#clayface iii

[iconuk01]

Robin and some of his admirers - by Greg Woronchak

[thecomicsnexus]

Villains in love

BATMAN ANNUAL #11 JUNE 1987 BY ALAN MOORE, MAX ALLAN COLLINS, GEORGE FREEMAN, NORM BREYFOGLE, LOVERN KINDZIERSKI, ADRIENNE ROY, ED HANNIGAN AND JOHN BYRNE

Two love stories. The first one about Clayface III and his relationship with “Helena”. The second one about the Penguin going reformed thanks to a new chapter in his love life.

SCORE: 10

So I read this story very early in my life, and when I did, it took me a while to understand that Helena wasn’t human. I was a kid.

Alan Moore’s story of Clayface III and Helena is just amazing.  We often justify Batman villains as “psychos”, but writers rarely show us why. Here we get the narration from Clayface III point of view, even though we get to see the real facts.

The Penguin story is a bit more simple, but it does have a redeeming approach to the Penguin. Sadly, Dovina is never shown again, so that love was apparently short-lived.

In the art, Freeman has a very interesting style. I do not know how, as a kid, I couldn’t figure out it was always a mannequin, but it does seem clear to me now. I actually think that the coloring works much better in this story than the art. This is a story that requires more colors than the second story. It needs more tones, because we are always seeing the same colors, in the darkness of a mall, so you need those tones.

For the second story, we get Norm Breyfogle, and I always enjoyed his art, he is one of my favorites. Here, he is not in full style though. His Batman doesn’t always look like “his Batman”, so I assume this was one of the earliest jobs at doing Batman he got.

Spoilers after the break...

The idea that Batman arranges the mannequin to be with him at Arkham... and then his love to completely go away, that’s genius. And ending it with “she can’t live forever”. It works very well. Not too different from an actual marriage, perhaps?

I always felt bad for the Penguin in this story. In the end, he just went back to prison, for trying to give jobs to other ex-cons. He was well intentioned.

[deathiscoldbatman]

I said I wouldn’t bother to post art here again as traditional art more often than not is overlooked, but I feel as though at least 1 or 2 people should see this Preston Payne bust I drew a while ago. Why? Why not.

[deathiscoldbatman]

Same thoughts. Of all the Clayfaces to reform, why Basil? Preston is right there...or maybe was, hasn’t he been dead for the past several universe reboots? Point is, he was never a bad man in the first place. Poor Preston.

What are you’re thoughts on clayface joining the bat family?

So having NOW read Basil's reformation arc, I think his interactions with the bat family proper in Batwoman and Detective Comics were interesting, but I think as a status quo I enjoy more where he ended up in Ram V's Catwoman run. Even a reformed villain should get to be something of a wild card (and on a meta level, I think Selina deserves a shapeshifter wild card more than Bruce, who despite being brought down to "millionaire" in Tynion's run still has all the toys a vigilante could ever need).

But in terms of having a sympathetic Clayface join the bat family, I think I'd prefer Preston Payne over Basil Karlo. Preston's degenerative metahuman condition was always more interesting than the "if he makes himself look normal too often he'll die!" handwave Basil got in Rebirth, and his extremely limited abilities mean that he wouldn't just be a "Get Out of Jail" free card plot device for Batman to use if he reformed.

[baambastic]

Am I missing anyone?

Bruce Wayne: Batman

Alfred Pennyworth: Penny One

Dick Grayson: Robin I, Nightwing, Discowing, Batman

Jason Todd-Wayne: Robin II, Red Hood

Barbara Gordon: Batgirl, Oracle

Tim Drake-Wayne: Robin III, Drake, Mister Sarcastic, Red Robin, Batman, Batman Beyond

Cassandra Cain/Wayne: Black Bat, Batgirl, Orphan

Stephanie Brown: Spoiler, Robin IV, Batgirl

Damian al Ghul-Wayne: Robin V

Duke Thomas: The Signal

Harper Row: Bluebird

Cullen Row: N/A

Luke Fox: Batwing

Carrie Kelly: Robin III (Alt.)

Kate Kane: Batwoman

Bette Kane: Flamebird

Julia Pennyworth: Penny Two

Selina Kyle: Catwoman

Helena Bertinelli/Wayne: Huntress

Charlotte Gage-Radcliffe: Misfit

Terry McGinnis: Batman Beyond

Matt McGinnis: Robin Beyond

Ace: Bat-Hound

Titus, Jerry, Goliath, Bat-Cow, Cat Alfred: Damian’s Pets

Jean-Paul Valley: Azrael

Lucius Fox: N/A

Tamara Fox: “Foxy Lady”

Tiffany Fox: Batgirl

Jace Fox: Batman

Jim Gordon: Commissioner Gordon

Claire Clover: Gotham Girl

Hank Clover: Gotham

Basil Karlo: Clayface

Minhkhoa Khan: Ghost-Maker

Talia al Ghul: The Demon’s Daughter

Harleen Quinzel: Harley Quinn

Kirk Langstrom: Man-Bat

Mia “Maps” Mizoguchi: “Robin” VI

[dailycass-cain]

Cassandra Cain Reading Guide Part 2: Modern

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

Part I you can view here. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Detective Comics #934-940

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

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

Batman #7-8

Nightwing #5-6

Detective Comics #941-942

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

Detective Comics #943-944

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

Detective Comics #950-956

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

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

Detective Comics #957-962

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

Detective Comics #964 

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

Detective Comics #969-974 

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

Detective Comics #975-981 

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

Detective Comics #983-986 

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

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

DC: The Doomed & the Damned

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

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

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

Batman & the Outsiders #1-17

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

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

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

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

-Batman: Joker War Zone Event --

Batman #95-98 (No Cass)

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

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

Batman #100

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

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

Batman #103-105 

 Infinite Frontier #0 

Batman Urban Legends #2-3

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

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

Joker #3-4, #7, #9  #11-13, and #15

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

Features Cass vs a Talon. 

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

Batman: Urban Legends #7 

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

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

Detective Comics #1038 (backup story) 

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

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

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

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

One Bad Day: Two-Face #1

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

- Batman: Fear State Event -

Fear State Alpha #1 (first appearance of Seer) 

Batman #112 

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

Batman #115 (secondary story: Batgirls Part 1) 

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

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

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

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

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

Batgirls #1!!

Batgirls #1-6

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

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

Batgirls #9-12

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

Batgirls 2022 Annual, #13-15

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Batgirls #16-19

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

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

Detective Comics #1069-1073

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

Tim Drake: Robin #10 

Batman #136

Batman: The Brave & the Bold #4

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

Spirit World #1-6

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

- Nice bonding between Cass and Black Canary too throughout.

#7-8 (Undercover Animals)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 - appears with Steph in Dick/Babs story. 

 Titans Beast World Tour: Gotham #1 

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

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

[fyeahygocardart]

Themed-Day: Return of the Duelist

It’s extremely belated but...better late than never? Time to celebrate the 10 year anniversary (well, plus 6 weeks) of the TCG release of Return of the Duelist.

