#the court of owls saga

[mylifeinfiction]

Batman: The Court of Owls Saga by Scott Snyder & Greg Capullo

". . . I'LL BE WATCHING. ALWAYS."

The Court of Owls Saga is AWESOME! I went into this book completely in the dark about anything to do with what or who The Court of Owls was, and what I got was a brutal, nightmarish exploration of Gotham's role in Batman's mythology, and vice versa. Scott Snyder's writing doesn't quite reach the heights of Miller (and there's a plot-twist late in the game that I simply didn't like) but his understanding of Batman as a symbol and Bruce Wayne as a man—and what they both represent and how they function within their world—brings to this story a sense of identity that richly embodies the more specific themes, making the stakes feel as urgent as they do desperate.

And Greg Capullo's artwork is straight-up BADASS! He brings both the ferocity of these enemies and the nightmare into which they thrust Bats to life with a visceral sense of despair and hallucinatory terror. It's truly fantastic work that brings Batman to life in ways both stunningly classic and shockingly surreal.

8.5/10

-Timothy Patrick Boyer.

[humanoidluv]

we as a collective (dick grayson fans) don't talk enough about how perfectly dick was able to mimic the joker when appearing as him. we also don't talk about how this is the 2nd? time? that dick was put in arkham by bruce for a mission. and bruce left him in there an extra day this time. what the fuck.

[chiyana]

hi so I'm not dead but also my brain has been ???? full of bees, so, so many bees

I'm still working on the next installment for The Knight and Crest but I am an idiot with no sense of moderation so I ended up with two relatively plot-heavy ideas that are happening roughly simultaneously so I'm writing them roughly simultaneously wwhy have I done this? to myself???

and then I keep getting ideas for later segments and getting distracted and wanting to write those so now I'm kind of writing several different installments at once because BEES

anyway the point is I'm not dead and also I maybe have a plan where the Riddler clones himself to make his own perfect minion except his clone hates him and wants to make real puzzles so he's trying to come up with a new (civilian) name for himself (he's just going to call himself the Riddler and refer to original!Riddler as Puzzler or something until it sticks) and the E. Nygma name is too good to pass up so anyone have any 'E' name suggestions that aren't Edward or start with 'Ed' for him?

[pausegame]

🫠.

[fastestmanalive333]

If I made a DC Movie Universe

Phase 1 Superman: Legacy to kick off it will be a superman movie, heroes are referenced but this is a superman movie.. the villain will be metallo cause we're all tired of lex and zod

Batman: Lonely Place of Dying (introduce Tim Drake, Dick will already be Nightwing)

Wonder Woman 1944 (introduces the JSA, Steve and Etta Diana will help found the JSA, the villains will be Villainy Inc and introduce various of Dianas rogues)

Justice League International Movie(introduces Wally and other heroes and expands on the universe)

Flash Movie(Wally West the villain being Vandal Savage and will adapt the Savage Velocity storyline, Wally will deal with the weight of the mantle, linda will be introduced along with the McGees)

Phase 2

Superman Last Son (an adaptation of the Last Son storyline and will introduce Chris Kent)

Hal Jordan GL Movie based on Sinestro Corps War

Batman: Knightfall (an adaptation of the Knightfall storyline and will introduce Bane and Azrael)

Supergirl: Earth Angel HBO Series (Linda Danvers series, an adaptation of Peter Davids run, Kara makes a cameo at the end)

Wonder Woman: Gods and Mortals (this will take inspiration from Perezs run while being its own thing while the villainy inc were the villains of the first film for this one the villain will in fact be Circe, it'll show Dianas relationships with Donna, and her daughter Lyta.. and wanting to save her husband, old and ailing Steve Trevor)

Young Justice (Introduces Superboy, Wonder Girl, and Impulse, it will be self contained while adapting Peter Davids run)

Hellblazer (Mostly Based on Mike Careys run and self containedl)

Teen Titans(60s' esque series based on the fab five everything aesthetically looks 60s but there's modern technology villain will be Mr Twister)

Blue and Gold HBO series (literally a buddy cop)

JSA (After the Events of Wonder Woman Gods and Mortals the JSA Return and get back together, their history uncovered, it will have them come face to face with a villain they long thought dead Per Degaton)

Martian Manhunter Movie

Infinity Inc Movie(introduces the Infinity Inc team and Huntress.. the illegitimate Daughter of Batman this will adapt the Generations saga)

Titans Together (fab five movie, the court of owls will be the villains being an illuminati type organization)

Justice League of America(Based on Morrisons run)

The Atom (Will Feature Ryan Choi as Atom, and adapt his run, he will go on a quest to look for Ray Palmer)

Phase 3

JLA vs Titans (brings both teams face to face with one another as The Titans are framed for conspiracy the villain is revealed to be Checkmate run by Loren Jupiter the Black King who seeks destroy all superheroes after the death of his daughter Lilith in Titans Together, ends with the disbanding of both teams)

Batman: No Mans Land (an adaptation of No Mans Land introduces Cassandra Cain, Helena reveals herself to be Bruces daughter)

Wonder Woman: Gods and Monsters(so ends the ww trilogy brings Diana face to face with Ares whom after the disbandment of the league seeks to cause a global war beyond anything the worlds seen this will bring Diana, Donna, Cassie, and Lyta together)

New Gods Movie (will introduce the New Gods the main characters will probably be Scott and Barda)

Flash: The Return of Barry Allen(after the disbandment of the justice league and Titans Wally plans to propose to Linda Park, but things seem to get distrupted as his old mentor seems to have returned but how? spoiler it is really Thawne.. in the end tho wally and linda will marry)

Green Lantern: Blackest Night(an adaptation of blackest night)

JLA: United Parts 1 & 2 (Based on Final Crisis, all heroes will be brought together to face off against darkseid, Linda Danvers and Batman will be the two big sacrifices)

Superman: Brainiac(after JL United Brainiac appears to collect earth, Pa Kent will die,

Phase 4

Nightwing and Flamebird(HBO Series, Chris Kent will return him and Thara will become Nightwing and Flamebird)

Superman: New Krypton (an adaptation of the New Krypton saga)

Huntress (batman may be dead but his legacy lives on in his daughter the Huntress)

The Flash: Blitz (Wally and Linda are now expecting twins, this will introduce Hunter Zolomon and be an adaptation of Blitz ending Wallys trilogy) Green Lantern: Wrath of the First Lantern(will introduce simon baz and adapt both rise of the third army and wrath of the first lantern concluding the trilogy)

Aquaman: King of Atlantis(Will be based off Peter Davids run)

Superboy (HBO Series, will feature Conner Kent)

Dr Fate (will feature Kent Nelson)

Hawkman & Hawkgirl (HBO Series, will be based off Vendittis run)

Blue Beetle: Graduation Day(Ted Kord and Jaime Reyes team up)

Nightwing (HBO Series)

Green Lantern/Green Arrow: Hard Travelling Heroes (will feature Hal and Ollie)

Black Canary (HBO series) Teen Titans(Will Show YJ taking on the footsteps of the Fab Five and becoming the new teen titans)

Batman Incorporated(Introduces Leviathan.. an organization that seeks to destabilize society, Huntress and Nightwing band together to form Batman Incorporated)

Magog(HBO Series)

Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow? (an adaptation of whatever happened to the man of tomorrow.. superman retires in the end)

Kingdom Come(years have passed as the final battle of the universe has come... )

[ghost-bxrd]

For "your court of owls batfam" au , how would Bruce react if Cobb ever got seriously hurt to the point of maybe having to be replaced? Also how do Dick and Jason feel about Cobb? Do they get along or is it strictly professional?

