End of an Era

By the time this is posted, I will have read Action Comics 1000. However, by the time of writing this we are a day away. I have already voiced my opinions on Brian Michael Bendis and his unfortunate control over the entire Superman family. That said, as this new era for Superman begins I would like to look back at some of my favorite Superman stories of all time. I doubt that anything out of Bendis’ run comes close to challenging this list, but I might be surprised. I probably won’t. With that said, here we go.

All Star Superman

This book is quite literally the best Superman book ever published and can challenge for best comic of all time. The animated movie failed to hit the mark (mostly because they cut 6 chapters of the book out entirely. It also is incredibly hard to translate Frank Quietly’s art into film. That isn’t really any fault of the film. This book is a master piece, that can’t really get its message across outside of the comic. That makes this book all the better. Look I could spend all day writing about this book. I really could, but give it a read for yourself if you haven’t. If you have, maybe read it once more to remind yourself the standards Bendis has in front of him.

Action Comics 775

The inspiration for Superman vs the Elite, a surprisingly good adaption of the story. This book answers the age old question, why shouldn’t Superman kill? While several decades old at this point, the book is still relevant today. Especially with the likes of Man of Steel, Dawn of Justice, and Justice League mucking up the collective conscious of the character. This book shows us what happens if Superman does cross that line. Needless to say, it isn’t a pretty picture. Unlike the films, this book does a 180 and shows that all of this was masterfully choreographed to show why Superman does what he does. Why he is what he is. This book brings about one of my favorite things about Superman. He is inspired by people. While the non powered society looks at him as the beacon of hope, he sees that beacon right back at us. That is why he protects us. And that is why he doesn’t cross that line. A truly beautiful story.

Superman Birthright

This book absolutely deserves to be in the running for best Superman story. It tops All Star as best on several of my friend’s list.  While this book is fantastic in its own right, it is what it does different that sets it apart from the rest. Much of the Superman mythos is defined by Jor El. It wasn’t until Birthright that Lara achieved the same level of reverence that Jor gets. Turning is mom from a spectator into a bad ass in her own right. Truly something that should have done decades ago.

The Final Days of Superman

A new entry onto the list, and one that has now been written out with the Superman Reborn plotline. This book came out at the right time. Just before Rebirth, Superman was made the most relevant he ever was during the New 52. He was plagued by bad writing, and inconsistent approaches. Yet Peter Tomasi knew what he wanted to do, and made a modern day All Star. Any story that has Superman die apparently has to be made into film, and an animated adaptation of this is on its way already. This story is full of heart, character, and emotion. After years of languishing as a character, Tomasi finally gave him his own voice and readied readers for better times to come. I am still sad to see him go. He is almost single handedly responsible for the multiple years of success.

Kingdom Come

This story is famous for a lot of reasons. It ended the 90’s hyper extremism. It is another fabulous book by Mark Waid. It is impeccably crafted by Alex Ross. It also asks the question of what happens in a world with Superman. What happens if he just gives up. That answer is nothing good. This book explores Clark as he attempts to come to sense with the changing world. It demonstrates just what Superman means to the world, and manages to do so without killing him. I always point this book out to people who like an ‘edgier Superman’. This is as close as you get, and he still never once crosses the line. This book is just a masterpiece from top to bottom. Especially good, as it showcases an insane amount of DC’s pantheon of heroes.

DC Putting Their Eggs into One Bendis

We are less than a month away from Action Comics 1000, and thus Brian Michael Bendis’ first book at DC. For those unaware, the long time Marvel ‘visionary’ turned heads in the industry when he signed an exclusive with DC last year. As apart of this deal, Bendis will get full creative control over the Superman line. All existing Super-Titles are ending, including books like Super Sons and Supergirl that are not being directly touched by Bendis. Superman will relaunch with #1, and Action will continue on with #1001. Additionally Bendis will get readers primed with a 6 part mini series “The Man of Steel” that will re-imagine his version of Superman. I have never been a fan of Bendis, but I never thought I’d have to endure him writing some of my favorite characters. I was fine just letting him kill whatever Marvel property he got a hold of (like the X-Men line, which got progressively worse under his heel).

