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What's Changed and What's the Same in Batman #1? [Spoilers]

It's the beginning of a new era for Batman but rest assured, it's still the Batman you know and love.

Batman #1 is finally here. The last time we saw a Batman #1 was back in 1940. With DC's 'The New 52,' we've been seeing some characters are getting tweaks and overhauls as we move forward in this new era for DC Comics. The idea of Batman going through changes has been both exciting and terrifying at the same time. Batman is a favorite for many. Why should his character and story be changed if everything has been working smoothly?

Batman writer (and former Detective Comics writer) Scott Snyder has been extremely vocal in assuring us that Batman isn't going to change. What has happened before has still happened. Obviously since other characters in the DCU have gone through some changes, that has to mean so has Batman. First encounters, team-ups and other tiny details may be slightly different.

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Batman #1 does show us that most of what we knew still remains. But we can't say that this Batman is the same exact Batman we've seen before. There are indeed some changes. Let's take a look at what remains the same and what changes are evident. There will be some minor spoilers below. Batman #1 was a stellar issue and a great jumping on point. Check out our review here and be sure to read the issue for yourself if you haven't already. You're going to want to be on board from the beginning to witness what Scott Snyder has in store for us. Trust me on that. This is the beginning of some big things.

== TEASER ==

What Remains The Same?

Batman's Rogues Gallery

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At the very beginning of the issue, we find Batman fighting for his life inside Arkham Asylum. He has defeated his enemies time and time again but how can he take them all on at once? Is this a fight he'll have to face alone? You'll see many familiar faces here.

The Batman writers had the chance to update and add changes to the Bat-villains but they all felt they were already near perfection. There's no need to make changes just for the sake of change. Seeing these familiar faces reassures us and starts to set the tone for the Batman Universe. The villains are still the villains...with maybe one exception? Someone does come to his aid...or do they?

The Batcave and Bat-toys

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What does the Batmobile look like? What about the giant penny? The Joker card? In a two-page spread, we see that those still exist. The cave has seen different interpretations over the years by different artists but Capullo captures the essence of what we've seen before.

The hall of armors is still there. The Batmobile that Dick and Damian used as well. It's easy to get the feel that this is picking up right where we left off. At the same time, it gives newer readers, who most likely have at least heard of the Batcave, a sense of what Batman has at his disposal. He is a vigilante but his crime doesn't just depend on his fists or intellect. He also has a lot of technology that he can use and apply.

The Bat-Family

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It's been asked, what events have happened? In one panel, so many questions are answered. You've probably already read last week's Batman and Robin #1 so you know Damian still exists with his same...lovable manner. Dick Grayson is still around. He and Bruce didn't have another falling out. Tim Drake is going by Red Robin (still) in the pages of Teen Titans. He still has his past with Bruce, he was a Robin before.

Other tiny things we can conclude from this one image is something that's been mentioned about Dick. Look at him compared to Bruce. You can see a height difference as well as an age difference. When Dick was Batman, there were times when it was difficult to figure out if he was Dick or Bruce. Tim's build has fluctuated as well since Battle for the Cowl. And tiny details such as Dick's red vest, perhaps a nod to the new red on his costume and Damian's sneakers gives them a little more personality.

What is Now Different?

Technology

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As seen in Batman and Robin as Detective Comics, Batman has increased his wonderful toys. We are in the 21st Century after all. Batman and Wayne Enterprises would have to stay on the cutting edge in order to successfully do what they do. Batman can't just rely on shark repellent or other simple gadgets he kept in his utility belt. The villains are constantly upping their game and Batman has to as well.

Does this fit with who Batman is? I don't think he'd ever have to fully rely on technology to defeat his enemies. He has a brilliant mind. But it's also that brilliant mind that allows him to create this stuff or have it created. It's going to be interesting to see what else he adds and how often he uses them.

You can also see in the Family image above that he has another toy as well.

Attitude Towards City

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Batman is no longer hung up on the past. This is another theme we saw in Batman and Robin #1. Batman and Gotham City have gone through a lot. There's been a lot of bad times for Bruce, all starting with the death of his parents. He feels it's time to get over some of the past misfortunes and focus on the future.

It's not often we see Bruce Wayne taking such a public stance on...anything. The last time was the announcement of Batman Incorporated. As with that time, could there be something more to Bruce wanting to give this speech? Is this really what's best for the city or will it somehow aid Batman in his war against evil. Which essentially does help the city as well. He has plans for the city including rebuilding certain areas.

Now if we think about that, what advantage might he have if he was involved with the rebuilding of certain areas...?

Tone of the City

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Gotham City is not to be ignored. Scott Snyder mentioned in our interview how he sees Gotham.

