DKA Presents - "Batman Beyond: Stripped" Talkback - FINALE (January 24th) [Archive]

The Flash

01-24-2005, 04:28 PM

ONGOING BATMAN BEYOND STRIPPED TALKBACK THREAD

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World's Finest & Dark Knight Adventures Presents

BATMAN BEYOND: STRIPPED

Story and Linework - JAMES MCLEAN
Colours and Lettering - KRISTIAN TRIGWELL

Announcing the launch of the all new bi-weekly comic strip series, by the creative team of Batman: Dark Knight Adventures. This strip series runs in conjunction with with the ongoing Batman: Dark Knight Adventures issue series. Newspaper strip setting, six panels each with full color, plus an in-depth story that is sure to keep you peeled. What has happened to Terry McGinnis? Unlock the truth to events triggered in The Trial of Bruce Wayne!

Batman: The Dark Knight Adventures
Assistant Editor: James Mclean
Editor & Founder: Ian Moore
dka@toonzone.net

Previous Discussion:
-DKA Presents - "Batman Beyond: Stripped" Talkback, Part 1 (Spoilers) (http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?t=204558)
-DKA Presents - "Batman Beyond: Stripped" Talkback, Part 2 (Spoilers) (http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?t=204559)

The Flash

01-24-2005, 04:30 PM

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YOUR TURN, PARTICIPATE IN OUR ONGOING TALKBACK!

GIVE US YOUR THOUGHTS!

Bird Boy

12-14-2007, 10:34 AM

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Note: Discussion Continued From -DKA Presents - "Batman Beyond: Stripped" Talkback, Part 2 (Spoilers) (http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?t=204559).

ShadowStar

12-14-2007, 04:06 PM

James

12-14-2007, 05:31 PM

Interesting turn of events. I wonder what Terry's plan is, and whether anyone could die because of it... I hope that once they escape, lots of story threads will be tied up, such as what became of the JLU (who were trapped in another dimension) and whether Le Fey's "The Batman will die" words will ring true (though she probably meant Kara/Tea).

:sweat:

I think the end does a pretty good job of tying up loose ends. I sympathise with your concern. Nothing worse when you get to the last 15 minutes of a finale and you are constantly thinking "there is no WAY near enough time to satisfy my resolution needs!" I'd like to hope you'll find some satisfaction with us. Fingers crossed.

The only edit that Kris made here that I miss (but as always, his edit sits far closer to the DCAU characters) is Bruce's bottom left panel where he pushes Dick out of the way and yanks on the lever. The original draft had him shouting something like "I said do as I say boy!", which was just so urgent and demeaning. I just liked having some reference to Dick the old coot still being a kid in Bruce's eyes. :)

Again, I have to say what a fantastic color job Kris made on these. These final issues were done in a fairly rapid time slot so long ago in between work deadlines, so the colour really is what brings them alive. I owe Kris a lot, the way he hides the fast track conceits of my art is invaluable to the final product.

Reverend

12-15-2007, 05:33 AM

The only edit that Kris made here that I miss (but as always, his edit sits far closer to the DCAU characters) is Bruce's bottom left panel where he pushes Dick out of the way and yanks on the lever. The original draft had him shouting something like "I said do as I say boy!", which was just so urgent and demeaning. I just liked having some reference to Dick the old coot still being a kid in Bruce's eyes. :)

As with the Dick kicking Crane out bit, I tend to think it works best if you move these things into the subtext and build on them. Also brevity means more space for the pretty pictures and I just can't see Bruce actually saying that out loud, even on the best of days he's not exactly Mr chatty, least of all in a moment of action.

James

12-15-2007, 06:51 AM

As with the Dick kicking Crane out bit, I tend to think it works best if you move these things into the subtext and build on them.

As with most things. Unfortunately, as with all Western products, we tend to pander to the not quite as quick as those we're sure will get the idea. Regardless, I've just actually been going through the last 20 strips and felt it worked really well in its published version.

