#clayface iii

[iconuk01]

Back in 1990, George Perez produced a stunning 12 plate portfolio of Batman artwork, including his covers for "A Lonely Place of Dying"

However, he also did a thirteenth plate for an edition which was only available from Warner Bros Stores (Remember those?)

And what a plate it was, Batman and Robin sneaking through a nightmarish Gothic... Cathedral? Asylum? Petting Zoo (It is Gotham City)

And the villains! Anarky, Catman, Joker, Catwoman, Killer Croc, Poison Ivy, Ra's Al Ghul, Black Mask, Two-Face, Riddler, Clayface III, Scarecrow, Cavalier, Penguin, Tweedledee, Deadshot, Mad Hatter, Killer Moth, Tweedledum, Dagger and Dr Phosphorus (and I've probably missed a few)

[nerds-yearbook]

The first issue of the 3 issue limited series The Untold Legend of the Batman was published with a cover date of July, 1980. The issue covered some of the key events of Batman's past: his father dressing as a Bat-Man at a costume party where he was abducted to perform medical aid to Lew Moxon, his parents murder by Joe Chill, Bruce Wayne fighting crime as Robin with the help of detective Harvey Harris, learning about law and justice at college from his professor Amos Rexford, the incident where a bat flew through the window inspiring him to become Batman, his early adventures with Dick Grayson as Robin, and the deaths of Joe Chill and Lew Moxon. ("In the Beginning", The Untold Legend of the Batman 1#, DC Comic, Event)

[martyrbat]

do u know where this is from it haunts my dreams

[ID: an up-close panel of Batman. He's visibly confused and has a question mark speech bubble before asking, “I'm pregnant?” END ID]

i do!! however im sorry to say your nightmares have all been for naught, since its a very popular edited panel :( the original is from batman annual #11:

(id in alt!)

i hope this doesn't discourage you from trying to get that man pregnant though, hes even in position for it in the last panel <33

[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.

[im-totally-not-an-alien-2]

Halloween prompts year 2 day 17

A supervillian had captured a supernatural creature in some kind of device, the entity in question looked like a white haired teen from what they could see of him in the glass sphere he was enclosed in.

The villian was monologing about how they would use the creatures sacred powers to resurrect some evil gods or whatever when the heros intervened knocking him away and accidentally started the machine.

The teen screamed as electricity flowed through his body. Tim ran to him searching for a way to turn off the machine when his hand touched the outside of the sphere.

Unbeknownst to the heros, the machine required a piece of whoever was dead to revive them, it could be hair, blood, bone or even...a memory

That was how Tim, as Robin (or Red Robin whoever you prefer) found himself holding not his mom or dad or anyone you might have expected.

No.

He was holding someone he never thought he'd see again. Someone who didn't even think she was real. Someone who was marveling at her new body made of flesh and blood

Annie.

[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.

[transpanda-1]

Still so n-nuts that basic facts about Clayface established in the series were forgotten in the transition to new adventures. Like there was only two episodes f-featuring him in the o-original BTAS and one of them cleanly stated he’s unaffected by e-electricity. But when he’s back he gets k-knocked out by electricity…wild…

[kiragecko]

Rating Post-Resurrection (but pre-nu52) Jason Todds

Hush(/Clayface/Jason Todd) - eh. Good instincts for drama. Good insults. You're fine, but it was easy to believe you were an imposter. Plot is ridiculous. (Personality 1) 7/10

Under the Hood/Family Reunion/Franchise/All They Do is Watch Us Kill - I mean ... yeah. You're what I think of when I think of Jason Todd. You define the character. Also, you ARE really funny with Black Mask. (Personality 2) 8/10

Life and Death (Titans Tower) - okay. YOU are not necessarily the problem here. The problem is that the author doesn't understand Tim or what happened in the comics he's referencing AT ALL, and puts the most nonsensical words into your mouth as a result. Also misunderstands the New Teen Titans. And you're drawn really ugly. Under all the retcons and nonsense there is SOME okay characterization, though! (Personality 3) 4/10

World War III - never plan on reading this.

