five years ago was not a nice place for me.” “I needed to break out of my shell and leave. I had accidently killed someone and thought that when Bruce found out, he would kick me out or send me to Arkham.” “I found One, and went with his crazy idea of starting a new team of undercovers.” “I never thought of the consequences and acted brashly. I’m sorry for the hell that I must have put everyone through. It wasn’t right and it was selfish, but I never could stop thinking of everyone and I just... it was fun for a bit and then it wasn’t.”

           “So for five years you’ve been living as a ghost going around the world with seven other people fighting crime?” Tim asked you.

           “Yell technically six others. Our driver was killed.” You said getting a look from the three of them, “Legitimately killed.”

           “Well, do you want to go back to the manor?” Dick asked.

           “Do you think anyone would even want me?” You asked looking at the ground.

           “Y/N, I know they would.” Jay said, “Now come on before anymore creeps show up around here.”

           You laughed as they took you back to the cave where everyone else had already met up for the night.

           “You’re back late.” Steph said.

           “Yeah well we had some business to take care of.” Jason replied, “Oh Steph, you might want to sit down.”

           “Wait why?” She asked.

           You stepped out from behind the boys and smiled shyly.

           “Y/N?” She screamed jumping up and tackling you to the ground.

           “Shit Steph.” You laughed some as she hugged you greatly.

           “What is wrong with Brown?” You heard someone else enter the cave a few minutes later she stepped aside, letting you up before you were almost taken down by Damian again.

           He came at you with his swords yelling and cursing at whatever dared to pretend to be his beloved dead sister.

           “Woah there Demon.” Tim yanked him away from you and explained that it was in fact you.

           With a moment’s notice you heard the clatter of fallen swords and then the weight of a now 13 year old Damian latched on you.

           “Hey Dames.” You said hugging him tightly.

           “W-what happened to you?” He asked crying some into your shirt.

           “I did some really dumb things Dames. I just didn’t want you to grow up with me as your example.” You replied now carrying him like you used to when he was younger.

           “But I would have never looked down upon you.” Damian said.

           “I know, and I’m so so so so so terribly sorry. There aren’t enough words in the universe to tell you how sorry I am for leaving you.” You stopped dead in your tracks upon seeing the rest of the family.

           The rest of the family reunion was sweet and long overdone. You mended ties with Bruce and told him everything that had happened. Maybe it was for the best that you had gone away for a bit just to clear your mind. But one thing now was for sure that you didn’t know what was next. You couldn’t just leave the team that you were on but you sure as hell weren’t going to leave your family again.

           “Miss. Y/N there is someone here to see you.” Alfred said stepping into the library where you were hanging out with Damian.

           “Alright, thank you.” You replied, “I promise I’ll be back in just a few minutes.”

           Damian nodded letting go of your hand as you walked downstairs to the front door.

           “Eight.” One said greeting you with your bags.

           “So, does this mean I’m off the team?” You asked taking them and putting them aside.

           “Well, I think it does. But not permanently. I have discussed it but I think that the best thing that you can do now that your priorities have changed is to join us for missions in which we need your assistance.” He explained, “So for now, yes, you are off the team, but rest assured that if there is anything that we need, Eight is the first person that we come to.” “You are however never allowed to mention this to anyone.”

           “Sworn to secrecy, yes I know.” You smiled some, a real, genuine smile this time.

           “Okay. I hope to see you soon.” He nodded letting you give him a small hug.

           “You too.” You said, “Oh and One?”

           “Yep?”

           “I told you that they would find me. World’s greatest detectives. Remember?” You smirked crossing your arms.

           “Yes, the nights spent figuring out cases with a sassy and irritable bat are something I cannot forget.” He replied walking down the stairs as you shut the door behind him, racing back up to the library to join Damian and later catch up with everyone on the last five years.

Note: Okay, so I really hope that I did this right. I haven’t watched 6 Underground so please just take it easy on me. I did however really like the request so regardless I wanted to see what I could do. Please, if you have any critiques or requests, send them my way. Does anyone have anything Marvel that they’d like to see? I was thinking of maybe Tony Stark daughter or something but I don’t mind. You guys are great, hope you’re staying safe and staying healthy. Have a wonderful week! 😊

[ahumansvoid]

DC comic WIP folder

I called this DC Comic, but it’s Batman.

These are all 100% based on Batman/Batfam.

Well. Mostly Damian. I liked him as a character

Since this is all one fandom, I’ll put the title I have for the doc in bold before talking about the WIP.

Also a couple of these are both bullet-point outlines and written out stuff. So I’ll post a bit from each if possible.

Also. Warning for swearing. I swore a lot with these.

Who F*ckin Knows

Wonderful title by me. So this fic would’ve centered around Jason Todd, Stephanie Brown, and Damian Wayne. It was an AU where the three of them get sent to an alternate timeline in which none of them ever existed/interacted with Bruce (So Jason never stole Batman’s tires, Steph’s dad never became Cluemaster and she never became Spoiler. Damian straight up doesn’t exist) and the Batfam’s life is better for it.

Now this isn’t necessarily true, and it isn’t in this story. Because what actually happened was they were cursed to an alternate timeline of what they think the Batfam’s life would be like without them in it. And because (at least how I wrote them) these three have self-esteem issues and whatnot, on a subconscious level, they believe the Batfam would be better off without them being in it. So in this alternate timeline, the Batfam is better off without them.

So when the trio goes to this alternate timeline, they’re not together. Jason is with Dick which leads to this interaction I’ve outlined:

And really the only bit I have written is later on, when in this world, Jason, Damian and Stephanie get arrested and Damian’s parentage is discovered. Now because they believe Bruce is better off without them, they haven’t contacted him at all. So this is kind of the last thing they want and also Damian doesn’t want to risk getting separated from Jason and Stephanie. Also I made social services the enemy which, considering Damian’s 13 and neither Steph or Jay have any legal claim to him, is valid. They want to keep Damian and Social Services could take him away.

Still, this lady I wrote is not nice.

This is Bruce’s POV. I have this outlined a lot, but not much written. And it would be a large undertaking to write this out. Especially as I’m not that into Batman anymore.

Kitten

A Damian-is-raised-by-Selena-instead-of-Bruce AU.

That’s it.

This is the only thing in this file.

??? Idk. 

idfk-notes

What the fuck. Uh. I dont- this is aptly named? Because i don’t fucking know what shit I was doing.

So this AU starts out with Damian deciding rather than go to Bruce when Ra’s wants his body, he hides on his own because obviously Ra’s would go to Bruce because Bruce is Damian’s dad and that’s the obvious hiding place. So, Damian strikes out on his own.

That’s normal. I could maybe write something with that.

Then I get into Damian being a stripper?!?!? He’s an adult at the time. Chill. But stil ????? I- I don’t know.

Also. Damian steals from Jason. Which is fun?

Also. There’s nothing wrong with writing this. I’m sure I could go find a dozen fics on this premise or similar, I have no problem with Damian being a stripper or whatever. 

My problem is that sixteen (maybe?) year old me thought I could write this??? I can’t write this now and I have no idea what mini me was thinking. This isn’t. No. This isn’t something I can really write. I wouldn’t try because either I would fail or I wouldn’t be able to do it justice. 

Also it is very clear I wrote this before I fully understood bullet points on google docs and shortcuts and it bugs me.

Hopefully this will be fluffy

So this AU is one where Robin War never happens. But Duke’s parents are still jokerized or whatever and he’s taken into foster care where they want him to do trauma counselling. Coincidentally, the trauma counseller he goes to (group sessions because why not) is also running a drug ring. So Damian is sent in by a superhero team (I don’t think I specify or I’m jumping over it when I read) to infiltrate and find the drug ring leader and whatnot.

