Story: 20 Days Less One (22 pages)
(continued from Gotham Knights #40)
Writer(s): Scott Beatty
Pencils: David Ross
Inks: John Floyd
Characters:
Bruce Wayne / Batman, Alfred Pennyworth, Dr. Leslie Thompkins, Dick Grayson / Nightwing, Cassandra Cain / Batgirl III, Barbara Gordon / Oracle, Tim Drake / Robin III,
Minor Characters / Guest Appearances:
Clark Kent / Superman, Diana / Wonder Woman, Ray Palmer / Atom II, J'onn / Martian Manhunter, Patrick "Eel" O'Brian / Plastic Man, Dinah Lance / Black Canary II, Alan Wellington Scott / Sentinel (Green Lantern I), Commissioner Michael Akins, Edward Nigma / The Riddler, Felix Desidero, James Gordon, Bane
Synopsis:
Important Continuity Events:
Continuity References:
Bruce Wayne Character Details:
Romances:
Trivia:
[Note: This entry is still incomplete, more information will be added eventually.]
Story: Retribution Part 2: Contested (22 pages)
(previous part in Gotham Knights #20)
Writer(s): Devin Grayson
Pencils: Roger Robinson
Inks: John Floyd
Characters:
Bruce Wayne / Batman, Dick Grayson / Nightwing, Yoska Graesinka
Minor Characters / Guest Appearances:
Barbara Gordon / Oracle, Ra's al Ghul, Enrico Inzerillo (it seems to switch somewhat whether the last name is 'Inzerillo' like in this issue or 'Inzerillos' like in the last), Jack (Giacomo) Inzerillo (Enrico's son), Ubu (Ra's al Ghul's minion)
Synopsis:
Yoska thinks Dick stayed with Bruce to steal from him, that this is Dick's "secret," and says that Dick doesn't need the adoption, that he has another plan. After hearing that, Dick breaks into laughter. Jack visits Enrico in prison, he wants him to get the word out to his men to meet him in Blüdhaven to help him raise bail. Meanwhile Oracle did a background check and research on Yoska, who seems to have no reason to lie about being Dick's grandfather. Batman realizes that Yoska thinks he is telling the truth and has been deceived himself. Yoska and Dick are in Dick's apartment, they talk about Dick's life and his past. An assassin shoots at Yoska, but Dick throws Yoska down, and Batman overpowers the shooter on the rooftop. Dick asks Yoska by whom he was told about Dick, and it turns out that "the nice man" was Ra's al Ghul. Batman learns from the assassin, Ubu, one of Ra's al Ghul's minions, that the instructions were to miss Yoska, and that he won't cause further trouble. Batman lets Ubu go and, alerted by shots, catches up with Jack Inzerillo, who has led his father's men into a trap orchestrated by another crime organization and watched them be shot. Jack had hoped to get into the other organization, and thought that the plan was just to scare his father's men, but the guy from the other organization has played and manipulated Jack, who now regrets his part in the execution of three of his father's men. Batman takes in Jack and the guys from the other crime organization. Changing to his Bruce identity he then checks on Dick and Yoska, and offers Yoska to help tracking down his real family, but Yoska prefers to leave. Ubu returns to Ra's al Ghul, who has set up the whole thing with the adoption to teach Batman a lesson, of how even the deepest loyalties are vulnerable to manipulation. Ra's al Ghul acted out of revenge, because blames Batman for the rift between himself and his daughter Talia. In the end Bruce and Dick file the papers, finalizing the adoption process.