Some highlights for the pack:

1) The debut of several new archetypes (many of which would get even better support in future packs but got their starts here with some of their searchers), including:

a) the dessert-themed EARTH monsters that refuse to go to the Grave: Madolche

b) The Tarot-themed Spellcasters that pair with their Spell Cards: Prophecy

c) Formerly OOParts, III’s monsters out of time: Chronomaly

d) The heroes that aren’t HEROes: Heroic

2) Additional support for the Geargias, including Geargiarmor

3) The first of the Elemental Lords (and distant prelude to the eventual Elementalsabers): Grandsoil the Elemental Lord

4) Some rather powerful Xyz Monsters, including the Machine-Type staple that is Gear Gigant X and the mouthful that is Superdimensional Robot Galaxy Destroyer

5) A solid searcher for searching Skull Servant monsters and any other Level 1s: Where Arf Thou?

6) Two cards to seal effects with fantastic art each: Void Trap Hole and Soul Drain

7) The TCG import of the Hunders and, the card I purchased too many packs trying to pull, Miracle Contact

8) Some fantastic art on the TCG Exclusives, including Noble Knight Gawayn and his impeccable chin, Prophecy Destroyer’s MTG-esque art, and the Clayface-esque Revival Golem

Hope you all enjoy today’s three posts from cards from the pack, including respectively a Trap, Spell, and Monster.

(High Priestess of Prophecy)

[psychoblush]

Ramble about The Batman sequels / potential villains and story threads

I agree that the Joker shouldn’t show up as a primary antagonist until at least a whole trilogy featuring lesser-known villains. I also think we need an entire Bat-Family in order to do a Court of Owls storyline that really feels like a big event, especially with the Dick Grayson element and for it to not feel like a retread of plot elements from The Batman we just received.

If it were up to me:

- The Batman II / Night of The Batman: - Mr Freeze / Hugo Strange

Mr Freeze can retain his position as a tragic figure while being manipulated by Hugo Strange. I think Strange’s deal in this movie should be his fascination with the psychological instability that Batman exhibits and his attempt to get under his skin. I also think this movie should introduce a younger version of Dick Grayson who has not yet become Robin but Bruce has to adopt him in order to actually start to have a family and connect with his humanity. And that also means he has to rebuild his alter-ego as Bruce in order to give Dick a real life and existence. Dick should be 14 or 15 in this film and should learn of Bruce’s true identity and convince him to train him as Robin by the end of the film - that’s the arc Bruce goes on, learning to accept his dual roles as Gotham’s protector and a surrogate father for Dick.

- The Batman III / Fear The Batman: Clayface / Scarecrow

I don’t have a super-detailed idea for this film but I think combining these characters and having Batman and Robin actually team up to confront a villain that exhibits more supernatural / grotesque qualities would be really fun. Also if there is a movie to set in the Asylum, this one would be a great one. Robin would be 16 or 17 by this point in the timeline - that way we sidestep the feeling of Batman seeming like he’s sending a child to war. The main thing is that Dick *wants* to be Robin, not Bruce wanting Dick to be Robin. If it were up to Bruce, he would not endanger his family on his crusade and he would shoulder the burden by himself. This film is about him overcoming his fear of losing family and allowing his family - Robin - make decisions on their own accord without Bruce obsessing over their safety. At the end of the film, Bruce should start some sort of initiative to make the mental institutions in Gotham more helpful after experiencing the decrepit nature of the asylum. This would also be a good time to introduce Gordon’s teenage daughter, Barbara, who gets romantically involved with Robin but isn’t Batgirl / Oracle yet.

- The Batman IV / War of the Batman: Poison Ivy / Ra’s Al Ghul

I like this team up because we can explore the crazy supernatural elements of the Batman universe and juxtapose the capitalistic elements of Gotham and Bruce’s world with the exploitation of the environment. This version of Ra’s character is not obsessed with crime and punishment, but with building a rigidly environmentalist utopia free of crime - leading to an alliance with Poison Ivy. This can be the debut of Batgirl as an independent character (maybe Robin trains and equips her under Bruce’s nose?) Bruce has to be convinced to let Barbara join his crusade since he doesn’t want to ruin his relationship with Jim. Robin and Barb are both 18 in this film and leave for Gotham State University by the end of the movie, leading to Batman operating alone for the most part by the end of the movie. The movie should explore the ramifications of Bruce’s company and the weight it has on the decay of Gotham, and how his crusade as Batman has led him to overlook the corruption within his own institution. This can be a good time to introduce Lucius as a character dedicated to combatting corporate corruption within Wayne Enterprises.

- The Batman V / Trial of the Batman: Court of Owls

Okay. This is the big crossover we’ve been waiting for. We get a lot of the quintessential moments from the Court of Owls storyline. The idea of the orphanage, Lincoln March, - MAJOR SPOILERS FOR COURT OF OWLS - Dick being marked as a future Talon - the idea that Batman tried to solve this case early on but failed to. Plot threads can tie back to the very first movie. I do think this needs to feel like a culmination of all the previous Batman stories. I also think The Riddler could reappear and fight the Court / provide Batman with information about the Court. The fallout of this film causes Dick to leave Gotham for Bludhaven and put away the mantle of Robin. That’s all I got on this one, I would love this to feel like an Avengers-level event though.

- The Batman VI / Kill The Batman: Joker (and many supporting rogues)

This movie should be a big finale for a lot of the villains and feel like a door out for Pattinson’s version of the character. Just pull out all the stops with the Rogues Gallery. The main villain will be Barry Keoghan’s Joker and Harley Quinn secondarily. Previous villains imprisoned in Arkham will include Poison Ivy, Clayface, Mr Freeze, Scarecrow, and the Riddler - this is almost like a Sinister Six kind of team-up where Joker wreaks havoc on Gotham and Bruce and Barbara struggle to contain the chaos. I imagine this would be a good time to bring Jason in as well - which will add its own complication to the film’s narrative. I think the second act of the film should include a Killing Joke-style moment where Barbara is paralyzed but she gets to play a heroic role as Oracle for the final act of the film as Bruce struggles against the full weight of the rogues gallery by himself. I don’t normally like the way Barbara is handled in that storyline but I do think disabled rep is super important - so if anyone has any ideas about how to sensitively approach that part of the narrative, let me know! I do think there’s a version of the Killing Joke where Joker isn’t as tormenting towards Barbara specifically but directs his torture more towards Jim. I think that’s the more tasteful way to establish it.

Can have Nightwing show up too - that would be fun as a final battle moment. I don’t have much else idea wise - I just think this would be a neat story to introduce Joker as a main antagonist for. I also like the idea of Death of the Family wherein Joker is revisiting his greatest crimes during his early years. This can be a way for us to see the history Batman and Joker have together without retreading it on screen, including seeing the Joker’s origin in new light. I also want an Arkham Origins vibe wherein the Joker sends out these villains to kill Batman - it’s just a very personal grueling battle for Bruce where he is trying to unravel Joker’s increasingly deranged schemes.

so these are my ideas - I’m incredibly sleep deprived and losing my grip on reality so forgive me if this was rambly and incoherent. I was reading some Batman comics and just thought of a bunch of ideas on how they can adapt some of my favorite stories from the comics and animated tv shows.