He succeeds, but Alfred keeps driving him to the Trauma Counselling sessions so Damian keeps going to them and befriending Duke.There are also some other friends (OCs) and what ends up happening is a) this friend group hangs out outside of the group therapy sessions and b) Damian gets a crush on Duke.

Hijinx and whatnot ensue. Including:

Kind of just a simple little AU I never bothered to finish. I just lost inspo I guess.

Damian Wayne Coraline AU

Not really. Im reasonably sure this was inspired by something but I can’t remember at the moment. Not Coraline. Anywho, so in this au, Damian finds a mirror verse of his family essentially. Honestly I don’t know where I was going with this and I can’t really figure it out.

But have this funny excerpt:

Don’t really know much about this WIP.

“Why do I need to cover for you

Back to first sentence of the fic being the title. So, I have this written without any outline. But I still remember where I’m going with this fic despite being nowhere near it. So, Damian is 17, soon to be 18 (like a week or two out), per tradition he gets into a big fight with Bruce, he leaves, he talks to Dick. Blah blah. Damian ends up covering for Dick as Nightwing while Dick covers for Bruce as Batman. 

During this time they fight a witch/warlock/random magic user #5 who makes all the adults children.

Damian isn’t technically an adult. But they were fighting this magic user with Jason, Tim, Dick and Damian. So now Damian gets to deal with a bunch of batfam children and I don’t remember if I had a plan after that. I just remember almost adult Damian dealing with kid Jason, Tim and Dick.

This is as far as I got before I stopped (idky)

So this is literally Dick giving Damian a pep talk after Damian comes to him after his fight with Bruce. So I did not get far with this fic. And there is literally no indication on the doc what direction I intend to go with this. Which is interesting.

And that’s it for the DC comic folder. Fun. I’m sad and tired now. Also it’s 3 am. So Imma go to bed and finish this WIP show tomorrow. Good night!

[that-shamrock-vibe]

TV Review: Young Justice Outsiders Part 1 (Spoilers)

Spoiler Warning: The first part of Young Justice Outsiders is finally all available for viewing so I thought I would give my thoughts on Season 3 thus far, it won’t be in depth because for me this season hasn’t been but there are light spoilers so be warned.

General Reaction:

I have been a fan of Young Justice since I found out about the series, I love it. I love taking these sidekicks and putting them in the spotlight. It’s why I loved Teen Titans and Young Avengers. I guess because I discovered them while I was a teenager myself, season 1 aired in 2010 when I was 19 so technically that counts, that I relate to them but also the first two seasons of the show were so well done and made for gripping binge-worthy viewing.

So you can imagine that I, like many other fans of the show, was thrilled when after an injust cancellation it returned 5 years. The only problem is Young Justice: Outsiders lacks the spark and somewhat originality that the first two seasons had.

These first 13 episodes of season three lack centric main characters, a strong A-Storyline and, until the last 4 episodes, that gripping binge-worthiness I mentioned the first two seasons had. Instead we have an Easter-Egg season crammed with characters who are splintered into different groups who each have their own storylines that, again until near the end of the 13 episodes, don’t really tie-in with each other and feel like they each need their own shows to develop fully.

Also, there is another time jump between Season 2 and 3 which makes more sense here than it did between 1 and 2 because in real-time 5 years has passed since the end of Season 2 whereas there it seemed to be done to push ahead the story and give the franchise a Star Wars feel of making it a multi-media experience with the comic-book tie-in series filling in the space between 1 & 2.

What’s Good:

Alright so I want to be fair to the season because it does have some good aspects which I actually liked.

Fan Favourites:

I will get into the sheer volume of characters introduced to this season further down but for now I want to talk about the fan-favourites introduced who were somewhat fleshed out rather well.

Firstly Lady Shiva. I have never seen Lady Shiva before but I know she is a fan-favourite character and, considering the underwhelming performance of Talia al Ghul recently, a favored replacement for her. I still think Nyssa al Ghul is a good replacement particularly in Arrow but here I understand why people like her. I thought the fact she is the trainer of the new League of Shadows recruits as well as an Enforcer for The Light to be quite good, although I do find myself thinking that, as mentioned, Deathstroke was exactly in that position in the second season and he was barely used, I hope that’s not the case here.

Then there’s Cyborg. It’s about god-damn time they brought this guy in. Just when I thought this season was not going to get graphic or gory they give us Cyborg’s Post-New 52 origins and that imagery of Victor’s body after the explosion was so good for me. I also liked how they’ve updated the Cyborg look and now given him mood-lighting with Father Box control which causes an interesting relationship between him and new character Halo.

Finally there’s Terra. I am excited for what has been teased with Terra so far. The fact she was part of the Markovian Royal Family which was introduced in the first couple of episodes and then herself being properly introduced in the last episode with her Geokinetic powers, while not yet fully realized I am sure will be great.

Beast Boy:

So again this is very much a light spoiler review but what I will say is watch out and be patient for Beast Boy because he does not have that much to do at the start of the season and only really appears in snippets as the opening scenes of the episodes but in the penultimate episode of Season 3A it is all about Beast Boy and it’s probably my favourite episode despite one glaring aspect of it which is an Easter-Egg within the DC Multiverse.

What’s Bad:

Shifting Allegiances:

There is a big shake-up in how our heroes are affiliate themselves with in the first episode alone.

Not only do Batman and Black Lightning quit the Justice League, Batman taking other members with him for his own team, but the original Aquaman Arthur Curry, who has just had his own billion dollar movie released, is no longer in the League and instead his protege Aqualad has not only become the new Aquaman but the leader of the League.

Then there’s the Team which this series is supposed to focus on. Again there’s a shake-up in the roster and the team that is shown in the promotion is pretty much the team for this season but...because of all the other characters introduced this season we do not spend enough time getting to know the new team, the new members on the team or the reasons why the members of the team who were there at the end of last season aren’t there now.

For instance, it is kind of explained why Tigress and Superboy are no longer on the team as they’re part of Nightwing’s new team and therefore in that promo image not this one, but Guardian and Lagoon Boy all have left without explanation. We know what has happened to Beast Boy and Bumblebee has a kid and is pregnant again so that probably explains their reasoning. Guardian aka Mal Duncan and Lagoon Boy weren’t very interesting characters which maybe explains their absence in terms of production but in-canon that can’t be the only reason.

Arsenal was expelled from the team during Season 2 so his appearance in this line-up raised curiosity, but he only appears in one episode but not with a single member of this team and instead with his fellow Roy Harpers.

Then new team members Arrowette, Spoiler and Thirteen who were promoted are barely used. Yes Robin II aka Tim Drake leaves the team and takes Arrowette and Spoiler under his leadership to form their own team with new character Orphan, but Arrowette and Spoiler were both introduced as civillians in Season 2 yet nothing is done to reference that. In fact many people thought Arrowette was Artemis in a new suit at first.

Thirteen remains on the team but I do not think has a speaking line and if she does it’s forgettable. All I know about this character is she is the protege of Zatanna but she has her own problems this season apparently and so this completely new character is barely utilized properly.

Also Blue Beetle, Bart Allen as Kid Flash, Static and Wonder Girl are all returning characters yet hardly either seen, utilized or developed in this season. Static loses Black Lightning as a mentor and Wonder Girl is seemingly dumped by Tim Drake when he quits the team due to Batman leaving the League, but Blue Beetle and Bart Allen who were focal characters last season are blink and miss them characters this season...glorified cameos at best.

Too Many Characters:

This brings me on to my biggest issue with this season, there are way too many characters introduced and involved in this season. There are 13 episodes but it feels like they have a combined total of 130 characters introduced. We have new characters that we are supposed to focus on and new ones that seem to be there just to be there.

