Is Batman, Inc The Right Direction?

We discuss Batman's new method to fight crime.

Embed
Click To Unmute

Want us to remember this setting for all your devices?

Sign up or Sign in now!

Please use a html5 video capable browser to watch videos.
This video has an invalid file format.
00:00:00
Sorry, but you can't access this content!
Please enter your date of birth to view this video

By clicking 'enter', you agree to Comic Vine's
Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

307 Comments

Avatar image for kelvin_oh89
kelvin_oh89

47

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 5

User Lists: 0

Edited By kelvin_oh89

I feel this event is like Spider-Man revealing his identity in Civil War. Both are serious leaps of faith that essentially are going to be leaving behind the previous mythos and take the character into a bold new direction. Granted we all know how "unmasked" Spidey turned out but I'm curious to see how this new take on Batman will turn out.

Avatar image for seraphim84
Seraphim84

61

Forum Posts

4

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

Edited By Seraphim84

Re: Batman's identity coming out.  Keep in mind, there are /two/ Batmen now (and more on the way).  So Dick could always be outted (if people don't think about age...), and it makes sense that Bruce would be connected to him, etc etc, but Bruce is still the in-the-shadows Batman.  Bruce and Dick switched obviously makes more sense, but still.  There are ways around it.

Avatar image for mickoreo_lz
mickoreo_LZ

252

Forum Posts

5

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

Edited By mickoreo_LZ

You gotta give Grant Morrison credit for taking the character in a direction that no one else has before. For once somebody had the guts to give Bruce Wayne a little more depth and a little more development, and I have faith that he will put it together in the end. Don't fear change, embrace it

Avatar image for mighty_thorion
Mighty Thorion

918

Forum Posts

80821

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 15

User Lists: 34

Edited By Mighty Thorion
@mickoreo_LZ said:

" You gotta give Grant Morrison credit for taking the character in a direction that no one else has before. For once somebody had the guts to give Bruce Wayne a little more depth and a little more development, and I have faith that he will put it together in the end. Don't fear change, embrace it "

I don't think this is a case of people fearing change necessarily - more like questioning the need for duplication. I mean, the DCU already has too many Flashes and Green Lanterns IMHO - do we really want numerous Batmen running around?
Avatar image for spellca2
Spellca2

594

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

Edited By Spellca2
@Mighty Thorion: 
 
But they won't all be Batman, I doubt Bruce would force "Mr. Unknown" to change his alias to be part of the group. You are reading far too deep into the concept of "Batmen".
Avatar image for waruikumo
waruikumo

364

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 4

User Lists: 2

Edited By waruikumo

I think Batman is past the Tim Burton Urban Myth stage.  Morrison is breaking down almost all Batman conventions.   
 
Also, doesn't the Joker know now that Batman is Bruce, or at least that the Batcave is under Wayne Manor. 
 The better question is does he care? 
 
PS it won't end well. I mean that Wingman training thing worked out so well.  

Avatar image for roadbuster
roadbuster

1159

Forum Posts

1966

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 2

Edited By roadbuster
@CosmicSpiral said:
" Batman returned better than before. ROBW was Bruce transcending all the loner, paranoia bull he's been imbued with over the last twenty years.  "
I mentioned this earlier in the thread, but didn't he already do that in OYL?  He ended his feud with the mind-wipe conspirators, he made up with Wonder Woman and Superman over the events of Sacrifice, his Brother Eye program was disassembled and forgiven, and he humbled himself to go back through all his training again, this time with Tim and Dick at his side.  
 
When he came back he was cracking smiles, jokes, and eagerly working alongside Dick and Tim, adopting Tim and offering to adopt Cassandra, etc.
 
Then Morrison took over to give us the R.I.P. plus storyline... to make Bruce happy again?  I'm not saying I haven't enjoyed what Morrison did necessarily, I'm just saying his current event shouldn't really be credited as causing Bruce to shed psycho paranoid loner Bat.
Avatar image for cosmicspiral
CosmicSpiral

5474

Forum Posts

7347

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

Edited By CosmicSpiral
@Mainline said: 

I mentioned this earlier in the thread, but didn't he already do that in OYL?  He ended his feud with the mind-wipe conspirators, he made up with Wonder Woman and Superman over the events of Sacrifice, his Brother Eye program was disassembled and forgiven, and he humbled himself to go back through all his training again, this time with Tim and Dick at his side.  
 
When he came back he was cracking smiles, jokes, and eagerly working alongside Dick and Tim, adopting Tim and offering to adopt Cassandra, etc.
 
Then Morrison took over to give us the R.I.P. plus storyline... to make Bruce happy again?  I'm not saying I haven't enjoyed what Morrison did necessarily, I'm just saying his current event shouldn't really be credited as causing Bruce to shed psycho paranoid loner Bat. "

OYL and 52 were concerned with "rebuilding Batman" and his motivations, which were twisted by everything you mentioned. However, all of those were merely situational problems. 
 