- also this is a lot of stuff and quite a long list (two trilogies after all) so if there is any need to condense it, they could make Court of Owls movie three and the Joker movie the fourth one - in case nobody wants to sit through / make six batman movies

[filthy-vigilante]

Getting in to comics is rather hard and finding a good starting place or a good recommended must-reads is hard and confusing and you typically get hundreds of different answers.

This is my personal list, that I'm working through and hope to collect. I've done quite a bit of research and feel like this is a adequate reading list for modern (post-crisis) Bruce Wayne

Anyway, here's my list:

:readmore:

Batman: Year One (Batman Vol 1 #404-#407)

This story line established the back story for Batman in the post-crisis timeline, along with the back stories for Commissioner Gordon and Selina Kyle. Not necessarily canon anymore, but a good story to get the feel of the characters

Batman: The Man Who Laughs

This is a one shot that was published in 2005 that tells the story of Batman’s first encounter with the Joker roughly a year after the Batman’s debut in Gotham. Based on the Joker’s original first appearance in Batman Vol 1 #1.

Batman and the Monster Men

This is a 6 part mini series that takes place sometime after Batman: Year One and Batman: The Man Who Laughs. First half of the Dark Moon Rising series. Story revolves around Batman’s first dealing with Hugo Strange

Batman and the Mad Monk

This is another 6 part mini series that is the second half of the Dark Moon Rising series. It is a retelling of a story from Detective Comics Vol 1 #31-32

Batman: The Long Halloween

This is a 13 part limited series, that serves as a re-introduction of the Calendar Man and features a wide array of Batman’s rouge gallery such as Two-Face, Scarecrow, Riddler, Joker, and Poison Ivy.

Batman: Dark Victory

This is a 14 part limited series that is a sequel to The Long Halloween. The main case in the story is a turf war between Two-Face and the Falcon Mafia. It also serves as a re-telling of Dick Grayson’s Robin origin.

Batman: Birth of the Demon (TPB)

This is a collection of 3 Batman one shots: Son of the Demon, Bride of the Demon, and Birth of the Demon. All stories center around Ra’s al Ghul and Talia al Ghul.

Batman: Strange Apparitions (Detective Comics Vol 1 #469-479)

This collection reintroduces Golden Age villains such as Hugo Strange and Dead shot along with introducing new villains such as Doctor Phosphorus and Clayface III.

Batman: The Killing Joke

A 60 page one shot that hints at the Jokers true identity, along with pushing the Jokers madness to new extremes, and showing just how dangerous he can be.

Batman: the Cult

This is a 4 issue mini series, in which Batman gets captured, torture and brain washed by Deacon Blackfire. This is also one of the few stories written by Jim Starlin that shows Jason Todd in a favorable light, as Starlin had a dislike for the character and kid sidekicks.

Batman: Death in the Family (Batman Vol 1 #426-429)

The famous 4 issue story arc that allowed readers to vote on the fate of the then current Robin, Jason Todd.

Batman: A Lonely Place of Dying (Batman Vol 1 #440-442)

This story is the introduction of Tim Drake and his taking of the Robin Mantle. The story also involves a case with Two-Face

Batman: The Last Arkham (Batman: Shadow of the Bat #1-4)

This story shows us the inner workings of Arkham Asylum, along with introducing new villains such as Zsasz, Jeremiah Arkham, and Amygdala

Batman: Gothic (Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight #6-10)

In this story we get to see glimpses of Bruce Wayne childhood.

Batman: Venom (Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight #16-20)

This story introduces us to the strength-enhancing drug, venom

Batman: Knightfall (Batman Vol 1 #492-510, #512-515; Batman: Shadow of the Bat #16-30, 32-35; Catwoman Vol ? #6-7, #12-13; Detective Comics Vol 1 #659-677, #679-682; Justice League Task Force #5-6; Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight #59-63; Robin #7-9, 11-14; Showcase ‘93 #7-8; Showcase '94 #10)

The Knightfall collection is a trilogy consisting of Knightfall, Knightquest, and KnightsEnd. In the story, Batman is crippled by Bane leading to him enlisting help from Jean-Paul Valley, while he recovers. Jean-Paul becomes increasingly unstable and violent, ruining Batman’s reputation until Bruce can finally put an end to it. The story had long term ramifications in the batcannon as Bruce had to rebuild the trust everyone had for him.

Batman: Contagion (Batman: Shadow of the Bat #48-49; Detective Comics Vol 1 #695, #696; Robin Vol 4 #27-28; Catwoman Vol #31-32; Azrael #15-16; Batman Vol 1 #529; Batman: Chronicles #4)

A cross over even where a deadly virus sweeps through Gotham. One of the story lines leading in to the No Man’s Land event.

Batman: Legacy (Batman Vol 1 #533-534; Batman: Bane; Bane of the Demon #1-4; Batman: Shadow of the Bat #53-54; Catwoman Vol 2 #33-36; Detective Comics Vol 1 #700-702; Robin Vol 4 #32-33)

Another crossover, this storyline serves as a wrap up for Contagion as well as Knightfall. One of the story lines leading in to No Man’s Land event.

Batman: Cataclysm (Azrael #40; Batman Vol 1 #553-559; The Batman Chronicles #12, #14; Batman: Arkham Asylum- Tales of Madness #1; Batman:Blackgate- Isle of Men #1; Batman/Huntress/Spoiler: Blunt Trauma #1; Batman: Shadow of the Bat #73-79; Catwoman Vol 2 #56-57; Detective Comics Vol 1 #719-722, #724-726; Robin Vol 4 #52-54)

The final crossover storyline leading in to No Man’s Land. After a earthquake, Gotham’s heros have to band together to help the citizens in the aftermath.

Batman: No Man’s Land (Azrael #47-61; Batman Vol 1 #560-574; Batman: Harley Quinn; Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight #116-126; Batman: No Man’s Land #1-0; Batman No Man’s Land Secret Files and Origins; Batman: Day of Judgement; Batman: Shadow of the Bat #80-94; The Batman Chronicles #16-18; Catwoman Vol 2 #72-77; Detective Comics Vol 1 #727-741; JLA #32; Nightwing Vol 1 #35-39; Nightwing Secret Files and Origins; Robin Vol 4 #67-73; Young Justice: In No Man’s Land)

After several catastrophic events in Gotham, the US government decides to cut off Gotham, destroying all bridges to the city leaving Batman and allies to keep order in the city.

JLA Tower of Babel (JLA #43-46)

This story deals with the discovery of Batman’s plans and files on how to take out the members of the Justice League in the event of them going rouge.

Bruce Wayne: Murderer? (Batman: The 10-Cent Adventure #1; Batgirl #24; Batman Vol 1 #599; Batman: Gotham Knights #25-26; Birds of Prey Vol 1 #39-40; Detective Comics Vol 1 #766-767; Nightwing #65-66; Robin #98-99

Bruce Wayne is arrested for murder and the rest of the bat family are forced to solve the crime and help clear his name.