Now I have to face the facts, it’s a Bendis world and I have to live in it. I am not happy about it. Dan Jurgens has had a mostly sensational run on Action Comics. Bringing back iconic characters like Doomsday (whom he co created). Jurgens juggled well the different aspects of the Superman world. His treatment of Lois, Lex, Jon, and the Daily Planet staff was very well done. When this book was working, it was using a nice mix of heart with fantastic action sequences. The first arc, and then the third arc were fantastic and highlight the very best the book has to offer. Dan Jurgens added more stories and pushed himself up on the list of all time great Superman writers with this book. He also deftly guided the title to the 1000th issue, which should be applauded.

On the other side of this is Superman. Peter Tomasi became my hero doing his Last Days of Superman story in the New 52. He ended the New 52 Superman with a bang, with a story that is reminiscent of Grant Morrison’s masterpiece All Star Superman. He continued this deft treatment of the character throughout his entire run of Superman with Rebirth. I highlighted a story arc on my best of 17 list. That is an understatement of his run on Superman. Counting his excellent transition from New 52 to Rebirth, his run on Superman has been one of the best runs the character has ever seen. Focusing more on the relationship between Clark and Jonathan (and Lois as well). Character building and interpersonal relationships are where this book succeeded. While Jurgens succeded with well done bombastic fight sequences, Tomasi succeeded with words. The heart of the character really shone through. Which, for Superman, might be the most important thing. It is for me at least.

Now we lose all of that, for a creator who is, at best, the most average man in comic books. I used to joke about Bendis and Brett Boothe collaborating on a comic book, and how it would be the most average comic ever created. People across the world would say “yep, that’s what a comic looks like”. Saddly that joke is no longer as funny now. I know several people who are excited about this book, but I am not one of them. Mostly in part to my introduction to Bendis. It was with Ultimate Spider-Man #1. I was excited to see Miles Morales, and actually bought the book (rare for me, still to this day). While I enjoyed it, I could not get past the 4 page spread in the back by Bendis that ultimately just talked about how visionary Bendis is. This self gratuitous act only struck me as arrogant and stuck up. He didn’t change my mind when he decided to add ‘Jessica Jones Created by BMB’ on every Jessica Jones book of the new run (and in Deffenders). Something I don’t think you need to do when you are writing the book! Bottom line, he as always screamed arrogance. I am afraid that will bleed into the character of Superman. Who should not be portrayed as such. I am also concerned about the family dynamic. We have had a nice few years with Lois and Clark back as a couple, and I really don’t want his “sweeping line wide changes” to change that or to impact Jonathan Kent in any big way. The fact that Super Sons is ending, is not indicating otherwise.

Ultimately time will tell where Bendis’ tenure in Metropolis lands, but I am not excited about it. I am planning on getting several of the variants for Action 1000 both the Allred and Bermejo covers look awesome. But I will miss the Supergirl title, especially the awesome Lau covers we have gotten the last half a year. What do you feel about Bendis on Superman?

Ravingnerd’s Best of 2017: Best Reads

My nightly festivities got in the way of me getting this post out Yesterday, so you’ll have to figure out the best reads of 2017 today instead. I will be focused on individual series’ and not characters nor specific issues. Some have performed so well they have landed on the list with just a few issues. I have already spoken about several of these series’ in recent posts, so several of these should not be a surprise. So here we go!

There will be mild spoilers sprinkled throughout, so Black Alert is up!

10. Super Sons was one of the longest awaited books of Rebirth. We sadly had to wait more than 6 months after Rebirth’s launch, until just after the first of the year, to get this book. Needless to say, this book has been every bit as good as we thought it would be. What isn’t to love? A team up with the lovable Jonathan Kent and almost as lovable Damian Wayne. What could go wrong? Well nothing really. Jonathan has the powers of Superman while Damian is a little jerk who is up for anything. This book is very similar to Tomasi’s Superman story. It features the perfect balance of light hearted humor and fun to add into the action. It helps that Damian and Jonathan balance each other out very well. Jorge Jimenez’ art is perfect for capturing the raw energy that both Sons’ have and it often feels like they could burst off the page.

9. Grass Kings was Matt Kindt’s latest attempt to prove to the comic industry that he is one of the best writers in comics. Period. Together, with fantastic water colors from Tyler Jenkins, Matt is able to do what he does best. Write a compelling and fascinating mystery. Kindt’s name needs to be up there with Brubaker as one of the greatest mystery writers in all of comics. Books like Super Spy and Red Handed are some of the most brilliant reads out there. This time around, we get a newer kind of mystery from him. The Grass Kingdom is a land unto itself. It appears to exist outside of Federal jurisdiction, or at least that is how they operate. This, of course, hasn’t gone over with others. Including the villainous sheriff of the next county. The mystery in this book is three fold. What is the mystery behind the Grass Kingdom, why does it feel off? Who is responsible for the string of murders that have plagued the land for a decade? Biggest of all, who are we supposed to really trust? If you are looking for a thrilling and beautiful read, this is the perfect book for you.