Important Continuity Events:
- Dick Grayson's adoption by Bruce Wayne becomes legal. [p. 22]
Continuity References:
- Dick tells Yoska briefly about his father's death ("He was murdered. A man wanted money, and he cut the trapeze guy wire to prove he meant business."). That event has been retold in multiple versions, for example in a flashback in Batman #436, in ?? [p.7]
- Ra's al Ghul told Yoska that Dick is a police officer, the key issues of the arc concerned with Dick's decision to join the police force are: Nightwing #25 (we first learn that Dick decided to change Blüdhaven by joining the PD), Nightwing #41 (he graduates the academy), and Nightwing #48 (he gets a job at the Blüdhaven PD). [p. 7]
- Bruce mentions the fissure between Ra's al Ghul and his daughter Talia, that happened in ?? [p. 20]
- Bruce refers to Dick's past relationships with Huntress (in ??) and Koriand'r (in ??), and also sums up parts of Koriand'r's biography, which we learn about in ?? [p. 22]
Dick Grayson Character Details:
- Dick says he doesn't know what half the Rom terms Yoska uses mean [p. 2], still he can translate the saying Yoska uses before he leaves (or is familiar enough with it to know the meaning when he hears it). [p. 18]
- Dick doesn't want Yoska call him Ryeka. [p. 2]
- Dick has known Bruce since Dick was eight. [p. 8]
- Dick says to Yoska that he has a god life and owes most of it to Bruce. [p. 8]
- Dick has a photo album that has at least one picture of his father. [p. 13]
- Dick doesn't keep his gun locked up. [p. 17]
- Dick enjoyed hearing Romany again. [p. 20]
- Dick always wondered about his father's side of the family. [p. 20]
- Dick says even if Yoska really had been a relative, it wouldn't have made any difference in his relationship with Bruce. [p. 21]
- Dick mentions being left in an orphanage was the alternative to being taken in by Bruce. [p. 21]
Bruce Wayne Character Details:
- Thinking that Dick had a living relative was enough to make Bruce doubt his right to Dick's loyalty. [p. 21]
- Either Bruce doesn't remember Koriand'r's name or he just prefers to describe her ("That persecuted alien warrioress who was literally chased here by extraterrestrial slavers?") to emphasize his point, that Dick is attracted to people in trouble. [p. 22]
Gotham City Details:
- One of Gotham's prisons is called "The Schreck." [p.4]
Trivia:
- Romany saying Dick knows how to translate is:
"Si khohaimo may patshivalo sar o tshatshimo." -- "There are lies more believable than truth." [p. 18]
Story: Retribution Part 1: Sons and Lovers (21 pages)
(next part is in Gotham Knights #21)
Writer(s): Devin Grayson
Pencils: Roger Robinson
Inks: John Floyd
Characters:
Bruce Wayne / Batman, Dick Grayson / Nightwing, Barbara Gordon / Oracle, Yoska Graesinka
Minor Characters / Guest Appearances:
Clark Kent / Superman, Enrico Inzerillos, Jack Inzerillos (Enrico's son, aka 'Archipelago'), Rachel Green, Nicclai, Mitchell
Synopsis:
Batman intercepts a drug shipment that Jack Inzerillos organized without the approval of his father Enrico. Enrico thinks that the younger generation are criminals without respect, that they cannot be controlled, and he is both frightened by the scope of his son's ambition as well as scared for him. Enrico takes the fall for Jack and agrees to wait for the police, if Batman stops his son before he gets killed. The next day Bruce Wayne visits LexCorp in Metropolis. He had hoped to speak with Talia, but she sent a representative. He briefly talks with Clark, but gets a phone call from his lawyer Rachel Green, who tells him that Yoska Graesinska is contesting Dick's adoption, and claims to be Dick's paternal grandfather. Batman convinces Dick to meet with Yoska. Jack and Nicclai threaten the judge to make him rule in favor of bail (to set a sum of 16 million dollars), intending to use the bail for money laundering. Mitchell, the judge's son, barges in with a gun, threatening Jack and Nicclai. In true villain fashion Jack describes his crimes in detail in front of the judge during the stand-off, explaining that he smuggles immigrants and guns. Batman appears and stops both Mitchell and Jack, then lectures them that having fathers who worry about them is a luxury they shouldn't squander. A little late Bruce then comes back to the manor, where Dick and Yoska are already waiting for him. Yoska says he knows all about "the secret."
