The Latest DC scandal

Are these t-shirts. This is a common problem that needs to stop. It's already hard enough to find some of my favorite character shirts. This isn't just a DC problem either. They don't even sell many female sci-fi/comics shirts in normal stores. Not too long ago I was looking at the ones in the kids sections. The boys had something like "I want to be a ninja/I'm a ninja" the girls had "I'm going to marry a ninja." Even as a kid I'd never get the girl shirt because I wanted to be the ninja.

Also Batman has a wife? Riiight. We know no one's allowed to marry and Batman is kind of a weird choice for commitment anyway.

Anymore Lil' Gotham figures?

I remembered DCC were releasing the figures and apparently they've been delayed. Even so the only figures that have been revealed for the line are Batman, Robin, Joker and Harley. If there is another wave there's a good chance we'll hear about it during Toy Fair. Which will likely be when we'll hear about the Jae Lee line and if Capullo will have anymore waves. It'd be nice to have at least one version of the entire bat family in scale with each other. Especially since Red Robin is taller than he should be al la Gleasons' Batman and Robin #35.

I'm a little surprised

I've been hearing a lot DC readers doubting Damian is coming back. Personally I'll be shocked if he doesn't. They made an animated movie about him, had a mini series and he's not legally dead in the DCU. Bruce even destroyed his grave and promised to bring him back. No other person has come forward in present day stories that could be Robin instead. Stephanie Brown is back as Spoiler, Harper Row will become Bluebird and Carrie Kelly isn't allowed to be used. Anyone else besides Damian would be last minute and not accepted in the role.

Who's writing this part of Batman Eternal?

Thoughts on the preview for #26.

SPOILERS AHEAD

No Booster Until After the Weeklies?

I mean this was the Futures End appearance that was alluded to with the picture of Booster with the rest of FE heroes right? Which means we not only won't see Booster until April but that I'll no longer have a reason to be interested in FE. Or at least consider getting the trade. I'm already regretting pre-ordering Batman Eternal after seeing scans.

Would Booster do it?

This directly refers to the Futures End Booster Gold issue so SPOILERS AHEAD for those who haven't read it. Oh and BG vol. 2.

You Know that Feeling?

The one you get when writers tease a pairing you don't want together? One that don't mesh, that has one of them treating the other like crap 90% of the time and came out of no where just to create unneeded drama? 

Yeah I'm feeling that right now. Don't do it DC you know how well it went over the last time you suggested there might be a thing with one Dicks' love interests and a certain person. Since it doesn't seem to be followed up in a book I assume takes place after the series the teasing takes place it seems even more random. 

Next Months' Pull List

Now that we're out of crossover/tie in month we can get back to the present stories. I'll still be going to my LCS for one week but I love getting digital comics. It's great when I can't go out and saves space. Something you know will come in handy during storms.

• Gotham Academy #1: I think I'll try this out. If nothing else it'll be something new and different. DC may have some failing with the new 52 but the willingness to try out new books isn't one of them. (Oct. 1)
• Supergirl #35: Maybe? The only reason I'm considering this (as I never read an issue in this 'verse) is because Jason is doing a cameo. Even then I'm cautious as I didn't like what it sounded like in the interview and wasn't a fan of the writers work on Blue Beetle.
• Red Hood and the Outlaws #35: I'm not sure how this will go but I expect this to be hard to read even if it's good. Dealing with the topic of drug use is hard enough with this group it will be heartbreaking. The emotion involve could be devastating. (Oct. 15)
• New Warriors #11: I haven't been reviewing this one although I may once it ends at 12. This was a great series that got me to read a Marvel book after years of disinterest. Another great book cut short. (Oct. 22)

Ranking Futures End Tie Ins

SPOILERS not just for the books I reviewed but other tie ins.

Futures End: Booster Gold

The book DC claims is important for understanding what's to come in the future of their books.

SPOILERS AHEAD

Happy Birthday Barbara Gordon!

Well I just found this out which would explain the digital Batgirl sale on the Babs books. I may not care for the new 52 version but I'll always miss who Barbara was before.

Will DC Do a Dick Grayson/Robin Celebration?

The 75th anniversary of Batman is ending--well it's supposed to although I've heard that it may carry on into the new year. But that may also be because Dick Grayson's own 75th anniversary is coming up along with the Robin legacy. Batman had a lot going on this year but what will Dick get? Will it be a celebration of all Robins too?

Personally I'd like for it to not only praise the first boy wonder but also his siblings in spandex. Do an event with the Robins (maybe even future/alternate ones) exploring their days as Batmans' partners and their relationship with each other. This has barely been touched in this 'verse. Dick can be the focus as the oldest brother trying dealing with his legacy and how he feels about the others. Maybe the fallout of them realizing Dick and Bruce faked his death?

Action figures of Agent Grayson, Helena B., new 52 versions of Robins: Dick, Jason, Tim, Damian and Helena?

There's a lot that can be done.

Jason Todd: Death and Rebirth

After some particular text in the Futures End RHATO issue I thought it was time to go over this. The mystery revolving around Jason's rebirth in the new 52.

Futures End: Batwoman

I heard this wasn't very good and if that's true I hope this is at least entertainingly bad.

SPOILERS AHEAD

Batman 410

We saw how Batman found Jason Todd and decided to make him the second Robin. Now let's see his first actual mission as the boy wonder and how Bruce made his first screw ups as a father figure/mentor to the boy.