For instance, new characters like Cyborg, Forager, Halo and Geo-Force I get we are supposed to focus on, but Cyborg isn’t introduced until Episode 10 and then heavily focused on for 4 episodes, while the latter three are all introduced at the start of the season and slowly and organically developed.

Then there are characters like Steel and Katana who I almost forgot were introduced at the start of Episode 1 until Episode 10 when there were slightly more prominent.

Speaking of that Episode 1 Easter-Egg hunt, once Batman announces he is leaving the Justice League he makes it clear that four members of the league are resigning to join him, Katana, Plastic Man who was introduced in Season 1 and again to this day I cannot say if he’s actually had any speaking lines, Hardware who I have no clue as to who that is and Batwoman...Batwoman! You had probably the best LGBT superhero and yet she’s only seen in two images and that’s it. What, the, hell!

Then Episode 9 “Home Fires” is an episode full to the brim with Easter-Eggs, I can’t even call them characters because aside from maybe three of them none of them are focused on. Along with Bart Allen who actually has something to do here, Iris West-Allen actually has some comedic moments and then Karen aka Rocket who has some speaking lines and Lynn Stewart-Pierce who is the ex-wife of Black Lightning but isn’t as good here as Christine Adams portrays her on Black Lightning aside from the fact that in this continuity she is the sister of John Stewart aka Green Lantern.

Aside from them, there’s the introduction of Lois Lane with son Jonathan, the reintroduction of Red Tornado’s human-looking form John Smith with daughter Traya Sutton, a pregnant Bumblebee, Iris and Barry’s twins Dawn and Don, Mera and son of Aquaman Artur, Rocket’s sassy son Amisted and the re-introduction of Black Lightning and Lynn’s daughter Anissa and Jennifer Pierce.

Away from this storyline in the episode is the reintroduction and death of Ocean-Master along with the introduction of Lady Shiva who kills him and the introduction of Granny Goodness. All this was just in the one episode.

Then we have Ra’s al Ghul and his followers, I can’t say League anymore because Ra’s has left both the League and The Light and Deathstroke seems to have taken his place in both, we are reintroduced to his followers such as Ubu and the Sensei but also introduced to the cameos of Talia al Ghul, Damien Wayne and a mysterious Red-Hooded Ninja...

Also when we are finally reintroduced to Batman and his new team, the only one we see return is Katana along with new character Metamorpho...I don’t know who this character is but I like him.

Wonder Woman said it best in Episode 8 when there’s a meeting of all the leaders of these hero teams and says that between her, Batman, Aquaman(lad), Nightwing, Robin, Miss Martian and Oracle. they do in fact have 5 teams at their disposal. That is way too many teams to focus on in one season, particularly when 3 of those teams haven’t been properly established yet and the other two have had massively unexplained shake-ups.

Missed Opportunities:

As mentioned before, there is another time jump between Seasons 2 and 3, here it is two years rather than five as it was Between 1 and 2 which makes no sense because less real-time has passed in each gap but I digress.

However, once again due to this time jump, we miss out on some major development. The biggest crime being that one of comics most famous stories, The Killing Joke is seemingly told as Barbara goes from Batgirl to Oracle and able-bodied to wheelchair bound.

Now maybe Young Justice creators took inspiration from the only time that story has been told in film or television and thought just to skip it but then why not have a spin-off series centred on the Bat-Family, which has grown this season not just by Batwoman and Spoiler but also Orphan and Harper Row who in the comics becomes Bluebird to make a grand total of 10 Bat-Family members, so you can flesh out these characters and iconic stories.

What’s Teased:

Alright to end this review on a somewhat positive note I want to talk about what  is hopefully teased for the back-half of this season coming in June.

Terra:

Firstly we have Terra aka Tara Markov. Introduced at the start of this season but then formally introduced in Episode 13 as the Geokinetic Metahuman who is apparently enslaved on Bialya and later rescued by Nightwing’s team. However, the ending tease for the season shows Terra being taken in by the Team and secretly messaging Deathstroke who is now the leader of the League of Shadows having never apparently left the League apparently.

The only issue with this is it seems they’re playing out The Judas Contract which has also recently been told recently in the animated films. I mean it is clear at this point that they’re making the team in this series their version of the Teen Titans without calling them that but we shall see if we actually get to see this played out.

Red Hood and Damien Wayne:

Two Robins for the price of one. Jason Todd as an in-canon character was never physically shown on screen in the second season as he was apparently introduced and killed in that 5 year gap. However, with the introduction of this Red-Hooded Ninja who is under Ra’s al Ghul’s leadership with the exact same hairstyle as Jason Todd...it stands to reason that we will soon meet Red Hood in Season 3b.

Now as for Damien Wayne, Talia is introduced as a cameo this season as she watches Nightwing’s team flying away standing besides her father Ra’s holding a baby boy in her arm. It stands to reason that this is Damien and so unless we have a time-jump of 10 years I doubt we’ll see him again in any major capacity but the fact he has been introduced is big if the show reaches that 10 year gap.

Baby Sidekicks:

So as well as Damien, we have the infant forms of Don & Dawn Allen aka the Tornado Twins and Jonathan Samuel Kent aka a future Superboy. Also this season we meet Anissa and Jennifer Pierce who in the future become Lightning and Thunder respectively.

These pose as great teases but much like Damien, unless there’s a jump by 10 years I doubt they’ll be heavily focused on.

Apokolips Now:

Alright so Apokolips is DC’s hot topic at the moment, not only did they try to push it and Darkseid in the movies until Justice League fell flat but also the end tease of Season 2 showed Darkseid meeting with Vandal Savage and they are now apparently associates just as The Light were with The Reach in Season 2.

Now while any sort of Apokolips influence is minimal this season thus far, we do get an episode on New Genesis, a reintroduction to the Forever People as well as Mother Boxes and an introduction of Forager.

All this I feel is gearing up for Darkseid to either be the big bad of Season 3 overall or the overall villain of Season 4. Either way they are currently teasing Darkseid like they teased Thanos and that tease paid off in Infinity War so allow a series with those stakes.

Recommendation:

So overall I have to say, this season has a gripping ending but it took a very long time getting there. It never felt like a chore but at the same time the other two seasons gripped me from the start. I am still looking forward to Season 3b but I will be curious to see if the 5 month wait is worth it or not.

I will give this part of Season 3 a rating of 6/10, it was an okay start with a dragged out middle and an exciting ending. Hopefully the excitement will run the way through the rest of the season.

So that’s my review of Young Justice: Outsiders (Part 1) what did you guys think? Post your comments and check out more TV Reviews as well as other posts.

[sebeth]

Crisis On Infinite Earths #2

Warning, Spoilers Ahead…

  We start at the dawn of man where Anthro, the first Cro-Magnon man, is attempting to divert a herd of woolly mammoths (“serpent-noses”) from trampling his village.

While diverting the herd, Anthro shudders over the thought of Embra, his pregnant wife, giving birth to a girl: “Embra would never have a daughter…would she?”  

I’m rooting for Embra to give birth to a girl. Go, Embra, go!

Congratulating himself on saving the village: “A hero? I am, aren’t I?  Maybe the biggest hero the bear tribe ever…” *Klunk* Anthro is taken out by a tree branch.  “It was a long beast or a serpent!  He hit me when I wasn’t looking!  Face me now, animal!  Anthro is a hero!”  As Anthro makes threats to non-existent attackers he catches a glimpse of a futuristic city.  Anthro notices the herd of woolly mammoths have disappeared.

I fell in love with Anthro here.  He was such a lovable dork.

We move on to the 30th century where the Legion of Super-Heroes are searching for Dawnstar. They also have to contain a rampaging herd of woolly mammoths that disappear as soon as they appeared.