ROBW changed the relationship between Bruce and Batman. Instead of having the Bruce Wayne/Batman dual identity we are accustomed to speaking about, Batman was re-established as the "face" that puts villains to flight. Batman Inc. couldn't happen until this duality was snuffed out. 
Avatar image for quntumking
Quntumking

253

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

Edited By Quntumking

I LOVE COMICVINE.

Avatar image for silkcuts
Silkcuts

6039

Forum Posts

93073

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 730

User Lists: 13

Edited By Silkcuts

In Grant Morrison I Trust!

Avatar image for kennybaese
kennybaese

1241

Forum Posts

1

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 12

User Lists: 0

Edited By kennybaese

I like how everyone is losing their minds about Batman becoming a public figure, but he's been a public figure for forever. He's been in the JLA for FOREVER. They've shifted their focus from him being a urban myth to just scaring the crap out of EVERYONE. Even the Metahumans like Supes.  
 
And I think his announcement about his funding Batman makes sense because if he wanted to expand Batman like he's talking about then he'd maybe be pulling enough money out of his company that it would start to be noticed. Though, I guess you could argue that if that was going to be an issue if would have been by now. 

Avatar image for deactivated-5a4e0e8ea3dfb
deactivated-5a4e0e8ea3dfb

796

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0


I don't care about Bruce saying he funds Batman because its not like he hasn't sunk millions into his own crusade as well as the Justice League, Outsiders and random other heroes.....Bruce knows how to hide his money trail. The announcement is just another way for Bruce to instill fear in people. Before Batman was just a guy that lurked in the shadows and had cool toys....but other than his "family" every villain thought Batman was doing all of this on his own and knew how effective he was. Now they have to think about how much more effective Batman will be with the full financial backing of one of the wealthiest men in the world. It's a very good intimidation factor on Bruce's part. 
 
But let's talk about the book itself.....it was horrible!!!! It was just another Batman story. They could call this Batman 1 or The Real Batman and it would have made alot more sense. This was not a big impact, set everything up issue to keep the reader enticed for the next one. It was a Batman/Catwoman team-up story and felt more like Grant Morrison's attempt (and success) to get Bruce and Selina under the sheets because Bruce hasn't had a chance since his return. The whole concept of a "Japanese Batman" and the Batman INC concept was pushed out the door to show off Selina's body and the implied sex the two had. 
 
Personally I think DC is going with too many Bat titles in order to push this character's return (much like Marvel is sticking Steve Rodgers everywhere with no thought to timeline interaction of titles) and they should have saved this book for issue 2 or 3 of Batman INC and made issue #1 the story from the Batman Returns one-shot because that story rocked and was far more steeped in the idea of an international Batman family than this issue was. 
Avatar image for roadbuster
roadbuster

1159

Forum Posts

1966

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 2

Edited By roadbuster
@ltbrd said:
" I don't care about Bruce saying he funds Batman because its not like he hasn't sunk millions into his own crusade as well as the Justice League, Outsiders and random other heroes.....Bruce knows how to hide his money trail. The announcement is just another way for Bruce to instill fear in people. Before Batman was just a guy that lurked in the shadows and had cool toys....but other than his "family" every villain thought Batman was doing all of this on his own and knew how effective he was. Now they have to think about how much more effective Batman will be with the full financial backing of one of the wealthiest men in the world. It's a very good intimidation factor on Bruce's part. "
I agree, Bruce can hide money, so that isn't it.  I don't think the fear rationale really tracks.  If that's the argument, why does Bruce need to make the announcement?  Couldn't Batman declare open and global war on crime, in public, and stating he has the sponsorship of the wealthy?  Do villains really care who is give the Bat money (except with respect to reprisal and revenge) so long as the Bat is getting money? 
 
If anything, Bruce making the announcement should be comforting to villains.  Now they know the Bat is subject to the god Mamon (money), that his resources are finite, mortal, exposed, and defined.  Before, whether or not there was mystery about Batman's persona, you certainly didn't know whether or not he had unlimited resources... you didn't know if he funded himself illegally or magically or by time travel or whatever... the ambiguity meant there was nothing to go on but your worst nightmare in terms of how much Batman was willing or able to pour into his war against you.  Now, everyone can look up Wayne Enterprises, start attacking the support structure, hacking his systems looking for traces and trails to Batman, holding employees hostage for leverage against the Bat, etc.  Bruce's announcement makes Batman mortal.  The franchising, potentially, makes the idea immortal... but not if he's recruiting at the rate of one guy every few weeks or so.  The level of wrath villains can pour out on Wayne greatly out-paces the speed of his ideals spreading with that recruitment method.
Avatar image for chipsnopotatoes
chipsnopotatoes

340

Forum Posts

7

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 2

User Lists: 0

Edited By chipsnopotatoes
@ltbrd said:
But let's talk about the book itself.....it was horrible!!!! It was just another Batman story. They could call this Batman 1 or The Real Batman and it would have made alot more sense. This was not a big impact, set everything up issue to keep the reader enticed for the next one. It was a Batman/Catwoman team-up story and felt more like Grant Morrison's attempt (and success) to get Bruce and Selina under the sheets because Bruce hasn't had a chance since his return. The whole concept of a "Japanese Batman" and the Batman INC concept was pushed out the door to show off Selina's body and the implied sex the two had.
 