Daedalus and Icarus (Summary of Jason's Return) - This is a recap, but it's a recap of things we haven't been shown. Recaps aren't stories, so it isn't GOOD, but it does have some puzzle pieces. (Personality 2) 3/10

Pay As You Go (Outsiders) - you try SO HARD! All you do this arc is try to help a superhero and get beaten up by Dick. Maybe a bit of standing around being awkward because you don't know how to break into the securest prison on the planet. You are being very fanon Jason this arc. (Personality 4) 5/10

Brothers in Blood (Nightwing) - you're ugly, you're mean, you're dumb, and you turn into a tentacle monster. An UGLY tentacle monster. I enjoy laughing at you! (Personality 5) 2/10

Seeing Red - this arc is SO FUN. You are unhinged, but I would have LIKED if this turned out to be who you are. You truly think that blowing up Mia's gym is HELPING!!! Delightful and silly and I like the talking ape. Go hang out with the Arrows more. (Personality 3) 8/10

Countdown - you remain my favorite post-resurrection version. Love you as an insecure, immature kid trying to impress your big brother's friend. Love how young you are. Love how emotionally fragile you are. Love all the pretending to be tough. This would have ALSO been a great version for other authours to run with! (Personality 4) 9/10

Search for a Hero - I HATE EVERY THOUGHT TIM HAS ABOUT YOU IN THIS ARC! Why does the authour think so little of you?? You are not dumb and brutish and I refuse to believe this slander. Your expressions when you see someone in your Red Robin costume, AND when Tim turns down your 'awesome' team up plan, both belong in an arc that respects you more. (Personality 3) 4/10

Robin Dies at Dawn - see, this is how people should write you interacting with Tim. I want him to take you on as a project, and everyone to recognize that this is both condescending and not healthy behaviour. I guess YOU don't actually do much, though. How is this the next issue? (Personality 3) 7/10

Battle for the Cowl - shouldn't there be editors? People to say, "this authour isn't very good and maybe these characters should act like themselves?" I want comics to be better. (Personality 4) 3/10

Revenge of the Red Hood/The Streets Run Red - I don't read Morrison, but I've seen a bunch of panels. Wrong sort of unhinged, in my opinion. I prefer you to be trying to help people, not win some sort of messed up contest with the Bats. (Personality 6) 5/10

Red Hood: The Lost Days - look, I'm not here for your thighs, your daddy issues, or your revenge fantasies. I am here for your truly unhinged attempts at bonding with others, and the sincere confusion you seem to have when they don't work. This is good, but not for me. There's not even any ridiculously large crates of kryptonite! (Personality 2) 7/10

[twosentencereviews]

Joker 2 will (probably) also be bad

I've gone on record saying Joker (2019) was a badly-conceived film, with ideas that are, at best, inconsistent and muddled.

And now they're making another one. With Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn. Maybe it will be better this time?

...no, probably not. Let me break it down.

So, the entire design philosophy of Joker (2019) from writer/director Todd Phillips was, quote, "we're gonna sneak in a real movie in the guise of a comic book movie". That is, Phillips wanted to make Taxi Driver...but he's only a talented enough filmmaker to make The Hangover at best, and The Hangover Part III at worst, and so Warner Bros only trusted him with an IP that was guaranteed to succeed regardless of quality.

This sucks on two levels. If we judge Joker as a "real film"...it fails utterly, because it's using the visual language of the 1970s to whine about 21st century woes, and even then doesn't have anything to say. The "failed standup act goes viral" plot beat doesn't fit with the media landscape of the 1970s, while the clown rioters echo the "eat the rich, defund the police" sentiment that was brewing in 2019 and would explode with George Floyd's murder in 2020. These things are included because Phillips is the kind of jerk who complains about "woke culture" on Twitter. The only reason Phillips sets the film in the 1970s...is because he's cheating off Scorsese's homework.

But if we judge Joker as a comic book movie, it also sucks, because it completely fails to live up to what makes The Joker so fascinating. See, The Joker is a Batman villain; a standout antagonist against the rogues gallery. You cannot understand The Joker except as a literary foil, as a dark reflection of the Dark Knight. Batman is a solemn, incorruptible force for justice. The Joker is a manic, incorruptible force of destruction. While many of Batman's villains are sympathetic (e.g. Mr Freeze), and others are garden-variety thugs with powers (e.g. Clayface), The Joker is pure. He cannot be reasoned with or negotiated with, he has no agenda beyond causing mayhem, and he has no better nature to appeal to. That charisma, that certainty of purpose, is what makes the Joker such a fun villain. Phillips throws all of that in the garbage--Arthur Fleck is weak-willed, cowardly, and just needs a friend.

And now, in Folie a deux...he's getting one, in the form of Gaga's Harley Quinn.