MWAHAHA I GOT ONE PERSON INTERESTED IN THIS AU ALREADY! *cheers*

Okay so Talon lore is that very little can keep a Talon down permanently. They can even regrow limbs if given enough time! So that’s neat. But basically replacing Talons isn’t a practice often exercised.

I know the Court canonically tried getting rid of Cobb in the Court of Owls saga because he got defeated by Batman and they didn’t think he’d “recover from the shame of being so thoroughly deafeated”.

It therefore stands to reason that he’s aware that he’s easily replaceable (there is always more than one Talon at any given time, although stored away in cryo usually) if he doesn’t perform to the Court’s expectations. Cobb is the best, been the best, Talon for over a century (?) now, but that means nothing if he fails to fulfill his missions.

So let’s say Cobb gets heavily injured by something that shouldn’t have been much of a challenge for a Talon. Let’s say his inattention/hubris/whatever nearly gets Bruce killed—-

That would be scandalous.

For one, his injuries will take several weeks to heal. Weeks in which the Voice will be virtually defenseless without their Talon. This is unacceptable.

And Two, some regular two bit criminals should have never been able to best a Talon in such a way. It’s a disgrace to the Court.

No, no, a new Talon must take Cobb’s place now. He has become obsolete. His services have been appreciated, but, “oh, you understand dear Talon, don’t you? The weak must be culled from the flock”.

And Cobb understands. He does. He’d thought- he thought he’d have more time, though. Time to convince Bruce to let him train the boy after all, to make sure his Voice is protected even after Cobb is gone. That the Court’s machinations will not see Bruce dead before the year is done because the new Talon will not know that Bruce is the best thing to have happened to the Court in a century. They will end up killing Bruce, killing Dick— (he shouldn’t care- he doesn’t care. He doesn’t. He doesn’t. He doesn’t-)

But then Bruce storms into the labs like the onset of a hurricane, all righteous fury and indignation, Dick hot on his heels (wide eyed and still too little with not enough training to hold out against the new Talon long enough to at least escape) demanding what the fuck is going on and why his Talon isn’t back by his side yet.

And he doesn’t accept the scientists’ reasonings that Cobb has done his duty; has become “outdated”. Doesn’t accept the reassurances of the “new one” being just as good— no, better, than the previous one. Doesn’t accept that a new Talon is supposed to protect him now. (“Him or none,” Bruce says, tone colder than the permafrost of the arctic, and at his side Dick’s eyes flash with unvoiced threat. “Now get out of my way.”)

As to the relationship between Cobb and the kids, well. His and Dick’s relationship is tense at first. Cobb has no interest being anything of a family to him despite their blood relations. He only sees Dick as a potential new (and perfect) Talon that could keep Bruce safe if he himself is deemed “outdated”. He’s not happy about all the potential “going to waste” by Dick being made Bruce’s ward, being allowed to live a sort of normal life. But once Dick approaches him for some training in physical combat… well. Sorry, Cobb tried. He really did. But Dick Grayson invented charisma, and even Cobb isn’t immune. He grudgingly starts liking the kid but will deny that until he’s blue in the face. Dick ends up being the Gray Son of Gotham, the highest ranking court member after Bruce with the training of a Talon.

With Jason it’s more straight forward. At first Cobb is pissed at Bruce for taking in a “street rat” and intending to adopt him, but… well, Jason grows on him “like fungus” (a direct quote). At first Cobb doesn’t really know what to make of Jason. The kid is loud and aggressive, but shrinks away like a wilting flower at the first signs of someone raising their voice. (He’s soft, Cobb thinks. The Court will eat him alive.)

But Jason’s also got a spine of steel as he clearly demonstrates when he jumps Cobb with a knife after an unfortunate misunderstanding where he assumed Bruce was in danger of him, and that kind of loyalty at least he can work with. (The kid’s still soft inside as all get out, but he’s excellent at covering it up with violence and bravado, and his charm is that he’s honest in a way so utterly foreign to the Court that it endears him to all the trustworthy members within a few months).

Jason becomes The Heart of the Court, the morality that Bruce was starting to have trouble clinging to; keeping them all on the right path towards a better future. A better Gotham.

(Cobb absolutely loves the children as much as Bruce does. It just takes him a bit longer to get there. And Jason is his favorite sorry I don’t make the rules. COUGH.)

[acourtofmishapandmistakes]

A Court of Ice and Shadows: Chapter 3

OC Character x Azriel

Summary: Set after "A Court of Silver Flames" (ACOSF), this story follows original character Lene, an elite warrior of the Hesker Clan from the Winter Court. Tasked with diplomatic duty in the Night Court, Lene's mission is to help retrain the Valkyries and help squash potential uprising in the Illyrian camps. As she navigates centuries-old animosities and discovers herself beyond the icy confines of her homeland, Lene must confront her past and decide who she wants to become.

Click here for other parts: Chapter 1, Chapter 2

Characters: Featuring original characters alongside core characters from the ACOTAR series.

Disclaimers: All characters and settings pertaining to the core ACOTAR series belong to Sarah J. Maas, with additional material created for the purpose of this fanfiction

Content Warnings: None.

Note: Some words used in this story are of Norwegian or Scandinavian origin. I do not speak either language, but adapted the researched words to fit the narrative. For notes regarding any of these words, see the end of the chapter.

Chapter 3

The ancient forests enveloping Hellingdom Manor teemed with towering pine trees, their branches perennially adorned with a thick mantle of snow, save for the fleeting thaw of summer. Lene knew every whisper of the wind through these trees, every hidden path beneath the snow. During the stark, dark days of late winter, when the sun seldom pierced the cloud cover, she would delve deep into the woods. Here, amidst the silent sentinels of nature, snow owls soared silently and snow foxes darted, their playful kits trailing behind, weaving through the dense underbrush. These woods, steeped in centuries of secrets, held a sacred place in the hearts of the fae females of Hellingdom, echoing with the whispers of their foremothers.