Did it occur to you that maybe Catwoman is going to be part of the series in the long run? I'm guessing that establishing her as a character is what Morrison's aiming for.  Also, it's two pages of playtime, the rest focused on them teaming up to looking for the Japanese Batman. Since this isn't a one-shot, the story's not over yet so I'd hardly kvetch. That a reader would choose to focus so much on the implied sex says more about him than of Morrison.
Avatar image for kelvin_oh89
kelvin_oh89

47

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 5

User Lists: 0

Edited By kelvin_oh89
@ltbrd: you gotta wonder. if he could afford a Watchtower, his crusade against crime, a global organization of Batmen, his own god-damned rocket ship and silo you gotta wonder just how much easier it would've been to just use his money to help Gotham. I know people say throwing money at the solution won't solve the problem and I would normally agree. 1$ million dollars won't rock too many waves but seriously...if you were to invest twenty billion dollars I'm pretty sure you could help Gotham waaay more. ^_^
Avatar image for spellca2
Spellca2

594

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

Edited By Spellca2
@ltbrd: 
 
Seems like someone read more into implied sex then the plot itself...yeah....
Avatar image for mr_wayne69
Mr_Wayne69

195

Forum Posts

32

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 21

Edited By Mr_Wayne69

Why would Bruce revealing himself as the funder for Batman, Inc. automatically make people think that Bruce Wayne is Batman when there's going to be several Batmen or "Batmen"? That's not an issue. 
 
Painting a target on Wayne Ent. doesn't sound like a problem, it sounds like more opportunities for story possibilities. 
 
Batman hasn't been an urban myth since the 90's. Get over it. You want urban myth? Go watch the films or back issues and graphic novels. Batman has evolved into a super-spy terrorist bashing bad@$$. AND IT'S AWESOME!!!

Avatar image for mr_q
Mr.Q

1055

Forum Posts

2533

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 3

User Lists: 24

Edited By Mr.Q
looks like they may be writing themselves into a corner here. it kind of goes against the whole foundation of the Bat. Bruce has now put himself his 'family' everyone of his thousands of employes and his new found son on the chopping block.  and as for the whole war on crime and the Batmen army isn't that what the Justice League, Justice Society, Teen Titans, Birds of Prey, Outsiders etc. are for? it's looking a lot like Iron Man and the Initiative. more ego. it may very well be the end of Batman. again. but what do I know. we shall see...
Avatar image for greenenvy
greenenvy

637

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

Edited By greenenvy

Bat man  Inc.=  Great  villain,  sexiness, bad ass fight scenes and suspenseful cliffhanger  A+ comic  approved by sincerely Green Envy. 

Avatar image for mr_wayne69
Mr_Wayne69

195

Forum Posts

32

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 21

Edited By Mr_Wayne69

Vigilantism and Superherosim vs. the law: First off this is the DCU and not the real world. If the law or DCU government was so hard pressed to eliminate vigilantism then all the superheroes would've been arrested and put in a "registration act" a long time ago. This ain't Marvel where no matter how many times their heroes have saved the universe their government still screws 'em over. Dark Reign anyone? 
 
Bruce Wayne's is funding BATMAN!:  All the major villains from some major story arcs of the last decade that had major impacts on the world of Batman already knew that Bruce Wayne and Batman are one and the same. So why's it a problem now that Bruce Wayne has come out and said he's funding Batman? 

 
"It paints a target on anyone involved with Wayne Ent."- What's wrong with that? If you're a character in the DCU it sucks. If you're a reader then the possibility of new and refreshing stories is greater. 
 
"It paints the picture of Bruce Wayne and Batman being one and the same or coming closer to Bruce Wayne outing himself as Batman."- I can see why people may think this but then again I don't. There's a Batman in Gotham and a Batman traveling the globe. The people of the DCU can either think that one of them is Bruce or none of them is Bruce but one if not all the "Batmen" are being funded by Bruce. Get it? 
 