Now, Harley Quinn is different from the Joker. Harley was introduced in Batman: the Animated Series, voiced by Arleen Sorkin, as a counterpart to Mark Hamill's Joker. Her origin story is that she was Dr. Harlene Quinzel, a psychiatrist at Arkham Asylum, who tried to fix The Joker...only to be pulled in by his madness, taking a new name, costume, and falling head-over-heels for "Mista J", her "puddin'".

This is interesting because while The Joker only really makes sense as a Batman antagonist, Harley only really makes sense in the context of the Joker. Harley's story is one of domestic abuse; she is The Joker's greatest victim, and yet his staunchest ally. She sometimes realizes this and tries to get away, but can't escape his manipulative gravity. This obsessive love, however, is not returned; The Joker's soulmate is Batman, the yin to his yang, his equal and opposite. Nowhere is this more clear than in the iconic Mad Love, where Harley almost kills Batman as a gift to her puddin', only for The Joker to furiously lash out in a "no one kills Batman but me" kind of way.

So while the Joker is fun because he's so unsympathetic, Harley is fun because she is sympathetic. The Joker is fully evil, but Harley is only evil because of her exposure to The Joker; without him in the picture, she's just a manic antihero.

And that's exactly what's happened to her character over time; fan and authorial desire to see Harley achieve independence and escape the cycle of abuse led directly to her more modern portrayals, such as Margot Robbie in Suicide Squad (2016), Birds of Prey, and The Suicide Squad (2021). But even then, she was introduced in Suicide Squad against Jared Leto's Joker, and the start of Birds of Prey is her mourning her breakup with him. Her animated series starts the same way, seeking autonomy and an independent self-identity.

Folie a deux...isn't going to be doing that. It can't. It doesn't work with Arthur Fleck. The whole point of Joker (2019) is that Arthur Fleck is a loser, he's a failed nobody, he is the dregs of society that everyone ignores. His sexual frustration and loneliness form the basis of a major (and idiotic) plot beat with Zazie Beetz. He is a million miles from the "charismaniac" of Hamill or Ledger--there is zero possibility that he could "infect" a brilliant psychiatrist.

To his credit, Phillips realizes this, and is taking a different angle. From the trailer, it looks like Gaga's Harley is going to be a fellow Arkham resident, and she's going to be the one who initiates flirtation with Arthur, in a sort of "love letter to a serial killer" kind of admiration. The trailer leans heavily on the refrain of "what the world needs now is love, sweet love", and overall seems to be framing itself as an honest-to-god romance. Instead of the Joker/Harley relationship being abuser/victim, it looks instead to be toxic enabling, where Harley encourages Arthur to embrace his worst, most destructive instincts.

And...that's probably going to be framed as a good thing. See, if Folie a deux is going to be a romance, then plot constraints demand that there needs to be an obstacle dividing the lovers and preventing their happy union. What obstacle could exist between Arthur and Harley? Why, the entire legal system, of course--we see in the teaser multiple shots of them going up courthouse steps. It's likely that the pair fall in love in Arkham, escape ("let's get out of here", Harley says), are recaptured, and then have to defend themselves in court. This might have a "happy ending" where they win and leave together, affirming that enabling a violent criminal is a good thing. Or it might have a "sad ending" where the court outcome separates them, affirming Arthur's nihilism and anger at a system he perceives as unjust only when it inconveniences him. Either way, Harley is going to be framed as good for Arthur, making him better while making him worse.

Could this be done well? Maybe. It's certainly possible. Canon is already so broken that it's no longer a limitation. A talented director might realize the moral complexity in the relationship between two violent, mentally unstable murderers. One could frame the entire thing as a tragedy, where "boy gets girl back again" is shown to be disastrous (as in The Graduate). Or, it could even be something of an inversion of the more canonical Joker/Harley romance; instead of Harley realizing that she's better off without Mista J, it might be Arthur realizing he is better off without Harley.

But it almost certainly won't be any of that. Because Phillips thinks that Arthur Fleck is relatable. He thinks he's a martyr, a victim of targeted injustice, a doomed hero refusing to bow to societal norms. But he isn't. Arthur Fleck is an entitled white boy who simultaneously sees his suffering as a systemic failing, while also refusing to see how the system harms others, and refusing to see how his own choices make things worse for everyone. Arthur Fleck is an embodiment of denied privilege, where cishet white men expect to be lavished with unearned success, and are butthurt when they don't get it.

