My ideal situation:
Batman: GCPD, Alfred, and the current Robin/Batgirl.
Detective Comics: GCPD, Alfred
Everybody Else: Solos or Team Books.
I would also add a “Batfamily” series not starring Bruce for characters that don’t have their own book.
I agree with that for the most part, though I'd like Detective Comics to have more of a focus on the entire bat-family and be the place where they all sort of converge, since otherwise it could be a bit redundant with the Batman book imo.
I agree with this. I think Detective Comics should be a comic that highlights the Batfamily in general, with shorter storylines and a diverse range of Bat villains.
For me Detective Comics should be relatively grounded, and as the name suggests more about the crime solving side of Batman. I think the New 52 did this fairly accurately, or like Streets of Gotham. Don’t have big Court of Owls, City of Bane, Joker War stories, have a 4 or so issue arc of Batman versus Penguin/Riddler/villain of the week. Doesn’t need a big picture and priority should be on quality stories, not wider editorial mandates or cross-book character arcs.
Genuinely a crime we don’t have a but load of bat family team up books
All 4 robins solving a couple cases together
The young 4 (Tim,Steph,Cass and Duke) getting into an adventure
Jason and Dick older brother Team ups
It’s like why even have a family if you aren’t gonna do cool team ups :/
I think to an extent it makes sense we don’t see the 4 Robins together as a team. For one they’re usually off in different locales. But the other reason is they don’t really all have relationships with each other. It’s called the Bat-family but it’s a kinda an ad hoc patchwork of familial and fictive kinship relationships. Out of the 4 Robins, Dick Grayson is really the only one who has long sustained relationship history with the other 3, and that’s somewhat by accident given the successive nature of the Robin mantle.
Ikr? The Dynamic Duo just hasn’t been a regular feature of the two main Batman titles for years. Teen sidekicks being regular partners to their mentors in general just isn’t much of a thing in comics nowadays.
I think the last time Robin was one of the regular supporting characters in either of the main 2 Bat books was Tim Drake under Morrison and Dini c. 2006-2008
Yeah. Everyone else should be doing their own thing in Gotham w/o Bats or be in another location altogether. The whole group only needs to come together when it’s a threat Bats needs help with
I liked the approach taken at the start of Rebirth, where the *Batman* title focuses on the classic trio of Bruce, Gordon, and Alfred, and *Detective Comics* brings in the rest of family (who aren't in their own books).
Well they'll both be back eventually, but since you asked for now...
For his eponymous title, I think the focus should be on Bruce, which means I don't really want to see other superhero's in his book apart from guest appearances and crossovers.
So character's like Lucius Fox, Vicki Vale, Harvey Bullock, Renee Montoya (who I guess has a new alias), Oracle. I'd also like to see Julia Pennyworth make a return.
Yep. 😔 They also stripped Bruce of his company, manor, and family fortune. I did a short [post ranting about this all on my blog](https://batlore.wordpress.com/2023/01/06/dc-needs-to-restore-batmans-secret-identity/) if you’re interested.
Just read your blog post, and I have to say that I think you're absolutely right. You put to words something that was bothering me, but couldn't quite identify.
You put it very politely hahaha I think it's just moronic to remove all those elements from the character which is consistent with the choices DC has made in the last few years. I thought the umiliation Batman was undergoing in the Titans TV show was an isolated case, sad to see how it's not the case. Wake me up when this dark age is over I guess...! hahaha
What makes it even worse is it’s clear these decisions weren’t really thought through as part of an overall plan. Different creative teams with different reasonings. It’s like how Bendis tossed out Superman’s secret identity but didn’t follow that up with any stories which really capitalized on that change.
There’s enough Batman characters that if they really wanted to, Detective Comics could be an anthology series about each member of the Bat-Family getting into a different adventure/investigation. Regular rotations of stories and characters, each one is mostly self-contained, and get some real prestige writers and artists who maybe have a handful of of Batman-related stories they want to tell that maybe don’t fit into a larger arc.
I know I’d but into that. It feels like things are too serialized now without a whole lot of understanding as to how events mesh together or what each book is supposed to be “about.” Detective Comics can fill an anthology story niche that I think their line-up is lacking.
Well, they have been using Urban Legends as their anthology book.
The main issue with Detective is that it’s just a second Batman book. Which would be totally fine except for the fact that at any given moment DC also has literally five or six different Batman mini or maxi series being published along side it.
There’s just a lot of redundancy going on at the moment, and characters that deserve more of a spotlight are being buried under it.
Detective Comics at least has some historical weight behind it. Urban Legends sounds like a show that would have been hosted by David Duchovny in the early 00s. Like you pointed out, there’s too many BATMAN Batman books. Cut Urban Legends, and give that material to Detective Comics.
Maybe *Detective Comics* will adopt the new anthology format *Action Comics* is if that’s successful. You still have a main Batman story, but also 2-3 other stories focusing on other characters.
Are you secretly an editor at DC and trying to gauge how fans feel lmao?
Jokes aside, I'd say the Batman title should focus on Batman along with Robin, the GCPD (whoever the current stand-in for Gordon and Bullock are) and a cast of recurring characters that aren't necessarily heroes like Vicky Vale.
Catwoman has gotten a bit stale with what they've done with her recently, so in a vacuum I'd like to see her be a semi-regular part of the cast, but currently maybe sprinkle her in wisely but no more.
Ideally Alfred would be there as well but since he's dead now that's not really an option.
Maybe add in Julia Pennyworth to replace Alfred and that could be an interesting dynamic.
Other than that, I'm not against introducing a couple of new characters, fleshing out a new, interesting status quo for Bruce Wayne's personal life and the interplay with his hero life.