Also brevity means more space for the pretty pictures and I just can't see Bruce actually saying that out loud, even on the best of days he's not exactly Mr chatty, least of all in a moment of action.

I've always felt we have a little more license with Bruce and Dick. I like to imagine that Bruce's dynamic with Dick is so different it can be a little more colorful, a little more contrasting to how he treats others. I personally couldn't envisage such a comment coming from Bruce to anyone else, but the way we've played their relationship in this story, I could see such a patronizing and fatherly rebuke coming in the very heat of the moment. But as I said, I'm happy with the product as it is now.

Bird Boy

12-21-2007, 11:01 AM

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ShadowStar

12-21-2007, 03:12 PM

Yes! Return of the Justice League! :D If everything has been restored, have certain characters that were killed ie. Dr. Fate, been revived? I guess he wouldn't be, but I don't know. And was the Green Lantern we saw from behind John Stewart? The reunion was quite cool, though I wouldn't think Superman would be so frosty; then again, having been trapped in another dimension for a while and watched Bruce's deal (amongst other things) it fits that he'd seem a tad gloomy. The Zeta reference was nice too; I hope that others, such as he and Ro, return. And now that Terry's back in the land of the living, will we see his reunion with his family? He's sure got some explaining to do... And is he in a new body altogether now, or is the corpse still buried (didn't mean to go there)?

James

12-21-2007, 04:23 PM

Yes! Return of the Justice League! :D If everything has been restored, have certain characters that were killed ie. Dr. Fate, been revived? I guess he wouldn't be, but I don't know.

No, Dr Fate's, erm, fate was sealed. The JL were expelled rather than destroyed. Fate wasn't part of the bargain, much to his dismay.

And was the Green Lantern we saw from behind John Stewart? The reunion was quite cool, though I wouldn't think Superman would be so frosty; then again, having been trapped in another dimension for a while and watched Bruce's deal (amongst other things) it fits that he'd seem a tad gloomy.

Green Lantern? Should be Kai-Ro, but I must confess my fairly speedy renders make the differences between him and John negligible. ;)

I think having an explosion reign over innocents and then to find Bruce's grinning face would be enough to rile him somewhat.

The Zeta reference was nice too; I hope that others, such as he and Ro, return.

It's very much the transition the Bruce has been undergoing through this story (if not BB): learning to have faith in others once more. Zeta's faith in Ro is mimicked by Bruce's rashness being the result in Clark being there to fix things. As he's learned trust for Terry in BB, he's relearned to trust in a wider family in the strip; Kara, Dick, Max etc.

And now that Terry's back in the land of the living, will we see his reunion with his family? He's sure got some explaining to do... And is he in a new body altogether now, or is the corpse still buried (didn't mean to go there)?

Such issues will be explained - if Kris can find the room in the picture frames...! More next week - fer sure.

Mr. A

12-21-2007, 09:13 PM

Wonderful to see the League back in action. Another great surprise that actually makes perfect sense.

I thought it was Stewart as GL at first too but, now that I know otherwise, the dialogue does sound a little bit more spot on if its the "Beyond" era GL (I can't quite imagine John Stewart using "rather" as an adjective :)).

The panel with Superman catching the Javelin was especially nice. A good homage to one of the character's iconic images. Well-drawn too.

Also nice to see a reference back to Zeta's appearance. It's always fun to see guest stars that aren't just cameos or easter eggs but play a role that makes sense and actually furthers the plot. Did you always have the "faith" bit planned out?

As for the last two panels, I'm not sure I saw Superman as being cold, so much as him simply acknowledging an old friend and the circumstances in general. After all he's been saving the world by the seat of his pants for more than 50 years, so it probably doesn't completely surprise him to all of a sudden see Bruce Wayne riding a giant fireball out of a rift in space anymore (I bet Superman half expects it by now). If anything he's probably exasperated that Bruce expects the League to play clean-up for his lone wolf grandstanding again! :)
Clark will probably demand a heck of an explanation when all is said and done (Which when I think about it makes me sad about Kara/Tea all over again).
Anyway, as always, Great strip!

