Batman: The Dark Knight Adventures #10 - The Trial Of Bruce Wayne [Archive]

James

09-20-2004, 08:15 PM

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NEWS

As we all know, entry submission for our Write-Off Story Contest are now closed! The Dark Knight Adventures team has narrowed down all entries to just four finalists! The process was a long one, as nearly 20 quality entires were submitted and carefully read. Thus far, the four best fitting the Batman - Dark Knight Adventures (http://wf.toonzone.net/DKA/) premise were choosen! The Four Finalists will be announced on October 3, 2004!

Remember, the winning entry will be announced on October 10, 2004! The winners entry will be featured in an upcoming issue of Batman - Dark Knight Adventures (http://wf.toonzone.net/DKA/).

What about the NEXT ISSUE of DKA?

Dark Knight Adventures #11:
"The Trail Of Bruce Wayne" - Part two!

DKA #11 out in OCTOBER! Watch this space for a preview!

Support DKA! Go to OnlineComics.net (http://www.onlinecomics.net/) and add Dark Knight Adventures to your favorites list! Add a comment and make our comic more popular with the Online Comics website!

TALKBACK!

WHAT DID YOU THINK OF ISSUE #10?

GIVE US YOUR THOUGHTS!

Batman's Biggest Fan

09-20-2004, 08:37 PM

There's a problem with page 9

Phantasm

09-20-2004, 08:40 PM

WOW!!!!!!STUNNING ARTWORK!!!!!!!!!
The very first page was so beautifully done with the rain and Commish Barbara....You know...this FEELS Batman...her standing in teh rain outsode the manor...wow!!!What a visualization!!!!
This isssue has got the BEST artwork yet from this comic so far!!Terry and Barb were dead on!!!It was very well worth the wait!!!!This is sooo exciting!!!!!!!You just made my day!!!!!

On the other hand...once again the story is swining between that line which is confusing and the one which is...not! I'm sure it willl all wrap up nicely!!!The suspense is killing me!!!!

But also along the way...this lacks a certain element of reality that needs to be embedded into it.I mean, the events of the story so far...don't have the regular yet not so regular everyday feel that the series had...I'm not sure if all of 'supernatural' scifi fits into batman...yet oddly it IS batman...

Anyhoo...GREAT WORK!As expected!!!Once again I applaud you on your efforts!!!!!

Phantasm

09-20-2004, 08:41 PM

There's a problem with page 9Yeah..:confused:

Phantasm

09-20-2004, 08:44 PM

Oh and did I mention the cover art totally rocks!!!!(even though it features Terry)

James

09-20-2004, 08:47 PM

Sorry about page 9

We have just found the error ourselves and remedied it. Pity as it was such a relevant page. Curse my Photoshop... all it's fault!

All repaired.

Apologies!

James

09-20-2004, 09:01 PM

WOW!!!!!!STUNNING ARTWORK!!!!!!!!!
The very first page was so beautifully done with the rain and Commish Barbara....You know...this FEELS Batman...her standing in teh rain outsode the manor...wow!!!What a visualization!!!!
The rain was Ian's idea. He decided to come back part time and colour this issue. He added some great effects and put up from a lot of nit picking from me.

This isssue has got the BEST artwork yet from this comic so far!!Terry and Barb were dead on!!!It was very well worth the wait!!!!This is sooo exciting!!!!!!!You just made my day!!!!!
Thanks. I had a real hard time with this issue. Maybe with having done so much Batman of late, it was hard to make sure it didn't become stagnant, so some pages were a real chore, but on the whole - and thanks to Ian (colour pages) and Maggie (mono pages) I think it looks pretty good.

On the other hand...once again the story is swining between that line which is confusing and the one which is...not! I'm sure it willl all wrap up nicely!!!The suspense is killing me!!!!
I hope not too much. Yeah, it's not a simple story and there are three "locations" to juggle, but they are labelled pretty clearly. If you give it a second read it should be all straight forward.

But also along the way...this lacks a certain element of reality that needs to be embedded into it.I mean, the events of the story so far...don't have the regular yet not so regular everyday feel that the series had...I'm not sure if all of 'supernatural' scifi fits into batman...yet oddly it IS batman...
Well, DKA wanted to go BEYOND TNBA and offer ideas and extended characterisations that the networks would NEVER allow. This sort of takes "Perchance..." and really moves it on a step.. I hope it does prove different but retains the characters of the TNBA crew.

Oh and did I mention the cover art totally rocks!!!!(even though it features Terry)
That's Silverknight's work - last minute and a great epical cover. We'll be looking at some guest covers for the next few months! Stay tuned!

shany94a

09-20-2004, 09:51 PM

... and am still getting over that GREAT cover! Very moody, and a terrific, muted use of color. Looking forward to reading the rest of this issue ...

(CLOCK TICKING)

... and now that I have, October can't get here fast enough! Tremendous job.

Kylewayne

09-20-2004, 10:11 PM

Cruel! Cruel! man you are SJJ! Another Cliffhanger! How could you kill me like this! WHY?! *end of rant*

I must say I loved the artwork in this issue a lot.Very spiffy and clean. Your style has developped and changed over the issues. Thte story has progressed nicely although I want to stab you with many little holes for those cliffhangers right now *breaths* ;) Nice job DKA CREW! *huggles all*

The coloring was nicely done. I felt as if I was reading and watching a Batman episode! Well done! Weeeee!