Batman is an urban myth and should remain that way! Batman hasn't been an urban myth since the late 90's. Even before Morrison streamlined the Bat mythos Dennis O'Neil and Neal Adams started to make Batman a globetrotting adventurer, gave him a baby, and made him a hairy bare-chested bad @$$ in the 70's! He's been destined to evolve from past plot points that were dropped because DC's creators wanted to make him the street protector of Gotham because readers probably weren't ready until now. It's 2010 and the evolution of Bruce Wayne as the Batman of today has been brilliant. Ever since JLA #1 this is the Batman that's been primed and ready to jump on the scene.
  
Instead of being worried about this being the wrong move, be worried if creators besides Morrison can handle the kind of quality and brilliance needed to tackle a status quo like this, because whether you like it or not Batman will never be the same again. "The warrior with a totem."

Avatar image for roadbuster
roadbuster

1159

Forum Posts

1966

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 2

Edited By roadbuster
@Mr_Wayne69 said:
"Why would Bruce revealing himself as the funder for Batman, Inc. automatically make people think that Bruce Wayne is Batman when there's going to be several Batmen or "Batmen"? That's not an issue. 

 Painting a target on Wayne Ent. doesn't sound like a problem, it sounds like more opportunities for story possibilities."

The first one requires a pretty aggressive suspension of disbelief and equivocates the present presence of Batmen with the entire career of Batman.  Now that all have a clear point of comparison there are countless metrics by which to compared to two and start honing in on an identity.  Wayne raises wealth himself, but tries to distance himself as merely funding.  Wayne even provides a motivation and genesis point (parents being gunned down).  G-Man raises the familial structure.  Others can compare age, travels, location, personal history, personality, behavior, absences, biometrics, etc.  Heck, as a matter of public image the once irresponsible playboy goof suddenly seems preoccupied with crime and has the solemnity to make a serious public announcement about it, basically telling the whole world that the Bruce they knew was a facade.  All of which confronts rationality, reason, and suspension of disbelief unnecessarily unless or until we're given a reason. 
 
The second one isn't really sound reasoning because Bruce doesn't know he's a fictional character being put through his paces for our entertainment.... 

Reporter: "Mr. Wayne, over here!" 
Wayne: "Yes, go ahead." 
Reporter: "How do you respond to your employees, and their families, who say they didn't choose to work at Wayne Enterprises to support Batman or become targets?" 
Wayne: "That's a good question and I'm glad you asked it.  It's my belief that you're all just minor characters in my story put here to make me more entertaining for an invisible audience you can't see.  I'm sorry that some of you will be threatened, hurt, or killed or that others of you feel like you've been drafting into a war you didn't support... but I earnestly believe your sacrifices will make for better stories for our invisible viewers.  That is my motivation." 
Reporter: "... I .... uh .... huh.  Does this... 'audience' know that you know they're watching?" 
Wayne: "Uh, no, we are in fact all fictional characters.  I am written as not breaking the 4th Wall." 
Reporter: "Okay... so then shouldn't your 'in-story' character have a motive that doesn't rely on meta-criteria of 'good stories'... what's your 'in-story' motivation?" 
Wayne: "Er... I um... and that concludes the Q&A portion of this press conference, thank you for coming, there will be more news to come shortly!"
Avatar image for roadbuster
roadbuster

1159

Forum Posts

1966

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 2

Edited By roadbuster
@Mr_Wayne69 said:
"Vigilantism and Superherosim vs. the law: First off this is the DCU and not the real world. If the law or DCU government was so hard pressed to eliminate vigilantism then all the superheroes would've been arrested and put in a "registration act" a long time ago. This ain't Marvel where no matter how many times their heroes have saved the universe their government still screws 'em over. Dark Reign anyone? "
The DCU is more pragmatic about it for two reasons: 1. They don't want to enforce the law against vigilante heroes; 2. They can't enforce the law against vigilante heroes because most of them maintain secret identities and they have the foresight to know registration generally doesn't work with civil liberty type situations.  Bruce's announcement removes both reasons.  By exposing Wayne Enterprises as funding Batman, the government can do a song and dance to avoid prosecuting Wayne Enterprises criminally (debatable for how long though; assuming the city and state are 100% behind Batman, Wayne could be protected for a long time as a matter of politics) but they can't stop private individuals from suing Wayne Enterprises civilly.  That would have nothing to do with eliminating vigilantism one way or another, it would be just about the liability that arises every time stuff blows up when Batman's involved. 
 
You might say the analysis is overwrought, but Grant is the one that implicated them by 1. Having Bruce make the public announcement without an apparent reason yet; 2. Using terms like "franchising" and "incorporated"...  if he didn't want us thinking about the consequences and meanings of those terms and just wanted to tell a global team / recruitment story, he didn't have to confront us with legal business terms.  "Batman International" or "Batman Global" or "Batman World Wide" without Bruce making the announcement still allows you to tell all the story we've got so far.  Instead, Morrison chose to have public accountability (an announcement by Bruce), business terminology (franchise), and legal structures with legal implications (incorporation).  The story is asking us to look at these things... and if it isn't, then I've shown how it could have been done to skip these questions. 