Bruce Wayne: Fugitive (Azrael #91; Batgirl #27, #29-33; Batman Vol 1 #600-601, #603, #605-607; Batman: Gotham Knights #27-28, #30-31; Birds of Prey #41-43; Nightwing #68-69; Detective Comics Vol 1 #768-775)

This story is the follow up to Bruce Wayne: Murderer. After getting out of jail, he must full solve to murder, as those around him begin to doubt his innocence.

Batman Hush (Batman Vol 1 #608-619)

This story arc share a bit about Bruce Wayne’s childhood along with introducing a new billion, Hush and furthering Batman and Catwoman’s romantic relationship. This story also teases the resurrection of Jason Todd, the second Robin.

Batman: Heart of Hush (Detective Comics #846-850)

A follow up to Batman Hush, once again furthering Batman and Catwoman’s romantic relationship. Also serves as a prelude to Batman R. I. P.

Batman Under the Red Hood (Batman Vol 1 #635-#641, #645-650, Annual #25)

This Story focuses on Jason Todd, the second Robin’s resurrection and return to Gotham

Batman R. I. P. (Batman Vol 1 #667-669, #672-686, #701-702; Detective Comics #846-853; Nightwing Vol 2 #147-153; Batman and the Outsiders Vol 1 #11-14, special #1; Robin #175-183)

This story leads up to Bruce Wayne’s apparent death in the DC Final Crisis event.

What Ever Happened to the Caped Crusader? (Batman Vol 1 #686; Detective Comics Vol 1 #853

These two issues deal with the aftermath of Bruce Wayne’s apparent death.

Battle for the Cowl

This is a 3 issue minis series that shows the remainder of the bat family hold Gotham together in the wake of Batman’s death and Nightwing ultimate decision to take up the mantle.

Batman: Hush Money (Detective Comics Vol 1 #852; Batman Vol 1 #685; Batman: Streets of Gotham #1-4)

Batman’s enemy Hush alters his face to look like Bruce Wayne and begins pretending to be him.

Batman: The Return of Bruce Wayne

A 6 issue limited series that shows Bruce Wayne’s journey through time to return to present day Gotham.

Bruce Wayne: The Road Home

A limited series that details the return and aftermath of Bruce Wayne’s return. Batman Vol 1 #703 is a prelude to the series.

Batman: House of Hush (Batman: Streets of Gotham #14, #16-21)

A story arc that ties up the Hush Money story and the return of Bruce Wayne.

Batman Incorporated

This series focuses on Bruce Wayne franchising the Batman name across the globe, while Dick Grayson still serves as Batman in Gotham.

Batman: The Gates of Gotham

A limited series that features Dick Grayson as Batman, but was used as a lunching point for major Batman story lines in New 52.

Batman New 52

After the New 52 reboot, DC began Batman Vol 2, aka Batman New 52

Batman Eternal

A weekly limited series that ran for a year, reintroducing numerous villains in to the New 52 canon, along with Stephanie Brown.

Batman and Robin Eternal

A weekly limited series that ran for 6 months as a follow up to Batman Eternal. The story jumps between Dick Grayson’s first year as Robin and the present. Cassandra Cain is reintroduced in to the New 52 canon in this series.

Batman Rebirth (ongoing)

This is the 3rd volume of batman, and despite no longer having the rebirth header is still the current Batman title 

[kindaangelic]

Robin Musings, as per Clayface

aka Basil Karlo, B.A. (Theatre), Ph.D. (Melodrama)

Robin I

Hello small child

What is your favourite TV show

No kidding, I was in that show!

No, I'm made of clay, not play doh

Yes, I am wibbly wobbly

*proceeds to wibble and wobble*

Robin II

You know that kicking me doesn't achieve anything, right

I bet Batman would get angry if you tracked my clay into your hideout

Here let me take back some of my clay body

I think that this bit is part of my pancreas

What do you mean eww, you literally put your foot in my body

Robin III

Why thank you, I was amazing in Moon Wars, Attack of the Drones

You want...my autograph

(◕ ω ◕✿)

Of course, always glad to meet a fan

Don't put the autograph on EBay

Robin IV

Finally, someone as overdramatic as me!

Spill the tea with me

Oh my God, yes, Scarecrow once used a corn cob as a dildo-

Batman said what?

Shame on him

Have you considered a career in theatre

Robin III again

Oh my God your family has so much drama

Legit, I could write a sitcom about you guys

I could star as Batman

Wait

I could technically star as everyone

Wait you're right

This is an excellent business opportunity

Robin V

Oh. My. Theatre. Gods.

You're perfect

Such small, such anger, such pain

Ah! How well you project your voice!

Wait you're screaming at me

Oh no I need to run

[femalechibiblogger]

Celebrities Who Were In ‘Fallout’ Games Part 2

1. Ron Perlman

Ron Perlman is an actor who has been in both live-action productions, and has voice animated characters such as: ‘Matt Hagen/Clayface’ in Batman: The Animated Series, ‘The Stabbington Brothers’ in Tangled, ‘Slade Wilson/Deathstroke’ in Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox, and ‘Xibala’ in The Book of Life. 

As for his live-action roles, Ron Perlman has played characters such as: ‘Johner’ in Alien Resurrection, ‘Dieter Reinhardt’ in Blade II, ‘Hellboy’ in the 2004 Hellboy, ‘Luther Braxton’ in The Blacklist, and ‘Clay Morrow’ on Sons of Anarchy. 

Since 1997, Ron Perlman has narrated the intros for every game in the canon Fallout game franchise. Not only has he narrated the games, but also played two characters, a trader in The Hub named ‘Butch Harris’ in Fallout 1 and the ‘Newscaster’ in Fallout 4. 

Ron Perlman is a great actor who knows how to create a serious and dramatic scene in his roles. 

2. Lynda Carter

Lynda Carter is an actress, singer, and former model who was crown Miss World USA in 1972. When her acting career took off, Lynda Carter became very well-known for her role as ‘Wonder Woman’ in the 1975 tv series. Since then, she made guest appearances in other tv shows around the time her singing career took off.

Since 2002, Lynda Carter has voice characters in video games such as: ‘Female Nords’, ‘Gormlaith Golden-Hilt’ and ‘Azura’ in the Elder Scrolls franchise. 

In Fallout 4, Lynda Carter voiced a singer in Good Neighbor named ‘Magnolia’. Magnolia spends a majority of the game singing beautiful songs for the patrons of The Third Rail and can also be helpful at times.

No matter how many years have passed, Lynda Carter continues to shine bright and has a beautiful singing voice. 

3. Wayne Newton

Wayne Newton is another singer who is best known for his performances in Las Vegas, being one of Vegas’ most famous performers since the 1970′s. Besides signing, Wayne Newton has also made guest appearances as himself in movies and tv shows such as: The Lucy Show, Vegas Vacation, Dancing With The Stars, and The Price is Right. 

In Fallout: New Vegas, Wayne Newton voices an artificial intelligence named ‘Mr. New Vegas’, who was created by RobCo CEO ‘Mr. House’ to be a radio DJ in Las Vegas. Even after 200 years, Mr. New Vegas continues to host his radio show and will talk about the actions of ‘The Courier’ as they travel through New Vegas. 

Even today, Wayne Newton continues to be one of Las Vegas’ living legends. 