Calico

09-20-2004, 10:16 PM

That was fantastic! My only real compaint is that the box in the lower right side of page 6 is virtually unreadable because it is so dark (could someone type it out for me?). But other than that the designs are great, I really love where you're going with the story (Bruce's broken mind is a favorite theme of mine), and I love, love, love you for going ahead to Batman Beyond time. First Will Friedle guest stars on JLU, and now this. *happy sigh* Bruce's 'mother' is getting creepy! Is this really a part of him or some outside source? Something to do with the poison? Eagerly awaiting the next installment :)

James

09-20-2004, 10:25 PM

That was fantastic! My only real compaint is that the box in the lower right side of page 6 is virtually unreadable because it is so dark.
We were concerned about that - we may see if we can rectify that.

But other than that the designs are great, I really love where you're going with the story (Bruce's broken mind is a favorite theme of mine),
Hehe, same here. I can't help but break the guy! :D I do love Bruce, really! He's such a fascinating mix of coldness and supressed emotion. He cares, yet he thinks like a soldier. I love him!

..and I love, love, love you for going ahead to Batman Beyond time. First Will Friedle guest stars on JLU, and now this. *happy sigh* Bruce's 'mother' is getting creepy! Is this really a part of him or some outside source? Something to do with the poison? Eagerly awaiting the next installment :)
All the right questions, time will offer the answers! :D

TimTwoFace

09-20-2004, 10:32 PM

Good stuff as always, guys. I'm really liking how you incorporated the future in with the present time - that was a nice twist. Looking forward to how it all turns out! :)

-Tim

Paul_Cousins

09-20-2004, 10:48 PM

I will be honest with you SSJ.

I'm floored.

You guys have some real talent in both art and story telling.:D

You hit the nail on the head perfectly.

11 out of 10. :cool:

You blended present, future and Bruce's mind beautifully.

I cannot wait to see where you are going to take this.

Now hurry up with Issue 11.;)

James

09-20-2004, 11:12 PM

Paul_Cousins

09-20-2004, 11:55 PM

Tim and Paul, thanks guys. Appreciated.

I was a little concerned how TOBW would be taken since it's sort of a sequel to "Monster Within". I'm glad that unlike most sequels, that so far responses have been positive.

I hope the next two parts keep you enthralled. :)You're welcome.

Also, I think TToBW is better and more intense than Monster Within.:cool:

Finally, keep in mind that by Batman Beyond that Bruce calls himself Batman in his own mind (episode: Shriek).

Phantasm

09-21-2004, 07:33 AM

Old Bruce aside, I was wondering if we'll get some nice shots of the dashing Bruce Wayne in his trade mark suit with a smirk on his face?;)

James

09-21-2004, 10:28 AM

You're welcome.

Also, I think TToBW is better and more intense than Monster Within.:cool:

Finally, keep in mind that by Batman Beyond that Bruce calls himself Batman in his own mind (episode: Shriek).
Thanks Paul! Good to see this is going down so well!

To your other point, I'll explain my perspective a little. At that point in his life. This story is set slightly after "Return Of The Joker", where I feel "Bruce Wayne" is once again becoming an identity (he's reuniting with friends, taking back his company) rather than being "Batman" as he has over the past decades.

Furthermore, call it lazy writing, but the flashback is not really Bruce's perspective, rather a third person telling of events. There are events that are happening which Bruce wouldn't know about.

It's not really lazy writing, but a way of keeping a complicated weaving of stories as comprehensive and accessible as possible. We are doing around 10 pages a month which means to get a good segment, we have to condense down a great deal (and remove a lot of scenes which always annoys the hell out of me) so this is the best way of keeping the complicated storyline relatively straightfoward and headache free! :D

adoptedBatpuppy

09-21-2004, 11:32 AM

I very interesting issue. I liked it a lot. The future ties in with the past very nicely. The art work is beautiful too. :D Keep up the good work!!

Dan Turpin

09-21-2004, 05:49 PM

Oh my God....

...

...

It's too good for words...everything from the artwork to the writing, just....man, thats just awesome work.

Stu

09-21-2004, 06:01 PM

I like it. It felt far more like a Batman story than The Monster Within ever did, no offense meant. Probably because we saw more of Bruce and Batman, which sounds odvious, but it's still true :p

The Terry scene still came as a shock, even though I knew he was appearing, I just didn't expect to see him so early. It's always cool to see Terry, here was no exception.

That picture of him on the cover is bad ass. Nice job SK. A wife that can draw :D

Artwise, I liked it. Terry's blue hair highlights were a little distracting, and Bruce's jaw took some weird shapes throughout the issue, but his mother was spot on, really good likeness.

That's all for now, get cracking on the next issue! :)

James

09-21-2004, 06:49 PM

I like it. It felt far more like a Batman story than The Monster Within ever did, no offense meant. Probably because we saw more of Bruce and Batman, which sounds odvious, but it's still true :p
Understandable. Seems appropriate that this is the first issue to be renamed "BATMAN: The Dark Knight Adventures". It's nice to be writing for Bruce in a story with direction rather than mystery. Nice to have the readers reading with you rather than trying to keep them two steps behind as you have to with any mystery.

The Terry scene still came as a shock, even though I knew he was appearing, I just didn't expect to see him so early. It's always cool to see Terry, here was no exception.
Same here. Seemed a great opportunity to open up the story a little. Obviously, with around 10 pages per issue, we can't center too much on Terry and co, but we have a little B-arc for them while we wrap up Bruce's dilemma. I thought it would help tie DKA to their personal canons a little with it anchored to BB and also give the stories some air. We've had WAYYY too much Batcave of late! :D

That picture of him on the cover is bad ass. Nice job SK. A wife that can draw :D
She's great. For all her grumbling fascade and her comments about being lazy, she does SO MUCH work for this comic. People keep saying that I do lots writing and drawing, but not only is she very cool with lettering and coloring, she helps out in those small ways. This great cover too. She didn't have to do it, but she offered and slaved on that for a loooong time.