Bruce is like the consummate warrior for Gotham. There's not a lot you can throw his way that would surprise him at this point. He is not someone that has the same sort of chinks in the armor that Dick has for the city to go after. Those chinks in the armor are strengths for Dick, in my opinion. That's why he wins out. They're strengths, not weaknesses. But that's what Gotham tries to do, it convinces you they're weaknesses.

There is a big focus on Gotham City. It is still the same city we've seen but there is something more to it. There is a secret lurking that is going to have a big impact on Batman.

There are still a couple other things worth pointing out in the issue but we need to leave reasons for you to pick up the issue if you haven't already. This is the big Batman issue. This is the one you should not miss.

54 Comments

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deactivated-5a4e0e8ea3dfb

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Wow first one to post. I haven't read the issue yet but G-man always does a good job of not giving everything away......but I have to say I don't like the way Dick is drawn in this book. He looks waaaay to wrong for the time he's been a hero and he has a completely different build than what he has in his solo book. While I agree sometimes it was hard to distinguish his build from Bruce's when he wore the cowl (except when Bruce came out of the fireplace to fight Dr. Hurt and then you could tell that Dick had a much slimmer build and was slightly shorter) in the end Dick is not that short compared to Bruce. The three protege's just look way too small compared to Bruce but that might be the effect they were going for. But at the same time the confidence that Dick now has in his abilities and his return to Nightwing would contradict how short and young he appears in this page. 
 
Though this image does explain somewhat how Bruce could be on his 3rd Robin already it just doesn't look right. If anything I would think the top of Dick's head is at about at Bruce's eye level rather than close to his shoulder than depicted. 
 
Aside from that the issue sounds awesome and can't wait to pick it up before the weekend.
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Or35ti

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Edited By Or35ti

Can't wait to get this =D

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elayem98

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Edited By elayem98

yay everythings the same

but seriously, tim should be dicks height, damian should be tims height, and dick should be a hair shorter than bruce..

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Phantim555

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Edited By Phantim555

I JUST finished reading this and as a Batman fan I can say I absolutely loved every second of it.

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crowncoke

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Edited By crowncoke

I have to say that the size discrepancy is disturbing.  Also the size and apparent age difference does not take into account Jason Todd... and we know he still exists Red Hood and the Outlaws. 
 
I would think that Dick should almost be eye level with Bruce but with a slimmer build (taking into account his accrobatic nature).  And Tim should be closer to chin level with Bruce and possibly sporting a thicker build than Dick (but not as large as Jason is drawn).  Damian is the only one that appears to be close to proper size in relations to Bruce (and we all know this will change quickly in the comics). 
 
Cannot wait to get home and read this issue.   The new 52 have rekindled my comic love.
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Or35ti

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Edited By Or35ti

@elayem98 said:

yay everythings the same

but seriously, tim should be dicks height, damian should be tims height, and dick should be a hair shorter than bruce..

I feel the exact same way. The bulk on Dick especially should be bigger. But I love that picture of them all together, such a wonderful family

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RedheadedAtrocitus

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Awesome stuff really! I like all the subtle little changes made and appreciate how Snyder has respected the continuity between old DCU and the New 52. The one thing I appreciate most is Bruce finally moving on from the death of his parents and looking to the future. That is what counts I think. Good stuff! The Batmobile continuity is great too...gotta love the 1989 Batman film BM there as well as all the others! For some reason though I'm totally feeling Professor Pyg more now in his current look than how he once was. Love the new Rogue's Gallery. Awesome stuff!

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fodigg

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Edited By fodigg

I'm not liking how small Capullo's Dick is. (lol)

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CaptainGenisVell

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Edited By CaptainGenisVell

I just got this today, saw the £200 edition as well in my local store. Loving the artwork and this is Batman pure and simple, love it. This might be my first DC comic I get weekly. (Always been MARVEL fanboy lol)

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Emperormeister734

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BAT Family all together looked awesome

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the_stegman

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Edited By the_stegman  Moderator
@fodigg:  
 

I'm not liking how small Capullo's Dick is. (lol)

ten pts to Gryfindor for this 
 
 
also, Damian's sneakers are adorwoble 
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NightFang3

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Edited By NightFang3

@Or35ti said:

@elayem98 said:

yay everythings the same

but seriously, tim should be dicks height, damian should be tims height, and dick should be a hair shorter than bruce..

I feel the exact same way. The bulk on Dick especially should be bigger. But I love that picture of them all together, such a wonderful family

Until Damian and Tim have another fight and destroy Wayne Manor or the Batcave.

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msavo

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Edited By msavo

As a new reader to comics I found this to be a great introduction. Going in I had knowledge of Batman and most characters in the universe, I've seen the many animated series, movies, as well as played some games. The flow of the story was cool, a couple holy shit moments (didn't think they could top the one in the middle but the end was pretty crazy), and I feel they introduced me to the city and characters I wasn't aware of very well. All in all I'm glad I purchased this and look forward to selecting some of the other 52 that interest me.