8. Star Trek: Mirror Broken is an odd duck as far as Star Wars comics goes. I generally shy away from IDW’s Trek line, as it normally bothers me more than anything else. This book, however, does not. Mirror Broken, as the name suggests, is set in Star Trek’s Mirror Universe. Seen in the shows throughout the series in TOS, DS9, and Enterprise. There is an established time line that details the fall of the Terran Empire (it’s fine, they were pretty terrible). Mirror Broken shows us the TNG crew for the first time in the Mirror Universe. Believe it or not, none of them are particularly likable. Noticeable differences include Borg augmented Data, Barkley with a spine, and a psychotic Wesley Crusher (no he still isn’t likable. Scott and David Tipton helm the book better than they have some of their previous Trek books, and the interiors by JK Woodward are nothing to scoff at. This is absolutely worth the read for Trek fan out there. We also get to see Captain Jellico, and even in the Mirror Universe, I just love him.

7. X-O Manowar is easily the best book that you are not reading. Matt Kindt has taken the flagship Valiant property and turned it into a space opera epic for the generation. It Aric, Vandal with alien super armor. Has turned his back on Earth and his suit. Instead leading a simple life as a farmer on a foreign planet. When war comes, he is conscripted to fight. Yet he quickly realizes that he is in an army of ‘undesirables’ and that his unit is designed to fight until they die. The higher ups have no interest in their survival. It is up to Aric to not only win the day for his squad, but save as many people as he can. Heroes never seem to be able to escape being heroes, do they? The art by Tomas Giorello is also stunningly perfect. It is dynamic, and his wide shots of the alien landscapes range from beautiful to terrifying. This book should have made a lot more waves than it did, but you are hearing it from me. It is awesome. Valiant has also followed this up with Ninja K, another spin on one of their classic super heroes. With their feature film debut close at hand, these books should be must reads for anyone who is excited to see Valiant in film.

6. Superman has been one of the best books on the shelf period. Peter J Tomasi is the hero we need, not the one we deserve. Having written almost 2 and a half years of the best Superman you could ever imagine. His secret? Having fun! Sure things can get dark, but he is always able to bring things back. Case in point with his “Road Trip” arc from early in the year. After dealing with Manchester Black in a very dark and serious arc before, the Kent family could really use a rest. And that is exactly what they got. Yet instead of flying, Clark decided to do things a little more by the book. He rented an RV. The 3 issue story arc features the Kent’s going to various different monuments and historical markers, and interacting with people along the way. Central to the story is Clark teaching Jonathan to be a good, kind person. It may sound odd to say, but I think the best Superman stories are the ones that don’t feature big, all out brawls. It is the ones that focus on the underlying humanity Clark has. It is why stories like Injustice and Batman VS Superman are so hard for me to get behind.

5. Doomsday Clock. Do I really need to say more? The long awaited resolution to the Rebirth premise is finally at hand. Only 2 issues in, the story is more glorious than anyone could have imagined. Rather than deep diving into the Watchmen/DC Crossover, we take things a step back and find out how things have been going in the Watchmen universe. Not well. Rorschach’s journal told the world the truth of Ozymandias’ deeds, and united the world against him. Sadly, this also brought back the animosity between nations that Adrian had desperately been trying to avoid. We get a chance to see several fan favorite characters again plus the addition of a few new ones. The story has yet to really get going, but Geoff Johns knows what he is doing. What makes this series exceptional is Gary Frank’s art. Instead of relying on modern comic art methods, Frank is doing things differently. Gone are the overdone splash pages, or large comic images, and in its place are traditional 9 panels. This does not diminish Frank’s gorgeous art at all, it instills it. Every single frame can be poured over, and new readings will find new insights. Plus the classic feel to the book, is the perfect presentation for the Watchmen event we have all been waiting for. I know there are several people out there burned out on Watchmen due either to the film, Before Watchmen, or any number of other things. If you are one of those people, I get it. I was too. But the opening of this series should have everything you need to get you hooked in seconds. Trust me, and take the plunge.