Her advice is also wonderful. Sometimes I need a prod when it comes to American characters - specifically Tim and Terry who are very teen American and she's always there to help out and catch such errors (where my language is too concise).

Barb Gordon was a great help in this issue doing some proof reading too - so thanks to her. She's as blunt as SK when it comes to English.

Between the two of them they make create freelance assistant editors. :D Especially since all I can pay them with is kind words!

Finally (one final back slap) goes to Bird Boy who has in the last few issues really been working hard on all the dull crap. The PHP and issue uploading. It's all very appreciated.

The banners on WF are the work of Ian BTW. Lovely stuff.

Okay *breathes* done.

Artwise, I liked it. Terry's blue hair highlights were a little distracting, and Bruce's jaw took some weird shapes throughout the issue, but his mother was spot on, really good likeness.
:) Ian likes to stay on model, so I'm sure they were taken from a screen grab. As for Bruce's chin, I alter it whenever I feel I can make it part of his expression, so it's variable. As with NW. When he's with mask his jaw is a lot more boxy than without. I think it makes him look more vunerable as Dick... well that's my perspective anyhow. :)

Thanks for the kind words everyone! Dan, adoptedbatpuppy - your comments are appreciated!

Paul_Cousins

09-21-2004, 08:13 PM

Thanks Paul! Good to see this is going down so well!

To your other point, I'll explain my perspective a little. At that point in his life. This story is set slightly after "Return Of The Joker", where I feel "Bruce Wayne" is once again becoming an identity (he's reuniting with friends, taking back his company) rather than being "Batman" as he has over the past decades.

Furthermore, call it lazy writing, but the flashback is not really Bruce's perspective, rather a third person telling of events. There are events that are happening which Bruce wouldn't know about.

It's not really lazy writing, but a way of keeping a complicated weaving of stories as comprehensive and accessible as possible. We are doing around 10 pages a month which means to get a good segment, we have to condense down a great deal (and remove a lot of scenes which always annoys the hell out of me) so this is the best way of keeping the complicated storyline relatively straightfoward and headache free! :DIf that's the edited version, I would love for you to post the unedited WRITTEN version (but NOT script from). It would make for an excellent read. :cool:

Also, since this is post Batman Beyond series, you have a nice selection of villians to pick from as to who poisoned Bruce.

By the way, have you seen the BB episode "Out of the Past"? 'hint' 'hint' ;)

The Flash

09-21-2004, 08:31 PM

Terry's blue hair highlights were a little distracting...

Ian likes to stay on model, so I'm sure they were taken from a screen grab.You know me too well!! James is exactly right, the blue highlights are me trying to stay on model. It's the color straight off of Terry's model sheet. If my memory serves me correctly, I actually darkended it a little bit. I colored those before all the hurricanes, so I don't completally remember for sure.

She's great. For all her grumbling fascade and her comments about being lazy, she does SO MUCH work for this comic. People keep saying that I do lots writing and drawing, but not only is she very cool with lettering and coloring, she helps out in those small ways. This great cover too. She didn't have to do it, but she offered and slaved on that for a loooong time.SilverKnight (Maggie) never gets enough love in these talkbacks! I know it's hard for everybody to tell what she does and doesn't do, but like James said, she does a lot. All the mono colors are SK, not me. The light blue and dark blue.

I believe the last page's colors are the work of SJJ? It appears to be his style. Both James and SK jumped him and finished that, as I am still trying to play catch up on everything! Thanks, guys!

Finally (one final back slap) goes to Bird Boy who has in the last few issues really been working hard on all the dull crap. The PHP and issue uploading. It's all very appreciated.
Birb Boy is DKA's current savior. If it wasn't for Bird Boy, this issue wouldn't be online until this weekend! Bird Boy is the HTML king!

SilverKnight

09-21-2004, 08:42 PM

If that's the edited version, I would love for you to post the unedited WRITTEN version (but NOT script from). It would make for an excellent read. :cool:There is no unedited version. There's the script version, and the version that you see on the DKA site. Any edits made during the transition are to either: 1) correct any errors in spelling, grammar, and character speech, or 2) to streamline the text to better fit the panel in question. Sorry. >shrug<

Honestly. Do you really think that anyone here would edit to lighten the script any? HA! :D

Paul_Cousins

09-21-2004, 09:34 PM

There is no unedited version. There's the script version, and the version that you see on the DKA site. Any edits made during the transition are to either: 1) correct any errors in spelling, grammar, and character speech, or 2) to streamline the text to better fit the panel in question. Sorry. >shrug<

Honestly. Do you really think that anyone here would edit to lighten the script any? HA! :DNo. But I hope you kept a copy of the rough draft, incase you need to look back to it for reference.

And again, you all do excellent work. :D

I look for to the next issue. :cool:

StarScream64

09-22-2004, 01:22 AM

A Great job, as always, especially in the story department! *applauds* I think Commissioner Barb Gordon was probably the best, and most consistantly strong, character in appeareance. She looked like she was right out of Batman Beyond.