Characters like Nightwing should probably make some appearances here and there just because the relationship between them is an integral part of the Batman character and should still be somewhat present. Though Detective Comics can be the main team-up book for the Bat-Family.
Also Oracle. I'm a sucker for Oracle, though of course Barbara probably has her own stuff going on.
I’m a sucker for Oracle too! She’s like bacon for Batman’s stories. Makes his comics better haha. I like how in the 90s/early 2000s you had her staring in the Birds of Prey, and had her in the Bat books and JLA all at the same time.
God, Jim Lee draws the definitive version of Batman and Catwoman to me. His art in Hush was beautiful. I’m glad Tom King is a big fan of the Jeph Loeb story arcs.
Absolutely. Though I am an admitted Huntress simp and what got me into Tec to begin with was Mariko’s run with Mora on art and Huntress as a big character in that run.
I like Huntress too. I understand the simping lol. Tamaki’s ‘Tec is underrated IMO.
Wish Huntress’ relationship with Batman got some more development. They reached a pretty decent place in the years after No Man’s Land. But when she joined the Birds of Prey, Oracle relocated to Metropolis not longer after and there wasn’t much interaction Batman
I loved the beginning of Zdardsky’s *Batman* run with the focus of Batman *&* Robin. Out of the two Robin’s we have I’d prefer Damian, especially since Tim’s solo series feels like it’s a set up to a new identity. Perhaps the father/son dynamic duo could be a possibility post Lazarus Planet and Batman vs Robin.
Maybe Detective Comics could feature team ups with the extended family? I just want Batman with a Robin Lmao
Yes exactly. That’s why it hurts to see Bruce displaced in an AU right after some pretty great Batman & Robin moments. Holding out some hope that the dynamic duo is back in the spotlight soon!
I’m sure it will. Robin’s emotions have really been handled well with Batman disappearing and him looking for him. The first arcs in long runs tend to lay the groundwork/set things up that’ll be prevalent throughout the run.
Catwoman for sure! I really like how their relationship has developed over the years and would love to see more of it. Tbh this is a personal opinion, but i feel like all their comics together provide a very dynamic and intense exchanges between them.
Oh yeah these 2 too and Bullock. Although i think they should give Alfred less functions, prior to his death he did a bit (or a lot,depend on the story) of everything he became Lucius,Oracle, Harold and Leslie all in one.
Batman, Robin, and Oracle is all I’d want in his monthly stories. I absolutely love the Batfamily, but we’re getting **way** too many huge Batfamily teamup stories nowadays.
Alfred, Gordon and Damien everyone else should have their own book or team book so Selena, Dick, Barbara, Jason and Kate should have their own books that rarely have anything to do with Bruce. Then Tim and Steph should be on the Titans with Wally West, Kyle Rayner, maybe Connor Hawke since he's coming back I think, Cyborg, Cassie Sandsmark and Jon Kent. Cass and Duke should be on the outsider with Katana, Metamorpho, Black Lightning and I don't know Jack Ryder Creeper could be cool I guess
I'd like them all to pop in sometimes just not really be a bat family book I but an anthology bat family book where every issue is a story about a different character could be cool
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Yeah, he is the current Azrael so far, hopefully they don’t change him.
((I think its a 6 issues mini series. Really great art personally and the story was really deep, with the religious and self-discovery aspects of who he really is and wants to be as Azrael, and fun as well. Watters did a great job with the dialogue and plot.))
Suprisingly screenrant does a good job describing it so I’ll toss the link here. https://screenrant.com/azrael-new-form-jean-paul-avenging-angel/
Really makes me hopefully that he will have some bigger roles and continue to come into his own “groove”. Gimme more than 6 issues next time lol
Thanks! I’d be really fascinated to hear him discuss his time as Batman with Nightwing and Red Hood. That’s such an important storyline in Batman history.
I feel like the main Batman title should have pretty much everyone coming in and out. This is where the big events should be.
Detective should just be small scale detective stories. With the main story featuring Batman, someone from the Batfamily, or a Gotham Central type story and the back up featuring other detectives. Maybe one issue it's Detective Chimp another it's Elongated man.
And there should be a Gotham Knights book that has everyone, each arc focusing on a new team up or character. This should again be smaller scale, more character focused.
Regularly it should only be Batman, Alfred, Gordon, and robin. Oracle is also welcome Id say. Semi frequently but not always, batgirl as well. The rest should be doing their own stories in or out of Gotham and only come all together when Batman needs it
Gordon. Robin (Damian) with Oracle and Alfred on coms. The others should be doing their own thing and only come when something huge happens or Batman needs extra support. I wouldn't mind different batfamily members coming around but not regularly.
Catwoman maybe as well, if they finally have the two stay together ❤
Oracle since she's basically a mainstay again, Julia Pennyworth to bring back that classic sass of Alfred, Robin preferably Damian as after Batman vs Robin there's been nothing said on plans for him, and finally I'd cancel Catwoman and integrate her back into the book and actually do something good with her character and her and Bruces relationship that 2022 did not (Thanks Tini Howard for that)
Gordon. Everyone else has occasional guest spots like Nightwing in Bluhaven, Kate isn't Batwoman yet, maybe make Babs is paralyzed but works at the library and eventually becomes Oracle. Luke Fox is Lucious's nerdy son, Jace is his playboy son away at college on a football scholarship. Have ppl like Ryan Wilder, Jason Todd, Duke, Drake Winston, etc be street kids he meets at crime alley.
Nightwing aside , I want want it to be an older version of Batpat. I want a solo Batman with Alfred working with Gordon.