Continuity References:
- Bruce mentions that Lex Luthor became President, that happened in ?? [p. 7]
- Talia Head (Ra's al Ghul's daughter) took over as LexCorp's CEO in ?? [p. 7]
- Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson signed the paperwork for the -- now contested -- adoption in Gotham Knights #17. [p. 9]
- Yoska mentions Zitka, an elephant (?) in Haly's circus, it first appears in ??. However there must be at least two elephants that have a sort of connection to Dick, because in A Lonely Place For Dying, specifically in The New Titans #60, the name of the elephant who recognizes Dick is given as Elinore, though in The New Titans #60 we do see two elephants, so maybe Zitka is the other one. [p. 14]
- Jack refers to the quake, that happened in the Cataclysm storyline (most Batman titles from March to May 1998), to the forced cessation leading to Gotham's No Man's Land status that happened in the Road To No Man's Land storyline (Batman, Detective Comics and Shadow of the Bat in December 1998 and January/February 1999), and to a plague, probably meaning the Contagion storyline (March/April 1996 in most Batman titles). He says those disasters and the mess they caused in the official records made Gotham the best place to dump people unnoticed. [p. 18]
- Both Alfred and Robin are still absent, Alfred left in Nightwing #53, Robin has left in ?? [p. 20]
Dick Grayson Character Details:
- Barbara calls Dick "Hunk Wonder" through their comm link when she announces Batman's presence to him; Dick hopes she isn't using an open channel. [p. 10] But it turns out Batman has heard it, and teases Dick with this, by calling him "Hunk Wonder" as well. [p. 13]
- Dick recognizes "Yoska Graesinka" as a Rom name and says it is probably Kalderasha, associating the name with one of the larger subgroups/dialects of Romany, Kalderash (literally "Kalderash" comes from the Romany word for copper-smith). [p. 11]
- Dick is very sceptical about the possibility that Yoska Graesinka could really be his paternal grandfather, because aerialist traditions like the one in his family are almost always passed down through the generations and had his paternal grandfather been alive he would have traveled with the circus show. [p. 11]
- His mother's father died when he was six. [p. 11]
- Dick gets angry when Batman says "But your people are notoriously difficult to keep track of." Dick perceives the "your people" phrasing to imply a derogative "Vagrants. Itinerants. Gypsies.", though when Oracle breaks up their argument he apologizes and says he overreacted. [p. 12]
- When asked for change by a panhandler he gives him detailed information about shelters, i.e. addresses, services, and opening times. [p. 13]
- Dick doesn't understand Yoska when he's talking in Romany. [p. 13]
- He dislikes that Yoska calls him Ryeka, instead of the English variant Richard or Dick. [p. 14]
- Dick knows where to find Bruce's scotch, however we don't see him drink any himself, that is consistent with his attitude towards drinking established previously, for example in Nightwing #4. [p. 20]
Bruce Wayne Character Details:
- Bruce looked for any living relatives of Dick after the death of Dick's parents, and found none. [p. 10]
- Bruce is not happy when Clark tries to chat with him, and to find out what's bothering him. [p . 7]
- Bruce blocks Yoska's questions if he is all alone at the manor, diverting the conversation. [p. 20]
- When Yoska asks Bruce "How you train wild gypsy?" he answers "Loyalty." [p. 21]
Barbara Gordon Character Details:
- Barbara is visibly frustrated when both Dick and Batman want her to play referee in their argument about meeting Yoska Graesinka. [p. 12]
Romances:
- Dick and Barbara are a couple, though their relationship is not central to the story, it's visible .
Trivia:
- translation of the Romany words and dialogs (I don't speak Romany myself, but I hope that these translations I found for the phrases and words are correct, the sources I used for the phrases not translated in the comic itself are here, here, and here):
"Devlesa avilan!" -- "It is God who brought you!" [p. 13]
"Droboy tume Romale!" -- "It is good to see you, Rom!" (a traditional greeting) (the comic has a typo, there the dialog reads "Droby tume Romale!") [p. 13]
"Tshatshimo Romano" -- "The truth is told in Romany." (the comic has a typo, so there the dialog reads "Ishatshimo Romano") [p.13]
"raya" -- "landowners" (it seems to be the plural, though in the comic it's used as singular) [p. 14]
"Yekka buliasa nashti beshes pe done grastende..." -- "With one behind you can't sit on two horses..." [p. 14]
"Mandar tsera tai kater o Del mai but te aven tumenge..." -- "From me a little money, but may God give you plenty..." [p. 20]
- The scotch Bruce offers is called Laphroaig. [p. 20]
Story: The Factor of Fear! (22 pages)
Writer(s): Chuck Dixon
Pencils: Dick Giordano
Inks: Dick Giordano
Characters:
Bruce Wayne / Batman (appears also as his alter ego Matches Malone)
Minor Characters / Guest Appearances:
'Happy' Haskins, Mac MacFindley, Johnny Rasta, Tony Tank, Spinell, Leo, Titus, Dutch, Sugar, Soapy
Synopsis:
Titus, Spinell and Leo are sitting in a bar planning to rob a truck with electronic equipment. Spinell tells stories about Batman persecuting criminals, but Leo says he's not afraid of "the Bat." Batman is also in that bar, disguised as his alter ego Matches Malone. Though there's no indication that Batman actually interferes with their crime, or is even near them, all of them see Batman, i. e. mostly the distinct silhouette, in everyday shapes and shadows, and their crime is foiled by their fear (and their own incompetence) without Batman ever really doing anything (maybe not even following them). Leo ascribes their failure to Batman and flees, and again feels like he's followed by Batman, until he's such an exhausted nervous wreck that Batman can just pick him up without resistance and hand Leo over to the police. Finally Matches Malone is once again in the bar, and pays a round for the "good entertainment" of the Batman tales.