And I LOVE that front page cover. I'd have made it my wallpaper if the dimmensions weren't off so much. *hinthintnudgenudge*
.......
Ah, what the heck, I'll give someone a cookie if they'll make a decent-sized wallpaper out of the front cover. :D *picks up cookie she finds behind the desk and dusts off*

Wing Zero

09-22-2004, 09:29 AM

^^^ What StarScream said. Well its already been said but I think this is the best issue yet. I like the surprise of the BB timeline in the story, and seeing Terry on the cover just made me click faster because I wanted to know what was Terry doing there lol.

Great job and geez you guys deserve some kind of award or SOMETHING for your efforts. Also, I've always wondered what b.t. thinks of your work, if he reads it?

SilverKnight

09-22-2004, 09:57 AM

Also, I've always wondered what b.t. thinks of your work, if he reads it?I sincerly doubt Timm and co. read this, as I've heard there's some kind of rule where creators and writers of shows aren't allowed to read fanfiction of any kind relating to said show, lest they get sued for 'stealing' a potential idea. But, yeah, I'm a bit curious, also. Oh well. >shrug<

Tanooki

09-22-2004, 11:24 AM

honestly, i became a bit lost story-wise in this issue. other than that, nice art work and good emotions

GK

SilverKnight

09-22-2004, 03:04 PM

Alrighty. Given that I still had the original .psd file of the title cover, I decided to take a crack at making a decently sized wallpaper of it. As you said, its dimensions were horribly off, so I had to, er, improvise.

http://www.sknightsanctuary.com/tn/tz/wall-dka10-1tn.jpg
I've got four sizes for this: 1280x1024 (http://www.sknightsanctuary.com/pics/tz/wall-dka10-1.jpg), 1024x768 (http://www.sknightsanctuary.com/pics/tz/wall-dka10-1a.jpg), 800x600 (http://www.sknightsanctuary.com/pics/tz/wall-dka10-1b.jpg), and 640x480 (http://www.sknightsanctuary.com/pics/tz/wall-dka10-1c.jpg).

Oh, I also decided to make this while I was at it:

http://www.sknightsanctuary.com/tn/tz/wall-dka10-2tn.jpg
Again, four sizes available. 1280x1024 (http://www.sknightsanctuary.com/pics/tz/wall-dka10-2.jpg), 1024x768 (http://www.sknightsanctuary.com/pics/tz/wall-dka10-2a.jpg), 800x600 (http://www.sknightsanctuary.com/pics/tz/wall-dka10-2b.jpg), and 640x480 (http://www.sknightsanctuary.com/pics/tz/wall-dka10-2c.jpg).

I'm not the best wallpaper creator in the world, but I hope these are at least satisfactory. :D Mind you, these are also being linked off my site, at least for the time being. Whether or not these actually wind up on the DKA site itself is up to our resident dictator, SJJ. :)

Wing Zero

09-22-2004, 03:07 PM

I sincerly doubt Timm and co. read this, as I've heard there's some kind of rule where creators and writers of shows aren't allowed to read fanfiction of any kind relating to said show, lest they get sued for 'stealing' a potential idea. But, yeah, I'm a bit curious, also. Oh well. >shrug<
Aw too bad. Nice work on the wallpaper :)

James

09-22-2004, 05:04 PM

No. But I hope you kept a copy of the rough draft, incase you need to look back to it for reference.
Well some of the changes in this issue, were moved into next issue. I can explain some changes.

Opening with Barbara and Terry: Initially we see a scene with Bruce having an attack in his limo with Terry driving. Essentially the whole thing was extended. I have the roughs for that scene.

Frame 1: Gotham City the future. A highway. We can see a limo dead center of shot.
NB: THE FUTURE
Bruce: Ugh..
Terry: Bruce?
Bruce: I’m fine…. What were you saying?
2. Limo interior. Bruce and Terry arguing. Bruce is sweating slightly, distracted even. Terry looks angry.

Terry: I was saying how can I NOT tell her? She’s out of hospital tomorrow. I want a fresh start. No more secrets.
Bruce: Then finish it.
3. Terry now looking away from Bruce into his hands. He’s frustrated. Bruce looks limp as if he’s about to fall.

Terry: No way Bruce. She’s the only hold I have on a real life. No offense but I don’t have the same love of damp caves that you..

4. Terry grabbing Bruce as he drops.
Terry: Bruce!

There was a following scene which essentially plays out with Barbara in her office with Terry telling her about Bruce.

Gotham Police HQ: Commisioner Gordon’s office. Terry leaning on Barbs desk as she goes through her paper work.

Terry: He falling apart and he won’t tell me what’s wrong. He seemed fine a week ago - happy even.
Barb: Bruce can’t let himself be happy, kid.
6. Same setup different angle.

Terry: This Drake thing really must have shook him up. You know I’ve caught him napping twice these last three nights? How unlike Bruce is that?!
Barb He’s getting old Terry. We old people tend to do that time to time.
7. Terry leaning in on Barb.

Terry: Commish, he’s not sleeping because of a nightmare he’s reliving.
Barb How do you know?

8. Close up of Terry suddenly looking very adult.

Terry: Because I’ve never seen Bruce Wayne cry in his sleep before.

1. Terry walking out. Barbara looks frustrated.

Barb: Why come to me Terry? After more history lessons?

2. Terry turning back. His face again looks far more adult than we’ve seen him before. There is also a hint of dislike or even hatred as utters his words.

Terry: Because it’s your name he’s whispering when he’s cryin’.

3. Barbara’s face looks shocked. And remains silent.

NEXT PAGE

Wayne Manor - exterior.
Barb: Terry?

etc...