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red_rover

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Edited By red_rover

"Wonderful toys" and "shark repellant" well played G-Man, well played.

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TheMadMonkey

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Edited By TheMadMonkey

I think the issue of the height/build difference is more to do with artistic license. Perhaps something along the lines of making Bruce look more like the giant Heroes of ancient Greek mythology. Bruce is the main character here. He IS Batman. He should stand out from everyone else around him...including his proteges.

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Roldan

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Edited By Roldan

While i do have some issues with the heights (mostly Dick's), the added red vest and the sneakers on Damian really adds character. So i wonder who did that, Snyder or Capullo?

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ninjacommando

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Edited By ninjacommando

I don't think much has changed, but the one that was addressed in Catwoman was a bigger one in my opinion. I'm happy it was addressed at all, that answers that question!

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Fantasgasmic

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Edited By Fantasgasmic
  1. Am I the only one who thinks the new Riddler looks like an a-hole?
  2. That skyscraper (Wayne Tower, I assume) looked a LOT like Batman's cowl.
  3. This looks so much better IMO.
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MooseyMcMan

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Edited By MooseyMcMan

I still feel like "rebooting" everything, but then setting stuff like this so far into the fiction seems weird to me. Why not go back to Batman as a lone wolf (not counting Alfred)?

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Fluffy6079

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Edited By Fluffy6079

If you look at this picture, then look at the cover for Nightwing #1, it's even more ridiculous.

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zackattack529

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Edited By zackattack529

@MooseyMcMan: you'll be wanting to read "batman: gotham night" comming out next week then.

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mbembet

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Edited By mbembet

so DCnU is where they make a lighter Batman/Bruce Wayne but darker Diana/Clark? lol what a stupid idea

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franco2011

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Edited By franco2011
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wooooooooooooooooooooooo

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InnerVenom123

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Edited By InnerVenom123

That image makes me want to give Damian a bat-b*tchslap.

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RareCheshire

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Edited By RareCheshire

I love the chucks on Damian! I think they're cute, guys more and more are starting to wear chucks with formal wear. But I hate the height differences, is this taking place five years behind like Justice League is? They all look like kiddies.

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deactivated-5a98cd905fc97

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@Or35ti said:

@elayem98 said:

yay everythings the same

but seriously, tim should be dicks height, damian should be tims height, and dick should be a hair shorter than bruce..

I feel the exact same way. The bulk on Dick especially should be bigger. But I love that picture of them all together, such a wonderful family

Agreed.  Also, in various panels, Bruce looks too close to Dick in age, which was perplexing.
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Maki_P

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Edited By Maki_P

Are Dick and Tim short or is Batman just freaking tall? I didn't know, Bats was supposed to be tall

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TheMess1428

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Edited By TheMess1428

I liked how Harvey Bullock hinted at the fact that Batman Incorporated still exists.

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badaboop

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Edited By badaboop

It's not made clear in this issue whether Dick was ever Batman or not. It says in the panel with the rest of the Bat-family that he was previously Robin but is now Nightwing, so I wonder if that's been written off or if this is taking place in the past, and he's younger (hence the height difference, maybe?) then it's possible it hasn't happened. I don't know, I thought I remember reading somewhere that DC was going to keep that piece of history intact, that Dick was once Batman but is now going back to being Nightwing.

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Migz13

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Edited By Migz13

The day I knew they'd be releasing a new Batman #1.. I knew I had to get it the day it hits shelves.

Won't be missing it for the WORLD!!

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gangly

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Edited By gangly

@badaboop: It's confirmed in Nightwing #1 which also came out today, that Dick definitely spent the time as Batman while Bruce was, "away".

To all the people saying that Dick needs to be taller, you'd be absolutely right... if this wasn't a reboot. One of the main changes in the DCnU is that they are making almost every character slightly younger, and that includes our beloved Ex-Bat Mr. Grayson.

If trying to cram all of these timelines and ages and characters is making your heads hurt, just remember what nice ol' uncle Grant said... it doesn't really matter!

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SladeRogers

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Edited By SladeRogers

I almost forgot this was five years prior. From the looks of it, Dick & Tim should both be on the Teen Titans, but I'll digress. Overall, the new Batman looks to be more familiar than I'd expected when I first heard of the reboot. I have high standards for every single Batman related stories than comes out, but I have faith in Scott Snyder so I won't worry.

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slick23

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Edited By slick23

Man was a great pick up! cant wait for more..really big cliffhanger!

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Storm_Phobia

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Edited By Storm_Phobia

so excited to pick this up!!