And above all, the thing that media has always told men is that a manic pixie dream girl is going to find you and fall madly in love with you despite your obvious failings. That is the heterosexual male romantic fantasy; love without effort, acceptance without labor, companionship without obligation. Todd Phillips might play this straight. Or he might set this up for Arthur, only to deny it as an act of authorial cruelty. But the first film demonstrates that he lacks the self-awareness necessary to actually deconstruct it, to criticize the expectation itself.

So no. I don't think Folie a deux will be better than its prequel. Because for Todd Phillips to make a better movie, he'd have to be a better person. And he's not.

[zahri-melitor]

Wait, I have another one! Clayface! (Dealers choice which one)

Oh you're going to put me on the spot, are you? Then it's Cassius Payne, who's my favourite Clayface.

Cassius if he's written right is a tiny tragedy writ large, because he's never been normal since the moment of his birth (he was born a Clayface, he inherited it from both parents), he's been exploited by STAR Labs scientists and the DEO, and half the time nobody remember's he's still a toddler (which governs SO MANY of his actions).

Also Abattoir, who is secretly one of my favourite one note-villains as far as 'has a solid persona arc in very little space' goes, kidnapped Cassius when he was a kid. Fun note!

My rec for him would be Batman #550, which is a Mud Pack-style story about the DEO being unethical (surprise surprise), contains Cassius actually acting like a toddler, and is the backdoor pilot for Chase. Also J.H. Williams III drew it.

[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)

[dan-cyril-kingston]

If DC Comics tasked you with creating a DC tarot deck, which character would you choose to portray on each major arcana?

Disclaimer: as I prefer to read Tarot de Marseille using the Franco-Italian meanings, my choices tend to reflect those, as opposed to the more common, Anglo-American, Waitean associations.

I. Le Bateleur ��� John Constantine

II. La Papesse – Death or Barbara Gordon

III. L’Impératrice – Poison Ivy

IV. L’Empereur – Lex Luthor

V. Le Pape – Alfred Pennyworth

VI. L’Amoureux – Tim Drake

VII. Le Chariot – Wonder Woman

VIII. La Justice – Two-Face

IX. L’Hermite – Batman

X. La Roue de Fortune – Sandman or Flash

XI. La Force – Beast Boy or Conner Kent

XII. Le Pendu – Bane

XIII. L’Arcane Sans Nom – Jason Todd

XIV. Tempérance – Nightwing

XV. Le Diable – Klarion The Witch Boy

XVI. La Maison Dieu – Arkham Asylum

XVII. L’Étoile – Zatanna

XVIII. La Lune – Clayface or Dr. Destiny

XIX. Le Soleil – Supermen (Clark & Jon)

XX. Le Jugement – The Lazarus Pit

XXI. Le Monde – Green Lanterns

XXII. Le Mat – Joker

[calciumcryptid]

Earth-64 | Brief List of the Bat Cauldron

Important Note: The following post consists of a listing of the Bat Cauldron how they are on Earth-64, a fan-made alternate Earth of the DC universe personally made by me.

THE WAYNE FAMILY

Bruce Wayne - Batman I

Selina Kyle - Catwoman I

Talia al'Ghul - Demoness

Dick Grayson - Robin I, Nightingale

Jason Todd - Robin II, Red Hood II, Redkite

Duke Thomas - Signal, Lark

Tim Drake - Stray, Robin III, Golden Aix

Cassandra Brown-Wayne: Orphan, Batgirl II, Black Bat, Batman II

Stephanie Brown-Wayne: Spoiler, Robin IV, Batgirl III, Starling

Damian Wayne-Wilkes: Robin V, Vireo

Collin Wilkes: Abuse, Sparrowhawk

Helena Sage-Wayne: Huntress

Victor 'Vic' Sage: Question II

Terry Wayne: Batmite

Athanasia Wayne: Hellhound

THE KANE FAMILY

Kate Kane - Batwoman I, Vampire Bat

Renee Montoya - Question I

Bette Kane - Goshawk

THE GORDON FAMILY

Jim Gordon - Commissioner Gordon

Barbara Gordon - Batgirl I, Oracle

Alysia Gordon - Honorary Batgirl

THE FOX FAMILY

Lucius Fox

Tanya Fox

Jace Fox - Flying Fox

Luke Fox - Honorary Batman, Batwing II

Tamara Fox - Lady Fox

Tiffany Fox - Batgirl IV (Retired)

THE EXTENDED BAT CAULDRON

Harleen Quinzel: Harley Quinn

Minhkhoa "Khoa" Khan: Ghost-Maker

David Zavimbe: Honorary Batman, Batwing I

Jean-Paul Valley: Honorary Batman, Azrael

Basil Karlo: Clayface (Retired)

Harper Row: Bluebird

Colin Row: Carrier, Oracle II

Mia Mizoguchi: Maps

Carrie Kelly: Robin VI, Oriole

Nell Little: Batgirl V

Claire Clover: Lady Gotham (Retired)

Hank Clover: Gotham (Deceased)

Onyx Adams: Onyx

THE NOTES

All characters listed have been canon characters in one way or another. Not all characters work primarily in Gotham, but have worked there at some point in time. This is to be updated as there are more characters to be added.