4. Malcolm McDowell

Malcolm McDowell is a British actor who is most well-known for his roles as: ‘Alex DeLarge’ in Clockwork Orange, ‘Max Gunter’ in Voyage of the Damned, ‘Metallo’ in Superman: The Animated Series, ‘Bret Stiles’ in The Mentalist, and ‘Grandpa Reginald ‘Reg’ Fletcher’ in Phineas and Ferb. 

Other than live-action and animated series, Malcolm McDowell has also voiced characters in video games such as: ‘Molag Bal’ in the Elder Scrolls franchise, ‘Dr. Monty’ in Call of Duty: Black OPs III, and ‘Daedalus’ in God of War III.

In Fallout 3, Malcolm McDowell voiced the President of the Enclave, ‘John Henry Eden’, an advanced computer AI who wants the Lone Wanderer to poison the water supply with a special form of FEV (Forced Evolutionary Virus), and will declare war on the Capital Wasteland if he is not destroyed. 

Malcolm McDowell continues to play such dramatic roles that amazes the audience. 

5. Jim Cummings

Jim Cummings is one of the greatest voice actors of all time. He has performed many characters that we all know from our childhoods and even our adult lives, such as: ‘Winnie the Pooh’ and ‘Tigger’ in the Winnie the Pooh franchise, Ed the Hyena from The Lion King, ‘Darkwing Duck’, ‘Pete the Bulldog’ in the Mickey Mouse franchise, ‘Chief Powtan’ in Pocahontas, and ‘Lord Boxman’ in O.K. K.O! Let’s Be Heroes. 

In the first Fallout game, Jim Cummings played three different characters: A wealthy casino owner in Junktown named ‘Gizmo’, the leader of a community of Ghouls named ‘Set, and the main voice for the game’s main antagonist ‘Master’. Jim Cummings would appear again in Fallout 4, where he mainly voiced Settlers and other minor characters. 

Nevertheless, Jim Cummings is someone who as been around throughout our childhoods and continues to make both children and adults smile today.

[kudosmyhero]

Batman Annual (vol. 1) #11: Mortal Clay / Love Bird

Read Date: September 23, 2022 Cover Date: July 1987 ● Writer: Alan Moore ● Penciler: George Freeman ● Inker: George Freeman ● Colorist: Lovern Kindzierski ● Letterer: John Costanza ● Editor: Len Wein ●

Synopsis: Preston Payne, "Clayface III," recalls the events following his last encounter with Batman and how he risked everything for the love of his life, the store mannequin named "Helena".

Following Helena's trace, Clayface III takes up residence in the department store that houses her, hiding all day and coming out only at night to be alone with her. Although they begin very much in love, their relationship takes a turn for the worse when Clayface begins to suspect she is committing infidelities. He finds her missing one night from her usual spot, and after wandering through the store finds her in her underwear in the lingerie section, unaware that she was purposefully moved by the staff members of the department store. The next night, she has been moved back and they continue their relationship. Later, Clayface finds a security guard taking a necklace off of her neck (stealing it to give to his wife), which he can only assume is a token of an affair they've had. After they leave her sight, he brutally murders the man.

The next day, when the body is found, the Gotham City Police Department summon Batman, who deduces Clayface's presence in the store. He tries to confront the villain that night, and finds Clayface waiting in ambush for him, believing Batman is also having an affair with Helena. Clayface almost kills Batman, but at the last moment, he looks into Helena's eyes and sees that she's taking joy in men fighting over her. Batman is able to talk Clayface down, and offers to help him.

As Clayface ends his recollection, he finds himself locked in Arkham Asylum, sharing his cell/room with Helena, although Clayface is beginning to contemplate a divorce. However, he dismisses the idea, choosing to wait instead, and thinks to himself happily, "After all, she can't live forever."

Synopsis:
The Penguin is released from prison on parole, and claims to have completely reformed. Nonetheless, Batman insists that he is pulling something, and has the Penguin under constant surveillance to find out what.

However, Penguin is romantically seeing a woman whom he met through the mail and shares a passion for birds, just like he does. She insists that for them to work, the Penguin must give up his life of crime completely, and he professes to Batman that he has gone legitimate with an umbrella factory. When Batman sees several known felons entering the building, he bursts in to investigate, and after fighting the warehouse of thugs, confronts the Penguin. The Penguin is forced to reveal that although his business was legitimate, he has been breaking the law. His employees are all ex-cons who have a lot of trouble getting steady work, and he has been hiring them as a sympathetic gesture. This, however, counts as "consorting with known felons," which is a violation of his parole.

Although the Penguin does go back to jail, Batman personally explains the matter to the prison authorities and to Penguin's partner, who soon visits Penguin in prison.

(https://dc.fandom.com/wiki/Batman_Annual_Vol_1_11)

Fan Art: Clayface by EdwardDelandreArt

Accompanying Podcast: ● Overlooked Dark Knight - episode 05

[filthy-vigilantes]

Batman: Where to start

***long post***

Getting in to comics is rather hard and finding a good starting place or a good recommended must-reads is hard and confusing and you typically get hundreds of different answers.

This is my personal list, that I'm working through and hope to collect. I've done quite a bit of research and feel like this is a adequate reading list for modern (post-crisis) Bruce Wayne

Anyways here's the list in primary chronological order:

Batman: Year One (Batman Vol 1 #404-#407)

This story line established the back story for Batman in the post-crisis timeline, along with the back stories for Commissioner Gordon and Selina Kyle. Not necessarily canon anymore, but a good story to get the feel of the characters

Batman: The Man Who Laughs

This is a one shot that was published in 2005 that tells the story of Batman's first encounter with the Joker roughly a year after the Batman's debut in Gotham. Based on the Joker's original first appearance in Batman Vol 1 #1.

Batman and the Monster Men

This is a 6 part mini series that takes place sometime after Batman: Year One and Batman: The Man Who Laughs. First half of the Dark Moon Rising series. Story revolves around Batman's first dealing with Hugo Strange

Batman and the Mad Monk

This is another 6 part mini series that is the second half of the Dark Moon Rising series. It is a retelling of a story from Detective Comics Vol 1 #31-32

Batman: The Long Halloween

This is a 13 part limited series, that serves as a re-introduction of the Calendar Man and features a wide array of Batman's rouge gallery such as Two-Face, Scarecrow, Riddler, Joker, and Poison Ivy.

Batman: Dark Victory

This is a 14 part limited series that is a sequel to The Long Halloween. The main case in the story is a turf war between Two-Face and the Falcon Mafia. It also serves as a re-telling of Dick Grayson's Robin origin.

Batman: Birth of the Demon (TPB)

This is a collection of 3 Batman one shots: Son of the Demon, Bride of the Demon, and Birth of the Demon. All stories center around Ra's al Ghul and Talia al Ghul.

Batman: Strange Apparitions (Detective Comics Vol 1 #469-479)

This collection reintroduces Golden Age villains such as Hugo Strange and Dead shot along with introducing new villains such as Doctor Phosphorus and Clayface III.

Batman: The Killing Joke

A 60 page one shot that hints at the Jokers true identity, along with pushing the Jokers madness to new extremes, and showing just how dangerous he can be.