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jubilee042

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Edited By jubilee042

dick looks so young like my age

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Eyz

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Edited By Eyz

The Bat-verse is now slighty more hi-tech and not a lot of time passed but it seems everything else's still pretty much the same.

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UnosInfinitos

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Edited By UnosInfinitos

He gave the tower bat-ears what a ham :)

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Sammo21

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Edited By Sammo21

This is my problem sometimes with different artists taking on the same characters. I remember how inconsistent the artwork was in Red Robin where sometimes he would be standard Tim Drake sized and then suddenly in another panel he's as large as Batman.

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Omega-Man

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Edited By Omega-Man

Is it me or does Dick Grayson look 16? Tim looks 13.

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AmishAvenger

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Edited By AmishAvenger  Online

Has anyone found the lady in Pink in this issue yet?

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ravisher

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Edited By ravisher

i was wondering why dick was so short

no pun

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Gammbitt

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Edited By Gammbitt

@AmishAvenger: First page at the bottome next to the hobo wqrming up at the trash can

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Norusdog

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Edited By Norusdog
the real
the real "New 52" Dark Knight
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Mr. Smiths

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Edited By Mr. Smiths

@MooseyMcMan said:

I still feel like "rebooting" everything, but then setting stuff like this so far into the fiction seems weird to me. Why not go back to Batman as a lone wolf (not counting Alfred)?

Hell why not go back to Batman just fighting gangsters only. I'm kidding.

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MooseyMcMan

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Edited By MooseyMcMan

@Mr. Smiths said:

@MooseyMcMan said:

I still feel like "rebooting" everything, but then setting stuff like this so far into the fiction seems weird to me. Why not go back to Batman as a lone wolf (not counting Alfred)?

Hell why not go back to Batman just fighting gangsters only. I'm kidding.

I would be totally into that though.

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Mr. Smiths

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Edited By Mr. Smiths

@MooseyMcMan said:

@Mr. Smiths said:

@MooseyMcMan said:

I still feel like "rebooting" everything, but then setting stuff like this so far into the fiction seems weird to me. Why not go back to Batman as a lone wolf (not counting Alfred)?

Hell why not go back to Batman just fighting gangsters only. I'm kidding.

I would be totally into that though.

Yeah but Batman just beating down on gangsters would get boring after awhile.

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MooseyMcMan

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Edited By MooseyMcMan

@Mr. Smiths said:

@MooseyMcMan said:

@Mr. Smiths said:

@MooseyMcMan said:

I still feel like "rebooting" everything, but then setting stuff like this so far into the fiction seems weird to me. Why not go back to Batman as a lone wolf (not counting Alfred)?

Hell why not go back to Batman just fighting gangsters only. I'm kidding.

I would be totally into that though.

Yeah but Batman just beating down on gangsters would get boring after awhile.

I didn't say it would have to last long. Just do like one comic, and then start re-introducing the classic villains.

Whatever! Doesn't matter, because that's not what they're doing! Not now anyway. Maybe they will the next time they reboot everything.

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Mr. Smiths

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Edited By Mr. Smiths

@MooseyMcMan said:

@Mr. Smiths said:

@MooseyMcMan said:

@Mr. Smiths said:

@MooseyMcMan said:

I still feel like "rebooting" everything, but then setting stuff like this so far into the fiction seems weird to me. Why not go back to Batman as a lone wolf (not counting Alfred)?

Hell why not go back to Batman just fighting gangsters only. I'm kidding.

I would be totally into that though.

Yeah but Batman just beating down on gangsters would get boring after awhile.

I didn't say it would have to last long. Just do like one comic, and then start re-introducing the classic villains.

Whatever! Doesn't matter, because that's not what they're doing! Not now anyway. Maybe they will the next time they reboot everything.

I like the reboot anyways. Wish they wold of had more Dick Greyson and Damien Wayne stories though.

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darksoul7th

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Edited By darksoul7th

This is gonna be interesting!

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THEBlaqueBasterd

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Edited By THEBlaqueBasterd

OK...Unless that was a 5 yrs previous (which it couldnt be coz Damian would be like... 6.... -_-)

Dicks build is WAY too frail for an already left the nest adult (at LEAST 20?) &done a Batman stint Nightwing.. The bodyset used for Dick should shoulda actually been Tims

Nightwings build should be more shadowing Bruces but sliiiightly less bulky &about an inch &a half 2inch diff in height..

I know theyre SOMANY MUCH MORE EXCITING things in this issue that should make this a minute oversight.. (&BELIEVE Me there are :)) but I cant help but feel as tho if they got THAT part so completely wrong.should we lbe apprehensive of more disappointing (visual) portrayals in future?

I hope thats something editors look into..aside from that the Re-Boot..is kickin off niiicely.. every pun intended >;)..

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