The Science Police tell the Legion to call Brainiac 5. The Legion calls Brainy. He informs his team that the missing Dawnstar and wooly mammoths are the least of their concerns: “There’s anti-matter energy moving toward the earth from somewhere I still can’t determine! Enough energy to destroy not only us but the universe!”

Back to present day Gotham City as Batman battles the Joker.  The Joker has murdered Harold J. Standish III because he wanted ownership of the millionaire’s copyrights. The fight is interrupted by the Flash who is requesting aid: “…Help me!  Help someone…anyone!  Please…Please…can’t you see the world?  I…It’s dying all around me!  Iris…Dying…the world is dying…may already be dead…save us…save us…save us…”  

An unnerved Joker orders Batman to inform the Flash that he has no jurisdiction in Gotham City. The Joker has a hissy when Batman doesn’t order Barry to leave: “You caped and corpses-to-come have some sort of secret reciprocal deal, don’t you?”

What’s this? A Batman that treats his fellow heroes with respect instead of acting like a territorial douchebag for no reason? Shocking!

Batman pleads with Barry: “Where are you, Flash? I can help rescue you.”

The Flash disintegrates as Batman watches in horror. The Joker escapes in the confusion, fanboying over Batman’s detective skills.

 This section makes me miss editor’s notes. Batman thinks about the Flash’s recent disappearance - Bam! - Editor’s note refers to you to Flash #350 so you can check out that story if you wish.  Little corner in the bottom of the panel - why is that so hard for modern comics to accomplish?

Picking up where we left at the end of last issue:  The Monitor explains to his assembled team the reason for this gathering.  “Already more than one thousand universes have died.” Seriously?  It took the death of a thousand universes to get your butt in gear? I would have thought the death of one universe would have been sufficient.  

The Monitor’s explains the process: “The Anti-Matter force once more shatters the dimensional barriers…expanding outward, engulfing one universe and then another.  Destroying all life…and hope.  First your worlds will feel nature’s wrath as your planets cry out in agony…Worlds in upheaval:  Earthquakes, volcanic disturbances, floods which will crush your coast-line cities like so many twigs beneath your feet.”

Firestorm rightfully calls out the Monitor for selling weapons to various villains for the past year. I mean, that is a strange course for saving the universe.  The Monitor appeared in various issues before the Crisis mini-series as a weapons dealer for the bad guys.  It was foreshadowing for the Crisis series along with the red skies that appeared in various comics.

Harbinger angst: “I will stand at your side…Yet why do I feel as I do?  A force, and energy…burning inside me?”.  Probably because of the shadow thing that possessed one of your duplicates last issue.

Psimon steps up, talks trash, and is smacked down by the Monitor.

Superman, as elder statesman, tells everybody to calm down and listen - the fate of the multi-verse is at stake: “I suggest, however, we hear him out. If he’s telling the truth, we’ll save our worlds. If he’s lying, no power exists that can defeat us all.”

I miss sane elder statesmen who restore order as opposed to team leaders who let a situation escalate out of control while a cosmic level threat is bearing down on the planet.  I’m looking at you A vs X’s Captain America, Cyclops, and Wolverine. Save the universe first, pissing contests later.

The Monitor reveals he’s splitting the group into five teams so they can activate his machines in five different time periods.

Harbinger continues to angst: “I am unable to resist him.  And I am forced to obey his commands.  Forgive me…though you have been my father and more…I now betray you.” Monitor, meanwhile, is aware of her betrayal and that she will be the cause of his death.  Maybe they should consider talking to each other?  Poor communication kills!

The Guardians of Oa are on the verge of completing (again) the Green Lantern Corps.  However: “No, Guardians…It’s too late.  You shall no more summon your soldiers than prove a threat to my plans.  What began with you so many centuries ago…ends with you now!!!” *SKRAAAAAA!* Huge explosion and unconscious guardians.  How many threats to the universe have the Guardians created at this point?  We have the Manhunters, the voice holding the grudge, later on its Parallax.  Maybe the Guardians should be neutered for the sake of the universe?

 A shaken Batman summons Supeman (Earth-1) to discuss his vision of the Flash. Superman arrives late as had to deal with an unexpected volcanic eruption in the Mediterranean. Remember, the Monitor warned earlier that natural disasters were the first sign the Crisis was nearing your planet.

Pariah briefly appears to repeat his gloom and doom mantra.

Batman and Superman share a look that all but says “Do you know this emo freak?”

Bruce notes: “He said the earth was dying. That’s what Flash said. What’s going on here?”

On to Kamandi’s world. For those unfamiliar with Kamandi - think Planet of the Apes.  Animals have become the sentient rulers and humans are hunted.  Kamandi is investigating a huge tower that has suddenly materialized.  Kamandi encounters Superman (Earth-2), King Solavar, and Dawnstar.  Kamandi recognizes Superman as he has met Earth-1 Superman.  Kamandi is initially fearful of Solovar due to the political situation of his planet. Shadow demon attack!  Solovar is wounded defending Kamandi.  

Harbinger apparently rescued the Luthor baby from the abandoned JLA headquarters.  Lyla checks on him only to discovers he aged up to childhood.

Arion, Obsidian, and Psycho-Pirate travel to pre-sunken Atlantis circa 40,000 year in the past. We meet Lady Chian, Arion’s love interest.  Pariah appears, Psycho-Pirate uses his abilities to make Pariah laugh. Pariah acts like it’s a fate worse than death.  You would think after his eternal suffering emo act he would appreciate a few moments of levity.

Psycho-Pirate attacks the Atlanteans only to be stopped by Arion and Obsidian.  Psycho-Pirate disappears in a flash of light.  A mysterious voice tells the Pirate he will “serve me as I demand”.

The Monitor is frustrated by the disappearance of Psycho-Pirate: “My dear, I needed him more than either Obsidian or Arion.  The menace we deal with is one of emotion”.  Equally frustrating for the Monitor is his inability to find Raven: “I can find no trace of her. If she is on this earth, everything about her has been changed.”

I’m mentally trying to sync up the Teen Titans storylines with the Crisis.  Teen Titans was one of my main titles in the 1980s but it has been over 20 years since Crisis on Infinite Earths. I know we’re past the Judas Contract and Donna’s wedding and pre-Starfire’s return to her planet. I can’t remember if the second battle with Trigon has occurred yet – the one where Raven becomes red and four-eyed and ensnares the Titans in their worst nightmares.  It would explain the “changed” life if the Crisis is happening during or in the immediate aftermath of the Trigon battle.

Finally: “Lyla, my dear, get me the file on the new Dr. Light!  It is time for me to create her!”  

Pariah reveals more of his origin: “No, not from this earth, but another…the first that fell when this insanity began.  But long after I was cursed for an evil act I had committed.  A deed I have paid for a thousand times over, and must suffer still a thousand times more.  I witness tragedy and my being here means disaster is soon to strike.”  Pariah mentioned his “great sin” last issue too.  

Pariah:

1)  From the first universe to die in the Crisis. How long ago did the Crisis begin? The Monitor noted earlier that over one thousand universes have perished – has this taken months, years, decades?

2) Survived the Crisis but committed a horrendous act “long after”.

3)  Someone very powerful cursed him to suffer for eternity.

Pariah finishes his “woe is me” speech by noting “Anti-matter will sweep throughout this universe. In a matter of hours from now, your earth will die!”

Arion, Obsidian, and the Atlanteans look to the sky and witness the arrival of the anti-matter wave.

Another awesome issue. George Perez’s art is gorgeous as usual. Marv Wolfman’s writing is terrific. He’s handling a huge cast of characters and nailing it. The big crossover events aren’t my thing, I find most to be average at best but Crisis is amazing.