Both scenes were removed mainly to tighten up the script. What happens there basically is said in the first two pages. When you are trying to keep a script down to 10 pages, you have to make sacrifices. Furthermore, it enabled me to be a little more non specific about what was happening to Bruce. What's said in those rough drafts does not follow the story as it is now. It changed as it was edited - so you won't find any clues there.

The other reason I needed to change it was I wasn't comfortable with the Bruce calling Barbs name in his sleep. Granted, "Monster Within" is a period he will always feel guilt for (if you read this issue you'll see this when he realises quite what the nature of the creature is), but it all just felt a little forced and hammy. Subtlety of a sledgehammer.

Nevertheless, it was the starting draft. Best to over run and over dramatise and then cut down than to have something that it is short and flat. :)

The whole scene with Bruce going over the edge was originally TOTALLY different. It was more comical, if you can believe, with Bruce having a dialogue in his head with his dead mum. The idea was that he would be expecting to draw the creature to him (with a fling of a batarang against it's head) and get it to charge him. He would then madly explain to his mother that this was a classic pincer moment he and Dick used to use and once distracted, Dick would come up from behind and eletrocute it with another hanging cable. Problem is, Bruce doesn't realise that Dick is catatonic from his self realisation and doesn't move once the creature lets go. As the creature bounds towards Bruce who is holding a grapple (as in the final version) he realises his error - to Martha's amusement - but too late to act, the creature knocks the grapple out of his hand and Bruce over the edge. Martha shaking her head in disappointment as Bruce plummets sans grapple (as in the final issue).

In the end, again, it was too long, very convoluted and over humourous. It also didn't allow us to retread back to the future - something I felt was necessary from a story ettiqutte point of view. To get a firm structure in a musical song, you should end a song in the key you begin on most occasions - same here. I felt we needed to end on Terry and Barb as we had started on them. But this had been the idea that had been in my head since February so it was more an imprint that a well formed idea...

Well there you go, there were other edits, but I thought this would prove interesting and a thank you for showing such attention to the whole project. :)

James

09-22-2004, 05:15 PM

A Great job, as always, especially in the story department! *applauds* I think Commissioner Barb Gordon was probably the best, and most consistantly strong, character in appeareance. She looked like she was right out of Batman Beyond.*

I needed to make up for Barb's abuse in "Monster Within" and give her some decent and solid airtime - even if it was decades on.

honestly, i became a bit lost story-wise in this issue. other than that, nice art work and good emotions

Go and reread it mate. I've done my best to read through objectively and as far as I can see, if you read it properly it works. Maybe if you speed read it's a little confusing, but it all makes sense IMO. A complicated issue, I don't deny, but I do suggest giving another shot at it.

Great job and geez you guys deserve some kind of award or SOMETHING for your efforts. Also, I've always wondered what b.t. thinks of your work, if he reads it?
I kind of hope he doesn't - I mean, I'm toying with visuals and characters which are part of his handywork and he might not like it... ><. :) I think SK was right, I don't think legally they can. Maybe when JLU finishes and his WB contract is up he will - if he does... be gentle Bruce..... :)

Thanks everyone. I really didn't think this issue would end up being so very popular. Now I have to make sure the next two parts don't let it down!

Oh and yes, Ian is right - I did colour the final 3 frames... with his hurricane issue I thought I would take a little of the burden. Again, great work on the cover SK - that seems to have been as popular as the story, you must feel good about that!

KTfanfic

09-22-2004, 06:07 PM

Excellent comic! The drawings were very well done. However, in some of the drawings of Bruce, his eyebrows looked arched a bit to much.

SilverKnight, I really like your wallpapers. I especially like the second one!

I'm looking frorward to seeing where this story goes,

~KT

James

09-22-2004, 06:13 PM

Excellent comic! The drawings were very well done. However, in some of the drawings of Bruce, his eyebrows looked arched a bit to much.

The guy is on the verge of a mental breakdown, give his eyebrows some slack.. ;)

The Flash

09-22-2004, 07:16 PM

Also, I've always wondered what b.t. thinks of your work, if he reads it?I don't know about Bruce Timm, but I do know others read DKA. John Delaney, JL Advs. artist, has read DKA and in the past has engaged in Talkbacks. During Toon Zone's Fifth Anniversary party, Ty Templeton mentioned DKA as one of his favorite features. Ty has even helped our old cover artist, Salvor, quite a few times in fact. Kelsey Shannon has helped with a cover, too. Earlier today SJJ got a nice note from Marc Campos, who inks Action Comics and is doing a Teen Titans gig soon. You do have me wonder, Wing Zero, who reads it and doesn't say anything...? *shrug*

StarScream64

09-23-2004, 12:20 PM

James

09-23-2004, 12:34 PM

Hehe. SK's new wallpaper has been archived with the others at the DKA website! Click here (http://wf.toonzone.net/DKA/downloads/wpaper/) to see them all!

The site has had a slight revision thanks to Ian and BB with a few extra sections and updates.

If you want to support DKA further - please go to www.onlinecomics.net, sign up and leave DKA a comment and add us to your favourite! It's all pretty straight forward - any support is appreciated!

I'm hoping that TZ member, DB legend and freelance artist Frozen will be available for the next DKA cover - time will tell. We'll keep you updated.

We are looking at some special ideas/issues for the Winter - we will keep you posted!