Hellingdom itself was originally founded as a bastion for the Hekser clan, a venerable lineage of female warriors dedicated to serving the High Lord of the Winter Court. These warriors, led by Lene’s forebears for millennia, not only fought bravely but were also immortalized in grand tapestries that depicted their fierce battles and noble sacrifices.

Long before the seven courts were established and the land was scourged by the Daglan terror, the fae of this region sought sanctuary in the craggy mountains. There, they honed ancient abilities to manipulate snow and ice—mystic skills now lost to the ages. The clans prospered, sustaining themselves through trade and a unified front, traditionally under male leadership.

The saga of the Hekser began with Freydis and Lova, two mated fae females who boldly defied their clans' leaders by refusing to sever their bond. In an era when such a union was scorned as witchcraft, Freydis and Lova remained steadfast. They secretly met at the base of Vindvokterfjell Mountain during the winter solstice—a time when darkness reigned for two solid weeks. There, hidden from prying eyes, they affirmed their commitment and lived in seclusion near the mountain for nearly fifty years.

Their quiet existence was forever changed when they stumbled upon Silje, a newborn girl, frail and abandoned in the woods. They named her and raised her as their own, and as the years passed, other children—lost or left—found their way to Freydis and Lova's door. The couple's family swelled to include over fourteen fae children, each one cherished and nurtured.

Decades later, a fae woman, ousted by her husband under accusations of witchcraft, sought sanctuary with them. She had heard of the "Vindvokterkind"—children rumored to have been left at the mountain as offerings, only to thrive under the guardianship of the mountain. These children, observed by nearby villagers as they frolicked through the forest, were testament to the sanctuary's legend. After recovering under Freydis and Lova's care, the woman returned to her clan, spreading the tale of the compassionate duo who defied societal norms to create a haven of love and safety.

As time marched on and Freydis and Lova aged, they passed their legacy to their daughters, who continued the tradition of compassion and resistance. When High King Fionn rose to unite the fae against the Daglan, he enlisted the aid of Freydis and Lova's descendants. Trained by his side, they rose as formidable warriors, particularly the women, who later named themselves the Hekser Clan, or "The Witches."

After triumphing over the Daglan, the Heksers gained fame as trainers of warriors and staunch allies of the Winter Court's High Lord, fiercely defending the honor of female fae. Although the original cabin succumbed to flames during Fionn’s downfall, taking Freydis and Lova with it, their daughters resurrected it as Hellingdom Manor, a beacon of refuge for all seeking solace.

Lene, a descendant of one of these resilient daughters, was now charged with perpetuating this legacy of sanctuary and empowerment. Although the Hekser and the Valkyries of the Night Court had fought side by side, a fateful decision during a war six hundred years prior had confined the Hekser to their court, leading to the Valkyries' tragic fall. Lene’s mother often shared these stories, her voice heavy with regret, wishing she could have joined their sisters in that fateful battle.

Lene cherished the rides through the dense, snow-laden forests with her mother, Solveig, who would share the storied legacy of the Hekser clans. Solveig's voice carried a deep pride as she recounted their ancestry, instilling in Lene a profound respect for their heritage. Together, they would explore the carvings left by the children of Freydis and Lova in the mountain walls—vivid depictions that chronicled the epic tales of their foremothers.

In her younger days, Solveig and Brynjar had roamed the deep ravines and towering peaks, uncovering secrets long before Lene's time. Now, with Brynjar aged at an impressive 800 years, his days of swift galloping were behind him. Normally, Lene might coax him into a brisker pace, but today, with hours to spare before her meeting with High Lord Kallias, she allowed Brynjar to set a leisurely pace. The soft crunch of his hooves breaking through the pristine snow created a rhythmic serenade, punctuated only by the occasional yips from Lumi, who was eagerly exploring every nook she came across.

It would take just an hour's ride to reach Lysdal, the vibrant city where Kallias’ castle stood imposingly against the mountainside. The city that High Lady Viviane had worked so hard to protect when Amarantha had risen to power. This hour of tranquility in the woods was a double-edged sword for Lene; it provided a peaceful respite yet also too much time to dwell on the uncertain reasons behind Kallias’ summons. With each step Brynjar took, Lene’s mind raced through myriad possibilities, none of which did anything to ease the growing knot of anxiety about the impending, mysterious discussion with Kallias.

Lene had often ventured into Lysdal alongside her kin and companions. The city served as the nearest hub, a pulsing heart of commerce where they sourced the necessities that the manor couldn't provide through its sporadic specialized deliveries. For the grand occasion of a seventieth birthday—a milestone marked with particular revelry among their kind—the women of the clan would descend upon the city. They would indulge in nights of unbridled celebration, their laughter spilling into the streets as they danced and drank under the stars. As dawn approached, packs of giggling, inebriated fae females would weave their way back through the forest, their steps light and unburdened by fear. For they were not merely merrymakers; they were warriors, sharp and unmatched, and the woods held no terror for them.

Lene's own seventieth had seen her twirling on the cobbled streets of Lysdal, her laughter mingling with that of audacious fae males, who were quite taken by her vivacious spirit. In a moment of boldness, she had playfully suggested they continue their festivities back at the manor. However, her plans were swiftly curtailed by a friend's prudent intervention, who steered her away with a knowing smile. Lene was well-acquainted with the company of men, versed in the secluded nooks of the forest that offered refuge from the watchful eyes of the world. 

Yet, the whispers of past liaisons, hidden behind fallen pines or within the sequestered embrace of snow-shrouded caves, were far from Lene's mind as Brynjar crested the final hill. Below them, Lysdal stirred into the crisp morning, nestled in the formidable shadow of mighty Skogtind Mountain. The city itself seemed to dwell in a perpetual twilight, cast by the mountain's vast presence, imbuing every stone and street with a sense of eternal dusk.

The quaint cottages dotting the city’s outskirts were home to esteemed reindeer breeders and hardy farmers whose lives rhythmically pulsed with the land. The heart of Lysdal, however, was a marvel of architecture—buildings masterfully sculpted from the ancient ice and stone of Skogtind. These structures mirrored the intricate frost patterns that adorned every available surface, weaving a tapestry of frozen lace that caught the light with every turn.

Encircling Lysdal stood the Ice Wall, a colossal structure both awe-inspiring and chilling, erected centuries ago and imbued with ancient wards. Carved deep into its icy facade were the sagas of the Winter Court, each story a frozen testament to its rich history. More than just a barrier, the wall was a spectacle in itself; however, its true power lay in the palpable cold it radiated. This frigid aura permeated the air, sinking into the bones of any who dared approach, a stark reminder of the city’s fortified, mystic strength. 

Brynjar halted at the crest of the hill, and Lene's gaze swept over the landscape before her, finally settling on Kallias’ castle, Iskronen. Carved into the side of Skogtind, it jutted out like a formidable iceberg, its walls of solid ice infused with magic to prevent melting. The structure rose as though it were composed of icicles set upside down, with a central spire that scattered shafts of blue and purple light across the town square whenever sunlight filtered through. Lene had always found the castle’s grandeur slightly ostentatious—why did one family need such an edifice if not as a mere symbol of their stature?