The issue ends with the possessed Harbinger reporting to they mysterious man in black.

I continue to miss aspects from this era of comics:  editor’s notes, sound effects, heroes working together instead of mindlessly brawling, c-list and obscure characters (my favorite type), and the sheer scope of the DC multiverse.  Bonus points for the amount of content packed into a single issue.

[hellosaltysaladcollectionstuff]

https://ift.tt/2RJepmT This is, by far, the biggest crossover the Arrow-verse has ever pulled off. Five hours of TV, an unfathomable number of DC Comics superheroes making appearances, and an entire multiverse facing destruction. Warning: The following contains spoilers for the first three hours of the Crisis on Infinite Earths crossover event. If you haven’t watched and don’t want to be spoiled, look away now. The first three hours alone are littered with Easter eggs and references to not only newly-discovered corners of the Arrow-verse, but old DC TV shows and movies, as well as nods to the comics that are responsible for all of these properties. There are so many, it would be easy to miss a handful of them. Luckily, you don’t have to worry about that. We’ve paid very close attention to all three hours of the crossover so far, documenting all of the Easter eggs for you. Take a look at them all below while you prepare for the final two episodes when they air January 14 on The CW. 1. What a headline The first thing we see in Crisis is a glimpse at Gotham City on Earth-89, otherwise known as the Gotham that Tim Burton’s Batman films exist in. Batman was released in 1989. Get it? It’s hard to see the date on this newspaper, but given that Joker (Jack Nicholson) died in the 1989 film, either this is the next day or that Gotham is being hassled by a successor to the original Joker. Either way, we want to know more. Interestingly, the Gotham City Gazette is not the newspaper featured in Batman (1989). In that film, it was the Gotham Globe. 2. Oh, hey Knox And who better to serve as an introduction to this version of Gotham than Alexander Knox, the journalist played by Robert Wuhl in that Batman film. 3. Meanwhile, on a streaming Earth After jumping to another Earth, we are greeted by Hawk (Alan Ritchson) from the DC Universe original series, Titans. His appearance wraps that show’s continuity into the larger Arrow-verse, even if we only see him briefly. 4. But that’s not all We also see a brief glimpse of Jason Todd (Curran Walters) in his Robin gear, as he and Hawk face down the destruction of their Earth. 5. And over on Earth-X We also catch a glimpse of The Ray (Russell Tovey), who was first introduced as a hero in the 2017 Arrow-verse crossover, Crisis on Earth-X. 6. Holy Robin, Batman We knew this cameo appearance was coming, given that it was teased at Comic-Con. Still, seeing Burt Ward–the original live-action Robin–appearing in the Arrow-verse is a special treat. He even has a typically outlandish Robin line, exclaiming, “Holy crimson skies of death!” 7. This technically counts as two Easter eggs Look, kids. It’s Wil Wheaton. The former Star Trek: The Next Generation star has done voice work in a number of DC animated shows and movies, but this is his first live-action appearance on a DC project. What’s more, the sign he’s carrying is a replica of one that appears in Superman II. 8. Superman does dirty diapers Our first glimpse as Superman (Tyler Hoechlin) as a Superdad is a funny one, in which he takes care of a super dirty diaper. Not only is this a nod to Superman being a dad in the comics, but it’s also a look at what the potential Superman and Lois Lane spin-off that’s being developed could be like. 9. Quantum towers are not pretty Yes, the quantum towers are pulled from the comics. They were constructed by the Monitor (LaMonica Garrett) to slow down the progress of the quantum wave destroying the multiverse. 10. The next Green Arrow We know that Arrow is coming to an end and a female-centric spin-off is in the works. It looks like when all is said and done, Mia Smoak (Katherine McNamara) will be the next Green Arrow, based on the costume her dad had made for her. 11. Yet another Wells Tom Cavanagh rarely plays the same version of Harrison Wells for more than a season. This time, though, even that’s been cut down. His latest incarnation–Nash–has now become Pariah. In addition to the new name and fancy costume, this character–which also appeared in the Crisis comics–can travel between Earths to collect heroes. 12. The death of the Green Arrow Sure, Oliver’s only “kind of dead” when all is said and done, but the death of the Green Arrow is another story twist pulled from the pages of the Crisis comic book. In the miniseries, Earth-2’s Green Arrow–the Golden Age version of the hero–died during Crisis. 13. Luke Fox returns to his comic book roots On Batwoman, Luke Fox (Camrus Johnson) is essentially Kate Kane’s (Ruby Rose) nerdy Alfred. He’s portrayed a bit differently in the comics. On Earth-99, though, Luke resembles the version comics fans should recognize, as the nerdy persona is nowhere to be seen. 14. Batman’s gotten old While we see Bruce Wayne (Kevin Conroy) in an exosuit that definitely conjures images of the character’s appearance in Kingdom Come, that’s not who this particular Batman is. Instead, this Bruce takes a cue from The Dark Knight Returns, where Batman has turned cold and killed off several of his enemies. 15. The Death of Superman This quick glimpse at a TV recreates imagery from the Death of Superman comic. Thankfully, the Arrow-verse’s primary Superman is fine. 16. Hey Constantine Yes, John Constantine is a regular character on Legends of Tomorrow. However, he’s also a character that ties yet another DC show–the defunct Constantine on NBC–into the Arrow-verse. 17. Somebody save us Talk about a blast from the past. Tom Welling reprising his role of Clark Kent from Smallville was a special moment. Even more interesting was learning he gave up his powers to live a normal life with his wife Lois (Erica Durance) and their kids. 18. Speaking of Lois The Smallville-set scene also provided an appearance by Durance as Lois Lane. 19. Yet another Clark Kent Hey, he looks familiar. Not only does Brandon Routh star on Legends of Tomorrow, but he also played the Man of Steel once upon a time in Superman Returns. Thanks to Crisis, he gets to suit up as Clark Kent once more, but this time a different take on the character. 20. Anyway, about those people Batman killed Naturally, Bruce Wayne keeps trophies of the enemies he’s killed. The first we see is a Joker card. At long last, the Clown Prince of Crime finally got what was coming to him. 21. Two-for-one We then see a shot of Riddler’s cane and what looks like Mr. Freeze’s snow globe, meaning Batman has definitely killed them both off. 22. But not this We also see Clark Kent’s glasses as it’s revealed that Batman actually killed Superman on this Earth. 23. Lots more dead people Back on the Earth of Routh’s Clark Kent–which resembles the Kingdom Come storyline from the comics–we see all those the Man of Steel has lost, including Perry White, Jimmy Olsen, and his wife, Lois Lane. 24. Thanks to the Joker, of course Clark reveals that it was a psychopath from Gotham that played a “prank” on the Daily Planet because they weren’t writing about him enough. 25. And Kingdom Come Superman was born At that point, this Clark puts on his Superman costume, revealing the iconic Kingdom Come design that was previously teased. 26. Superman vs. Superman It’s not Batman v Superman. It’s actually better as Routh’s Superman, under Lex Luthor’s control, attempts to destroy Hoechlin’s Superman. 27. Another familiar face The Legends have plenty of experience with Jonah Hex, but not this version. Johnathon Schaech reprises his role in the Arrow-verse, playing another Earth’s Hex. 28. Another super baby We learn that Routh’s Superman either has or had a son named Jason. This is a nod to Superman Returns, where it’s hinted that the son of Lois Lane–Jason White–is actually Superman’s child. 29. Enter the Anti-Monitor At long last, we meet the Monitor’s arch-nemesis–the Anti-Monitor. It’s a terrible name and, yes, it’s pulled from the comics. 30. A true Bird of Prey It may have only lasted 13 episodes, but it’s exciting to see Ashley Scott reprise her Birds of Prey role as Huntress. Like most of the cameos, though, it ends quickly. 31. The All-Star Squadron Ralph (Hartley Sawyer) is justified in being blown away by seeing all of these superheroes assembled. The All-Star Squadron he mentions, though, is an actual team of superheroes. They were introduced in a 1981 issue of Justice League of America and have included a long list of different heroes over the years. 32. Who is Ryan Choi Believe it or not, Ryan Choi is a character in DC Comics mythology. In fact, as in Crisis, he’s a big fan of Ray Palmer in the comics. In addition to that, though, he also becomes the Atom in the comics. 33. The devil, you say Everyone’s crossing over this year. Even Lucifer (Tom Ellis), from Netflix’s Lucifer, made a quick appearance, pointing Constantine in the right direction to track down Oliver’s soul. 34. Welcome back, Barry John Wesley Shipp returned as the Flash from Earth-90–otherwise known as the Flash from the 1990 TV series. It’s always fun to see that old suit. 35. Black Lightning’s back For the first time, Black Lightning was officially acknowledged as part of the Arrow-verse. Jefferson Pierce (Cress Williams) arrived to help out the rest of the heroes and learned that his Earth was wiped out by the anti-matter wave. 36. Batwoman v Supergirl Thankfully, this didn’t turn into an actual fight. Still, seeing these two come face-to-face, ready to battle, was a special moment that hopefully gets explored in the future. 37. A nod to Gail Simone Ryan Choi was co-created by Gail Simone. With that in mind, it’s nice to hear the prolific writer get a small nod with Choi’s daughter being names Simone. 38. Flash vanishes in Crisis It’s been promised since The Flash first premiered on The CW. In the end, though, it wasn’t Earth-1’s Barry that was destroyed in the Crisis on Infinite Earths. Instead, it was Earth-90’s. 39. Poor Tina Before his demise, though, Earth-90’s Barry flashed back to a moment with the woman he loved, Tina (Amanda Pays), from the original Flash series. 40. The Spectre While tracking down Oliver’s soul in purgatory, Constantine and company happen upon Jim Corrigan (Stephen Lobo), the Spectre. He wants Oliver to become a Spectre, rather than being resurrected. It’s interesting to note–which Constantine does–that this is not the Corrigan that John knows. On NBC’s Constantine, the role was played by Emmett J. Scanlan. 41. The Vanishing Point The place where our heroes are sent to is pulled right from the comics. The Vanishing Point exists in a dimension outside of the time/space continuum. 42. A Crisis reversal This shot of Supergirl (Melissa Benoist) and Superman (Routh) puts an interesting spin on the cover of the Crisis on Infinite Earths comics. On the cover, Superman is holding a dead Supergirl. from GameSpot - All Content https://ift.tt/35oaAYl