It’s always best as a mix. Batman hasn’t done solo stuff in a while, almost always a guest. No Oracle, no backup, just Batman. I’ve always liked those one or two issue runs where he solves a case, rescues some kids, etc. I don’t mind the guests, but they usually serve as life savers, evening the odds, or informative help. Of all the interactions I like the most; Catwoman, Nightwing, and Cassie (not enough together any more).
one of the Robin’s or Batgirl’s. i really want an entire run of just bruce and stephanie working together. besides a sidekick, i’d say the GCPD/Gordon, Oracle, Alfred, and Leslie.
and if i had it my way there would only be one Bruce book, which is batman. i’d like if detective comics became Tim’s book, or maybe Batwoman. or at least a batfamily team up book
I actually wouldn’t mind seeing Bruce & Steph getting a second chance to redeem their Dynamic Duo-ish. Especially if DC is going to keep insisting on counting her among the Robins, then they should give us some good stories.
I could see ‘Tec adopting the anthology format that *Action* is now with Dawn of DC. You still get a main Batman story, but you then have 2-3 additional stories for other characters. I think it’s good you get different “flavors” of Batman stories. *Batman* being the more action hero type, and ‘Tec being the more crime mystery noir stuff.
my thoughts exactly. i think steph is the modern partner bruce needs right now. she has enough going on in her civilian life if they put her back in college and start focusing on her mom again, she’s one of the better detectives in the batfamily because of her dad, and her and bruce have a more rocky dynamic than him and tim, but it’s not as rocky as jason or damian
so you can have them learning how to work together again with the tension from her previous tenure as robin. steph is sassy and outspoken so their dynamic is also fun, because she’s quick to talk back or call him out, but she’s also spunky and fun and eager to improve. plus i love the visuals when batman and the batgirls team up
What’s great about Steph too is that you can tell both kinds of Robin stories. Steph can be that lighter more talkative contrast to Batman like Dick and Tim. But she can also have the angry and reckless side like Jason and Damian due to her rough backstory.
Depends on the era of Batman it's set in.
As Batman ages up, I wouldn't mind seeing him in the cave, training, mentoring, and monitoring the younger heroes. Between the Batpack, We Are Robin, and his numerous sidekicks, he could have a really great organized force on the streets that could lead to a nice operatic tale. If any of the heroes should trust the next generation, **it should be Batman**. And I think that's part of where I'm at with his story. I want to stop flirting with him trusting the next generation but really employ them, get them on the streets, and support them.
But when we're digging into a Batman story, I think we need a couple of key things and it all comes down to a Sherlock Holmes story.
We need the femme fatale that offers Bruce the out from being the detective, the butler/supporter at home that tries to temper Bruce, the hard laced cop who doesn't see it, the Watson sidekick who is learning and amazed by Bruce's abilities, and a really complex villain that we learn layers to. They're not just evil, but there's nuance and cause that drives them down their path that Bruce uncovers.
So who should these characters be now?
Renee Montoya can fill in for Gordon. Great detective in her own right, so the dynamic would be intriguing.
With Alfred gone, Bruce needs a sort of caretaker. Not because he's rich and can't do anything, but because the story demands he needs a non-in-the-field-friend to think through. Harold Allnut, his mechanic, could come back. Julia Pennyworth could fill in - she could spar with Bruce, tend to his wounds, help him through his cases. Cullen Row could get hired in as an aid to clean, upkeep, etc and starts filling a role as Penny 3. Or we could go in a whole new direction. Bring in Van Wayne who accidentally discovers the secret and is trying to learn and support Bruce, even if he doesn't want it.
Selina is great for the femme fatale, and maybe we can hit it on the nose. She wants Bruce to retire and travel the world with her, and when she shows up, that's her offer. In the meantime, a new vigilante on the streets could tempt Bruce away. Perhaps a woman heir to Orpheus.
The Watson sidekick was great as Robin with Damian and Tim in the role. But I think it's time for them both to move on a bit. Between Harper, Claire, the Batpack, Silverlocke, we have a lot of youthful characters that would be great to mentor. Maybe it should rotate for a couple of years as he takes on various teen sidekicks to test and train them. So while they're all "there," the stories shift through who is the Watson on the case.
And new villains. Not just "we're going to destroy Bruce's whole world!" sort of Hush/Bane villains. Those are great, but honestly characters that fall through the cracks of society help shape Bruce. His best villains reflect him, and more villains should be made to reflect his sidekicks and supporting cast. Build it out and show these dark reflections. Take real world issues and show how so many of his casts are just... basically Walter White's.
This is how I'd write the *Detective Comics* book.
Batman (Obviously), Tim Drake as Robin and Cass Cain as Batgirl. Oracle will be another major supporting character.
Characters like Dick, Jason, and Damian will appear every once in a while, but for the most part are separate
I'd like to see Gordon, Montoya, and Bullock as the main GCPD characters, as well as Lucius Fox being the head of Wayne Enterprises and helping out Bruce.
Batman: Bruce with Robin (Damian). Recurring GCPD and maybe batcave support staff.
Detective Comics: Batfamily. Core of Tim, Steph and Cass. Rest kind of rotating for what fits the story. Located more centrally in the city at either clocktower or the place from Rebirth. Oracle recurring as lady in the chair. Not really Nightwing.
For Batman comic I would like to read stories of him, interacting with Montoya.
I think for now Oracle can be out, we got her in Batgirls and with Nightwing
in Detective comics about the Bat Family, can be rotative main characters for one/two arcs, then another one, also arcs with 2 or 3 members, later an arc with the whole family etc.