Gotham City Details:
- There's a neighborhood in Gotham called Tricorner. [p. 1]
Trivia:
- Gotham's criminals (at least the everyday kind of criminals) call Batman "The Bat" [p. 2f, 13, 16]
- The name of the bar is "My Alibi Bar & Grill". [p. 3]
Story: Cavernous (22 pages)
Writer(s): Devin Grayson
Pencils: Roger Robinson
Inks: John Floyd
Characters:
Bruce Wayne / Batman, Arthur Curry / Aquaman
Minor Characters / Guest Appearances:
Dick Grayson / Nightwing, Barbara Gordon / Oracle, Tiffany (off-screen)
Synopsis:
Batman is alone in the Batcave. It is a slow night, and he's lonely, even talking to a bat. Aquaman calls to ask about Commissioner Gordon, but Batman doesn't want to talk about this. Batman spends the night contacting Oracle and Nightwing about nothing, beating up a few small-time criminals, and then crouches on a gargoyle most of the night. After dawn he wanders through the empty manor, tries to read, and finally contacts Aquaman again to ask him to retrieve the giant penny, which was buried under water below the Batcave during the earthquake. Aquaman soon realizes that the penny is immovable, that Batman knew that and called him just for companionship. He says next time Bruce should just ask him to pick up some beer and videos on his way over.
Continuity References:
- Aquaman refers to events in the Officer Down mini-series. (Batman #587, Batgirl #12, Robin Vol. 2 #86, Birds of Prey #27, Catwoman Vol. 2 #90, Nightwing #53, Gotham Knights #13) [p. 4]
- The earthquake during which the giant penny was buried happened in Cataclysm (most Batman titles from March to May 1998). [p. 15]
- Batman notes that both Alfred and Robin are not currently in his employ. Alfred left in Nightwing #53, Robin is absent since ?? [p. 18]
Bruce Wayne Character Details:
- Batman talks to a bat in the cave. [p. 1]
- Batman suffers from insomnia, he tells the bat that he has slept two days ago. [p. 1]
- When Aquaman broaches the subject of Gordon's injury [see Officer Down mini-series], Batman blocks the conversation. [p. 4]
- Batman (who has to handle phone calls himself in the absence of Alfred) answers the phone with "Wayne Manor." not with his name. [p. 5]
- Batman calls Aquaman "Arthur." [p. 15]
Romances:
- Bruce Wayne is called by a "Tiffany" asking for a date. They seem to have dated at least once before. Bruce stops her advances by acting like a jerk, he asks her if she could bring her sister along too. [p. 5]
- Dick is at Barbara's place [p. 8], both are getting annoyed at Batman for contacting Oracle several times without any good reason. [p. 6ff]
Trivia:
- The titles of the books Batman reads in the library are: Proust Complete, Beowulf, Kaje Kempo, Electric Future and Criminal Insanity. [p. 12] On his nightstand is a copy of King Lear. [p. 13]
- In Dick's old room are a Robin Hood poster above the fireplace, a poster of the "The Amazing Flying Graysons presented by CC Haley & Norton Circus" above the bed, and a telescope in front of the window. [p. 13]
- The giant penny weighs 216 pounds. [p. 17]
- Aquaman thinks the movie "The Lost City Of Atlantis" is hysterical. [p. 22]
Story: Matatoa, Part 2 (22 pages)
(previous part in Gotham Knights #16)
Writer(s): Devin Grayson
Pencils: Roger Robinson
Inks: John Floyd
Characters:
Bruce Wayne / Batman, Dick Grayson / Nightwing, Barbara Gordon / Oracle, Matatoa
Synopsis:
Nightwing has brought Matatoa to Arkham, but he escapes. Meanwhile Dick reveals his relationship with Barbara to Batman. As they learn of Matatoa's escape Batman and Nightwing once again face him, this time on a LexCorp construction site. Nightwing arrives there first, saying that his own record isn't too bad, but Matatoa feels he has nothing to offer to Nightwing. Batman joins the fight, Matatoa offers again eternal protection for Gotham. As Matatoa dangles from a high crane he refuses to be pulled up by Batman, taking a fall that would have killed a normal human. Yet at the end he hitchhikes out of Gotham, now looking for a "master of manipulations," so it's possible his own death has fulfilled the "undefeated warrior" requirement, since, as Nightwing had pointed out to Matatoa earlier, until now Matatoa was undefeated himself. Back at the Batcave Dick asks Batman if he was tempted by the offer, but Batman replies that the only definition of "forever" that has any meaning lies in one's children, and offers adoption papers to Dick, who accepts and signs them.