@Mr_Wayne69 said:
"Bruce Wayne's is funding BATMAN!:  All the major villains from some major story arcs of the last decade that had major impacts on the world of Batman already knew that Bruce Wayne and Batman are one and the same. So why's it a problem now that Bruce Wayne has come out and said he's funding Batman? "
That's just it.  The major villains know and there's equilibrium there... stability.  Those who know are in a game with Bruce, the rules which are more clearly defined and the outcomes more controlled and expected.  Ra's even sought to silence Vale on Wayne's behalf... and the solution to that?  Wayne talked with Ra's.  Joker allied with Bruce against Hurt.  The game has its players who all support the game.  Until we're given a reason otherwise, the announcement upsets that balance entirely. 
 
First, it introduces new players completely asymmetrically... every villain, big or small, major or otherwise, with or without a relationship or rapport with Batman, now has an identity or entity to target.  That means they don't know the rules or don't have any rules delineating their interactions with Batman.  And, of course, in just terms of sheer numbers the pool of suspects in any given identity-related attack has now exploded, there's no way to narrow it down to just the major villains who knew. 
 
Second, it changes the actual rules of the game...  Joker fights crime for fun and kills Hurt for Batman so the game can continue in private with a degree of exclusivity... but how is he going to feel if he knows it's open season on Bruce?   How are all of the game players of the past going to feel if they think their dance card isn't going to be punched before Bruce gets checked out?  Every game player with a vendetta now wants to secure their revenge and legacy against Bruce before someone else does... which means the villains that Bruce could have taken out one by one or even talked down, are now coming at him in force.  That said, by writer fiat Morrison can make the villains do anything so it's not a guarantee, but it still casts the in-story motivation into question.
 
Just because two opposing intelligence agencies know each others' secrets and dirty laundry doesn't mean it's rational to air it all publicly.
 
@Mr_Wayne69 said:
"Instead of being worried about this being the wrong move, be worried if creators besides Morrison can handle the kind of quality and brilliance needed to tackle a status quo like this, because whether you like it or not Batman will never be the same again. "The warrior with a totem."
The issue is that the entire concept has put itself on the defensive rather than convincing us it's good / makes sense (internally, lest I need to say it again, Bruce hasn't really explained his reasoning).  It's all well and good to have faith in Morrison and enjoy his meta explanations for delivering an "international sexy fun" Batman... but in-story it hasn't provided any kind of rationale that makes it plausible or reasonable... and maybe it never will.  It might entirely skip those elements, jump right to "sexy fun time" and we'll enjoy it for that... but we're not there yet... right now all we have are big moves by Bruce that are inexplicable, so it makes sense to look at them... at least until we're either given a reason or Morrison makes it clear it was all paper-thin justification for his "sexy fun time" (in which case one wonders why bother with the setup at all, why not just start with sexy time?).
Avatar image for mr_wayne69
Mr_Wayne69

195

Forum Posts

32

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 21

Edited By Mr_Wayne69
@Mainline:  You raise some pretty interesting points. Some actual realistic points. I have to admit that everything you said made perfect sense. It almost makes me wish Morrison would have never executed the announcement the way he did... or... just give us a sound explanation for why he did it. I'll keep all these in mind as the story unfolds. Thanks for your input...
Avatar image for logan48227
logan48227

299

Forum Posts

22

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 1

Edited By logan48227

The 1st issue of Batman Incorporated really let me down. I'm not really sold on the idea of adding yet more members to the Bat-Family as a way for Bruce to have a global presence. Inevitably, some of these new Bat-characters are just gonna become fodder for some big Crisis Crossover to make Villain X look badass.  
 
And I totally agree with Babs on the pointlessness of Bruce Wayne revealing that he funds Batman. Wayne Enterprises has board members who would undoubtedly run away from the sort of liability that funding a nocturnal vigilante will bring to the company. This does bring up some intriguing possibilities. Like a would-be mugger suing Wayne Enterprises for hospital expenses after Robin breaks his arm, or a bystander suing for emotional distress after being held hostage by Two-Face or someone in order to draw Batman out. Hopefully, Morrison will explore some of these situations eventually. 

Avatar image for kungnima
kungnima

182

Forum Posts

44

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

Edited By kungnima

Fear not! 
 http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=29579
''It kinda ruins Batman..''

Avatar image for theberserker
theberserker

23

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

Edited By theberserker

I'm down for the Batmania

Avatar image for freddy_mercurial
Freddy.Mercurial

152

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

Edited By Freddy.Mercurial

i STILL have a feeling Bruce isn't as IN CONTROL of this whole situation as we are being led to believe...  Oh Grant, u slick bastard u...