OLD SPOILERS AHEAD

Nightwing tells Bette to Quit

What is it with blonde Batgirls getting told to hang up their capes because no one thinks their good enough? While she may not be Batgirl in canon (who know with Morrison) Bette's post-crisis self was inspired by the first Robin Dick Grayson. He wasn't really impressed with what he saw.

Bette of course isn't going to give up even if her idol said she wasn't good enough. This led to her other Flamebird costume which was replaced for Hawkfire not too long ago.

Eaglemoss DC collection

I don't collect statues so I don't think these mini figures are for me despite how good they look. I'm probably the only one that wants to collect the magazines.

Short pondering over Earth 2

Sort of spoilers for things talked about in solicits and FE.

Futures End: Red Hood and the Outlaws

This was kind of like I expected.

SPOILERS AHEAD

Bette Kane: The Forgotten Batgirl

The character has had some changes since her first incarnation to be sure. Before Barbara Gordon entered the picture there was a blonde that became the first Batgirl. Or rather Bat-Girl. Here's a rundown on her character, the Kanes and wondering where she can go from here.

Christmas Specials

I can't tell you how happy I was to see these. Yes things can get grim in superhero comics--especially those connected to Batman--which makes these holiday specials even more amazing. I kind of wished  we got more even other holidays like Halloween, Thanksgiving, etc.

December Solicts

I wish there was more holidays specials. But other than Harley Quinn's special there's only one other book that brings the cheer. BTW DC can we get some variants on RHATO? It's the only bat book to get overlooked. It only had the bombshells variant.

Batgirl #35 ten page preview

I know they said these are uncorrected pages but certain things bug me about this. So these are my thoughts on what's shown.

SPOILERS AHEAD

Have You Ever...

...waited for something to be done with the character you loved? Then you hear that their being used but before you can get excited you see that the plans aren't ones you're thrilled about? Yep, one of my worst fears has been realized. Giffin and DeMatteis are writing Booster Gold and Ted Kord again--despite saying they were finished at least twice already.

SPOILERS and fury below.

Character Height

Do you ever notice that certain characters are rarely if ever shown at their correct height?

DC Collectibles: Red Hood

There have been three Jason Todd related figures before and for some reason none of them were based on one of the characters ongoing looks. Just brief storylines and only one of which was actually a Red Hood costume. Now we FINALLY have one that fits but was it worth the wait?

Futures End: Grayson

Since my LCS ticked me off with their overpriced 3D variants last year I'm getting my September comics online. This was a iffy choice for me since the concept of Grayson is one I have trouble getting into. Still I wanted to read up on another bat kid and the TT and Batgirl books didn't interest me. Anyway, let's see how life as a spy works out for Mr. Grayson five years in the future.

SPOILERS AHEAD

Batman #409

Continuing where we left off with Batman unknowing handing Jason off to a supposedly sweet teacher who's really a dastardly deadly damsel. How will Jason get out of this situation? Will Batman manage to be a bigger idiot than last issue? For those answers stayed tuned at the same bat page at the same bat time.

OLD SPOILERS AHEAD

Future Ends BOP and Batgirl Previews

BOP here and Batgirl here. Thought below.

SPOILERS AHEAD

Jason and the Family Portrait

 

I remember thinking Bruce was being mean to Jason here especially later on since we learn that around this time he was acting as Wingman for Batman. (*1) Then Secret Origins #3 came around and we see Bruce did get Jason in a portrait before his death.

 

One that's as big as the combined one with Alfred, Bruce, Damian, Dick, Tim and Titus. Someday I'd like some writer to properly explore how the death affected the way Bruce sees Jason because there seems to be some shift like he can't fully accept Jasons' back.

 

 

1* Yes I know Jason is legally dead but so far no one seems to be dealing with this. Plus if no one has seen Jasons' face a few years after his death and made the connection why should a painter?

DC Collectibles: Arsenal

Many consider Roy Harper the heart of the Outlaws as he seemed like the most determined to keep the group together. Arsenal is the former partner of Green Arrow that tries to rebuild his life after the fall out and believes Jason, Kori and him can make it together. But how did his figure turn out?

Gotham Academy Info Sheets

I really like these extras that help get you interested in the series.

Roy Harpers' New 52 Tattoos

These were hard to see sometimes and some artists have tried not to use them by covering the arms up. However this is Rocaforts' design sheet for said tattoos which was released online:

There has been no explanation for Roy choosing these although some of it can be figured out like the skull with the bow and arrows sticking out of it's mouth. Perhaps they also serve as a reminder not to get lost in addiction again given the scorpion and "Poison." On the left arm is "pesadilla" (nightmare.) Although I wasn't able to read it there was one panel that showed another tattoo lower on his arm which was translated by another reader as "crossbow." (It's been forgotten under other artists.) So needless to say archery and his past demons does prey on his mind.

Patrick Gleason Explains why Tim was Tall

Eww, that's way gross Tim. Although I can see why they just ignored him. Extra points for using a past plot though.

DC Collectibles: Starfire

I waited for them to do Red Hood and the Outlaw figures for a long time and even longer to finally have some good figures of the characters before they became a trio. Ladies first especially since the Princess arrived before her male teammates did.