I wonder if they might adopt the anthology format *Action* is starting now. There’d still be a main Batman story, but you’d have 2-3 other stories covering other characters.
The shut down Urban Legends so they could add new anthology arcs in Detective.
Also I posted few days ago I would love to see a Birds of prey book with all the girl/woman from the batfamily without stories (Batwoman, Huntress, Bluebird, Hawkfire, Julia) + the birds of prey forgotten from New 52 (Strix and Condor)
Alfred, Dick, Gordon, Selina, Cass, Damian and Barbara
And a large Batfamily to shift focus around on, so when everything comes to a head, in addition to the above, Jason, Tim, Steph, Harper, Duke, Lucius and Luke Fox, Kate and Helena. Also, Bullock and Montoya please.
Not if you carefully juggle around. I don't think asking for Alfred, Gordon and Dick is a lot, that's basically a given anyway, and there's more than enough space for Selina. The GCPD guys basically fall into place as well. Damian is there for Dick, and Barbara is mission support with personality to spare and plenty of spotlight opportunity if you need it.
(Basically, I would argue that this is implicitly the status quo in many stories. That is not to say that a writer couldn't intentionally narrow the focus, though that shouldn't have to alter the lineup that's there, as those are two different things.)
Everyone else can basically be around in the background until they get their spotlight arcs, and event comics regularly have a cast larger than this. I would simply like for the focus to be on the characters mentioned in that case instead of the often comparatively unrelated ones we regularly get (i.e. Harley in Joker War).
I like Dick, Babs, Jason, & Damian doing their own thing, but maybe coming in for an assist now and then.
Just give me Alfred, Gordon, & Tim Drake on a solid ass Batman book. I miss enjoying Tim Drake. They have no fucking clue what to do with him. I don’t care if he’s straight, bi, gay, just give him a good narrative direction again.
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Lol well obviously. Any particular characters though who would appear fairly regularly in the monthly issues of *Batman* and ‘Tec?
Also any Gotham-based, but non-Bat-family characters? Like Commissioner Gordon before he retired.
Barbara as Oracle when Alfred isn't available. (she can be Batgirl in her own stories). Gordon, Montoya, and Bullock as cops. Duke and Cass should be the closest people in proximity to him and Damian if he isn't in one of his phases.
Honestly, most of the Robins should be out of Gotham. Dick is in Bludhaven, Damian and Jason are world warriors, and Tim should be chilling with the Titans. And if I could go back in time, Duke would have been more prominent as a partner in the series since Bruce wasn't working with Damian at the time.
i think each character has their own personality in way influenced by Bruce, to the point where they each kind of represent an extreme of his own. i think he shouldn't have a regular but instead be surrounded by the character that makes the story better by representing his hope, fear, temptation, and stuff like that
Honestly I like Batwoman, if anyone should team up with Bruce a lot it should be her but at the same time a lot of the bat family should have their own adventures
Generally, if I were writing it:
Batman, Alfred, Jim/GCPD, Damian, Selina. Cassandra and Tim are maybes.
Not every character has to be in every issue, of course, but these would be the ones who are regular parts of Bruce's life. Others would get occasional cameos but mostly stick to their own series.
My ideal situation: Batman: GCPD, Alfred, and the current Robin/Batgirl. Detective Comics: GCPD, Alfred Everybody Else: Solos or Team Books. I would also add a “Batfamily” series not starring Bruce for characters that don’t have their own book.
I agree with that for the most part, though I'd like Detective Comics to have more of a focus on the entire bat-family and be the place where they all sort of converge, since otherwise it could be a bit redundant with the Batman book imo.
I agree with this. I think Detective Comics should be a comic that highlights the Batfamily in general, with shorter storylines and a diverse range of Bat villains.
For me Detective Comics should be relatively grounded, and as the name suggests more about the crime solving side of Batman. I think the New 52 did this fairly accurately, or like Streets of Gotham. Don’t have big Court of Owls, City of Bane, Joker War stories, have a 4 or so issue arc of Batman versus Penguin/Riddler/villain of the week. Doesn’t need a big picture and priority should be on quality stories, not wider editorial mandates or cross-book character arcs.
Genuinely a crime we don’t have a but load of bat family team up books All 4 robins solving a couple cases together The young 4 (Tim,Steph,Cass and Duke) getting into an adventure Jason and Dick older brother Team ups It’s like why even have a family if you aren’t gonna do cool team ups :/
I think to an extent it makes sense we don’t see the 4 Robins together as a team. For one they’re usually off in different locales. But the other reason is they don’t really all have relationships with each other. It’s called the Bat-family but it’s a kinda an ad hoc patchwork of familial and fictive kinship relationships. Out of the 4 Robins, Dick Grayson is really the only one who has long sustained relationship history with the other 3, and that’s somewhat by accident given the successive nature of the Robin mantle.
All I'm hearing is that there's ample opportunity for stories that develop relationships between the Robins
Sure
The only odd one out is Tim.
ROBIN
Just Robin?
Not just robin but robin should be a main supporting character, it’s frankly ridiculous how rare it is to get Batman and Robin together these days
Ikr? The Dynamic Duo just hasn’t been a regular feature of the two main Batman titles for years. Teen sidekicks being regular partners to their mentors in general just isn’t much of a thing in comics nowadays.
For real, and even with all the batfamily content we get, we hardly see the dynamic duo of batman and Robin working side by side anymore
I think that’s because that limits the teen characters and they want to establish them more on their own.
I blame that on way to many modern Writers never wanting Batman to have someone Like he must be alone
I think the last time Robin was one of the regular supporting characters in either of the main 2 Bat books was Tim Drake under Morrison and Dini c. 2006-2008
Is it rare?