[aion-rsa]

Nightwing #18 Sees the Return of A Classic Villain – But To What End?

SPOILER WARNING: The following article contains spoilers for “Nightwing” #18, by Tim Seeley, Javier Fernandez and Minkyu Jung, on sale now.

Professor Pyg certainly isn’t a villain that needs too much motivation to do horrible things. From his introduction back in “Batman & Robin,” his biggest driving force has been his own insane pursuit of “perfection” and not much else. But it would seem there just might be other factors at play for the madman this time around.

RELATED: Did Nightwing Just Peer Into DC’s Rebirthed Multiverse?

As “Nightwing Must Die!” begins to literally and figuratively heat up, some unsettling truths have started coming to light, and they are pretty ominous, not just for Dick Grayson, but potentially the entire multiverse.

Pyg Will Make You Perfect

With Dick and Damian having made relatively short sort of their Dollotron copies, they set about tracking down Pyg and Shawn to stage a rescue for the latter. They find the villain in an abandoned foundry, surrounded by Dollotrons, with Shawn set up for some sort of sacrificial ritual. To make matters even worse, the foundry is running and actively raising the temperature inside the room, giving the fight a pretty strict timeline to follow.

Luckily, the dynamic duo is able to free Shawn and subdue Pyg as you might expect, but all the while, the Dollotron captives they left behind (perhaps a bit shortsightedly, with no real observation) have been making a play of their own. Well, one of them has, at least. Dollotron Robin had almost managed to break through his own programming, but Deathwing decidedly did not.

After convincing his Dollotron “brother” to set him free from Dick and Damian’s restraints, Deathwing promptly kills Dollo-Robin and stages a trap to isolate and kidnap Damian while Dick is busy reuniting with Shawn.

Bad news all around, but it gets even worse.

Issue #18 of “Nightwing” seemed to insinuate that Deathwing — and by extension, his creator Professor Pyg — were somehow tapped into the multiverse in a way that allowed a cut from Deathwing’s dagger to spark hallucinations of his alternate selves in Dick’s mind. Keep in mind that, traditionally, Pyg’s been an admittedly very dangerous but fairly run of the mill psychopath. He’s certainly not someone with any sort of extradimensional or metahuman abilities to speak of, so this detail was unusual.

RELATED: Nightwing Faces Some Bloody Competition as [SPOILER] Lives Again

As it turns out, it was unusual for very, very good reason. After he’s defeated, Pyg is quick to admit that even he is dissatisfied with his latest Dollotron creations. He hasn’t been making them for himself, you see, he’s been working for an employer who has been giving him what he believes to be impure instructions.

That employer just happens to be none other than Dr. Simon Hurt…and Deathwing has delivered Damian right to him.

Robin Dies At Dawn

Dr. Simon Hurt’s legacy is an exceedingly strange one, even by Batman rogues’ standards. Hurt was first “introduced” as a nameless, panel filling scientist back in the Golden Age Batman story, “Robin Dies At Dawn” (issue #156 for those of you playing along at home) and later redeveloped into a near omnipotent puppet master by Grant Morrison to serve as the primary antagonist for most of his “Batman” run.

Hurt’s ambiguous nature and powers remain to this day an unclear element of Batman history — on the page, Hurt claimed to be everyone from Thomas Wayne, to a literal demon named Barbatos, to an incarnation of Darkseid himself. Eventually, the narrative appeared to settle on Hurt being a devil worshiping Wayne ancestor whose name just happened to be Thomas, though unofficially, the metaphors were never really stripped away. In interviews, Morrison has confirmed his desire to make Hurt read as analogy for the devil, who he considers to be the ultimate foe for a detective like Batman.

It’s also worth noting that this isn’t actually Seeley’s first “Robin Dies At Dawn” reference with respect to Dick. Issue #5 of his run on “Grayson” with Tom King and Mikel Janin featured Dick narrating the Golden Age story as if they were a dream he’d had as a child. Whether or not any of the events in “Grayson” will be called upon to bolster the story in the post-Rebirth world remains to be seen, but is certainly something to keep an eye out for.

RELATED: Supernatural’s Jared Padalecki Has ‘Always Wanted’ to Play Nightwing

Regardless of his true nature, the fact is this: Hurt’s connection to, if not the full on multiverse of the DCU than at the very least planes of existence (psychotropic or otherwise) is totally undeniable. This was a man (or monster?) who was powerful enough to completely dismantle the Batman without breaking much of a sweat. His presence also adds another layer of meaning to the multiverse flashes Dick saw last issue — if Hurt’s involved, all bets are off as to whether or not they were legit. It’s entirely possible that Hurt has figured out a way to tamper with reality — or, at least, make everyone believe that he has.

It’s unclear what Hurt was doing with Pyg’s Dollotrons, or what his plans are for Damian, but given all the strange, multidimensional undercurrents trickling around the entire DC Universe as Rebirth continues to unfold, it’s pretty unlikely that they’re at all intended to be taken at face value. And while there has been no official confirmation of a “Nightwing” tie-in to the newly announced Batman-centric cross-title event, “Dark Nights: Metal,” there’s a pretty good chance that Hurt’s reappearance is building towards something, and something big.