Batman: the Cult

This is a 4 issue mini series, in which Batman gets captured, torture and brain washed by Deacon Blackfire. This is also one of the few stories written by Jim Starlin that shows Jason Todd in a favorable light, as Starlin had a dislike for the character and kid sidekicks.

Batman: Death in the Family (Batman Vol 1 #426-429)

The famous 4 issue story arc that allowed readers to vote on the fate of the then current Robin, Jason Todd.

Batman: A Lonely Place of Dying (Batman Vol 1 #440-442)

This story is the introduction of Tim Drake and his taking of the Robin Mantle. The story also involves a case with Two-Face

Batman: The Last Arkham (Batman: Shadow of the Bat #1-4)

This story shows us the inner workings of Arkham Asylum, along with introducing new villains such as Zsasz, Jeremiah Arkham, and Amygdala

Batman: Gothic (Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight #6-10)

In this story we get to see glimpses of Bruce Wayne childhood.

Batman: Venom (Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight #16-20)

This story introduces us to the strength-enhancing drug, venom

Batman: Knightfall (Batman Vol 1 #492-510, #512-515; Batman: Shadow of the Bat #16-30, 32-35; Catwoman Vol ? #6-7, #12-13; Detective Comics Vol 1 #659-677, #679-682; Justice League Task Force #5-6; Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight #59-63; Robin #7-9, 11-14; Showcase '93 #7-8; Showcase '94 #10)

The Knightfall collection is a trilogy consisting of Knightfall, Knightquest, and KnightsEnd. In the story, Batman is crippled by Bane leading to him enlisting help from Jean-Paul Valley, while he recovers. Jean-Paul becomes increasingly unstable and violent, ruining Batman's reputation until Bruce can finally put an end to it. The story had long term ramifications in the batcannon as Bruce had to rebuild the trust everyone had for him.

Batman: Contagion (Batman: Shadow of the Bat #48-49; Detective Comics Vol 1 #695, #696; Robin Vol 4 #27-28; Catwoman Vol #31-32; Azrael #15-16; Batman Vol 1 #529; Batman: Chronicles #4)

A cross over even where a deadly virus sweeps through Gotham. One of the story lines leading in to the No Man's Land event.

Batman: Legacy (Batman Vol 1 #533-534; Batman: Bane; Bane of the Demon #1-4; Batman: Shadow of the Bat #53-54; Catwoman Vol 2 #33-36; Detective Comics Vol 1 #700-702; Robin Vol 4 #32-33)

Another crossover, this storyline serves as a wrap up for Contagion as well as Knightfall. One of the story lines leading in to No Man's Land event.

Batman: Cataclysm (Azrael #40; Batman Vol 1 #553-559; The Batman Chronicles #12, #14; Batman: Arkham Asylum- Tales of Madness #1; Batman:Blackgate- Isle of Men #1; Batman/Huntress/Spoiler: Blunt Trauma #1; Batman: Shadow of the Bat #73-79; Catwoman Vol 2 #56-57; Detective Comics Vol 1 #719-722, #724-726; Robin Vol 4 #52-54)

The final crossover storyline leading in to No Man's Land. After a earthquake, Gotham's heros have to band together to help the citizens in the aftermath.

Batman: No Man's Land (Azrael #47-61; Batman Vol 1 #560-574; Batman: Harley Quinn; Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight #116-126; Batman: No Man's Land #1-0; Batman No Man's Land Secret Files and Origins; Batman: Day of Judgement; Batman: Shadow of the Bat #80-94; The Batman Chronicles #16-18; Catwoman Vol 2 #72-77; Detective Comics Vol 1 #727-741; JLA #32; Nightwing Vol 1 #35-39; Nightwing Secret Files and Origins; Robin Vol 4 #67-73; Young Justice: In No Man's Land)

After several catastrophic events in Gotham, the US government decides to cut off Gotham, destroying all bridges to the city leaving Batman and allies to keep order in the city.

JLA Tower of Babel (JLA #43-46)

This story deals with the discovery of Batman's plans and files on how to take out the members of the Justice League in the event of them going rouge.

Bruce Wayne: Murderer? (Batman: The 10-Cent Adventure #1; Batgirl #24; Batman Vol 1 #599; Batman: Gotham Knights #25-26; Birds of Prey Vol 1 #39-40; Detective Comics Vol 1 #766-767; Nightwing #65-66; Robin #98-99

Bruce Wayne is arrested for murder and the rest of the bat family are forced to solve the crime and help clear his name.

Bruce Wayne: Fugitive (Azrael #91; Batgirl #27, #29-33; Batman Vol 1 #600-601, #603, #605-607; Batman: Gotham Knights #27-28, #30-31; Birds of Prey #41-43; Nightwing #68-69; Detective Comics Vol 1 #768-775)

This story is the follow up to Bruce Wayne: Murderer. After getting out of jail, he must full solve to murder, as those around him begin to doubt his innocence.

Batman Hush (Batman Vol 1 #608-619)

This story arc share a bit about Bruce Wayne's childhood along with introducing a new billion, Hush and furthering Batman and Catwoman's romantic relationship. This story also teases the resurrection of Jason Todd, the second Robin.

Batman: Heart of Hush (Detective Comics #846-850)

A follow up to Batman Hush, once again furthering Batman and Catwoman's romantic relationship. Also serves as a prelude to Batman R. I. P.

Batman Under the Red Hood (Batman Vol 1 #635-#641, #645-650, Annual #25)

This Story focuses on Jason Todd, the second Robin's resurrection and return to Gotham

Batman R. I. P. (Batman Vol 1 #667-669, #672-686, #701-702; Detective Comics #846-853; Nightwing Vol 2 #147-153; Batman and the Outsiders Vol 1 #11-14, special #1; Robin #175-183)

This story leads up to Bruce Wayne's apparent death in the DC Final Crisis event.

What Ever Happened to the Caped Crusader? (Batman Vol 1 #686; Detective Comics Vol 1 #853

These two issues deal with the aftermath of Bruce Wayne's apparent death.

Battle for the Cowl

This is a 3 issue minis series that shows the remainder of the bat family hold Gotham together in the wake of Batman's death and Nightwing ultimate decision to take up the mantle.

Batman: Hush Money (Detective Comics Vol 1 #852; Batman Vol 1 #685; Batman: Streets of Gotham #1-4)

Batman's enemy Hush alters his face to look like Bruce Wayne and begins pretending to be him.

Batman: The Return of Bruce Wayne

A 6 issue limited series that shows Bruce Wayne's journey through time to return to present day Gotham.

Bruce Wayne: The Road Home

A limited series that details the return and aftermath of Bruce Wayne's return. Batman Vol 1 #703 is a prelude to the series.

Batman: House of Hush (Batman: Streets of Gotham #14, #16-21)

A story arc that ties up the Hush Money story and the return of Bruce Wayne.

Batman Incorporated

This series focuses on Bruce Wayne franchising the Batman name across the globe, while Dick Grayson still serves as Batman in Gotham.

Batman: The Gates of Gotham

A limited series that features Dick Grayson as Batman, but was used as a lunching point for major Batman story lines in New 52.