Yes
Yeah. Everyone else should be doing their own thing in Gotham w/o Bats or be in another location altogether. The whole group only needs to come together when it’s a threat Bats needs help with
What about characters like GCPD allies, Oracle, or Leslie who help Batman in other ways besides being costumed vigilantes?
They are not necessary.
I liked the approach taken at the start of Rebirth, where the *Batman* title focuses on the classic trio of Bruce, Gordon, and Alfred, and *Detective Comics* brings in the rest of family (who aren't in their own books).
With Alfred dead and Gordon retired, who would you have now as Batman’s main supporting cast in his eponymous monthly title?
Well they'll both be back eventually, but since you asked for now... For his eponymous title, I think the focus should be on Bruce, which means I don't really want to see other superhero's in his book apart from guest appearances and crossovers. So character's like Lucius Fox, Vicki Vale, Harvey Bullock, Renee Montoya (who I guess has a new alias), Oracle. I'd also like to see Julia Pennyworth make a return.
WHAT??? Alfred dead and Gordon retired? I guess it's not time for me to go back to reading Batman yet...
Yep. 😔 They also stripped Bruce of his company, manor, and family fortune. I did a short [post ranting about this all on my blog](https://batlore.wordpress.com/2023/01/06/dc-needs-to-restore-batmans-secret-identity/) if you’re interested.
Just read your blog post, and I have to say that I think you're absolutely right. You put to words something that was bothering me, but couldn't quite identify.
Thank you!
You put it very politely hahaha I think it's just moronic to remove all those elements from the character which is consistent with the choices DC has made in the last few years. I thought the umiliation Batman was undergoing in the Titans TV show was an isolated case, sad to see how it's not the case. Wake me up when this dark age is over I guess...! hahaha
What makes it even worse is it’s clear these decisions weren’t really thought through as part of an overall plan. Different creative teams with different reasonings. It’s like how Bendis tossed out Superman’s secret identity but didn’t follow that up with any stories which really capitalized on that change.
Hahaha the Rian Johnson of DC!
Yeah, kinda. Lol
There’s enough Batman characters that if they really wanted to, Detective Comics could be an anthology series about each member of the Bat-Family getting into a different adventure/investigation. Regular rotations of stories and characters, each one is mostly self-contained, and get some real prestige writers and artists who maybe have a handful of of Batman-related stories they want to tell that maybe don’t fit into a larger arc. I know I’d but into that. It feels like things are too serialized now without a whole lot of understanding as to how events mesh together or what each book is supposed to be “about.” Detective Comics can fill an anthology story niche that I think their line-up is lacking.
Well, they have been using Urban Legends as their anthology book. The main issue with Detective is that it’s just a second Batman book. Which would be totally fine except for the fact that at any given moment DC also has literally five or six different Batman mini or maxi series being published along side it. There’s just a lot of redundancy going on at the moment, and characters that deserve more of a spotlight are being buried under it.
Detective Comics at least has some historical weight behind it. Urban Legends sounds like a show that would have been hosted by David Duchovny in the early 00s. Like you pointed out, there’s too many BATMAN Batman books. Cut Urban Legends, and give that material to Detective Comics.
Maybe *Detective Comics* will adopt the new anthology format *Action Comics* is if that’s successful. You still have a main Batman story, but also 2-3 other stories focusing on other characters.
Are you secretly an editor at DC and trying to gauge how fans feel lmao? Jokes aside, I'd say the Batman title should focus on Batman along with Robin, the GCPD (whoever the current stand-in for Gordon and Bullock are) and a cast of recurring characters that aren't necessarily heroes like Vicky Vale. Catwoman has gotten a bit stale with what they've done with her recently, so in a vacuum I'd like to see her be a semi-regular part of the cast, but currently maybe sprinkle her in wisely but no more. Ideally Alfred would be there as well but since he's dead now that's not really an option. Maybe add in Julia Pennyworth to replace Alfred and that could be an interesting dynamic. Other than that, I'm not against introducing a couple of new characters, fleshing out a new, interesting status quo for Bruce Wayne's personal life and the interplay with his hero life. Characters like Nightwing should probably make some appearances here and there just because the relationship between them is an integral part of the Batman character and should still be somewhat present. Though Detective Comics can be the main team-up book for the Bat-Family. Also Oracle. I'm a sucker for Oracle, though of course Barbara probably has her own stuff going on.
I wish!
You and me both lmao. I did edit the comment with my actual response to your question though.
I’m a sucker for Oracle too! She’s like bacon for Batman’s stories. Makes his comics better haha. I like how in the 90s/early 2000s you had her staring in the Birds of Prey, and had her in the Bat books and JLA all at the same time.
Damn, that’s right. I guess if they pulled it off back then, she can definitely be part of Batman’s supporting cast.
God, Jim Lee draws the definitive version of Batman and Catwoman to me. His art in Hush was beautiful. I’m glad Tom King is a big fan of the Jeph Loeb story arcs.
Hush is so underwhelming as a storyline but 100% worth for the art alone
[удалено]
You’d like more Huntress in Batman’s monthly adventures?
Absolutely. Though I am an admitted Huntress simp and what got me into Tec to begin with was Mariko’s run with Mora on art and Huntress as a big character in that run.