4. Batman by Tom King has been an interesting book to figure out. At the start of its launch, it just seemed off. While everyone was positively abuzz about King taking over the title. Yet the book released to an underwhelming presence. In comparison to the other fantastic launches the rest of the Rebirth line had, Batman got lost. Yet 2017 is truly the year of Tom King. With his story arc “The War of Jokes and Riddles” and “Super Friends”, King has successfully made Batman one of the hottest books on he shelf again. Featuring the brilliance Mikel Janin on art, the War of Jokes and Riddles was the Batman epic of the year. Focusing on an untold story from early in Batman’s tenure, similar to Scott Snyder’s year zero. Joker, who is unable to laugh, is desperately trying to find something ‘funny’. On the other side is the Riddler, who’s motives are to kill Batman, thus answering the ultimate Riddle. In the process the villains of Gotham draw a line down the middle, and enter into a messy and bloody conflict. The messy conflict sees Batman do something we don’t normally see him do. There are a number of surprises and fantastic moments sprinkled in across the way that I won’t spoil. Tom King follows this dramatic and dark story arc with one of the most fun two part stories I have ever read. In “Superfriends” Clark, Lois, Bruce, and Selina go on a double date. The issue is to delightful to spoil, so go get on it.

3. Archie’s “Over the Edge” and “Heart of Riverdale” broke my heart this year, and deserves a high spot on this list. Mark Waid has a way of weaving comedy and tragedy into the same book, and has never shied away from pulling any emotion punches with this book. These arcs cranked those emotions up to a ten. I after nearly every issue I was left devastated and near tears. Yet this wasn’t due just to the darkness and tragedy that Waid just threw in my face. It was also due to how well he was writing the characters. They were as devastated as I. Yet how did they handle these dilemma’s? They bought guns to appease their vengeance. Just kidding! If you wanted that, go watch Riverdale. As for me, I will stick to the heartwarming melancholy that I get on a monthly basis from this book. Pete Woods’ art highlighted the energy and emotion of the Over the Edge arc. Audrey Mok took over for the Heart of Riverdale arc, and here sweet and personal style is perfectly suited for the subject material. Warning before you read, not everyone makes it out of this one alright. So bring tissues.

2. Batman: White Knight by Sean Murphy is easily the second best book of the year. Originally slated as the 4th arc of Scott Snyder’s All Star Batman, DC wisely gave Murphy free reign of this book. Set in an alternate universe, where the Joker eventually goes sane. As Jack Napier, he not only sees the lunacy of his actions, but the havoc that Batman has reeked across Gotham. He sets out trying to not only fix the broken and corrupt political system of the city, but to stop Batman himself. With Alfred clinging for life with an illness that Bruce cannot cure, he has gotten more and more savage. This story helps beg the question, what is Batman without Alfred? If the death of his parents broke an 8 year old Bruce, what would the death of his caretaker, friend, mentor, and surrogate parent do to him? The answer is nothing good. On top of this brilliant premise is the twist that has propelled the 3 issues of the series out so far so high up this list. There are two Harley Quinn’s. The original Harley is Harleen Qunizell, who legitimately fell in love with Jack (Joker) and was driven away at the height of his madness. Taking his place is a manic woman obsessed with Joker’s madness. The original wears her jumpsuit she debuted in, while the new favors a look more like her appearance in Suicide Squad. As a reader the devolution of Harley in comics has long been a point of contention with me. Seeing my issues with the character addressed so quickly and effortlessly was not something I had expected, but I loved it. This book still has another 5 issues to go, and Sean Murphy has barely cracked the surface of what he is going to do.

1.  Mister Miracle is without a doubt, the best series of the year, and is Tom King and Mitch Gerads at their finest. This series clocks in at just 5 issues of its 12 issue run, and has been a smash hit since day one. The story so far sees the titular hero thrust into a war between the New Gods and the forces of Darkseid. While it is made clear early on that absolutely nothing is at it seems, the curtain has yet to be pulled back to reveal the full extent of what is happening. The war has taken several turns so far, including the death of High Father. This has led to Orion becoming the new leader of New Genesis. Most recently he ordered the death of Mister Miracle under the accusation that he was corrupted by the Anti Life Equation (he may be, we don’t know). The book has managed to nail down a very dramatic and action packed story, and sneak in brilliant moments of comedy and heartwarming tenderness as well. Something Tom King has proven very deft at. Gerads art is a credit to this book. Able to pull off a captivating and brilliant read every issue, while also making things fuzzy enough to make the reader confused an unnerved. This is well worth a pick up if you haven’t gotten to read it yet.