James

12-22-2007, 04:19 AM

The panel with Superman catching the Javelin was especially nice. A good homage to one of the character's iconic images. Well-drawn too.

Someone spotted it! :)

Also nice to see a reference back to Zeta's appearance. It's always fun to see guest stars that aren't just cameos or easter eggs but play a role that makes sense and actually furthers the plot. Did you always have the "faith" bit planned out?

Yah, it was part of Bruce's arc; the notion that Zeta's trust had evolved through close friendship, while Bruce's had dwindled, especially since the death of Terry. I've always enjoyed Clark and Bruce's relationship and seemed a good example of an unspoken bond of faith in what the other stood for. And it had to be really - couldn't have Zeta having more human capacity than Bruce.. could we?

As for the last two panels, I'm not sure I saw Superman as being cold, so much as him simply acknowledging an old friend and the circumstances in general. After all he's been saving the world by the seat of his pants for more than 50 years, so it probably doesn't completely surprise him to all of a sudden see Bruce Wayne riding a giant fireball out of a rift in space anymore (I bet Superman half expects it by now). If anything he's probably exasperated that Bruce expects the League to play clean-up for his lone wolf grandstanding again! :)

That's it exactly.

Anyway, as always, Great strip!

Well, I'm glad its managed to hold attention for 70 strips. That's something I'm proud of, even if the art and writing hasn't always been as on form as I'd like. We appreciate you guys keeping with us!

Reverend

12-22-2007, 03:58 PM

Green Lantern? Should be Kai-Ro, but I must confess my fairly speedy renders make the differences between him and John negligible. ;)

Well they are both bald, so easy mistake to make...but then there is the whole complexion thing that tells them apart.

Such issues will be explained - if Kris can find the room in the picture frames...! More next week - fer sure.

I don't actually remember how we decided to settle that, but then I tend not to read the scripts until I come to do the lettering, so I'll find out about a day before you folks do! Though it's been sat on my hard drive for a good six months, so I could know all the plot secrets in an instant if I so chose! Mwahahaha!:p

Wonderful to see the League back in action. Another great surprise that actually makes perfect sense.

Yea, all makes sense and all loose ends are tied up! *sweeps Helm of Nabu under the rug*
As for the last two panels, I'm not sure I saw Superman as being cold, so much as him simply acknowledging an old friend and the circumstances in general. After all he's been saving the world by the seat of his pants for more than 50 years, so it probably doesn't completely surprise him to all of a sudden see Bruce Wayne riding a giant fireball out of a rift in space anymore (I bet Superman half expects it by now). If anything he's probably exasperated that Bruce expects the League to play clean-up for his lone wolf grandstanding again! :)
Clark will probably demand a heck of an explanation when all is said and done (Which when I think about it makes me sad about Kara/Tea all over again).

This is why I always push for more brevity in our dialogue; an exchange like this, those two words says more about what both of them are thinking than we could fit in an entire strip. Also depending on how you interpret their relationship you can read into it almost anything you want. It's just as valid to say Kal is wryly amused by the whole situation (this would be the third time he's rescued Bruce from a disagreement with gravity) or you could read into it that he's just escaped from a freaky dimension where up is sideways, the shadows scream at you in silence and he's just not in the mood for an explanation. It's all equally valid.

ShadowStar

12-24-2007, 08:05 AM

Merry Christmas and a happy new year to all the crew behind DKA! You guys earned it and deserve it!

adoptedBatpuppy

12-24-2007, 01:00 PM

Happy Holidays to everyone who is behind DKA!
Have a joyful and relaxing time! :anime:
When did GL and Superman joined the team to fight against Le Fey, or is it just a flashback? The artwork is very solid and bright in this strip, compared to previous.