"Pa," Lene called softly to Brynjar, coaxing him forward. He had just taken a step when Lumi burst from beneath him, scampering down the steep, icy hillside with joyful abandon. Her paws flailed against the slick surface, failing to find purchase. Both Lene and Brynjar watched as the hapless fox collided with a pine tree at the hill’s base. Lene shook her head, her fingers pinching the bridge of her nose, while Brynjar simply snorted and continued down the hill with far more caution than Lumi, who shook off the snow from her unintended stop and bounded ahead through the frost-laden fields.

As they neared the city, Brynjar guided Lene through the farms to the imposing ice wall. Two Winter Guards, recognizing her by the subtle gray fabric and white lining of her parka, embroidered with the Hekser insignia—a frosted yew tree at the base of Vindvokterfjell—nodded and waved her through. Each guard bore a Winter Court broadsword at their hip, quite a sight, had Lene not been able to bring them to their knees with just a simple swipe of a sword or knife.

Upon reaching the city’s gate, Lene commanded, "Buga," and Brynjar obediently knelt to allow her to dismount gracefully. She held the reins loosely in one hand, knowing well that Brynjar would either remain steadfastly beside her or follow faithfully without needing guidance.

With a couple of hours to spare before her meeting with Kallias, Lene decided to explore the bustling open market, where merchants were just beginning to display their wares. As she meandered from stall to stall, Brynjar, an imposing presence, trailed behind her. Fae children craned their necks to gaze up at the giant elk, their fingers pointing excitedly.

Spotting a small fae girl whispering to her mother about how soft Brynjar might feel, Lene lifted her up to his neck. The child’s fingers delved into his thick, wiry coat, and Brynjar turned his head to regard Lene, his expression one of mild resignation. "How the mighty have fallen," Lene mused silently, a wry smile touching her lips as she considered the warrior mount now content to be adored by children.

Lene's fingers trailed delicately over the soft fabrics and blankets displayed by local vendors, appreciating their craftsmanship even though it paled in comparison to the wonders woven within Hellingdom Manor. After her great-grandmother assumed the role of matron, she had decreed that residency at the Manor didn't necessitate a warrior's life. This freedom had cultivated some of the Winter Court's most skilled craftsmen, chefs, and artists. In Hesker, excellence wasn’t just encouraged; it was expected, cultivated in every task undertaken.

Allowing herself a small indulgence, Lene purchased a floral tea blend for her grandmother, touted by the merchant as a direct import from the Spring Court, famed for its sleep-enhancing qualities.

Eventually, Lene made her way toward Iskronen. While Lysdal’s beauty was undeniable, few knew of the intricate ice caverns and frozen tunnels that burrowed deep into Skogtind Mountain, winding beneath the city. She stabled Brynjar at the mountain's base before descending the icy steps into the labyrinthine tunnels. Guided by the ethereal glow of fae lights, she ascended the ice-carved steps and passed through the castle's formidable walls.

Emerging inside Iskronen, Lene was momentarily blinded by the kaleidoscope of light refracting through the ice, casting rainbows that danced across the floors. Despite the chill implied by its icy construction, the castle's halls were surprisingly warm—a marvel of magical engineering designed to counteract the perpetual frost. Shedding her hood, she was approached by two Winter Guards.

"Good morning, I’m here to meet with the High Lord; he summoned me last night," Lene announced, extracting the summoning letter and its glass tube from her parka to hand to the guard.

"High Lord Kallias is currently with other guests; I will inform him of your arrival," one guard declared before turning sharply and striding away. The formality always seemed stark to Lene, no matter how familiar she was with court customs.

Her musings were abruptly interrupted by the sound of giggling. A pale, white-haired boy rounded the corner, his laughter echoing through the hall as he playfully sent a gust of frost in his pursuer's direction. Close behind was a child Lene hadn't expected to see—a young fae with darker skin and midnight black hair, his striking violet eyes almost hidden under his curls. But what struck Lene the most was the small wings protruding from the boys sweater. Illyrian wings.

"Good morning, Bo!" Lene greeted as the white-haired boy, Kallias and Viviane's son and the celebrated young pride of the Winter Court, rushed to her. He embraced her warmly.

"Good morning, Lene," Bo replied, his voice muffled against her neck. Meanwhile, the little Illyrian retreated, only the tips of his wings visible from around the corner.

"Who’s your friend?" Lene asked, setting Bo down.

"That’s Nyx," Bo pointed.

Nyx, Lene realized, recognizing the name as belonging to the heir of the Night Court, son of the famed Feyre and Rhysand. Likely, this was who occupied Kallias' attention.

"Nyx," Bo called out in mild frustration, "We aren't playing hide and seek anymore."

With a dramatic sigh, Bo trudged over, grasping Nyx by the arm and pulling him into view. Nyx shuffled his feet, his curls falling over his face shyly.

"This is Nyx, he’s my friend and he’s also a kid," Bo explained earnestly.

"It’s a pleasure to meet you, Nyx," Lene said, extending her hand with a gentle smile.

Nyx glanced between her hand and her face before hesitantly reaching out. He quickly withdrew his hand after touching her icy fingertips. Lene chuckled, “I’m sorry for the chill, it’s in our blood.” 

Nyx’s quiet smile peeked out beneath his unruly curls as he listened silently. Bo, ever the spokesman of the duo, announced, “Mama and papa are with Nyx’s mama and papa.”

“I see,” Lene replied, her gaze lingering on the shy Night Court heir. “Have they been in there a long time or just a little while?”

“They’ve been in there forever,” Bo exaggerated, stretching the word to emphasize their boredom.

Nyx shuffled his feet, his attention fixed on his shoes.

"Nyx doesn’t really like to talk to strangers much, and he doesn’t like talking to grown-ups much either,” Bo confided to Lene, who offered a gentle smile in return.

“Well, that’s alright. I’m a new friend, but I’m certainly not a grown-up,” Lene joked lightly, her youthful spirit belied by her centuries of life—a trait she felt she inherited from a mother who herself refused to age.

Bo’s attention swiftly shifted as he eagerly grasped Lene’s hand. “I have a new sword, and it’s a metal one!”

Lene feigned shock, “That must mean your papa thinks you’re ready to learn how to fight,” she teased.

The conversation was suddenly punctuated by the familiar clip of heels against the hard floor. “No, he does not!” Viviane’s voice rang out before she appeared around the corner. The epitome of poise and grace, Viviane was draped in an emerald velvet dress that matched her jewel-adorned neck, her hair elegantly braided up.

Bo groaned at his mother's intervention. “Bo has strict orders that that sword is for looking at, not playing with,” Viviane clarified, approaching to envelop Lene in a warm hug, the scent of raspberry and frost emanating from her, with a hint of something more potent.