Ravingnerd Reviews: Bane #1

The biggest Bat-book of the week, Bane headlines a weak group of villains on this fourth week of Villains Month. What Bane has going for him is a strong sense of characterization that has been built up steadily over the course of the New 52. Additionally, this book has the mastermind of a writer that is Peter J Tomasi behind it. With all this in mind, here is what I like about the issue.

1. Bane is a hero… to some people.
2. It does a brilliant job at creating a compelling origin for the character that feels like the best of comics and newer media interpretations of the character.
3. The story was excellent, and very well done. Nothing we shouldn’t have expected from Tomasi.

Rating before reading: 6
Rating after reading 7

This book does a great job at creating a compelling and different story for Bane. Bane can peak pretty easily as the hyper masculine and monstrous foe of Batman, and that often eclipses his brilliant mind and nack for strategy. This issue sees him use that intelligence for his own purposes as he masterminds the entire plot behind the upcoming Arkham war. While the asylum inmates have been busy carving up Gotham into their own playground, Bane has been supplying and training the inmates of Blackgate to help him achieve his goal. As savior of Gotham City. This issue elevates Bane’s desire for conquest above a desire to break people, but to be it’s savior. Tomasi adds a cult like feel, as Bane’s followers gleefully worship him and his way of life to an excessive and terrifying level. While Bane spends the entire issue making his way to Gotham (with a refreshing recap of his origins and his character on the way), his plan unfolds as Blackgate is cracked open and his army is readied. Armed with refined Venom, Bane’s soldiers promise to help Bane achieve his goal of dominance over the city. He isn’t concerned with labels of heroes or villains, the strong will inherit the Earth and the weak shall feel his fist.

Leave it to Tomasi to stave off a week of dull and almost pointless Bat-books with a terrifying and awesome tale that has direct consequences to the New 52. Bane cares nothing for the Crime Syndicate or their message, he only wishes to see Gotham become his, as he takes his place as the cities savior.

This book definitely makes me more excited for Arkham War as we finally get to see the other side of the picture.

Until the next time,

Rn

Ravingnerd Reviews: Scarecrow #1

Scarecrow was yet another book that I was not looking forward too. In Forever Evil, and already in multiple Villains Month issues, we’ve seen him as The Crime Syndicate’s message boy. Delivering the bad word and membership coins to many of his Arkham compatriots. This book, firmly set after the blotting out of the sun, shows Gotham in an entirely new state. Where districts are divided up by Gotham’s major Rogues. While mainly just being a big teaser for the upcoming Forever Evil: Arkham War, the book excels at numerous things. Here is what I liked.

1. Symon Kudranski’s art is perfect. Dark, moody, and mysterious. I’m not sure the book needed anything else.
2. Each one of the Rogues’ visited in the book was done well, showing just why Tomasi is DC’s greatest hero. In one book, he mastered the characters of Mr. Freeze, Scarecrow, Riddler, and even Poison Ivy. That takes some serious skill.
3. To see the city divided up in a similar manner to No Man’s Land was both nostalgic and awesome.

Rating before reading: 5
Rating after reading: 8

I will not sugarcoat this. This book is rather blatantly trying to set up Arkham War. The story isn’t done really well, and is rather predictable. It is a basic set up book. What makes this book excel is the mastery of each one of the colorful characters in the book. Both Mr. Freeze and Poison Ivy’s own solo book disappointed me, and yet here they were done excellently, and with only 2-3 pages per character. Even the Riddler, who had his own thrilling first issue was done justice. He was not only shown interacting with the plot teased for Arkham War, but it tied directly into his own book, ensuring that his own wonderful solo narrative was not ruined.

Scarecrow was perhaps the least seen in the book, but his dialogue was fresh and intriguing. Tomasi grasps the intelligent psychologist side of Scarecrow better than I’ve seen anyone do recently. Additionally his blatant pandering to every villain he comes across was both amusing and exactly what I’d expect the character to do.

So while the story was unremarkable, the personification and characterization of each colorful and quirky villain was so excellently done, I felt it impossible not to give it the recognition it deserves.