Important Continuity Events:
- Dick tells Batman that he and Barbara are a couple. [p. 4]
- Bruce adopts Dick [p. 20f]
Continuity References:
- Dick mentions that it was Batman who sent him to Blüdhaven, in Nightwing #1. [p. 3]
- The argument between Dick and Batman about Dick's decision to become a cop refers to the following arc: we first learn that Dick decided to change Blüdhaven by joining the PD in Nightwing #25, he graduated the academy in Nightwing #41, and gets a job at the Blüdhaven PD in Nightwing #48. [p. 3]
Dick Grayson Character Details:
- Dick is not sure what to call Barbara in front of Batman (he switches from Babs, to Barbara, then Oracle). [p. 4]
- He's fumbling for the right words as he tells Batman about his and Barbara's relationship. ("Me and Babs -- I mean, uh, Barbara -- Oracle -- and I, well...things have...progressed in our relationship to the point where -- that is, I think it's fair to say that we're...involved. Dating. A couple." then low: "...okay?") [p. 4]
- Dick is now more often in Gotham because of his relationship with Barbara. [p.4]
- Nightwing feels protective towards Batman in his fight with Matatoa [p. 12ff], partly because he wonders how much Matatoa's offer of eternal protection for Gotham really got to Batman. [p. 18]
Bruce Wayne Character Details:
- Batman doesn't want Dick's police-issue gun in the Batcave. [p. 3]
- Batman's reaction to Dick's halting relationship revelation is a curt "Noted." When Dick is angry about that reply, expecting Batman to be happier he counters with "Who says I'm not?" and turns back to business.
- Batman thinks the way Matatoa preserves skills and knowledge is perverted, and says to Dick as Batman hands him the adoption papers, that the only meaningful definition of "forever" and real legacy is to pass these things on to the own children. [p. 19]
- During the scene with the adoption papers Batman stays in full costume, until Dick pushes off Batman's cowl to at least reveal Bruce's face. [p. 20]
Barbara Gordon Character Details:
- Barbara calls Dick "Former Boy Wonder." [p. 18]
Romances:
- Dick and Barbara are a couple, Dick reveals their relationship to Batman. [p. 4]
Gotham City Details:
- The graffito on the "You Are Now Leaving Gotham City -- Come Back Soon!" billboard says "KEEP DRIVING" over the "Come Back Soon!"
Trivia:
- Batman ties Matatoa's crimes to news paper articles we see from behind the screen (like mirror writing). They are "The UK Mirror Online", "The Jakata Times", "The New Zealand Chronicle" ,"The Gotham Sun" and a Russian paper from Moscow with Cyrillic writing. [p. 2]
- The text of the adoption papers is:
The day of the Lord, this 16th day of May in the year 2001:
I, Bruce Wayne, being of sound mind and body, do hereby declare Richard John Grayson as my legal and lawful son and heir. This declaration is made with the full knowledge and consent of said ward, Richard John Grayson.
Bruce Wayne (Signature of adoptive parent)
Richard Grayson (Signature of consenting non-minor, or minor)
As witnessed by:
Alfred Pennyworth (Signature of primary witness)
Dr. Leslie Thompkins (Signature of secondary witness)
[Official Seal - City of Gotham]
Rachel Green, LLM (Legal Representation)
Judge Maria Vargas (Judge's signature)
Manuel Gonzalez (District Clerk)
Story: Matatoa, Part 1 (22 pages)
(next part is in Gotham Knights #17)
Writer(s): Devin Grayson
Pencils: Roger Robinson
Inks: John Floyd
Characters:
Bruce Wayne / Batman, Matatoa
Minor Characters / Guest Appearances:
Samuel Yates / Samsara, Dick Grayson / Nightwing, John Grayson (Dick's father, first name not given here; appears in a dream sequence), Mary Grayson (Dick's mother, first name not given here; appears in a dream sequence), Thomas Wayne (Bruce's father, first name not given here; appears in a dream sequence), Martha Wayne (Bruce's mother, first name not given here; appears in a dream sequence), Jason Todd / Robin I (appears in a dream sequence), Arnie (GCPD cop), Dave (GCPD cop), Barbara Gordon / Oracle (off screen)
Synopsis:
Batman is dreaming of his own and Dick's dead parents when Samsara appears in the dream, warning him of Matatoa, who then also appears inside the dream, just as Batman is woken by an alarm. Matatoa is an immortal, a "soul-eater" who stays alive forever by killing people and consuming their souls. He hears orders inside his head telling him what kind of person he needs to kill next, and then he takes on the qualities of his victim. This time he has been ordered to find "an undefeated warrior" and is now after Batman. The alarm calls Batman to a bar where Matatoa has killed two people and is now waiting for Batman. The GCPD on the scene leaves Batman through. They fight, Matatoa flees on a motorcycle, and Batman chases him in the Batmobile. At the end of the chase Matatoa explains his nature to Batman. As Matatoa suggests that Batman might just give in to be killed, because this way Gotham would be protected for eternity, Nightwing shows up.