Lene’s eyes widened as she noticed Viviane’s slightly swollen stomach. Viviane, hand resting protectively over it, simply acknowledged, “Oh, that.”

“Yes, that!” Lene exclaimed, gesturing to the obvious pregnancy.

Viviane chuckled, caressing her belly. “Number two, on the way.”

“How long have you known?” Lene asked, pulling Viviane into another hug.

“The healer thinks no more than three months,” Viviane replied, her laughter light.

“Well, congratulations! I must not be paying enough attention to the news up at the manor,” Lene remarked.

Viviane took Lene’s hands gently. “No, we haven’t shared it with the city yet. Given how quickly this came after Bo, the healer cautioned us about potential risks. But so far, the little one seems very content.”

“I’m astounded,” Lene admitted, genuinely surprised. Bo was barely ten, and the prospect of another heir so soon was almost unheard of.

Viviane laughed softly, “You and me both. Believe me, if I had known I’d fall pregnant this quickly after Bo, and knowing how challenging his birth was, I would’ve resumed the tonic.”

Lene smiled, feeling a stark contrast between their lives—Viviane with her growing family and Lene, still under her grandmother's watchful eye.

“You’ll have to excuse my mate,” Viviane said as they approached the heavy oak doors of the meeting room, breaking the brief silence. “He’s never been one for punctuality.”

“It’s no problem. I’m early,” Lene assured her.

With a reassuring smile, Viviane led Lene towards the doors. “Don’t be silly. It’s 10:08, and if I don’t keep him on schedule, who will?” With a gentle push, Viviane opened the doors to reveal Kallias and the figures Lene assumed were Feyre and Rhysand, all turning at their entrance. A flutter of nervousness gripped Lene’s stomach as she stepped into the light.

Notes:

Buga: “Bow” in Swedish

[flashfuture]

There is also an aspect to comics where we're super nitpicky because we sit on them for a long time without the full picture. And old comics have dozens to hundreds of misses. Bad plots, bad twist, weird overall and uncomfortable to read. But they're over and we can read them and move on and read something else right after instead of sitting for weeks with that one half finished plot arc.

Many of us in DC went wow Garth and Barry are acting incredibly bizarre. I even wrote an essay about how annoyed I was with Barry Allen like the day or two days before the big reveal. And what do you know they've both been possessed (By different things Garth is okay now)

But take Dick Grayson gets a secret sister who was adopted by the man who killed his parents. Terrible plot idea, and a terrible execution, Taylor also somehow managed to slip a racist remark in there about Roma, and generally nobody likes or cares about this sister. Seemingly not even Dick Grayson. But if you think about how he reacted during the Court of Owls plotline and wayyy back in the 1940s when a supposed Uncle showed up. Dick generally doesn't care at All about his biological family. His entire thing is chosen family. He's not going to suddenly trust his entire life with what is the most suspicious way to gain a sister ever when he can just pick up the phone and talk to the man who raised him or any number of the people who've been his siblings Longer. And with any luck she'll be retconned out of existence.

So while Tom Taylor writes boring Dick Grayson stories he doesn't write out of character Dick Grayson stories. He's the first one who I've felt is attempting to write a Dick Grayson that is a 30 year old man. I like the Pirate Bea arc. I like the heart stealer freak I like the little side quests Dick is on. I liked the pov issue. I think that there are interesting stories and good art buried in the monotony of Nightwing but it's not Bad.

Unlike over at Marvel Zeb Wells is writing what is majorly considered to be the worst Amazing Spider-Man run ever conceived to the point people are Anticipating the return of Ben and Kaine the two clones who people swore were the worst Spider-Man plot ever done. The Clone Saga was messsyyy and stressful but they really made something out of Ben and Kaine turning them into beloved characters. Do I think Mary Jane Watson should have superpowers? No I think her character is the last one to need them. Do I want to see Paul disintegrated? Yes absolutely. But the main issue people, myself included, take with this Spider-Man run is the insult to Spider-Man. The complete lack of understanding of his powers and skillset. The lack of understanding about his relationship with other heroes. It's like trying to make Peter Parker who should be a 30 year old man a 17 year old again. And Zeb Wells must be kicked off the book ASAP.

[the-malewife-ever]

its 5am. i am very tired. i do not want to go through and pick out all the best responses when i have a test today. so what youre getting now is:

every single character that was submitted [unless i didnt feel comfortable adding them to the data]

^ this includes:

- i didnt feel comfortable putting them in [they are a kid is the most likely answer]

- they break the rules

and goodnight everyone im going back to bed you get your pairings later today. feel free to demand your malewife be in the pairings in the notes of this post all you want but be nice

and sorry to the ppl checking the tags in the search bar for ANY of these characters

read more because we got 301 and then some submissions:

The Top Submitted Characters:

Crazy Dave [Plants Vs Zombies] - 14

Kazuki Kurusu [Buddy Daddies] - 8

Hero [Omori] - 8

Saul Goodman/James McGill [Better Call Saul/Breaking Bad] - 7

Tatsu [Way of the House Husband] - 7

Thoma [Genshin Impact] - 7

Laszlo Cravensworth [What We Do In the Shadows] - 5

Percy de Rolo [Critical Role/Vox Machina] - 5

Ron DeLite [Ace Attorney] - 5

Brett Hand [Inside Job] - 4

Puss in Boots [Puss in Boots] - 4

Sanji [One Piece] - 4

Spamton G. Spamton [Deltarune] - 4

Got 3 Or Less Votes:

9 [9 (2009)]

Adrian Graye Vernworth [The Owl House]

Adrien Agreste/Chat Noir [Miraculous Ladybug]

Alador Blight [The Owl House]

Alistair Theirin [Dragon Age]

Andre Legris [Innocent/Innocent Rouge]

Asgore Dreemurr [Undertale]

Axel Summers [Lemon Soda and Coffee (Webcomic)]

The Baker [Into the Woods (1991)]

Bandit Heeler [Bluey]

Barry Draxum [Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles]

Beacrox Molan [Lout of the Court’s Family]

Benny [Fallout: New Vegas]

Bilbo Baggins [The Hobbit]

BJ Hunnicutt [MASH]

Bob Belcher [Bob's Burgers]

Briefers "Brief" Rock [Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt]

Brock [Pokemon]

Bruno Buccerati [JoJo's Bizzare Adventure]

Bruno Madrigal [Encanto]

Calculester Hewlett-Packard [Monster Prom]

Caleb Wittebane [The Owl House]

Cardan [The Folk of the Air trilogy by Holly Black]

Cecil Palmer [Welcome to Night Vale]

Chakotay [Star Trek Voyager]

Charlie Kelly [It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia]

Chisaki Kai (Overhaul) [My Hero Academia]

Chris Pearson [Dan Vs.]