A return to Zur-En-Arrh, perhaps?

Better brush off those Black Casebooks, just in case.

“Nightwing” #19, by Tim Seeley and Javier Fernandez, arrives in stores April 19, 2017.

The post Nightwing #18 Sees the Return of A Classic Villain – But To What End? appeared first on CBR.

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This is, by far, the biggest crossover the Arrow-verse has ever pulled off. Five hours of TV, an unfathomable number of DC Comics superheroes making appearances, and an entire multiverse facing destruction. Warning: The following contains spoilers for the first three hours of the Crisis on Infinite Earths crossover event. If you haven't watched and don't want to be spoiled, look away now.

The first three hours alone are littered with Easter eggs and references to not only newly-discovered corners of the Arrow-verse, but old DC TV shows and movies, as well as nods to the comics that are responsible for all of these properties. There are so many, it would be easy to miss a handful of them. Luckily, you don't have to worry about that.

We've paid very close attention to all three hours of the crossover so far, documenting all of the Easter eggs for you. Take a look at them all below while you prepare for the final two episodes when they air January 14 on The CW.

1. What a headline

The first thing we see in Crisis is a glimpse at Gotham City on Earth-89, otherwise known as the Gotham that Tim Burton's Batman films exist in. Batman was released in 1989. Get it? It's hard to see the date on this newspaper, but given that Joker (Jack Nicholson) died in the 1989 film, either this is the next day or that Gotham is being hassled by a successor to the original Joker. Either way, we want to know more. Interestingly, the Gotham City Gazette is not the newspaper featured in Batman (1989). In that film, it was the Gotham Globe.

2. Oh, hey Knox

And who better to serve as an introduction to this version of Gotham than Alexander Knox, the journalist played by Robert Wuhl in that Batman film.

3. Meanwhile, on a streaming Earth

After jumping to another Earth, we are greeted by Hawk (Alan Ritchson) from the DC Universe original series, Titans. His appearance wraps that show's continuity into the larger Arrow-verse, even if we only see him briefly.

4. But that's not all

We also see a brief glimpse of Jason Todd (Curran Walters) in his Robin gear, as he and Hawk face down the destruction of their Earth.

5. And over on Earth-X

We also catch a glimpse of The Ray (Russell Tovey), who was first introduced as a hero in the 2017 Arrow-verse crossover, Crisis on Earth-X.

6. Holy Robin, Batman

We knew this cameo appearance was coming, given that it was teased at Comic-Con. Still, seeing Burt Ward--the original live-action Robin--appearing in the Arrow-verse is a special treat. He even has a typically outlandish Robin line, exclaiming, "Holy crimson skies of death!"

7. This technically counts as two Easter eggs

Look, kids. It's Wil Wheaton. The former Star Trek: The Next Generation star has done voice work in a number of DC animated shows and movies, but this is his first live-action appearance on a DC project. What's more, the sign he's carrying is a replica of one that appears in Superman II.

8. Superman does dirty diapers

Our first glimpse as Superman (Tyler Hoechlin) as a Superdad is a funny one, in which he takes care of a super dirty diaper. Not only is this a nod to Superman being a dad in the comics, but it's also a look at what the potential Superman and Lois Lane spin-off that's being developed could be like.

9. Quantum towers are not pretty

Yes, the quantum towers are pulled from the comics. They were constructed by the Monitor (LaMonica Garrett) to slow down the progress of the quantum wave destroying the multiverse.

10. The next Green Arrow

We know that Arrow is coming to an end and a female-centric spin-off is in the works. It looks like when all is said and done, Mia Smoak (Katherine McNamara) will be the next Green Arrow, based on the costume her dad had made for her.

11. Yet another Wells

Tom Cavanagh rarely plays the same version of Harrison Wells for more than a season. This time, though, even that's been cut down. His latest incarnation--Nash--has now become Pariah. In addition to the new name and fancy costume, this character--which also appeared in the Crisis comics--can travel between Earths to collect heroes.

12. The death of the Green Arrow

Sure, Oliver's only "kind of dead" when all is said and done, but the death of the Green Arrow is another story twist pulled from the pages of the Crisis comic book. In the miniseries, Earth-2's Green Arrow--the Golden Age version of the hero--died during Crisis.

13. Luke Fox returns to his comic book roots

On Batwoman, Luke Fox (Camrus Johnson) is essentially Kate Kane's (Ruby Rose) nerdy Alfred. He's portrayed a bit differently in the comics. On Earth-99, though, Luke resembles the version comics fans should recognize, as the nerdy persona is nowhere to be seen.

14. Batman's gotten old

While we see Bruce Wayne (Kevin Conroy) in an exosuit that definitely conjures images of the character's appearance in Kingdom Come, that's not who this particular Batman is. Instead, this Bruce takes a cue from The Dark Knight Returns, where Batman has turned cold and killed off several of his enemies.

15. The Death of Superman

This quick glimpse at a TV recreates imagery from the Death of Superman comic. Thankfully, the Arrow-verse's primary Superman is fine.

16. Hey Constantine

Yes, John Constantine is a regular character on Legends of Tomorrow. However, he's also a character that ties yet another DC show--the defunct Constantine on NBC--into the Arrow-verse.

17. Somebody save us

Talk about a blast from the past. Tom Welling reprising his role of Clark Kent from Smallville was a special moment. Even more interesting was learning he gave up his powers to live a normal life with his wife Lois (Erica Durance) and their kids.

18. Speaking of Lois

The Smallville-set scene also provided an appearance by Durance as Lois Lane.

19. Yet another Clark Kent

Hey, he looks familiar. Not only does Brandon Routh star on Legends of Tomorrow, but he also played the Man of Steel once upon a time in Superman Returns. Thanks to Crisis, he gets to suit up as Clark Kent once more, but this time a different take on the character.

20. Anyway, about those people Batman killed

Naturally, Bruce Wayne keeps trophies of the enemies he's killed. The first we see is a Joker card. At long last, the Clown Prince of Crime finally got what was coming to him.

21. Two-for-one

We then see a shot of Riddler's cane and what looks like Mr. Freeze's snow globe, meaning Batman has definitely killed them both off.

22. But not this

We also see Clark Kent's glasses as it's revealed that Batman actually killed Superman on this Earth.

23. Lots more dead people

Back on the Earth of Routh's Clark Kent--which resembles the Kingdom Come storyline from the comics--we see all those the Man of Steel has lost, including Perry White, Jimmy Olsen, and his wife, Lois Lane.

24. Thanks to the Joker, of course

Clark reveals that it was a psychopath from Gotham that played a "prank" on the Daily Planet because they weren't writing about him enough.

25. And Kingdom Come Superman was born

At that point, this Clark puts on his Superman costume, revealing the iconic Kingdom Come design that was previously teased.

26. Superman vs. Superman

It's not Batman v Superman. It's actually better as Routh's Superman, under Lex Luthor's control, attempts to destroy Hoechlin's Superman.

27. Another familiar face

The Legends have plenty of experience with Jonah Hex, but not this version. Johnathon Schaech reprises his role in the Arrow-verse, playing another Earth's Hex.

28. Another super baby

We learn that Routh's Superman either has or had a son named Jason. This is a nod to Superman Returns, where it's hinted that the son of Lois Lane--Jason White--is actually Superman's child.

29. Enter the Anti-Monitor

At long last, we meet the Monitor's arch-nemesis--the Anti-Monitor. It's a terrible name and, yes, it's pulled from the comics.