Avatar image for entropy_aegis
entropy_aegis

21789

Forum Posts

420

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 1

User Lists: 7

Edited By entropy_aegis

yes batman INC is going to be amazing.

Avatar image for bigdingo
BigDingo

90

Forum Posts

473

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 1

Edited By BigDingo

NO (emphatic period)

Avatar image for jnr6lil
Jnr6Lil

8701

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

Edited By Jnr6Lil

I say Btaman Inc is a good direction. i think the whole point of it is for character development. to really push th ebatman family as mor ethan "Bastmans sidekicks"
Avatar image for frogjitsu
frogjitsu

497

Forum Posts

85

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 10

Edited By frogjitsu
@NXH: DC does stand for Detective Comics
 
I don't mind Batman Inc. per se, the more the merrier I say, but as for Bruce revealing he's funding Batman?  I say that was an unnecessary risk.  Lets hope Morrison knows what he's doing, and doesn't screw everything up.
Avatar image for bebop_blues_07
bebop_blues_07

2

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

Edited By bebop_blues_07

I think all the criticism for Batman Inc. is a bit too much, I think we can trust Grant Morrison to write something great. Batman is no longer in the shadows and hasn't been for quite some time, so this whole Batman Inc. story doesn't really change much. As for the characters involved and threats towards the Batman family is almost if not exactly the same because they put themselves at risk everyday to save others lives. Even if this does put themselves at greater risk doesn't this add up to make a great fall for Batman? I mean think about it, if Bruce's loses a member of the family to this organization or group doesn't this set up Bruce to be dark character again. He will contemplate in the end whether the good he did for the world is equal to the lives he lost in the his battle for justice against this Leviathan organization. Of course this is all my own personal speculation, but to those who are more inclined to the "classic" Batman I have no doubt he will return to his ways soon enough.

Avatar image for bebop_blues_07
bebop_blues_07

2

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

Edited By bebop_blues_07
@Mainline:  Aren't Richard Grayson and Damian Wayne taking care of Gotham as Batman and Robin...
Avatar image for emperor_gonzo_noir
Emperor Gonzo Noir

19151

Forum Posts

1989

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 2

User Lists: 17

My main question is, How is Bruce Wayne not in jail for publicly admitting he financially aided a vigilante for years

Avatar image for decept_o
Decept-O

8097

Forum Posts

33607

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 31

User Lists: 6

Edited By Decept-O

I don't mind the idea of Batman, Inc.  However both of you bring up why would Wayne announce he is funding Batman, and that is indeed something that doesn't make sense.  Like Sara said, Wayne is exposing himself to a lot of turmoil but perhaps he is purposely making himself a target for some as of yet unspecified reason?  
 
The reason I like the concept of Batman, Inc. is that, as you both again point out, it reveals a bit of an evolution of Batman's character and finally admitting he can't do this alone when in fact he really hasn't been fighting the good fight alone for some time.   I like the idea of an "offical" type of Batman team, having all the great side characters in the Batman Family acting together.  Heck, didn't Batman contribute to the Outsiders as its "silent"  team leader and funding it as well?  Why not here with Batman, Inc.  Although I wish if this becomes official there would be a different name.   
 
After all the weirdness with Batman's trip through time and some (sorry, IMO) far-reaching explanations and characters, it is good that out of all that this, a new direction is happening.  I like it, but again--I agree, Bruce Wayne is taking away that mythos, that aura, which is the silent, stealthy Batman.  UNLESS some good writing can make Batman that character despite this. 
Avatar image for ww_fan
WW-Fan

2873

Forum Posts

1379

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 5

Edited By WW-Fan

i think this Batman inc think is kinda confusing! :/
Avatar image for solitaire
Solitaire

47

Forum Posts

2108

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 2

Edited By Solitaire

Honestly I'm not worried.
 
I am in wholehearted agreement with Babs that this has taken the very soul out of what made Batman who he is, an incorruptible, immortal creature of the night. The whole reason that he chose a bat as his symbol was his desire to put the fear of god into the hearts of those who would prey upon the innocent citizens of Gotham. Now that he has publicly revealed that Batman is nothing more than a man in a suit, the very essence of the relentless, fearless persons that Bruce Wayne has spent all these years crafting has fallen away in the light of the reality of his mortality. 
 
I also wonder at the logic in this bold new business venture when I stop to consider what has happened in the past when Bruce has decided to accept a like-minded individual into the fold. Specifically Jean-Paul Vally. I can't help but feel that, after receiving Bruce's training and equipment some of these individuals he is determined to seek out may just decide that they know better than he does and take matters into their own hands.
 