Chrom [Fire Emblem Awakening]

Clay Rockridge [The Sexy Brutale]

Colin Robinson [What We Do In the Shadows]

Connecticut Clark [FlorkofCows/The Saga of Clark]

Cove Holden [Our Life: Beginning & Always]

Cyclonus [Transformers (IDW1)]

DaLey Vigil [The Great Ace Attorney]

Daniel Cain [Re-Animator]

Darius Deamonne [The Owl House]

Dedue Molinaro [Fire Emblem Three Houses]

Dick Grayson [DC Comics]

Dick Gumshoe [Ace Attorney]

Do Hyun Soon [Flower of Evil]

Ed [Our Flag Means Death]

Eddie Munson [Stranger Things]

Elliott [Stardew Valley]

Faria [Thrilling Intent]

Flex Mentallo [Doom Patrol]

Fox Mulder [The X-Files]

Fukuo [Kiki’s Delivery Service]

Furio Giunta [The Sopranos]

Gao Yizhi [Iron Widow]

Garmadon [Ninjago]

Garry [Ib]

Geto Suguru [Jujitsu Kaisen]

Gilbert Nightray [Pandora Hearts]

Gomez Addams [The Addams Family]

Grover Underwood [Percy Jackson Series]

Hannibal Lecter [Hannibal]

Harrier du Bois [Disco Elysium]

Hazama Masayoshi [Samurai Flamenco]

Heinz Doofenshmirtz [Phineas and Ferb]

Herlock Sholmes [The Great Ace Attorney]

Hordak [She-Ra (Netflix)]

Howl Jenkins Pendragon [Howl's Moving Castle]

Hugh Neutron [Jimmy Neutron]

Hugh Test [Johnny Test]

Ianto Jones [Torchwood]

Ignis Scientia [Final Fantasy XV]

Ingo [Pokemon]

Izzy Hands [Our Flag Means Death]

Jake Sully [Avatar]

James [Pokemon]

Jason Todd [Batman]

Jesus Christ [The Bible]

Joel Hammond [Santa Clarita Diet]

Johnathan Harker [Bram Stoker's Dracula]

John Silver [Treasure Island (1988)]

John Watson [BBC Sherlock]

Jonathan Byers [Stranger Things]

Kaiden Alenko [Mass Effect]

Kai Satou [Your Turn to Die]

Kaito [Vocaloid]

Kakashi Hatake [Naruto]

Katsuya Serizawa [Mob Psycho 100]

Ken [Barbie]

Kermit the Frog [The Muppets]

Kim Dokja [Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint]

Kim Gongja [SSS-Class Suicide Hunter]

Kingsley [Papa Louie Games]

Kisuke Urahara [Bleach]

Klavier Gavin [Ace Attorney]

Kojiro “Joe” Nonjo [Sk8 the Infinity]

Laurance Zvahl [Minecraft Diaries]

Lazarus Bleeze [The Hex]

Leon [Pokemon]

Lestat de Lioncourt [Interview with the Vampire (TV Show)]

Lieutenant Columbo [Columbo]

Light Yagami [Death Note]

Link [Breath of the Wild]

The Lobby Boy [The Hotel Podcast]

Loid Forger [Spy X Family]

Luigi [Mario Franchise]

Luo Binghe [The Scum Villain's Self-Saving System]

Mac McDonald [It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia]

The Man in the Yellow Hat [Curious George]

Manolo Sanchez [The Book of Life (2014)]

Mario [Mario Franchise]

Marshall Eriksen [How I Met Your Mother]

Marvin [Falsettos]

Mendel Weisenbachfeld [Falsettos]

Me [The Mod]

Michael [The Good Place]

Miles Edgeworth [Ace Attorney]

Min-Gi Park [Infinity Train]

Minato Namikaze [Naruto]

Momo [Stray]

Mr. Mime [Pokemon]

The Narrator [The Stanley Parable]

Naven Nuknuk [Epithet Erased]

Oliver Queen [DC Comics (Green Arrow)]

Olruggio [Witch Hat Atelier]

The Onceler [The Lorax]

Palamedes Sextus [The Locked Tomb]

Paper [Inanimate Insanity]

Peeta Mellark [The Hunger Games]

Percy Jackson [Percy Jackson Series]

Peter Nureyev [The Penumbra Podcast]

Preminger [Barbie: Princess and the Pauper]

Qifrey [Witch Hat Atelier]

Quirrel [Hollow Knight]

Ramsey Murdoch [Epithet Erased]

Randy Valentine Jade [Dialtown]

Redd Rockridge [The Sexy Brutale]

Reigen Arataka [Mob Psycho 100]

Ronaldo [The Vampire Dies in No Time]

Rouxls Kaard [Deltarune]

Roy Mustang [Full Metal Alchemist]

Ryoji Kaji [Neon Genesis Evangelion]

Ryuuji Takasu [ToraDora!]

Samwise Gamgee [Lord of the Rings]

Sasuke Itachi [Naruto]

Satan [Puyo Puyo]

Satoru Gojo [Jujitsu Kaisen]

Seven [Zero Escape]

Shinya Fujikawa [Corpse Factory]

Sig Curtis [Full Metal Alchemist]

Silco [Arcane (Netflix)]

Sojiro Sakura [Persona 5]

Sokka [Avatar: The Last Airbender]

Soldier [Team Fortress 2]

Spirit Albarn [Soul Eater]

Spongebob Squarepants [Spongebob Squarepants]

Steve Harrington [Stranger Things]

Steven Grant [Marvel]

Suoh Tamaki [Ouran High School Host Club]

Sword Boyfriend [Transistor]

Tanjiro Kamado [Demon Slayer]

Thomas Sharpe [Crimson Peak (2015)]

Tohru Adachi [Persona 4]

Tom Wambsgans [Succession]

Travis Matagot [Campaign Skyjacks]

Tsukasa Jinguuji [Fabiniku (Life with an Ordinary Guy who Reincarnated into a Total Fantasy Knockout)]

The Tumblr Boyfriend [Tumblr]

The Twelfth Doctor [Doctor Who]

Tyrell Wellick [Mr. Robot]

Vanitas [Vanitas no Carte/The Case Study of Vanitas]

Vash the Stampede [Trigun]

Victor Nikiforov [Yuri on Ice]

Waymond Wang [Everything Everywhere All At Once]

Whizzer Brown [Falsettos]

William "Spike" Pratt [Buffy the Vampire Slayer]

William “Dex” Pointdexter [Check Please!]