James

12-25-2007, 01:14 PM

This is why I always push for more brevity in our dialogue; an exchange like this, those two words says more about what both of them are thinking than we could fit in an entire strip. Also depending on how you interpret their relationship you can read into it almost anything you want. It's just as valid to say Kal is wryly amused by the whole situation (this would be the third time he's rescued Bruce from a disagreement with gravity) or you could read into it that he's just escaped from a freaky dimension where up is sideways, the shadows scream at you in silence and he's just not in the mood for an explanation. It's all equally valid.

I think it depends on how you handle your readership; do you aim to "bring" them to the level of understanding or flexibility you wish to employ, or do you look to make sure that your readership - on the ball/speed readers/half interested/over interested/a little slow/a little quick all have a chance of "getting" the main drive of your intentions?

In a project like this - one which I don't have any real personal creative investment (this isn't my universe or characters), I'm happy to keep as much information in there as can make even the speediest reader get what I want them to get... if it was me by myself. Of course, to do that would require a far greater attention to design parameters for a very uncompromising format as a news strip...

In the end, it's up to your personal creative choice as to how you approach your readers.

That all said, I consciously fire more at Kris than I should simply because as a partnership I feel comfortable with letting him sift through more rather than less. Partially because a) I know that as an unpaid contributor that he has enough hassles colouring/lettering often pretty rushed work than to be expected to rigidly look to fill the space perfectly, b) because he knows this universe pretty damn well and I trust him not just to edit for the best use of his own design space but to create a product which infuses practicality and product.

So the nuances of our relationship and the fact that I trust him and know his skills well enough to bundle a multitude of dialogue on him and let him sift through the relevant stuff means the output veers less towards his perspective on how DKA should work (see the above quoted text) than perhaps mine own (if I was in a perfect world where I could multitask all these functions myself without loss to my sanity or dietry needs).

Make sense? No? Well that will teach you all to read any missive from a drunk English man on Christmas days. I mean, honestly. Get some perspective.

Happy Holidays to everyone who is behind DKA!
Have a joyful and relaxing time! :anime:
When did GL and Superman joined the team to fight against Le Fey, or is it just a flashback? The artwork is very solid and bright in this strip, compared to previous.

GL and Superman - as with all the BB JLU - were taken out of time by Le Fey. As soon as Batman agreed to the Spectre's demands (Bruce's soul for the return of the status quo and Terry McGinnis), all returned - a possibility Bruce predicted which was why he (and Terry - as they are now far more in tune with each other than in 'Rebirth') were ready to release the igniting fuel pods all over Gotham - they knew if the JLU were back, they'd be hovering around the unusual nullsphere hovering over Gotham. WB Adoptedbatpuppy - hope you had a good Xmas.

Reverend

12-29-2007, 03:32 PM

ShadowStar

12-30-2007, 11:54 AM

Oh dear. you can tell he's been drinking when he starts going on about our "relationship". Next he'll be fussing over the curtain patterns and locking himself in the bathroom, accusing me of looking at other artists. ;)

...Anyway, next strip should be ready by morning.

I'm looking forward to it. :D Am I right in thinking there are only four to go?

*returns to work in a vain attempt to finish it before The Shadow in the North comes on tonight*

James

12-30-2007, 12:13 PM

I'm looking forward to it. :D Am I right in thinking there are only four to go?

*returns to work in a vain attempt to finish it before The Shadow in the North comes on tonight*

Dear lord I have no idea. Let me think in my head. Yeah, I think its four (including tomorrows) more left with a potential bonus one.

Bird Boy

12-30-2007, 01:31 PM

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Reverend

12-30-2007, 01:34 PM

There are three left, with #72 being the final.
We may do a coda, depending on how much free time James has to scribble it down.

ShadowStar

12-30-2007, 03:34 PM

Hmm... I hope it's specified how much time has passed between the climax and the funeral, but I guess it was only a few days. The cameo by the real Kara and the Legion was a very nice touch - a fitting way to end that branch of story. I'm very happy with the explanation for how Terry's return has gone down; it seems very logical and it prevents us from having to go off on a tangent with the McGuinness family when they haven't been in any of the strips so far.