Continuity References:
- Samsara mentions the time he and Batman first met in Gotham Knights #3. [p. 4]
Bruce Wayne Character Details:
- Bruce dreams himself in costume when kneeling on his parents' grave. [p. 1f]
- The conversation Batman has in the dream indicates that appearances of both Dick's and his own dead parents happen regularly in his guilt-ridden dreams. [p. 2f]
- Batman calls Samsara "Sam." [p. 4]
- With Alfred still away(?) [see Officer Down, Part 5, in Nightwing #53] Bruce even sleeps in his Batman gear (without the cape, cowl and boots). [p. 5]
- In the dream sequence Mary Grayson mentions that Bruce had adopted Jason Todd. [p. 3]
Trivia:
- The name of the bar where Matatoa waits for Batman to show up is "The Pour House."
- We see some of the functions of Batman's cowl/lenses from his POV [p. 20]:
Recording...mapping voice waves.
Infrared Scanning: Engaged.
Photo Capture/Covert: On.
Running for Cross-Ref.
X-Ray Scan/Covert: Engaged.
Captured.
Story: Far from the Tree (23 pages)
Writer(s): Devin Grayson
Pencils: Roger Robinson
Inks: John Floyd
Characters:
Bruce Wayne / Batman, Tim Drake / Robin III, Pamela Isley / Poison Ivy
Minor Characters / Guest Appearances:
Jack Drake (Tim's father), Dana Drake (Tim's stepmother)
Synopsis:
Poison Ivy escapes from Arkham by killing a gullible guard. Tim is home during spring break, and composes an e-mail to Batman, explaining how Batman's files [see Gotham Knights #?? ] prompted him to wonder whether he is the right person to be Robin. The Drakes and Bruce are at the "Gotham Rainforest Fund Raiser" when Poison Ivy crashes the event, accusing the attendants of being hypocrites who in truth (through their businesses and lifestyle) were responsible for the very environmental destruction they pretend to care about. She takes hostages, tying the women up in vines and bringing the men under her control. Bruce leaves shortly before Poison Ivy's arrival, but Tim is on the phone with his parents and notices the emergency. While alerting Batman he accidentally sends the e-mail. He joins Batman as Robin on the scene. Batman fights the mind-controlled hostages and Ivy, but won't negotiate with her. When Poison Ivy flees, he sends Robin after her to get the anti-toxin. Robin threatens to burn plants if she won't give him the anti-toxin, he's also willing to listen to her. Though Poison Ivy is wrapping Robin in wines, hindering his movement, they negotiate. Both have three demands; Robin's are the anti-toxin, release of the vines, and Ivy returning to Arkham, Poison Ivy's voiding the contracts abetting tropical deforestation, land protection, and killing the "traitors." They settle both for "two out of three" and Robin manages to get the anti-toxin from her, but as she's about to leave Batman stops her from behind with a baterang. Robin fears that Batman thinks him not to be mature enough to handle his family in danger and had sent him out of the room for that reason, but Batman says that his approach to get the anti-toxin from Ivy wasn't working, and that's why he sent Robin after her. Robin is reassured, and also manages to delete the e-mail later in the Batcave.
Continuity References:
- Robin sees Batman's files, which cause him to write the e-mail, in Gotham Knights #?? [p. 4]
- The wedding of Tim's father and stepmother takes place in Robin 80-Page Giant #1 (?). [p. 5]
Bruce Wayne Character Details:
- Bruce hasn't seen Jack Drake since before Jack's wedding, he congratulates him on his "recent nuptial bliss" [p. 5]
- Bruce plays golf with Jack Drake. [p. 6]
Tim Drake Character Details:
- In his e-mail Tim reveals his thoughts and uncertainties about his role as Robin and his relationship with Batman (written before Batman expresses his confidence in Robin). [p. 23]
- Tim thinks Batman needs a Robin to do the job the right way, but he is not certain whether he is the right person to be Robin, whether he meets Batman's expectations. He feels he isn't like Batman, "not even like Dick or Barbara or Batgirl or Jean Paul." He doesn't want to do this forever.
- Tim is not always sure it's good for him.