In the early years, the Bat Cauldron was fairly isolated from the other masks, which was one of the primary reasons Dick left Bruce. Despite starting the Titans, Dick was not told of the Nightwing and Flamebird story so when deciding a new identity Dick became Nightingale instead of Nightwing. Superman is still his favorite hero though.

The Robin and Batgirl mantles must be passed down from the previous Robin and Batgirl.

Due to the early death of the Joker, Duke Thomas' acquisition happened earlier than the comics. In the same vein, Jason's Red Hood era was a brief period in his life and he rejoins the Bat Cauldron as Redkite.

Due to Jason's death, Bruce refused to give Tim the mantle of Robin so Catwoman took him in as her first sidekick where he served as Stray. When Jason returned, he passed the Robin mantle to Tim who accepted it. Tim's time as Stray made him a bit more flirty than his canon counterpart, and he realized he was bi sooner.

Along with the tech Robin, Tim is known as the water Robin due to being unafraid to get into the toxic Gotham water. This contributed to his alias of Golden Aix, and Arthur Curry often jokes that Bruce stole an Atlantean.

Stephanie was active before Cassandra, but Cassandra was Batgirl before Stephanie. Cass passed her the Batgirl title because Cass was heading on a mission in Tokyo and it would be weird if Batgirl showed up there. That period of time made them realize their feelings for each other, and the first thing Cass did when she returned was confess her feelings.

In this universe, Bette Kane is the adopted daughter of Kate Kane and Renee Montoya.

Colin Row worked as a messenger for Oracle, and later becomes the second Oracle.

Carrie Kelly and Tiffany Fox were the first Robin and Batgirl under Cassandra's time as Batman. Tiffany would later give the mantle to Nell Little.

Terry is not the second Batman because I don't personally like the Batmam Beyond storyline, but he is still a hero under his big sister Cass!

I have some characters marked as Honorary Batmans because if I try to make some sense of that timeline my head will explode.

[sebeth]

Who's Who In The DC Universe #1: Arkham Asylum, Atari Force, Atlantis

Arkham Asylum by Steve Bissette & John Totleben

Located on a wooded acre of land just north of Gotham City

Founded in 1921 by Dr. Amadeus Arkham, a vigorous social reformer, on land left to him by his mother

Amadeus’s mother suffered from mental illness

The asylum was the first facility of its kind in Gotham

Amadeus transformed his ancestral home into an asylum and staffed it with some of the most prominent psychologists and physicians of the time.

One of Arkham’s first inmates was “Mad Dog” Martin Hawkins, who had been found not guilty by reason of insanity in the murders of Arkham’s wife and infant daughters.

Dr. Arkham treated Hawkins with “great concern and compassion”, right up to Hawkin’s accidental electrocution two months after his incarceration.

In 1929, 6 days after the legendary stock crash, Dr. Arkham went berserk and was arrested when he attempted to electrocute his stockbroker. Amadeus wasn’t happy over losing his entire fortune in the crash.

Amadeus was committed to Arkham Asylum. He spent the remainder of his days carving indecipherable inscriptions on the floor of his cell while singing “The Battle Hymn of the Republic”.

Amadeus passed away in his sleep on April 7, 1963.

The Asylum wen through a series of state-appointed administrators after Amadeus’s incarceration.

The most recent was Dr. Byron Blaine, who has held the position since his predecessor was taken captive and replaced by Professor Achilles Milo, one of the Asylum’s inmates.

Other notable inmates include Two-Face, the Floronic Man, the Mad Hatter, Clayface III, Maxie Zeus, and the Joker.

Arkham Asylum debuted in the Batman comics in 1974 but has quickly become a foundational aspect of the Batman mythos. Hugo Strange, Harley Quinn, and Scarecrow all worked at Arkham Asylum in the various continuities. Numerous important storylines have taken place at Arkham, including the kickoff of Knightfall when Bane released the inmates to exhaust Batman.