Batman New 52

After the New 52 reboot, DC began Batman Vol 2, aka Batman New 52

Batman Eternal

A weekly limited series that ran for a year, reintroducing numerous villains in to the New 52 canon, along with Stephanie Brown.

Batman and Robin Eternal

A weekly limited series that ran for 6 months as a follow up to Batman Eternal. The story jumps between Dick Grayson's first year as Robin and the present. Cassandra Cain is reintroduced in to the New 52 canon in this series.

Batman Rebirth (ongoing)

Current Batman title

[steph-the-4th-robin]

Almost every member of the Batfam and Batman INC and Batman Allies

Main, extended, and alternative realites and universes

When people think of Batfamily they usually think of the bolded characters. Thise are the main ones. But this is almost everyone that has helped Batman over the years or been on a team created by him.

Bruce Wayne/Batman

Selina Kyle/Catwoman

Dick Grayson/Robin/Nightwing/Batman

Barbara Gordon/Batgirl/Oracle/Nightwing

Jason Todd/Robin II/Red Hood

Tim Drake/Robin III/Red Robin

Cassandra Cain/Batgirl III/Orphan/Black Bat/Katsumi

Stephanie Brown/Spoiler/Robin IV/Batgirl IV/Nightwing/Batwoman

Helena Bertinelli/Huntress/Batgirl II/Matron

Jean Paul Valley/Azrael/Batman II

Duke Thomas/Lark/Signal/Robin

Damian Wayne/Robin V/Red Bird/Batman (in some alternate futures)

Harper Row/Bluebird

Kate Kane/Batwoman

Luke Fox/Batwing II/Batman (in an alternate future)

Bette Kane/Bat-Girl/Flamebird/Hawkfire

Michael Lane/Azrael III

Terry McGinnis/Batman (Batman Beyond)

Max Gibson (Batman Beyond)

Melanie Walker/10 (Batman Beyond)

Matt McGinnis/Robin (Batman Beyond)

Nissa/Batgirl (Batman Beyond)

Batwoman Beyond (Batman Beyond)

Batwoman/Batwomen (Mystery of the Batwoman)

Charlie Gage-Radcliffe/Misfit/Batgirl (she tried to be Batgirl but Barbara shut that shit down)

Renee Montoya/The Question II

Maggie Sawyer

Alfred Pennyworth

Lucius Fox

Sasha Bordeaux

Harold Allnut

Leslie Thompkins

Julia Pennyworth

Barbara Wilson/Batgirl (from the Batman and Robin movie)

Ryan Wilder/Batwoman (CW Batwoman)

Thomas Wayne/Batman (flashpoint)

Carrie Kelley/Robin/Batgirl/Catgirl/Batwoman (alternate universe)

Helena Wayne/Robin/Huntress/Batman (alternate universe)

Holly Robinson/Catwoman II (briefly)

Eiki Hasogawa/Catowoman III (briefly)

Tiffany Fox/Batgirl (alt future)

Onyx Adams/Onyx

Maya Ducard/Nobody

Claire Clover/Gotham Girl

Bao Pham/Clownhunter

Jiro Osamu/Nihon no Battman aka Batman of Japan

Bilal Asselah/Nuitcoureur aka Nightrunner

Santiago Vargas/El Gaucho

Beryl Hutchinson/Knight/Squire

George Cross/The Hood

Johnny Riley/The Dark Ranger

David Zavimbe/Batwing I

Charles Great Eagle/Raven Red

Dr. William Great Eagle/Chief Man of Bats

Calvin Rose/Talon

Wendy Harris/Proxy

Kitrina Falcone/Catgirl

Thomas Reese Blake/The Catman

Kathy Kane/Batwoman/Agent Zero

Jarro

Gavin King/Orpheus

Hank Clover Jr/Gotham

Cyril Sheldrake/Squire/Knight

Talia al Ghul

Basil Karlo/Clayface

Harleen Quinzel/Harley Quinn

Harvey Dent/TwoFace

Floyd Lawton/Deadshot

Edward Nygma/The Riddler

Paul Kirk/Manhunter

Mark Shaw/Manhunter III

Kate Spencer/Manhunter VIII

Jason Blood/Etrigan the Dragon

Cheyenne Freemont

Clin Wilkes/Abuse

Simon Dark

Jack Ryder/Creeper

Rory Regan/Ragman

Bat-Mite

Lynx

Boston Brand/Deadman

Jim Gordon/Batman IV

Gus Yale/Oracle II

Aaron Cash

Jacob Kane

Beth Kane/Alice/Red Alice

Crispus Allen/The Spectre

[droo216]

♚ The 10th Kingdom Recast ♚

Zendaya Coleman as Virginia Lewis

Nyle DiMarco as Wolf

Jordan Peele as Tony Lewis

Tom Holland as Prince Wendell White

Viole Davis as Queen Christine White

Javier Bardem as The Huntsman

Chloe Grace Moretz as Sally Peep

Chrissy Metz as Queen Snow White

Shohreh Aghdashloo as Queen Riding Hood III

Julie Andrews as Queen Cinderella

Not pictured:

Steve Carell as Relish the Troll King

Uzo Aduba as Blabberwort the Troll Princess

Troy Gentile as Burly the Troll Prince

Alex Newell as Bluebell the Troll Prince

Ronald Lee Clark as Acorn the Elf

Kumail Nanjiani as Clayface the Goblin

Phylicia Rashad as Grandma Slevil

Donald Sutherland as Wilfred Peep

George Takei as Naked Emperor VI

[jupitermelichios]

DC: The High-School AU: The Series: The Staff (the musical)

So I finally cast the school staff and teachers for my DC High School AU, which I thought some of you would have some fun with! I took the subject list from a fairly fancy looking private school, because only schools you have to pay for have their subject lists online, so I’m probably offering way more classes than your average state school, but hey, it’s my AU and I wanted to cram in as many supervillains, obscure heroes, and bad jokes as possible.

Admin & Staff

Principle - Amanda Waller

Deputy Principle & Treasurer - Noah Kuttler (the Calculator)

Nurse - Myra Mason (she was Dr Midnite’s nurse and love interest in the 40s & 50s, then got fridged, but I’m unfridging her and giving her a job with much better survival prospects)

Councillor - Ethel Peabody (she’s a psychiatrist from the Gotham TV show, and also in my headcanon, Amanda Waller’s sister)

Librarian - Stanislaus Johns (The Librarian. I considered bookworm for this job but he’s literally called the Librarian, what was I supposed to do, not use him?)

