I have not seen anything posted about this, but I feel it is important considering the massive events over the past few issues of all the Bat Family series. With Death of the Family and Damian's death, the Bat Family has really changed in a big way. My goal is to address each of the members, but I only read a few of the books (Batman, Batman and Robin, Nightwing, Red Hood and the Outlaws, and Teen Titans) so any additions are very welcome. So let's begin!
Bruce Wayne- I think of all the changes, the biggest one is Bruce's shift from his closed off state of mind to realizing that he genuinely needs the others in his life. Many of the issues have shown him blatantly reaching out to them only to be rejected by all of them. The only one who stayed by his side was Alfred. Damian would have as well if he had not met his end. Which brings me to the effect of Damian's death on Bruce. When Jason died, Bruce went on an anger fueled spree and closed himself off even more than before; yet with Damian's death he reaches out even more to the others. This is a big deal for Bruce, and unfortunately the others refuse to give him the time of day. Overall, I am happy to see the old grump finally open up a bit and I am angry with the way the others are treating that.
Alfred- Not really much to say here. Regardless of the trauma he endured, Alfred remains loyal to the Family. Like always, each of the members look to him for comfort and I can not express how happy I was to see him alive at the end of DOTF.
Batwoman- I have no idea what is going on with her. All I really know is that she and Bruce were in some sort of fight recently.
Commissioner Jim Gordon- Also do not have much to say about him. He was really absent through most of this. I do not read Batgirl, however, so I could be wrong.
Dick Grayson- I truly do not understand why he is acting the way he is. Dick is no longer the open man he was before all this happened. In a way, he has switched places with Bruce in terms of emotional state. He does not seem to want anything to do with anyone, especially Bruce. I personally find this unfortunate. Bruce and Dick always had so much in common in terms of personal tragedy, but both reacted significantly different. Dick was able to get over his parents' deaths and continue to trust people. Bruce obviously did not. To see them switch in that sense is really sad. I also read Batman Beyond Unlimited and I feel like that portrayal is where Dick is headed. If he loses an eye in the near future I will drop the book all together. (Not really. Nightwing is awesome.) Damian's death really hammered the nail in the coffin. Dick and Damian finally found some real common ground and defined how much they loved each other as brothers only to have it cut short.
Jason Todd- Another huge emotional shift! If you have not read the most recent RHATO, Jason goes through some serious changes and seems to finally forgive Bruce. I nearly teared up at the end of that issue. It was a long time coming and I am glad it finally happened. I just hope it lasts beyond his mini-coma. It might just be the painkillers clouding his judgement, but I remain optimistic that he will still have forgiven Bruce when he wakes up completely.
Tim Drake- I may be wrong, but I think Tim is currently either going insane because of Joker (similar to Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker) or Raven has him under her control. Regardless, there has not been much of a chance to see how he is reacting to all of this. Perhaps, he just does not care as much. Tim has always been more independent than the rest and does not define himself by his time with Bruce or blame Bruce for anything like the others do. Considering him and Damian did not like each other much, I think it is fair to say that particular death did not affect him much.
Barbara Gordon- I really have no idea what she is going through either. I do not read her book. So someone please jump in here.
Damian Wayne- I will miss the little guy. Especially when his and Bruce's relationship was finally starting to get somewhere. I personally believe his death was wasted potential. Anyway, before he died I would say he was the only one who really stuck by his father. Given a chance, I think we would have seen a much different Damian throughout the coming issues. Also worth noting, I think Bruce really saw a lot of his own flaws through Damian and their relationship helped Bruce become a more trusting father of the Bat Family.
Harper Row- I still don't know how I feel about her. I liked the last issue with her, but I am not ready for a new Robin. Besides that though I think I would have liked her. We shall see I suppose.
That really seemed shorter when I was thinking about it in my head. Oh well. Feel free to add to all of this. I really want some other opinions on this. It's been a crazy few months.
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