- James

Wing Zero

09-23-2004, 06:58 PM

I don't know about Bruce Timm, but I do know others read DKA. John Delaney, JL Advs. artist, has read DKA and in the past has engaged in Talkbacks. During Toon Zone's Fifth Anniversary party, Ty Templeton mentioned DKA as one of his favorite features. Ty has even helped our old cover artist, Salvor, quite a few times in fact. Kelsey Shannon has helped with a cover, too. Earlier today SJJ got a nice note from Marc Campos, who inks Action Comics and is doing a Teen Titans gig soon. You do have me wonder, Wing Zero, who reads it and doesn't say anything...? *shrug*
It's great that they read DKA. I'm sure its a good feeling to have people in the business liking and even helping the project. Also, anyone who isn't reading DKA is missing out on a great representation of the DCAU universe. For the people who read it and don't say anything, one can only hope kind thoughts are going through their mind :)

GohanWinner

09-24-2004, 11:33 PM

*Claps* Wonderful issue! :D Must say, not how I expected Terry to appear, but it was better. Glad it wasn't some time travel plot that would have just seemed so stinky or dull or something.

You've definitely set up another interesting plot, and I can't wait to see how it plays out. :cool:

Barb Gordon

09-26-2004, 09:17 PM

A beautiful intermingling of the past and present set animated series in this story. It was awesome to see SJJ draw Terry and and older Barbara Gordon and Bruce. The story is still as intriguing and thrilling as ever, keep it up!

~Barb

James

09-27-2004, 07:22 PM

Thanks guys.

We're hoping we won't be delayed too much this time - Flash again is on hurricane hiatus, but the inking is almost done for the next issue - although I have a couple of last minute changes to the end.

I'm hoping very much we'll have Frozen on board for this one, and a new colourist is being currently considered.

Hope part two remains as popular as one!

The Flash

09-29-2004, 04:17 PM

...Flash again is on hurricane hiatus....Hurricane survivor! ;) This stuff is getting OLD. I just feel for the people in Stuart, FL. Two major direct hits in three weeks? I lived there for 6 years - almost feel guilty for moving.

Anyways, back to DKA. We're moving ahead nicely now! James has been plugging away on the pages. We still hope for Frozen to do the next cover, but if he is unable I will have a backup ready. We are also trying out a colorist... Lots of cool stuff going on behind the scenes!

We are planning a colaberation Holiday issue, still in early stages. It will feature the return of a certain original villian from March. Lots of goodies coming up, folks! I'm still working on a Gallery and more stuff for the site. Too much to tell!

Phantasm

09-29-2004, 06:05 PM

Yey!:)

James

09-29-2004, 08:45 PM

Just a plug for the updated site. The behind the scenes has been updated now for issues 8, 9 and 10. We've tried to add a little more story detail to these articles. Hope they prove interesting!

Access here! http://wf.toonzone.net/DKA/behindscenes/

James

10-05-2004, 12:48 PM

Okay, next issue will be out in the next couple of weeks. Nothing more definate that than. We have Kristian Trigwell colouring with Maggie Rose supporting with the mono flashback work as in last issue. We are lucky to have the talents of freelancer and TZ hero, Mathew Spaull (Frozen) for the cover and of course myself for the story, pencils and inks. :D Maggie will be doing the lettering also.

A definate Brit issue with myself, Kristian and Mathew being all from the British Isles!

Phantasm

10-05-2004, 02:52 PM

lOVLEY!

I am so excited!!!!!Can't wait to see the new coloring!!!!And of course BRUCEY!!:anime: (In a tux I hope)*hintwinkwink*:p

Grimlock

10-05-2004, 11:04 PM

Alright, i usually read and respond to these comics right away, but i've been a tad busy lately.

Let me begin by saying i really do enjoy your guys' work, and i hope you keep producing these...

...but i must be in the minority here, because i didn't take to this story as many others obviously have. So without further ado...

page 1: Love that you guys are making this issue a flashback from batman beyond...i love continuity, and it's just a really creative idea on your guys' part, keep those wheels in your heads turning :).

page 2: Barb's characterized perfectly here, nice job.

page 3: As with my nitpick about alfred calling tim "master drake" instead of "master tim", i gotta nitpick here about terry calling the commish "commissioner barbara" instead of "commissioner gordon"...i mean jim gordon didn't go by "commissioner jim" ;).

last panel on page 3: bruce looks a lot like soloman grundy from JL, you guys have the zombie look down pat :).

pages 4-9: I enjoy character development and psychological digging as much as any comic fan...but i think i'm just really missing some good classic batman stories, and i really think this is why i didn't enjoy this issue as much. Don't get me wrong, this is all interesting stuff, it's just not...batman as i think about him and knew him from the many animated series. I understand bruce obviously has emotional issues to deal with, and nightwing, who never got many appearances in TNBA obviously has things to work out...but i'd much rather see them taking on rupert thorne or the re-designed riddler...and in 10 issues thus far, we haven't had much classic superheroing.

Maybe it's just me though.

page 9, bottom panel: I just couldn't help but laugh that "i am bruce wayne and i am not insane" rhymes... :).

page 10: nice pot shot at superman there, especially since he did come back from the dead in the comics ;).

bottom panel: I understand why someone would "never be the same" after having come back from the dead...but, as SJJ said in a post, "This story is set slightly after "Return Of The Joker", where I feel "Bruce Wayne" is once again becoming an identity (he's reuniting with friends, taking back his company) rather than being "Batman" as he has over the past decades." So wouldn't bruce just have had an experience for him never to be the same again, what with the whole robin and lil J thing? I guess my point is batman goes through tons of stuff that would make him never the same again...are you guys going to be reflecting these changes in future stories?

and also on the ROTJ note...robin seems awfully chipper and back to his old self considering ROTJ recently took place...i would have thought he needed years of psychological rehab, and i got the impression from ROTJ that he actually gave up being robin after ROTJ. Obviously you're allowed creative licensing and what not, just trying to get a feel for when this story takes place.