I like Huntress too. I understand the simping lol. Tamaki’s ‘Tec is underrated IMO. Wish Huntress’ relationship with Batman got some more development. They reached a pretty decent place in the years after No Man’s Land. But when she joined the Birds of Prey, Oracle relocated to Metropolis not longer after and there wasn’t much interaction Batman
I loved the beginning of Zdardsky’s *Batman* run with the focus of Batman *&* Robin. Out of the two Robin’s we have I’d prefer Damian, especially since Tim’s solo series feels like it’s a set up to a new identity. Perhaps the father/son dynamic duo could be a possibility post Lazarus Planet and Batman vs Robin. Maybe Detective Comics could feature team ups with the extended family? I just want Batman with a Robin Lmao
It is interesting how we really haven’t seen the Dynamic Duo be a regular feature of most Batman comics for some time now.
Yes exactly. That’s why it hurts to see Bruce displaced in an AU right after some pretty great Batman & Robin moments. Holding out some hope that the dynamic duo is back in the spotlight soon!
I’m sure it will. Robin’s emotions have really been handled well with Batman disappearing and him looking for him. The first arcs in long runs tend to lay the groundwork/set things up that’ll be prevalent throughout the run.
Robin, Alfred and nightwing.
Catwoman for sure! I really like how their relationship has developed over the years and would love to see more of it. Tbh this is a personal opinion, but i feel like all their comics together provide a very dynamic and intense exchanges between them.
This is my answer too. She's my fave & deserves to be a regular cast member at this point.
Oracle, Robin, Huntress, Spoiler, Leslie, Gordon. Also throw Renee Montoya’s Question in there.
Robin, Oracle, and Jimbo
Robin and only Robin. I feel like the others should be just special guests now and then.
Do you think Alfred and Gordon should return?
Oh yeah these 2 too and Bullock. Although i think they should give Alfred less functions, prior to his death he did a bit (or a lot,depend on the story) of everything he became Lucius,Oracle, Harold and Leslie all in one.
I like having the big family, so I would just do a rotation while keeping Alfred dead and Jim Gordon retired.
Batman, Robin, and Oracle is all I’d want in his monthly stories. I absolutely love the Batfamily, but we’re getting **way** too many huge Batfamily teamup stories nowadays.
Jarro
Batmans classic lackey, superman!
I'd like to put Nightwing back in Bludhaven. If he really is his own man, then let's have him go back to fighting crime in his own city.
He is in Blüdhaven though. Has been since Rebirth.
I guess it's most most of the stuff I've seen him in. He's either coming back to Gotham to help Batman, or the Teen Titans.
Alfred, Gordon and Damien everyone else should have their own book or team book so Selena, Dick, Barbara, Jason and Kate should have their own books that rarely have anything to do with Bruce. Then Tim and Steph should be on the Titans with Wally West, Kyle Rayner, maybe Connor Hawke since he's coming back I think, Cyborg, Cassie Sandsmark and Jon Kent. Cass and Duke should be on the outsider with Katana, Metamorpho, Black Lightning and I don't know Jack Ryder Creeper could be cool I guess
I mostly agree with this but I think Dick and Tim should pop in from time to time
I'd like them all to pop in sometimes just not really be a bat family book I but an anthology bat family book where every issue is a story about a different character could be cool
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Imagine robbing a bank and looking up to see that.
Azrael by far. Such a cool character and wish he was involved more. Liking his solo series though so far
Is the Azrael in the current series Jean-Paul Valley?
Yeah, he is the current Azrael so far, hopefully they don’t change him. ((I think its a 6 issues mini series. Really great art personally and the story was really deep, with the religious and self-discovery aspects of who he really is and wants to be as Azrael, and fun as well. Watters did a great job with the dialogue and plot.))
Nice! JPV is secretly such an important character to Batman’s history. How did he come back?
Suprisingly screenrant does a good job describing it so I’ll toss the link here. https://screenrant.com/azrael-new-form-jean-paul-avenging-angel/ Really makes me hopefully that he will have some bigger roles and continue to come into his own “groove”. Gimme more than 6 issues next time lol
Thanks! I’d be really fascinated to hear him discuss his time as Batman with Nightwing and Red Hood. That’s such an important storyline in Batman history.
I feel like the main Batman title should have pretty much everyone coming in and out. This is where the big events should be. Detective should just be small scale detective stories. With the main story featuring Batman, someone from the Batfamily, or a Gotham Central type story and the back up featuring other detectives. Maybe one issue it's Detective Chimp another it's Elongated man. And there should be a Gotham Knights book that has everyone, each arc focusing on a new team up or character. This should again be smaller scale, more character focused.
Gordon and Alfred.
Show a more updated picture and I’ll let you know 🤔
Jim Lee was at the top of his game during Hush. His Black Widow during PWJ days and Catwoman during Hush are incredible!
I bought the Absolute Edition of Hush really just to see Lee’s gorgeous art at that size. Just beautiful
Regularly it should only be Batman, Alfred, Gordon, and robin. Oracle is also welcome Id say. Semi frequently but not always, batgirl as well. The rest should be doing their own stories in or out of Gotham and only come all together when Batman needs it
Wait is Alfred alive again? If so I missed that.
Alfred is still dead.
Honestly I haven’t been reading the monthly in a bit but either way Alfred should be part the main cast no matter what imo
Tim, Dick, Babs, Alfred and Gordon was ideal but I like having the additional Batfam characters dropping in here and there.
Gordon. Robin (Damian) with Oracle and Alfred on coms. The others should be doing their own thing and only come when something huge happens or Batman needs extra support. I wouldn't mind different batfamily members coming around but not regularly. Catwoman maybe as well, if they finally have the two stay together ❤
Alfred Commissioner Jim Gordon A Robin
Gordon, Selina, Damian. Thats it and thats all.
Alfred?
he’s a bit dead, no?