Yeza Brenatto [Critical Role]

Yoo Joonghyuk [Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint]

You [The Voter]

Zagreus [Hades]

[ao3feed-brucewayne]

This is a Story Not an Ordinary Story

read it on AO3 at https://ift.tt/SDZi0lA by Falling_ichor What is the Past of this story? What are the hidden truths not to be found by anyone. What is the journey of this tragic tale? spoilers!!! Sally Jacksons origin in my DC(batman) x PJO Prologue!!! Words: 2175, Chapters: 1/1, Language: English Series: Part 1 of reflections don't touch but they mirror Fandoms: Percy Jackson and the Olympians - Rick Riordan, Percy Jackson and the Olympians & Related Fandoms - All Media Types, Batman - All Media Types, Batman: The Court of Owls Saga (comic) Rating: Not Rated Warnings: Major Character Death, No Archive Warnings Apply, Rape/Non-Con Characters: Sally Jackson (Percy Jackson), Bruce Wayne, Thomas Wayne, Martha Wayne, Percy Jackson (mentioned), Hestia (Percy Jackson), Gabe Ugliano), Thomas Wayne Jr. | Owlman Relationships: Martha Wayne/Thomas Wayne, Original Character/Original Character, Sally Jackson & Percy Jackson, Sally Jackson & Poseidon (Percy Jackson), Sally Jackson/Poseidon (Percy Jackson), Batman/Gotham Additional Tags: No characters are given names, Past Rape/Non-con, Character Death, Sally Jackson lives in Gotham, Sally is a hidden twin, Implied/Referenced Rape/Non-con, Sally Jackson was in an abusive relationship with gabe, we hate you we all scream to Gabe ugliano, The story of Sally Jackson in my universe, Spoilers, Tags Are Hard, Sally Jackson tried her best, Sally Jackson was a lovely mother, Sally Jackson Needs a Hug (Percy Jackson), Terrible fates follow Sally Jackson, Dead Sally Jackson (Percy Jackson), Good Parent Sally Jackson (Percy Jackson), percy grew up in gotham, Abusive Gabe Ugliano, Mentioned Gabe Ugliano, this goes up to the end of TLT of PJO, Tags Contain Spoilers, Bruce Wayne is Percy Jackson's Uncle, Medical Inaccuracies, i dont know what im writing but i am so deal with it read it on AO3 at https://ift.tt/SDZi0lA

[mylifeinfiction]

Batman: The Long Halloween by Jeph Loeb & Tim Sale

"CAN A MAN LIVE TWO LIVES?"

Definitely not the Halloween read I was looking for— The Court of Owls Saga fits that bill significantly better than this—but still a rock-solid Batman arc.

I'm not wild about Tim Sale's artwork, here. Sure, there's some fantastic imagery throughout—and his approach to Harvey Dent in general is very effective—but for the most part he makes the characters too ugly or awkward looking, and it distracts from the story more often than not.

But Jeph Loeb's story beautifully—and more to the point, tragically—captures the effect that Gotham City has on even its best men. It's a story of corruption and obsession and desperation that understands the general underlying themes of Batman and explores them in ways that have become iconic in the years since its release. His character work on Harvey Dent is especially good, tackling both sides of the man in a manner that makes his downfall all the more morally relatable and emotionally affecting. And the episodic, villain-of-the-week feel it all has actually works within the structure of this storyline, turning something that's generally bothersome for me into a highlight.

7/10

-Timothy Patrick Boyer.

[humanoidluv]

so now we know where dick got his dramatic ass side from

[smutinlove]

ABOUT YOU? YEAH, ME.

╰┈➤FOR THE CURIOUS

you know who i am, right? here's a cold refresher.

i'm a proud woc! i'm a virgo. my personality type is istj.

i love history and literature! i know/can speak three languages fluently. i love reading and writing. i make a lot of pop culture references in my silly little fanfics <3

i like making people smile. it's so fun!

i have five rp accounts: @jokerwithcrowbar @court--of--owls @dead-marveljesus-pool @selinakyl-ee @alfiethaddeuscranepennyworth

account used to reblog: @smutinlovealt

weird fact: i don't procrastinate.

wanna know something stupid? i used/still do sometimes write essays for literally any topic. why? i'm bored and wanna expand my knowledge on random shit!

i can't draw. it's something i'm working on. don't expect me to draw a tree, 'cause wtf is a tree?

others;

obsessions: ANYTHING batfam and twd related <3

fav artists: taylor swift, lady gaga, doja cat, sabrina carpenter, artic monkeys, conan grey, the neighbourhood, dove cameron, olivia rodrigo, sza, lana del rey

fav song: i did something bad by taylor swift

fav movie: the batman

fav tv shows: the walking dead, pretty little liars, young justice, titans, gotham, bridgerton, heartstopper, shameless, hawkeye, black widow, agents of shield, fate: winx saga,...

fav book: the hunger games: mockingjay

know me yet?

[arunneronthird]

hi hello!! i'm super interested in getting into midnighter comics, do you have any recommendations for where to get started?? your recs have been so helpful for my comics journey so far, i truly owe you my life 🙏 just read the knight thanks to your suggestion and LOVED it, court of owls is up next

well okay this ask just made my whole day what the hell, this is what i like about comics the most, just sharing and talking about them

anyway, from the top, theres this superhero team in a world without jl, they work for the un and they are called stormwatch!

the first stormwatch comic is stormwatch 1993, i tried to read it and its genuinely awful, BUT some time after it starts, warren ellis takes over and hes genuinely a new type of god and fixes the whole thing but full disclosure i havent read it properly cause the start is so bad

the second stormwatch is stormwatch 1997, also written by ellis (saver of worlds) where midnighter and apollo (do not separate) make their first appearance! its an incredibly solid introduction and it goes from chapter #4 to #6, u can skip the rest, wont lose much context

now we start with the big guns, stormwatch is dismantled and the authority is created, a superhero (antihero) team working outside the law, and it starts with the authority 1999, where midnighter (and apollo do not separate) are finally main characters, i genuinely loved this comic so much SO MUCH

the story continues with the authority 2003, which im currently reading and is not by ellis (patron of writers), so i cannot tell u yet how itll work out but im enjoying it thus far

then (cause i havent read more stuff in between yet) comes midnighter 2007, this one is complicated? the first 10 chapters are extremely fun and enjoyable, basically episodic, mostly written by garth ennis (not quite as godly but pretty nice), then a new guy picks up the series, makes a whole saga with no apollo in it and its terrible so just... just drop it on chapter 10 ill allow it

then the n52 happens and its v confusing and scary

but then we have midnighter 2015, i have good and bad news, the bad news is its a grayson 2014 spinoff so u may be a bit lost on some context but the good news is this comic is REALLY good, its fun, its a finished story, its midnighter learning to be a person and not a killing machine, and its one of my favorite comics as of rn

lastly theres midnighter and apollo 2016 and like... i went to my bookstore to order a physical copy yesterday i am so in love with it, its aesthetically beautiful and the story is insane, basically midnighter goes to hell to save apollo but apollo is already doing a pretty good job cause hes freaking apollo

as a bonus, there are three small stories, the authority: kev, the authority: more kev and the authority: the magnificent kevin all written by ennis about a guy called kevin who actively sucks as a person and how he manages to fuck up everything all the time and piss off midnighter to no end, they are hilarious

as a disclaimer of sorts: midnighters stories, specially the ones by ellis and ennis, are comics for adults in a way batmans arent, batman is dark and sometimes scary, but these comics talk about sex, drug adiction, racism, bigotry and make fun of them, i do bow for them though, they are gritty and pretty edgy but not tasteless

[savanir]

so I just finished Batman The court of owls saga. like the neat little book I got. and I was under the impression that it was like a one shot kinda thing.