30. A true Bird of Prey

It may have only lasted 13 episodes, but it's exciting to see Ashley Scott reprise her Birds of Prey role as Huntress. Like most of the cameos, though, it ends quickly.

31. The All-Star Squadron

Ralph (Hartley Sawyer) is justified in being blown away by seeing all of these superheroes assembled. The All-Star Squadron he mentions, though, is an actual team of superheroes. They were introduced in a 1981 issue of Justice League of America and have included a long list of different heroes over the years.

32. Who is Ryan Choi

Believe it or not, Ryan Choi is a character in DC Comics mythology. In fact, as in Crisis, he's a big fan of Ray Palmer in the comics. In addition to that, though, he also becomes the Atom in the comics.

33. The devil, you say

Everyone's crossing over this year. Even Lucifer (Tom Ellis), from Netflix's Lucifer, made a quick appearance, pointing Constantine in the right direction to track down Oliver's soul.

34. Welcome back, Barry

John Wesley Shipp returned as the Flash from Earth-90--otherwise known as the Flash from the 1990 TV series. It's always fun to see that old suit.

35. Black Lightning's back

For the first time, Black Lightning was officially acknowledged as part of the Arrow-verse. Jefferson Pierce (Cress Williams) arrived to help out the rest of the heroes and learned that his Earth was wiped out by the anti-matter wave.

36. Batwoman v Supergirl

Thankfully, this didn't turn into an actual fight. Still, seeing these two come face-to-face, ready to battle, was a special moment that hopefully gets explored in the future.

37. A nod to Gail Simone

Ryan Choi was co-created by Gail Simone. With that in mind, it's nice to hear the prolific writer get a small nod with Choi's daughter being names Simone.

38. Flash vanishes in Crisis

It's been promised since The Flash first premiered on The CW. In the end, though, it wasn't Earth-1's Barry that was destroyed in the Crisis on Infinite Earths. Instead, it was Earth-90's.

39. Poor Tina

Before his demise, though, Earth-90's Barry flashed back to a moment with the woman he loved, Tina (Amanda Pays), from the original Flash series.

40. The Spectre

While tracking down Oliver's soul in purgatory, Constantine and company happen upon Jim Corrigan (Stephen Lobo), the Spectre. He wants Oliver to become a Spectre, rather than being resurrected. It's interesting to note--which Constantine does--that this is not the Corrigan that John knows. On NBC's Constantine, the role was played by Emmett J. Scanlan.

41. The Vanishing Point

The place where our heroes are sent to is pulled right from the comics. The Vanishing Point exists in a dimension outside of the time/space continuum.

42. A Crisis reversal

This shot of Supergirl (Melissa Benoist) and Superman (Routh) puts an interesting spin on the cover of the Crisis on Infinite Earths comics. On the cover, Superman is holding a dead Supergirl.

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Justice League Teases Possible Clues to [SPOILER]’s Rebirth Mysteries

WARNING: This article contains major spoilers for “Justice League” #15, in stores now, and DC Comics’ overall Rebirth plot.

It’s become relatively common to discover unexpected clues to the Rebirth mystery in DC Comics titles, but Bryan Hitch’s “Justice League” has remained largely unaffected by the Watchmen-based plot that has been slowly insinuating itself into the DC Universe.

While Hitch’s series is firmly ensconced in current continuity, it often feels as though it’s not really part of the overarching story. Some of that is due to the delays that struck its pre-Rebirth storyline, resulting in “Justice League” juggling tales involving both the pre-Flashpoint Superman and his New 52 counterpart, long after the latter had died. However, now that Hitch’s stories have caught up to the current timeline, it appears readers may have one more series to watch over as Rebirth continues toward its inevitable climax.

RELATED: DC Just Teased the Rebirth Arrival of 3 Super-Teams

In “Timeless,” the newest “Justice League” arc kicking off in last week’s Issue 15, Hitch and artists Fernando Pasarin and Matt Ryan tell a somewhat-disjointed story involving a race of beings known as the Timeless. As explained by new character Molly, aka The Keeper, the Timeless “are a sort of religious movement who believe the kind of powers [the Justice League has] should never have existed on Earth.” As such, they’ve begun to attack the League, resulting in the apparent deaths of characters like Lois Lane and Jonathan Kent, Superman’s wife and son.

The issue also reveals a few potential futures, which may offer glimpses into where some aspects of the Rebirth story is heading. In one future, we meet the Green Lantern-esque Earth Corps of the 26th century; their uniforms look much like those of the GLC, although the lantern symbols incorporate an image of our planet. In this era, the Green Lanterns have been banned from Earth (similar to what occurred in the 30th and 31st centuries in old DC continuity), leaving the time-displaced Simon Baz and Jessica Cruz in an unpleasant position, to say the least.

Simon and Jessica are in big, big trouble

But the biggest tease here is the “security drone” that hones in on Baz and Cruz’s green light energy and confronts the pair: It looks suspiciously like Emerald Empress’ notorious Emerald Eye of Ekron, a device of massive power that has ties both to the Green Lantern mythos and the Legion of Super-Heroes. The Eye and its mistress are longtime enemies of the Legion, but at one time, the Eye was an actual eye, belonging to the cosmic being known as Ekron, who had powers not dissimilar to those of the Green Lantern Corps. It was stolen from Ekron by Lobo during the course of DC’s 2006 weekly event “52,” essentially giving the Eye a secret origin rooted in the 21st century rather than the 31st.

Although missing for much of the New 52 era, both the Eye and Empress came to the forefront of Rebirth in the “Justice League vs. Suicide Squad” event, which saw the pair in the current time period, having jetted to their past in a hunt for Legion co-founder Saturn Girl. The telepathic hero has been seen in the Rebirth era, as a confused character in the initial Rebirth special, and later as an inmate of Arkham Asylum.

Then there’s the issue’s other big reveal: Cyborg finds himself jettisoned to the 31st century, where he’s immediately confronted by Legion of Super-Heroes member Brainiac 5. While we have seen the Legion in action since the New 52 reboot, it’s been in a handful of places. First, we saw a team of Legionnaires attempt to escape the 21st century in the short-lived “Legion Lost.” That team returned for “Justice League United’s” “Infinitus Saga” arc, in which they finally return home; Brainiac 5 in charge of the future’s massive super-group.

With the return of Brainiac 5, can the rest of the Legion of Super-Heroes be far behind?

It’s too soon to determine the position or level of importance Brainy will play in the “Justice League” story, as he features in not even a handful of panels in this issue. However, the appearance of the green-skinned hero in his familiar purple suit, strolling through the streets of 31st century Metropolis and mentioning the Science Police, certainly does give fans hope for a meaningful appearance rather than a quick cameo.

The question, then, is whether these are really Rebirth clues. Given the time-twistiness of the issue’s story, it’s possible these are merely alternate futures, which don’t represent what Rebirth has in store for the heroes of the DC Universe. But, as we head into the second year of the linewide storyline, one thing we do know is that the revelations are set to come faster and faster as the pieces involved in Geoff Johns’ endgame are placed into position for the finale in 2018.

It’s possible Brainiac 5 and the Eye’s appearances in “Justice League of America” #15 are simply an example of the creative team utilizing the DCU’s deep history as shorthand to add additional drama to big story beats. However, the protection we’ve seen of the 31st century since Rebirth began would indicate that these are more clues than they are Easter eggs. After all, with the upcoming “Batman”/”The Flash” crossover “The Button” poised to explore the role of the Watchmen in Rebirth, and “Batman” writer Tom King on record as saying Saturn Girl’s Arkham incarceration is a development of major importance in the grand Rebirth plan, it’s tough to write off any potential clues as random appearances.

The post Justice League Teases Possible Clues to [SPOILER]’s Rebirth Mysteries appeared first on CBR.com.

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