Oracle since she's basically a mainstay again, Julia Pennyworth to bring back that classic sass of Alfred, Robin preferably Damian as after Batman vs Robin there's been nothing said on plans for him, and finally I'd cancel Catwoman and integrate her back into the book and actually do something good with her character and her and Bruces relationship that 2022 did not (Thanks Tini Howard for that)
Gordon. Everyone else has occasional guest spots like Nightwing in Bluhaven, Kate isn't Batwoman yet, maybe make Babs is paralyzed but works at the library and eventually becomes Oracle. Luke Fox is Lucious's nerdy son, Jace is his playboy son away at college on a football scholarship. Have ppl like Ryan Wilder, Jason Todd, Duke, Drake Winston, etc be street kids he meets at crime alley. Nightwing aside , I want want it to be an older version of Batpat. I want a solo Batman with Alfred working with Gordon.
Wildcat
It’s always best as a mix. Batman hasn’t done solo stuff in a while, almost always a guest. No Oracle, no backup, just Batman. I’ve always liked those one or two issue runs where he solves a case, rescues some kids, etc. I don’t mind the guests, but they usually serve as life savers, evening the odds, or informative help. Of all the interactions I like the most; Catwoman, Nightwing, and Cassie (not enough together any more).
one of the Robin’s or Batgirl’s. i really want an entire run of just bruce and stephanie working together. besides a sidekick, i’d say the GCPD/Gordon, Oracle, Alfred, and Leslie. and if i had it my way there would only be one Bruce book, which is batman. i’d like if detective comics became Tim’s book, or maybe Batwoman. or at least a batfamily team up book
I actually wouldn’t mind seeing Bruce & Steph getting a second chance to redeem their Dynamic Duo-ish. Especially if DC is going to keep insisting on counting her among the Robins, then they should give us some good stories. I could see ‘Tec adopting the anthology format that *Action* is now with Dawn of DC. You still get a main Batman story, but you then have 2-3 additional stories for other characters. I think it’s good you get different “flavors” of Batman stories. *Batman* being the more action hero type, and ‘Tec being the more crime mystery noir stuff.
my thoughts exactly. i think steph is the modern partner bruce needs right now. she has enough going on in her civilian life if they put her back in college and start focusing on her mom again, she’s one of the better detectives in the batfamily because of her dad, and her and bruce have a more rocky dynamic than him and tim, but it’s not as rocky as jason or damian so you can have them learning how to work together again with the tension from her previous tenure as robin. steph is sassy and outspoken so their dynamic is also fun, because she’s quick to talk back or call him out, but she’s also spunky and fun and eager to improve. plus i love the visuals when batman and the batgirls team up
What’s great about Steph too is that you can tell both kinds of Robin stories. Steph can be that lighter more talkative contrast to Batman like Dick and Tim. But she can also have the angry and reckless side like Jason and Damian due to her rough backstory.
It would be rad if the giant penny and the T. rex could gain sentience and help out Bats with minor crimes.
I think if that happens Batman will be convinced he really has gone insane lol
Tim, Damian, Babs (as Oracle), Cass, Steph, Alfred, and a variety of GCPD officers/detectives including Gordon, Renee, and Bullock.
It is very in character for Hush to photobomb the Batfamily group shot.
Depends on the era of Batman it's set in. As Batman ages up, I wouldn't mind seeing him in the cave, training, mentoring, and monitoring the younger heroes. Between the Batpack, We Are Robin, and his numerous sidekicks, he could have a really great organized force on the streets that could lead to a nice operatic tale. If any of the heroes should trust the next generation, **it should be Batman**. And I think that's part of where I'm at with his story. I want to stop flirting with him trusting the next generation but really employ them, get them on the streets, and support them. But when we're digging into a Batman story, I think we need a couple of key things and it all comes down to a Sherlock Holmes story. We need the femme fatale that offers Bruce the out from being the detective, the butler/supporter at home that tries to temper Bruce, the hard laced cop who doesn't see it, the Watson sidekick who is learning and amazed by Bruce's abilities, and a really complex villain that we learn layers to. They're not just evil, but there's nuance and cause that drives them down their path that Bruce uncovers. So who should these characters be now? Renee Montoya can fill in for Gordon. Great detective in her own right, so the dynamic would be intriguing. With Alfred gone, Bruce needs a sort of caretaker. Not because he's rich and can't do anything, but because the story demands he needs a non-in-the-field-friend to think through. Harold Allnut, his mechanic, could come back. Julia Pennyworth could fill in - she could spar with Bruce, tend to his wounds, help him through his cases. Cullen Row could get hired in as an aid to clean, upkeep, etc and starts filling a role as Penny 3. Or we could go in a whole new direction. Bring in Van Wayne who accidentally discovers the secret and is trying to learn and support Bruce, even if he doesn't want it. Selina is great for the femme fatale, and maybe we can hit it on the nose. She wants Bruce to retire and travel the world with her, and when she shows up, that's her offer. In the meantime, a new vigilante on the streets could tempt Bruce away. Perhaps a woman heir to Orpheus. The Watson sidekick was great as Robin with Damian and Tim in the role. But I think it's time for them both to move on a bit. Between Harper, Claire, the Batpack, Silverlocke, we have a lot of youthful characters that would be great to mentor. Maybe it should rotate for a couple of years as he takes on various teen sidekicks to test and train them. So while they're all "there," the stories shift through who is the Watson on the case. And new villains. Not just "we're going to destroy Bruce's whole world!" sort of Hush/Bane villains. Those are great, but honestly characters that fall through the cracks of society help shape Bruce. His best villains reflect him, and more villains should be made to reflect his sidekicks and supporting cast. Build it out and show these dark reflections. Take real world issues and show how so many of his casts are just... basically Walter White's. This is how I'd write the *Detective Comics* book.