So I go to the cute little comic store and I go "hey you got more of these little things? I loved this"

and that guy is like, "oh yeah that ended on a cliffhanger right? yeah they haven't greenlit the next ones yet but the sales were good so I'm optimistic"

and internally I am like, what? no I just wanted more like this. I am absolutely terrible when it comes to numbered series. I am super impatient jfc.

I am screwed... in fact I am so screwed that I went and just got myself a bunch of other stories to keep me busy

[dccomicsnews]

Batman: The Court Of Owls Saga, plus "The Call" and "The Fall Of The House of Wayne" Writers: Scott Snyder, James Tynion IV (co-writer on "The Call" and "The Fall Of The House of Wayne") Artists: Greg Capullo, Jonathan Glapion with Rafael Albuquerque ("The Call" and "The Fall Of The House of Wayne") Color Artists: FCO Plascencia, Nathan Fairbairn ("The Call"), Dave McCaig ("The Fall Of The House Of Wayne") Letterers: Richard Starkings and Comicraft's Jimmy Betancourt, Pat Brosseu "The Call" and "The Fall Of The House Of Wayne Pt. 1), Dezi Sienty ("The Fall Of The House Of Wayne" Pts. 2 and 3) Review by Steve J. Ray Batman: The Court Of Owls Saga is the second collection to be released by the DC Compact Comics imprint (the first was Watchmen, check out my review on DC Comics News). As far as Batman tales go, this is definitely one I'd recommend as a first read/intro to the Caped Crusader. It's brilliant because (apart from a few pages at the beginning of the first chapter) it doesn't feature the Dark Knight's classic Rogues' Gallery, but instead has our hero facing the brand new, and extremely deadly, threat known as The Court Of Owls. This dynamite little volume collects Batman (vol. 2 - 2011-2012) issues #1-11, all the main covers, a selection of variants, and two backup stories, "The Call" and "The Fall Of The House of Wayne." Scott Snyder is and has always been a horror writer, and that's felt on every page of this collection. This book's an action-packed thrill-fest of explosions, superheroics, mystery, intrigue, and some extremely fine detective work. All in all, it contains everything a Bat Fan could desire in one tidy little package. Greg Capuulo's pencils are awesome, Jonathan Glapion's inks stellar, and FCO Plascencia's colors exemplary. The two extra tales are drawn by the wonderful Rafael Albuquerque and colored by Nathan Fairbairn and Dave McCaig. The story follows the now-familiar formula of Batman facing a foe he seemingly has no hope of defeating... yet he overcomes insurmountable odds, learns valuable lessons, and finds a way to do so. This isn't a spoiler as such, because this is a superhero comic after all, and the good guy always wins in the end. The beauty of this tale, though, is that all the way through the reader shares Batman's pain, dread, and self-doubt. We also have no idea how he can possibly get through this. I'm probably the biggest Batman fan I know, yet I don't prescribe to the whole "Bat-God"/Batman can't be defeated theory. His greatest stories frequently show him getting his tail handed to him at first, and then seeing him find a way to win. This formula started with Batman: The Cult was the basis of the now legendary "Knightfall", and is also the backbone of tales like "Batman: RIP", and, of course, "The Court Of Owls". To my mind, what makes the Dark Knight fascinating, and the reason he's my favorite superhero is that he does get hurt. He bleeds, he falls, and he can be beaten. The one thing I will say is, yes, you can take him down, but if you don't kill him... RUN! This is vintage Batman. Yes, The Court Of Owls were a new threat in this story, but they've gone on to be a consistent thorn in the sides of both Bruce Wayne and Dick (Nightwing) Grayson many times in the 12+ years since their debut. This is the power of Scott Snyder's imagination. Not only does he write fascinating and entertaining stories, but he creates characters and situations that live on for years, or decades after he moves on from the books he writes. I must also give credit to FCO Plascencia. His colors over Greg Capullo and Jonathan Glapion's art are sublime. They're rich, dark, and atmospheric. They add to the feelings of dread and horror and complement the writing and visuals perfectly. The same has to be said of Nathan Fairbairn and Dave McCaig. The backup stories also benefit greatly from their work. Richard Starkings is the letterer's letterer. He and fellow Comicraft talent Jimmy Betancourt provided all the text for the main story... and it's gorgeous. From the explosions and onomatopoeia to the scary white-on-black speech of the Talons, they knocked it out of the park. The backup strips were lettered by veteran talent, Pat Brosseu and Dezi Sienty. Both gentlemen produced sterling work. All in all, this book's a winner... but it's not perfect. Thankfully, I can actually help new readers with all of my niggles. Firstly, while reading this you may wonder who the heck the teenage girl Batman meets, and seems to know, in chapter seven is. No... you haven't missed a thing. The tale of Batman's history with Harper Row is explained in Batman #12, the issue after "The Court Of Owls" tale concludes. Let's just say that she's helped the Dark Knight before, but we all know that Batsy's never been great at making new friends. This is actually Harper's second appearance in this book, though... she's also in chapter one (the girl in the red dress, on page fifteen, panel three). Now, that's just a minor niggle. As I've already said, this book also collects "The Call" and "The Fall Of The House Of Wayne." The latter tale works perfectly as an epilogue, but the first has absolutely no business being tacked on at the end of the book. It's jarring and pointless, particularly when it has a time stamp that makes it fit perfectly at the end of chapter eight! What makes matters worse is that all the previous collections I've seen of this saga do exactly that! DC, why oh why didst thou break that which was not brok'n? To all new readers, read chapters 1-8, then "The Call". Continue with chapter nine and then finish off with "The Fall Of The House of Wayne" after finishing chapter eleven. Gripe session over. Conclusion Despite the first nerd problems mentioned above, this book's still an absolute winner. Firstly, let's talk about value for money. The two original hardcover collections, "The Court Of Owls" and "City Of Owls" retailed at 25 bucks a piece, while the trade paperback collections sold at 15 dollars each! Yes, they contained issues #1-12, but getting the 11 important ones for only $9.99 is an absolute steal! Batman: The Court Of Owls Saga is a well-made, beautifully printed, and superb value collection. Highly recommended. Paperback – $9.99 Available now – ISBN 9781779527271 Review Copy Courtesy of Penguin Random House. Images Courtesy of DC Entertainment (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push();