I will say you leave quite the cliff-hanger at the end. I do wonder how bruce will stop the monster, considering he's currently falling off of a cliff :). And the poison thing, while somewhat out of the blue, does make for a nice set-up for the next issue.

So overall, it was an enjoyable story, i just think i've enjoyed some of your other work more.

But please keep producing these comics, they're great :).

James

10-05-2004, 11:36 PM

page 3: As with my nitpick about alfred calling tim "master drake" instead of "master tim", i gotta nitpick here about terry calling the commish "commissioner barbara" instead of "commissioner gordon"...i mean jim gordon didn't go by "commissioner jim" ;). You misread. It was "Commissioner - Barbara", Terry is going from title to personal. That threw me for a second for the horrific idea of someone calling her Commissioner Barbara. I had to look.. :)

pages 4-9: I enjoy character development and psychological digging as much as any comic fan...but i think i'm just really missing some good classic batman stories, and i really think this is why i didn't enjoy this issue as much. Don't get me wrong, this is all interesting stuff, it's just not...batman as i think about him and knew him from the many animated series. I understand bruce obviously has emotional issues to deal with, and nightwing, who never got many appearances in TNBA obviously has things to work out...but i'd much rather see them taking on rupert thorne or the re-designed riddler...and in 10 issues thus far, we haven't had much classic superheroing.
True, but the problem and the benefit of taking the story further is you start approaching characters at a different angle. Monster Within was a complex "epical" story we cannot just finish suddenly. It bleeds into this story because you can't just tie up such trama. We plan to get things more Batmanesque as quickly as we can while not rushing or spoiling what's been done.

Personally, I think BA has done what you asked for - we are in a position to ask for something a little different. We are trying to get the balance, but we won't impinge on story integrity so I'm afraid it's a slow roll to something batfans consider more Batesque.

page 9, bottom panel: I just couldn't help but laugh that "i am bruce wayne and i am not insane" rhymes... :).
page 10: nice pot shot at superman there, especially since he did come back from the dead in the comics ;).

bottom panel: I understand why someone would "never be the same" after having come back from the dead...but, as SJJ said in a post, "This story is set slightly after "Return Of The Joker", where I feel "Bruce Wayne" is once again becoming an identity (he's reuniting with friends, taking back his company) rather than being "Batman" as he has over the past decades." So wouldn't bruce just have had an experience for him never to be the same again, what with the whole robin and lil J thing? I guess my point is batman goes through tons of stuff that would make him never the same again...are you guys going to be reflecting these changes in future stories? Bruce would never be truely the same again, and yes he has lots of other things to mess with him including the ROTJ incident.

Perhaps you mistook my reference at the beginning of the issue. The story set in BB takes place AFTER ROTJ, the story in TNBA time takes place somewhere between TNBA and JL.

and also on the ROTJ note...robin seems awfully chipper and back to his old self considering ROTJ recently took place...i would have thought he needed years of psychological rehab, and i got the impression from ROTJ that he actually gave up being robin after ROTJ. Obviously you're allowed creative licensing and what not, just trying to get a feel for when this story takes place. Yeah so just so people understand:
The Future: Trial Of Bruce Wayne - is set a couple of weeks after ROTJ which to me, while not in production the final BB official episode, is the final episode of the timeline.
The Past: Trial Of Bruce Wayne - Set directly after Monster Within and somewhere between TNBA and JL season one.

I will say you leave quite the cliff-hanger at the end. I do wonder how bruce will stop the monster, considering he's currently falling off of a cliff :). And the poison thing, while somewhat out of the blue, does make for a nice set-up for the next issue. A true cliffhanger.. :D Well we hope you won't be disappointed. It's been a big story - and it still is, trying to cram a decent ending to MW and TOBW into two more issues isn't easy, and I have to throw so much out so it works at the 10-12 pages limit we keep to.

So overall, it was an enjoyable story, i just think i've enjoyed some of your other work more.
Thanks, always a pleasure to read your comments. Always substantial. With the comments I've made, maybe you'll see this issue more favourably. I can see why this issue wouldn't have pleased as greatly from the perspective you were seeing it in.

Oh and on that note, next issues cover will be done by me as Mathew has had some paid commissions he has to do which delays him for the time being. We hope to have him for next issue.

Phantasm

10-05-2004, 11:47 PM

I have a question, will all of the DKA issues revolve around lenghty story arcs or is it just this one? Will there ever be short, episode type issues?

James

10-06-2004, 11:10 AM

I have a question, will all of the DKA issues revolve around lenghty story arcs or is it just this one? Will there ever be short, episode type issues?
No, there will not be any storyarcs as long as Monster Within. While issues and elements from previous stories will continue (like in both life, mainstream comics and soaps), stories will be no longer than 3 parts and more often less.

Grimlock

10-06-2004, 08:24 PM

You misread. It was "Commissioner - Barbara", Terry is going from title to personal. That threw me for a second for the horrific idea of someone calling her Commissioner Barbara. I had to look.. :)Ah yes, so i did, my mistake! Apologies to the writer, you are indeed doing your job :).