I'm not sure I agree with the parallel being drawn between Tony Stark and Bruce Wayne in terms of their identity publicity. Tony Stark's Alter-Ego is one of the flashiest heroes out there, fighting crime with the sleekest and most powerful weapons in existence is right up Tony's alley. While he still faces the obvious dilemma of the safety of his loved ones should his identity be revealed, his crime fighting skills aren't diminished at all.
 
 Batman on the other hand has a great deal to lose by revealing his identity. Part of what makes Batman such an effective force for good in Gotham is that half of the criminals in the city already believe that ha can't be stopped, or even hurt, and so surrender to him without a fight. One of the greatest weapons against crime in his arsenal is the inherent superstition that criminals cling to. Revealing his identity as no more than a man deprives him of all of this. Not only robbing him of one of his greatest weapons, but helping criminals steel their nerve when they realize that he is just as fragile as they are.
 
I'm actually more reminded of Armor Wars. If my theory about Jean-Paul is correct, Bruce may find himself running around the world trying to take down the misguided vigilante's he so graciously helped to create. Not so much at war with "armor" but with something perhaps even more dangerous, and just as much his responsibility, his training and knowledge.
 
Tony had it easy, all he had to do was hunt down his technology and destroy it. But Bruce is planning on training these people, and that's not something you can just wipe away. If these new "Batmen" go rogue, Bruce is going to have to get very creative if he wants to stop them without killing them.
 
 
 Now, having said all of that, I love Grant Morrison, and his work, so while I may not enjoy this new direction in which Batman has decided to go, I trust that Mr. Morrison will see us through.  

And the great thing about the DC Universe, is that even if this story line ends up butchering the Batman we all know and love beyond all recognition, we can all look forward to another Infinite Crisis when this whole fiasco is nicely and neatly retconned out of existence. :)

Avatar image for deadcool
Deadcool

6944

Forum Posts

1084

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 35

Edited By Deadcool

This, makes me take more seriously Bruce Wayne, more real...

Avatar image for joshmightbe
joshmightbe

27563

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 13

Edited By joshmightbe

it has potential to be good

Avatar image for roadbuster
roadbuster

1159

Forum Posts

1966

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 2

Edited By roadbuster
@bebop_blues_07 said:
"As for the characters involved and threats towards the Batman family is almost if not exactly the same because they put themselves at risk everyday to save others lives. "

The difference is that Wayne is putting his employees at risk and they never signed up to be the economic backbone of the Bat.  For example, the Bat Signal represents a tacit agreement between GCPD and The Bat, and while a lot of them may not agree with vigilantism or may be themselves corrupt cops, at least in principle law enforcement took at oath to serve and protect knowing the risks involved in doing that in Gotham.  Despite the Bat Signal creating a connection between Batman and the GCPD, these are men and women prepared to fight crime in Gotham
 
I don't think the same can be said of the receptionist, the accountants, the engineers, etc. working for Wayne.
 
@bebop_blues_07 said:

" @Mainline:  Aren't Richard Grayson and Damian Wayne taking care of Gotham as Batman and Robin... "


Only as well as Batman ever has which isn't necessarily something worthy of franchising.  Batman hasn't "solved" crime in Gotham (and an oft repeated query is whether he aggravates it in the form of costumed lunatics)... plus he's significantly changing up his own "formula" by adding robot sentinels/soldiers, power suits, and open corporate funding/public accountability.  With a shift that radical you want to see results in Gotham (both of your existing formula and with the change-ups) before justifying a global franchise.  Moreover, for those "buying in", none of them really have an example to look to that would justify franchising.  Bruce can't say, "Look at Dick and Damien." because he wasn't running them.  Unless the entire deal is to be a benefactor in absentia, providing funding, material, and intelligence... but that's not really the classic Batman formula (so, once again, how well does Wayne work "hands off"?  Who knows?!). 
 
So that's what my point there was.  If I were a solo hero halfway across the planet with Batman-level skills (or enough to warrant recruitment) and he comes in and says, "Let me control you, brand you, and make you a part of me." unless I'm hurting for money- and even then- I'd tell him to stuff himself and take a walk.  Even if I'm not "Batman-level" and the promise is to make me so, what does that mean if my jurisdiction isn't Gotham-level and doesn't need a Batman to begin with?  Put another way, it's still not clear what Bruce is "selling" yet... we haven't been given a clear explanation for what exactly Batman, Inc is.
 