Until the next time,

Rn

Ravingnerd Reviews: Two-Face #1

While most of the villains month feature novice creators of some sort, Two-Face #1 stands as the exception to that rule. With the all star dream team of Peter Tomasi and Guillem March, it was hard not to be enticed by this issue. Two-Face as a character has rarely been done in the capacity that I would have liked. For most of his career he has been a gimmick villain like so many others. While others like the Joker, Penguin, and Poison Ivy evolved from their gimmick, others like Two-Face and the Riddler have never really been given a chance to shine in the spot light. Speaking of spot light, is this not one of the coolest visuals ever?

Right? Before I continue here’s what I liked about the issue.

1. Guillem March is one of the best artists in the industry, and I’m pleased that he got the chance to do a one shot. While I’m all about supporting new talent, I’m certainly glad he was on board this issue.
2. The script is perfect. Tomasi recognizes that to truly do Two-Face well, you have to embrace the duality of his life.
3. The switch between identities as we see Two-Face and Dent in the same setting, is perfect. And both stories combine to make a nearly perfect one.
4. Two-Face, of all of the villains in Gotham has the greatest chance for good. A 50% chance and as he does multiple times in the issue, he dabbles with good as much as evil.
5. Secret Society be damned! Two-Face recognizes only one authority: The coin.

Rating before reading: 8
Rating after reading: 9

As a single tale, it was one of the most solid one shot’s I’ve ever read. Brilliantly drawn and craftily written, both creators are on top of their game with this comic. I have always called Tomasi the unsung hero of the New 52, as Batman & Robin and GLC have been some of the consistently best written titles in the New 52. Tomasi gets inside the characters mind (or is it minds?) and shows us that Two-Face is much more than just a gimmick villain. And did I mention Guillem March drew it?

I know I promised my thoughts on all the new creators, and sited that as my reason behind going all in for Villains Month. That is still all true, but I am definitely pleased that I had the fortune to read this comic as well.

Until the next time,

Rn

Coming Home to Roost

THIS POST CONTAINTS MASSIVE SPOILERS TO BATMAN INCORPORATED #8. DO NOT READ THIS IF YOU INTEND ON READING THE COMIC.

Now that I’ve got that out of the way, I can finally talk about the event I think we all have wanted too and need to talk about. While I managed to experience the story at my own terms, avoiding all spoilers for the issue, I had a pretty strong idea as to what was coming based on the frantic internet reaction the past few days.

Reading the issue only confirms it. Damian Wayne is dead.

I remember when he was introduced, I hated the character. I not only despised the bratty kid that took the place of my favorite Robin, Tim, but that he represented a legacy that I didn’t want to read. However, as the characters grew, and as the story grew, I grew too to appreciate and then love him. Grant Morrison’s original run on Batman and Robin offered the character a bit of humanity. Humanity he’d been lacking. But what really did it was Peter Tomasi’s and Patrick Gleason’s New 52 relaunch of Batman and Robin. Their solid series did nothing but build a meaningful relationship between Damian and Bruce. This relationship led to not only the redemption of Damian, but to the growth that made me love his character.

While myself and the rest of the internet was insistent that this even was going to happen 2 weeks ago in the conclusion in Death of the Family, the real death came today.

I can’t believe that this moment came. Nor can I believe that I’m sad that this moment came. For so long I had hoped for the relief from this character and the story line that I felt was predetermined and thrust upon the Bat family. Now, I see a long going narrative. One that has a definitive start, and a definitive end. And as I argued with MoreFunTravis today at lunch, I believe that definitive narratives are better than any on going narrative. On going narratives are good. But to see something resolve. To see a story start and end. Especially one on this level, a story nearly 7 years in the making. That’s quite a bit of time.

So while the events of the issue rest heavily on my mind, and my heart, I am pleased that I got to see a story play out as beautifully as it did. I know this issue was ugly and terrible, but the overarching narrative of Damian’s story is so much fuller and richer now that it has an ending. As a fan of comics and of the personal journey’s each one of these characters has to take, I’m excited to see a bold and well thought out plot, such as this one, play out.

I understand that I’ve done nothing but post about nonsense. Nonsense you probably don’t care about, but I had to discuss it. Damian is gone. The ending to his story is sad, perhaps most sad because it’s so brief. But in a theatrical sense, tragedy can be beautiful. And I think this story, while still new, will go down as one of the most tragic yet beautiful stories in Batman’s history.

So if anything, this was my attempt at eulogizing Damian. I know I did a piss poor job at, but it’s the least I could do.

Until the next time, Rest in peace Damian

Rn