True, but the problem and the benefit of taking the story further is you start approaching characters at a different angle. Monster Within was a complex "epical" story we cannot just finish suddenly. It bleeds into this story because you can't just tie up such trama. We plan to get things more Batmanesque as quickly as we can while not rushing or spoiling what's been done.

Personally, I think BA has done what you asked for - we are in a position to ask for something a little different. We are trying to get the balance, but we won't impinge on story integrity so I'm afraid it's a slow roll to something batfans consider more Batesque. And i can completely understand that. It's your guys' comic, you do as you please :). It is nice to see these deeper stories, and i am enjoying it, i think i just got nostalgic, but i'll be patient for the balance to come back to what i'm familiar with :).

page 9, bottom panel: I just couldn't help but laugh that "i am bruce wayne and i am not insane" rhymes... page 10: nice pot shot at superman there, especially since he did come back from the dead in the comics ;).I think something got messed up here, as you had quoted my comment on how "i am bruce wayne and i am not insane" rhymes and then it said you stated the above superman quote, which i had originally said. Only reason i bring it back up is because i wanted to know your thoughts on the rhyming, dramatic line :).

Perhaps you mistook my reference at the beginning of the issue. The story set in BB takes place AFTER ROTJ, the story in TNBA time takes place somewhere between TNBA and JL.

Yeah so just so people understand:
The Future: Trial Of Bruce Wayne - is set a couple of weeks after ROTJ which to me, while not in production the final BB official episode, is the final episode of the timeline.
The Past: Trial Of Bruce Wayne - Set directly after Monster Within and somewhere between TNBA and JL season one.Ah yes, i most certainly did misunderstand. So once again, you are the one keeping your head straight, and i'm the one not paying attention, sorry about that :).

Thanks, always a pleasure to read your comments. Always substantial. With the comments I've made, maybe you'll see this issue more favourably. I can see why this issue wouldn't have pleased as greatly from the perspective you were seeing it in. Yeah, you've cleared some things up, i'll go back and re-read it, and i'm sure i'll like it a bit more this time.

Thanks!

James

10-06-2004, 08:57 PM

Ah yes, so i did, my mistake! Apologies to the writer, you are indeed doing your job :).
That would be me! :D No probs.

And i can completely understand that. It's your guys' comic, you do as you please :). It is nice to see these deeper stories, and i am enjoying it, i think i just got nostalgic, but i'll be patient for the balance to come back to what i'm familiar with :).
We aim to please. The reason we shifted to this story rather than completing Monster Within on it's own was to shift the style so we could have a bit of fun and nostalgia as well as finish the story properly. Terry and co are there to add that missing Batman element that Monster Within no longernaturally contains.

I think something got messed up here, as you had quoted my comment on how "i am bruce wayne and i am not insane" rhymes and then it said you stated the above superman quote, which i had originally said. Only reason i bring it back up is because i wanted to know your thoughts on the rhyming, dramatic line :).
My turn to apologise to the poster.. :D

Ah yes, i most certainly did misunderstand. So once again, you are the one keeping your head straight, and i'm the one not paying attention, sorry about that :)
No probs, we all learn, it never occurred to me that people may think of my referencing ROTJ referred to the TNBA parts.. live and learn. :)

Some more details. I'm penciling a cover now, we aim to get the next issue out for Tuesday 19th October - we should have no problems meeting that deadline! I hope.. :p

Grimlock

10-06-2004, 11:21 PM

We aim to please. The reason we shifted to this story rather than completing Monster Within on it's own was to shift the style so we could have a bit of fun and nostalgia as well as finish the story properly. Terry and co are there to add that missing Batman element that Monster Within no longernaturally contains.And that element is much appreciated. As i said in my original post, seeing barb and terry was a welcome surprise.

I think something got messed up here, as you had quoted my comment on how "i am bruce wayne and i am not insane" rhymes and then it said you stated the above superman quote, which i had originally said. Only reason i bring it back up is because i wanted to know your thoughts on the rhyming, dramatic line :).My turn to apologise to the poster.. :DNo need to apologize, i was just wondering (and still am) if you had originally any reply to my comment on the rhyming. I thought maybe you had made a comment but something in the quoting got messed up so your reply was never posted? Or maybe you didn't mean to reply at all, which is fine, i was just curious.

Some more details. I'm penciling a cover now, we aim to get the next issue out for Tuesday 19th October - we should have no problems meeting that deadline! I hope.. :pEagerly awaiting the next part.

James

10-07-2004, 06:07 AM

No need to apologize, i was just wondering (and still am) if you had originally any reply to my comment on the rhyming. I thought maybe you had made a comment but something in the quoting got messed up so your reply was never posted? Or maybe you didn't mean to reply at all, which is fine, i was just curious.

Hehe. I did. The rhyme is unfortunate, but somehow I could hear Conroy saying it in a way that didn't sound so cheesy. I could hear it like a grow in his head growing as he got more and more conviction (or attempted conviction).

There are parallels to Superman naturally, for me it's also a goodbye to the old Bruce and a movement towards the Bruce we know in JL and Batman Beyond who is a little different IMO. He seems a far harder and elusive character in JL than he did even in TNBA. He's not exactly a team player in MOTB either..

Monster Within also spells the beginning of the end to a degree. Set over a long period of time, DKA will set up the the fall of the Bat family - and his death is the start of that tragedy. It won't always be downbeat, some will be fun, some maybe inane, but certainly we are trying to link up the tales of Batman beyond TNBA into a credible and mature story.