I haven’t read Grant Morrison’s Arkham Asylum since it came out in 1989 but I think I remember the writer referencing Amadeus’s backstory. I seem to remember Mad Dog’s electrocution wasn’t so accidental after all. The Who’s Who entry (which pre-dates Morrison’s story by 4/5 years hints about the true nature of Mad Dog’s death when Amadeus attempts to electrocute his stockbroker). I don’t blame Amadeus, no one should be tasked to care for his wife and infant daughter’s murderer.

Amadeus played a background role in the Batman Arkham games when Quincy Sharpe, the Asylum’s current administrator, becomes convinced he is the reincarnation of Amadeus Arkham.

Arkham Asylum appears in all the various Bat Family titles and crossover media (cartoons, movies, video games). Notable storylines include the Arkham Asylum GN by Grant Morrison and Arkham Asylum: Living Hell. “Living Hell” isn’t as famous as Morrison’s graphic novel, but I enjoyed it. It follows a businessman who pleads insanity to avoid prison. The judge is fed up and sentences the man to Arkham. It doesn’t end well for him.

The Asylum has appeared in various non-Bat titles, including the Justice League, Justice Society, and Sandman. Arkham made appearances in the Justice League cartoon and a Suicide Squad animated movie.

Atari Force by Eduardo Barreto

Earth has been ravaged by war and ecological imbalance. The Atari Technology and Research Institute sent a specially trained crew throughout the multiverse to find a new world for humanity.

The crew found a new world after months of trials and tribulations. It was dubbed New Earth.

Twenty-five years later, the Dark Destroyer returned to menace New Earth.

Martin Chapman, one of the original founders of New Earth, founded the Atari Force to battle the Dark Destroyer.

The team is composed of Martin, his son, and members of various alien recipes.

DC issued digests in the 1980s (the size of the Archie digests you find in the grocery stores). One series of digests was devoted to the Legion of Super-Heroes (it’s how I read most of the Silver Age appearances of the Legion). Another had random reprints of various DC comics. This digest contained the only Atari Force story I have read. If you’re curious, the other stories in the digest were a Blue Devil story, the “Who Is Donna Troy” New Titans story, and the “Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner” Legion story (the one where Gim introduces Yera to his parents). I don’t recall much of the Atari Force story.

Atari Force was licensed from the actual Atari company which explains why the group isn’t seen/reference anymore.

Atlantis by Marshall Rogers

Located in the North Atlantic Ocean, the continent of Atlantis was one of the first places on Earth where civilization flourished. It was the most sophisticated civilization in the world, establishing twelve scattered settlement cities on other continents.

Magic was the dominant source of power in early Atlantis but science and technology gradually rose to prominence, later Atlantis combined magic with technology

Atlantis launched an exploratory spacecraft in 45,500 BC

King Thorval sent six expeditions in the 9600 BC to find alternate places for Atlanteans to live in the face of an impending natural catastrophe

One of the expeditions founded a colony in a secluded area between the earth’s surface and the hidden land known as Skartaris

Atlantis sank beneath the sea with only two of its cities surviving (Tritonis and Poseidonis)

The Atlanteans constructed protective domes around the cities and developed serums to allow underwater breathing

The citizens of Tritonis had an unexpected reaction to the serum and transformed into merfolk.

The Atlanteans developed telepathic abilities to communicate underwater. (But only Aquaman can command the creatures of the sea).

Tritonis remains secluded but Poseidonis has had more public exposure, including a major exposition held for the air-breathing people.

Remnants of the original Atlantean colony lost beneath the earth have been active again recently, attempting a takeover of Skartaris, which was thwarted by Travis Morgan (the Warlord).

Aquaman, Aquagirl, Aqualad, Arion, and Atlantis itself. Aquaman’s corner of the DC universe was features heavily in the first issue of “Who’s Who In The DC Universe”.

Atlantis has a role in all Aquaman series and other media projects.  Power Girl was connected to Atlantis in a unnecessary post-Crisis retcon. Don’t worry, the retcon was also retconned and Power Girl is once again a Kryptonian. Atlantis and its citizens were featured in Infinite Crisis when an unstable Spectre unleashed his wrath on the area (he was on a rampage against magic users). DC’s Atlantis has made appearances in the Justice League cartoon, Young Justice cartoon and comic, and an animated Justice League movie.

[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 

[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