Admin Staff - Laura Conway (Superman supporting cast and occaisional vampire), Mabel Martin (Riddler’s secretary), Theresa Collins (Goldstar, also Booster Gold’s secretary)

Business

Loren Jupiter (aka Mr Jupiter the richest and therefore most thrustworthy man in the world) - Business 101, Business Law, Entrepreneurship

Wesley Dodds (Sandman) - Business Communications

Annabeth Chamberlain (Brimstone) - Marketing, Hospitality & Tourism (she doesn’t work in tourism, but I figure anyone who can waitress while also having the power to set people on fire and damn them to hell and keeps her job probably knows a whole lot about customer service)

Family & Consumer Science

Miss Tribb (Lobo’s childhood teacher who inexplicably survived the extinction of their species) - Childhood Developement, Early Childhood Education

Neil Richards (The Mad Mod) - Texiles/Sewing, Fashion

Tenzil Kem (Matter-Eater Lad) - Food & Nutrition

Finance

Noah Kuttler (The Calculator) - Personal Finance

Foreign Languages

Matron Bertinelli (Nu52 Huntress, who I’m declaring a sepperate character and the aunt of pre-52 Huntress because they’re radically different characters and I like both of them) - ASL, Italian

Chang Jie-Ru (Nu52 Yo-Yo) - Chinese, AP Chinese

Yolanda Montez (Wildcat II) - Spanish, AP Spanish

Barbara Minerva (Cheetah) - Latin

Health Sciences

Myra Mason - Emergency Medical Responder training

Charles McNider (Dr Midnite) - Anatomy & Physiology, Health Class

IT

Brian Durlin (Savant) - Computer Programming, Web Dev

Jennifer Lyn-Hayden (Jade) - Digital Art 101

Arnold Wesker (Ventriloquist) - 3D Animation, 3D Graphics (I don’t know why but the idea of Wesker as an animator just tickled me. Obviously his real passion is stop-motion, but he learnt 3D because there were more jobs)

English (the fancy private school called this ‘language arts’ which is so prentious it makes me feel slightly nauseous)

Wesley Dodds (Sandman) - English Language, AP English Language

Rac Shade (Shade the Changing Man) - English Literature, AP English Literature

Chloe Sullivan (the worst character in the Smallville TV show, a hotly contested position) - English Language, Communications 101, supervises the School Paper and the Yearbook

Shelly Gaynore (The Whip III) - Englist Literature, Creative Writing

Basil Karlo (Clayface) - Intro to Shakespeare

Nick Scratch (officially his supervillain name is just Scratch, but I refuse to consider that a code-name, looking at you Drake) - Communications 102: Public Speaking

Mathematics (which has a 100% villain make-up, which seems accurate from what I remember of high-school maths)

Noah Kuttler (The Calculator, because I think I’m funny) - Pre-Calc, Calculus, AP Calculus

Harlan Graves (The Underbroker) - Stats, Algebra 1, Algebra 2

Angelo Bend (Angle Man, becuase I know I’m funny) - Geometry, Trigonometry

PE (I realise this is probably too many PE teachers but there are a lot more caonical althetes than just about any other job in the DCU except maybe scientist)

Lawrence Crock (Sportsmaster, you knew this was coming) - Gym, Weight Training, coaches Baseball, Basketball, Tennis & Hockey

Lisa Snart (Golden Glider) - joint-coaches Cheerleading, coaches the Drill Team, Wrestling

Randy Hanrahan (Stallion) - PE, joint-coaches Cheerleading & Cross-Country, coaches Football

William Everett (Amazing Man) - PE, joint-coaches Cross-Country, coaches Track & Field

Matron Bertinelli (Huntress, sort of) - coaches Soccer & gymnastics

Performing Arts

Lisa Snart (Golden Glider) - Dance

Hartley Rathaway (Pied Piper) - Music 101, Music Theory, Composition, teaches Guitar & Percussion

Isaac Bowin (The Fiddler) - Music 101, AP Music Theory, leads Jazz Band, Orchestra, Marching Band

Siobhan Smyth (Silver Banshee) - part-time, leads the Choir and teaches singing

Basil Karlo (Clayface) - Theatre, Theatre 101

Simon Trent (Grey Ghost) - Theatre, Theatre 101, Film Studies

Ted Kord (Blue Beetle) - Theatre Tech

Mary Louise Dahl (Baby-Doll, from B:TAS) - Film Studies, Video Production

Betty Bates (Lady-at-Law, who is technically owned by DC now due to corporate buy-outs) - Debate

Science (do you have any idea how hard it is to pin down areas of specialisation for comic book scientists? TNT is on this list entirely because he’s the only actual honest-to-god professional chemist I could find)

Kirk Langstrom (ManBat) - Biology, AP Biology

Pamela Isley (Poison Ivy) - Biology, Environmental Science

Thomas “Tex” Thomas (TNT) - Chemistry

Achilles Milo (Professor Milo, again not really much of a code name) - Chemistry, AP Chemistry

Will Magnus (I refuse to even dignify it as a code-name) - Physics, Earth Sciences

Ray Palmer (The Atom) - Physics, AP Physics

Adam Strange (DC is just doing this to fuck with me, personally) - Astronomy

Social Studies & Humanities

Barbara Minerva (Cheetah) - World History

Maxie Zeus (ffs) - World History, AP World History (fun fact, Maxie was canonically just a normal history teacher before he got lightning powers, became convinced he was Zeus incarnate, and set out to become a criminal, making him my favourite DC mobster by a country mile)

Terry Long (aka one of the only characters to really deserve to get fridged) - US History, AP European History

Eobard Thawne (every code-name he has is stupid, but lets just go with Reverse-Flash as the least awful option) - US History, AP US History

Nick Scratch - US Government, AP US Government, AP Comparative Politics

Rex Tyler (Hourman) - AP Art History

Magdalene Kyle-Burton (Sister Zero, she’s a sometimes-nun and a sometimes-sister to Catwoman) - Comparative Religion

Michael Carter (Booster Gold) - Economics, AP Microeconomics, AP Macroeconomics

Jonathan Crane (Scarecrow) - Psychology (there is exactly one heroic psychiatrist in all of comics, and I’d already used Dr Fate elsewhere. Scarecrow seemed like the least bad option of the remaining pool for being around children, and he does at least have teaching experience)

Adam Strange - Sociology

Betty Bates (Lady-at-Law) - Law

Richard Occult/Rose Psychic (it’s complicated, lets just say Dr Occult and leave it at that) - part-time, Criminal Justice

Technology & Engineering

Ted Kord (Blue Beetle) - Electronics, CAD, Woodworking

John Henry Irons (Steel) - Engineering, Metalworking

Will Magnus - Robotics

Visual Arts

Linda Lee/Danvers (she’s Supergirl, but I’m making her a different character from Kara Danvers/Kent because the DCU is really short on artists and I needed someone to teach the damn class, although the only thing that really makes her distinct from other supergirls is that she fucked a horse that one time and IDK how that will translate into a personality...) - Ceramics, AP Studio Art: 3D Design, Art 101

Rex Tyler (Hourman) - Graphic Design, Drawing, AP Studio Art: Drawing

Jack Knight (Starman) - Painting, AP Studio Art: 2D Design, Art 101

Jennifer Lyn-Hayden (Jade) - Photography

So there you go - I’ll be honest I still don’t really understand how high-schools in the USA work, and I have no idea what Design studio art even is so I kind of assigned those ones at random, but now it’s done and cannot be changed.

As always this universe is open to prompts so if you want a chapter focussing on any of these characters just drop me an ask or a comment and I’ll see what I can do. Making Dr Occult & Rose Psychic a single gender-fluid person is already on my list to do, since that’s who I thought they were for a longest time when I started reading comics and I’m still kind of annoyed that isn’t canonically what’s going on.