- Recently his relationship to his father has improved, he's closer to him than in a long time.
- He refers to Dana Drake as new mom.
- Tim worries that all of this makes him become less like Batman.
Trivia:
- The name of the Drakes' housekeeper is Mrs. MacIlvenne. [p. 4]
- If Poison Ivy's mind control victims are immobalized too soon the toxin can cause permanent brain damage. [p. 10]
- The e-mail addresses of Batman and Robin are displayed like this [p. 23]:
Cave@Batshield/confidential [address diverted]/Oracle.net (Batman)
Redbird@Batshield/confidential [address diverted]/Oracle.net (Robin)
Story: Sibling Rivalry (22 pages)
Writer(s): Devin Grayson
Pencils: Roger Robinson
Inks: John Floyd
Characters:
Dick Grayson / Nightwing, Jean Paul Valley / Azrael II, Bruce Wayne / Batman, Aliki Marceau and Margot Marceau / Double Dare, Penguin
Synopsis:
Double Dare have stolen some jewels from the Penguin, who sends heavily armed henchmen after them. Nightwing is also chasing them to retrieve two million dollars worth of bonds they have stolen from the Wayne Enterprises Orphan Charity, or rather from someone who had stolen that money previously. Batman sends Azrael to help Nightwing, who wasn't aware that the Penguin is after Double Dare too. Nightwing and Azrael follow Double Dare to Penguin, where Double Dare offer Penguin a deal to give the jewels back (never expecting him to agree but counting on Nightwing and Azrael to show up). The Penguin's henchmen start shooting, however Azrael and Nightwing show up, disable the gunmen, and also force Double Dare to give back the bonds. During this and afterwards Azrael and Nightwing talk about their relationship with each other.
Contrasted with that plot is an (unsent) letter to Bruce Dick composed in the aftermath of reading some of Batman's files [see Gotham Knights #??], in which he muses about his relationship to Batman, and his own insecurities. The insights he gained from those files make him reevaluate some of his assumptions and anxieties, assuring him of his place in Batman's life.
Continuity References:
- Nightwing reads the files he refers to in his unsent letter to Batman in Gotham Knights #??. [p.8]
- Nightwing as well as Double Dare mention their previous encounter in Blüdhaven; it was in Nightwing #32, Nightwing #33, and Nightwing #34. [p. 7f]
- Dick mentions being hurt by Batman's decision to choose Azrael to stand in for him, that refers to events in the Knightfall storyline, specifically Azrael became Batman in Detective Comics #665 (?).The talk about this with Batman which Dick mentions might be the one in the Prodigal storyline, in Robin Vol. 2 #13. [p. 15]
Dick Grayson Character Details:
- Dick starts the unsent letter to Bruce with "Dear Batman" because "Dear Bruce" feels even weirder to him, he wonders what Batman calls him in his head. [p. 5]
- Nightwing calls Azrael "Az" [p. 11, 20]
- Dick knows at least some French [p. 11] and it was not Batman who taught him. [p. 12]
- In the unsent letter to Batman Dick wonders about words to describe their relationship, and what he means to Bruce. He always hated the term ward. ("Thing is, I don't know how to assure you in WORDS. I Mean there ARE no words. What AM I, Bruce? Your trainee? Your soldier? Your "sidekick"? Your ward? "Ward." I HATE that word. It stopped having any MEANING the minute I turned EIGHTEEN, and I was afraid I would too. Stop having MEANING, I mean, for YOU.") [p. 13]
- Dick feels sometimes like there's a competition between the people around Batman, though he is glad not to be alone in Batman's orbit. [p. 14]
- Dick was hurt by Batman's decision to choose Azrael, and though Batman eventually heard him out, Dick doesn't think Batman understands this. ("You eventually HEARD ME OUT on the issue, but I don't think you ever really GOT how much it HURT me to when you choose Azrael to stand IN for you instead of ME. The only thing I hate more than WEARING that cape and cowl, and imagining a world without you IN it -- is watching someone ELSE do it.") [p. 15]
- Dick used to worry that he didn't factor into Batman's thinking, or that Batman worries he can't take care of himself, but after reading the files it occurred to him that "[...] maybe it's not about that. Maybe you're worrying that you can't take care of me." [p. 17/18]
- Dick says to Azrael that if he had to name three things he'd feel least confident about it would be women, his place in the world, and Batman. [p. 20]
- Nightwing and Azrael both think that Batman doesn't loose confidence. [p. 20]
- Dick thinks Batman would trade everything, including all his current relationships to people close to him, if he could have his parents back, whereas Dick would not. [p. 21/22]
Jean Paul Valley Character Details:
- Azrael didn't know Double Dare before. [p. 8]
- Azrael admits that he thinks Nightwing doesn't like him, that this was obvious from how Nightwing acts around him compared to how Nightwing is with Robin. [p. 10]
- The order insisted that Azrael learned French. [p. 12]
- Azrael envies Nightwing for his confidence (with women, with his place in the world, with Batman). [p. 10, 19]
Romances:
- Aliki and Margot enjoy watching Nightwing move, and they choose their crimes at least partly based on which might attract Nightwing to come after them. [p. 1, 6f] They also flirt with Azrael. [p. 10] Neither Nightwing nor Azrael are particularly enamored with Double Dare though.