@Emperor Gonzo Noir said:

"My main question is, How is Bruce Wayne not in jail for publicly admitting he financially aided a vigilante for years "


I think I mentioned it earlier but with enough political clout Wayne could be shielded from criminal prosecution... basically the same way Gordon is despite using the Bat Signal.  That wouldn't stop a federal prosecutor from coming into town and bringing up Gordon / Wayne on charges, but let's pretend that Gotham (and Wayne) has enough political capital to make that career suicide for a would-be legalist.  Of course, I'm not sure Morrison thought that aspect all the way through but there's a No Prize explanation if you want one.  The justification may be paper-thin and stay paper-thin, we don't know yet... and Morrison might just be saying, "Just accept it... like you accept the Bat Signal."  That seems to be the track they're taking given how Gordon recently referred to Wayne as Batman's "boss" (if he's putting it together like that, how easy is it for criminals to do so?).
Avatar image for jamdown
jamdown

301

Forum Posts

26

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 5

Edited By jamdown

regreting that i droped batgirl
Avatar image for batman_is_god
batman_is_god

1192

Forum Posts

92

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 3

Edited By batman_is_god
@Bruce Vain said:
"The whole Batman Inc. idea is flat out dumb.  Like Sara said - Batman is about him being a shadowy , urban myth figure and now they're trying to  make him a public figure ? WTF is this crap ?   The whole idea of Batman becoming Batman was so no one would have to do what he vowed himself to do. Now it's like he's endangering others. I was never really a big fan of him involving others in his personal vendetta. I always preferred Batman working solo. Don't get me wrong I love Batgirl, Robin and Nightwing they're great characters and part of the Batman mythos. But in reality if you were Batman you wouldn't get kids involved in the War on Crime. It's one thing training them so when they're adults they're ready when they're matured and to make the choice on what they want to do. And now that Bruce is saying he's funding Batman now it's like ringing the dinner bell for all of Batman's foes to come get him and his "family".  Batman's rogues gallery is faaaaaar worst than Iron Man's villians. Like I said bad idea and bad storyline. That's why I'm not really buying any of the Batman comics. I've never been a fan of Grant Morrison's work anyways I think he's a bit overrated. "

I totally agree. 
 
Everyone, Batman Confidential takes place early in Batman's career. It is a monthly series without all this Morrison ridiculousness which is slowly throwing away everything Batman is. Batman Confidential is a good buy.
Avatar image for batman_is_god
batman_is_god

1192

Forum Posts

92

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 3

Edited By batman_is_god

I agree with Babs on everything she said.
Avatar image for daredevil21134
daredevil21134

15945

Forum Posts

22

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 15

Edited By daredevil21134
@batman_is_god said:
"@Bruce Vain said:
"The whole Batman Inc. idea is flat out dumb.  Like Sara said - Batman is about him being a shadowy , urban myth figure and now they're trying to  make him a public figure ? WTF is this crap ?   The whole idea of Batman becoming Batman was so no one would have to do what he vowed himself to do. Now it's like he's endangering others. I was never really a big fan of him involving others in his personal vendetta. I always preferred Batman working solo. Don't get me wrong I love Batgirl, Robin and Nightwing they're great characters and part of the Batman mythos. But in reality if you were Batman you wouldn't get kids involved in the War on Crime. It's one thing training them so when they're adults they're ready when they're matured and to make the choice on what they want to do. And now that Bruce is saying he's funding Batman now it's like ringing the dinner bell for all of Batman's foes to come get him and his "family".  Batman's rogues gallery is faaaaaar worst than Iron Man's villians. Like I said bad idea and bad storyline. That's why I'm not really buying any of the Batman comics. I've never been a fan of Grant Morrison's work anyways I think he's a bit overrated. "

I totally agree. 
 
Everyone, Batman Confidential takes place early in Batman's career. It is a monthly series without all this Morrison ridiculousness which is slowly throwing away everything Batman is. Batman Confidential is a good buy. "

Amen
Avatar image for difficlus
difficlus

10659

Forum Posts

3482

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

Edited By difficlus

AHA video is finished finally got the quest finished. Pretty easy too...:)  

Avatar image for fadetoblackbolt
FadeToBlackBolt

23389

Forum Posts

8725

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 25

User Lists: 6

Edited By FadeToBlackBolt

For everyone who dismisses the idea; it's Grant Morrison. He's one of the most brilliant writers ever. It's not a terrible idea, it's a new direction, I'm the biggest Batfan in the Universe, and even I'm not against it.

Avatar image for fadetoblackbolt
FadeToBlackBolt

23389

Forum Posts

8725

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 25

User Lists: 6

Edited By FadeToBlackBolt
@mbembet said:
" grant morrison is overrated "
No, he's not.
Avatar image for norajdawn
NorajDawn

51

Forum Posts

62

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 2

Edited By NorajDawn

Not. entirely. interested.

Avatar image for myninjadon
Myninjadon

46

Forum Posts

120

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 4

Edited By Myninjadon

So I have been trying to view this video for ever.  The furthest I have made it was just about eleven minutes.  What is wrong with my computer.  I am going crazy trying to watch this.  any tips for me on how I can watch this.  In its entirety.  

Avatar image for _1elderscrollsfan
#1ElderScrollsFan

2010

Forum Posts

1

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

Nice Video