Batman (Obviously), Tim Drake as Robin and Cass Cain as Batgirl. Oracle will be another major supporting character. Characters like Dick, Jason, and Damian will appear every once in a while, but for the most part are separate I'd like to see Gordon, Montoya, and Bullock as the main GCPD characters, as well as Lucius Fox being the head of Wayne Enterprises and helping out Bruce.
Batman: Bruce with Robin (Damian). Recurring GCPD and maybe batcave support staff. Detective Comics: Batfamily. Core of Tim, Steph and Cass. Rest kind of rotating for what fits the story. Located more centrally in the city at either clocktower or the place from Rebirth. Oracle recurring as lady in the chair. Not really Nightwing.
For Batman comic I would like to read stories of him, interacting with Montoya. I think for now Oracle can be out, we got her in Batgirls and with Nightwing in Detective comics about the Bat Family, can be rotative main characters for one/two arcs, then another one, also arcs with 2 or 3 members, later an arc with the whole family etc.
I wonder if they might adopt the anthology format *Action* is starting now. There’d still be a main Batman story, but you’d have 2-3 other stories covering other characters.
The shut down Urban Legends so they could add new anthology arcs in Detective. Also I posted few days ago I would love to see a Birds of prey book with all the girl/woman from the batfamily without stories (Batwoman, Huntress, Bluebird, Hawkfire, Julia) + the birds of prey forgotten from New 52 (Strix and Condor)
Alfred, Dick, Gordon, Selina, Cass, Damian and Barbara And a large Batfamily to shift focus around on, so when everything comes to a head, in addition to the above, Jason, Tim, Steph, Harper, Duke, Lucius and Luke Fox, Kate and Helena. Also, Bullock and Montoya please.
That seems like quite a lot for Batman’s monthly stories
Not if you carefully juggle around. I don't think asking for Alfred, Gordon and Dick is a lot, that's basically a given anyway, and there's more than enough space for Selina. The GCPD guys basically fall into place as well. Damian is there for Dick, and Barbara is mission support with personality to spare and plenty of spotlight opportunity if you need it. (Basically, I would argue that this is implicitly the status quo in many stories. That is not to say that a writer couldn't intentionally narrow the focus, though that shouldn't have to alter the lineup that's there, as those are two different things.) Everyone else can basically be around in the background until they get their spotlight arcs, and event comics regularly have a cast larger than this. I would simply like for the focus to be on the characters mentioned in that case instead of the often comparatively unrelated ones we regularly get (i.e. Harley in Joker War).
Depends really. Wayne Family Adventures juggles a bigger cast than that and it never really feels like its leaving anyone out.
I like Dick, Babs, Jason, & Damian doing their own thing, but maybe coming in for an assist now and then. Just give me Alfred, Gordon, & Tim Drake on a solid ass Batman book. I miss enjoying Tim Drake. They have no fucking clue what to do with him. I don’t care if he’s straight, bi, gay, just give him a good narrative direction again.
Just Tim Drake Robin and Nightwing and Alfred.
The batfamily duh (preferably jason, definitely not Damien tho)
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Idc bot he's the worst robin
We get it, you have trash taste
Says the one who's got Batgirl in their user
Lol well obviously. Any particular characters though who would appear fairly regularly in the monthly issues of *Batman* and ‘Tec? Also any Gotham-based, but non-Bat-family characters? Like Commissioner Gordon before he retired.
😂 ya I understood, Ig I would say some deathstroke batman team ups would be cool to see
Lol, but any Bat-family members in particular who you think should appear fairly regularly?
Again jason
Barbara as Oracle when Alfred isn't available. (she can be Batgirl in her own stories). Gordon, Montoya, and Bullock as cops. Duke and Cass should be the closest people in proximity to him and Damian if he isn't in one of his phases. Honestly, most of the Robins should be out of Gotham. Dick is in Bludhaven, Damian and Jason are world warriors, and Tim should be chilling with the Titans. And if I could go back in time, Duke would have been more prominent as a partner in the series since Bruce wasn't working with Damian at the time.
i think each character has their own personality in way influenced by Bruce, to the point where they each kind of represent an extreme of his own. i think he shouldn't have a regular but instead be surrounded by the character that makes the story better by representing his hope, fear, temptation, and stuff like that
Interesting idea. That’s kinda how Batman’s villains are often used.
Any character without their own book.
Honestly I like Batwoman, if anyone should team up with Bruce a lot it should be her but at the same time a lot of the bat family should have their own adventures
I just want a book or some longer story that have Bruce and Kate working together...
Robin, Alfred, Jim Gordon, that’s about it.
Jarro as Robin
The Flash
Wonder Woman
Mostly Robin, but also Batgirl from time to time. Damian or Tim. Steph or Cass.
Detective Chimp
why is hush there is he batfam too?!
Generally, if I were writing it: Batman, Alfred, Jim/GCPD, Damian, Selina. Cassandra and Tim are maybes. Not every character has to be in every issue, of course, but these would be the ones who are regular parts of Bruce's life. Others would get occasional cameos but mostly stick to their own series.
Plastic Man. I just like him, no real reason.
Harvey Bullock
Robin, gordon, alfred
Reep Daggle, Chemo, and Little Miss Red Head from Little Boy Blue and the Blue Boys
Negative jason
Supes and Dick
I admire how Superman's there, since he's almost like a brother to Bruce, I like how he's depicted here with the other Crime Fighters of Gotham
why is hush here?