Trivia:
- Double Dare's dialog in French on page 7 is in English:
Margot: It's not about that. I thought he was in Blüdhaven.
Aliki: Ah! What a story!
Margot: Aliki, don't you have any shame?
Aliki: No, but you--
Margot: Wait! He starts to worry!
- In the French dialog on page 10/11 Double Dare ask Azrael first to reveal his identity, then press him for Nightwing's name and address. The (approximate) English translation is:
Azrael: My name is Azrael.
Margot: Ah! You are French.
Azrael: No, but I speak a little--
Aliki: Where are you from?!
Margot: Since when are you living in Gotham?
Azrael: Uh...I'm afraid I can't answer you --
Aliki: Ah! My name is Aliki, and this is my sister Margot!
Nightwing (low, in English). Well, this is fun...
Margot: Ah, do you know where he lives?
Azrael: Uh...
Aliki: What is his name?
Azrael: Well...
Nightwing (shouting): Hey! Do you have fun?
Double Dare and Azrael are all surprised , as an increasingly aggravated Nightwing reveals that he understands them.
- Nightwing uses his motorcycle (btw, its hub caps show the Batsymbol).
Story: Officer Down, Part Seven: The End (22 pages)
(previous part in Detective Comics #754)
Writer(s): Greg Rucka
Pencils: Rick Burchett
Inks: Rodney Ramos
Characters:
Bruce Wayne / Batman, James Gordon, Lt. Harvey Bullock, Renee Montoya
Minor Characters / Guest Appearances:
Chief Michael Akins (appointed Commissioner), Captain Mackenzie "Hardback" Bock (appointed Chief of Police), Stacy, Crispus Allen, Andy Kasinsky, Eric Cohen, Dagmar Procjnow, Joely Bartlett, Jordan Reynolds
Synopsis:
Important Continuity Events:
- James Gordon retires. [p. 7]
Continuity References:
Bruce Wayne Character Details:
James Gordon Character Details:
Trivia:
[Note: This entry is still incomplete, more information will be added eventually.]
Story: Down With The Ship (22 pages)
Writer(s): Devin Grayson
Pencils: Dale Eaglesham
Inks: John Floyd
Characters:
Bruce Wayne / Batman, Cassandra Cain / Batgirl III
Minor Characters / Guest Appearances:
Raton, Henley, McKee, Adams, Adigun, Bill, Cecilia
Synopsis:
Important Continuity Events:
Continuity References:
Bruce Wayne Character Details:
Cassandra Cain Character Details:
Gotham City Details:
Trivia:
[Note: This entry is still incomplete, more information will be added eventually.]
Story: Constants (23 pages)
Writer(s): Devin Grayson
Pencils: Dale Eaglesham
Inks: John Floyd
Characters:
Bruce Wayne / Batman, Dick Grayson / Nightwing, Tim Drake / Robin III, Barbara Gordon / Oracle
Minor Characters / Guest Appearances:
Alfred Pennyworth, Lt. Harvey Bullock, Renee Montoya, Senator Jack Myles, Eileen Myles, Barrett Myles, Xhosa gang, Benjamin Walsh, Congressman Kemp, Helena Bertinelli / Huntress (on security camera footage)
Synopsis:
Important Continuity Events:
Continuity References:
Bruce Wayne Character Details:
Dick Grayson Character Details:
Gotham City Details:
Trivia:
[Note: This entry is still incomplete, more information will be added eventually.]
Story: To Become the Bat (8 pages)
Writer(s): Warren Ellis
Pencils: Jim Lee
Inks: Jim Lee
Characters:
Bruce Wayne / Batman, Alfred Pennyworth
Minor Characters / Guest Appearances:
Martha Wayne (in flashback)
Synopsis:
Important Continuity Events:
Continuity References:
Bruce Wayne Character Details:
Gotham City Details:
Trivia:
[Note: This entry is still incomplete, more information will be added eventually.]