Alfred's grave makes me wonder if we'll find out how he died. Is whatever Dick is about to tell Terry related to the death of Alfred? Or is it just a rehash of his transformation from Robin into Nightwing? I thought Nightwing's story was resolved in DKA #17...

OK, sorry for being really dense, but I have a couple of questions about the end of the strip. Was Nightwing the one that said, "She'll surprise you yet"? When Terry thanked Dick for looking after Dana, was he referring to when they rescued her from Scarecrow? And maybe this is because I haven't looked at the early strips for a while... but why did Max of all people have a "need" to wear the suit? That part left me confused.

A premature happy new year to you guys! Have a great New Year's Eve tomorrow! I bet you're both looking forward and not looking forward to finishing DKA off for good in 2008...

Reverend

12-30-2007, 04:26 PM

Hmm... I hope it's specified how much time has passed between the climax and the funeral, but I guess it was only a few days.

I did mean to ask James if I should be putting in an "X Days Later" tag, but I forgot to bring it up. I think you get from the conversation only a few days have passed, so it's not a huge deal.

The cameo by the real Kara and the Legion was a very nice touch - a fitting way to end that branch of story.

It's just Kara & Brainiac 5, though you might recognise the guy giving her a funny look from behind from an earlier strip. ;)

I'm very happy with the explanation for how Terry's return has gone down; it seems very logical and it prevents us from having to go off on a tangent with the McGuinness family when they haven't been in any of the strips so far.

It's a bit of a cheat really, although not as bad as a complete "reset button". Everything that happened did indeed happen, it's just everyone has selectively forgotten the bit about Terry being missing and all the reports and records to that effect have vanished. Not in a space-time reality altering kind of way, just in the sense that as you may not remember what you had for lunch last week, nobody exactly remembers anything specifically involving Terry since Price was turned over to the cops waaaaay back in Issue 12. Of course Bruce, Dick, Barb, Tim & Max all remember as they were outside reality when things were "fixed", though what Dana might know is up in the air as she's been more or less out of it since RotJ.

OK, sorry for being really dense, but I have a couple of questions about the end of the strip. Was Nightwing the one that said, "She'll surprise you yet"?

Yes indeed. My fault, I should have linked those bubbles.

When Terry thanked Dick for looking after Dana, was he referring to when they rescued her from Scarecrow?

Exactly.

And maybe this is because I haven't looked at the early strips for a while... but why did Max of all people have a "need" to wear the suit? That part left me confused.

That's actually a call back to the series. My memory isn't clear but I recall in one of the episodes (one of the "Big Time" eps I think) Max finds herself in possession of the suit and Bruce calls her up and says something like "Don't even think about putting it on". That's my recollection anyway.
She's been itching to know what it's like ever since she found Terry out and while she got a taste of it with that run in with Curaré, I think her thirst for the cape and cowl has been well and truly sated.
It's our little way of saying she's probably not going to be a Robin or a "Batgirl Beyond".

A premature happy new year to you guys! Have a great New Year's Eve tomorrow! I bet you're both looking forward and not looking forward to finishing DKA off for good in 2008...

Yes, there is finally a light at the end of the tunnel, though that might just be an oncoming train...

Yarharhar

12-30-2007, 04:36 PM

A little nitpick, but could you guys add a 'previous strip' link on the page that has the current comic? I always have to go through like 2 or 3 links to find the strip archive (yes, I know this is pretty minor, but it is confusing).

James

12-30-2007, 07:01 PM

Hmm... I hope it's specified how much time has passed between the climax and the funeral, but I guess it was only a few days. The cameo by the real Kara and the Legion was a very nice touch - a fitting way to end that branch of story.

In my head, I hoped the change of scene and pace would make it obvious, but my head isn't the best place to find objective perspective. Retrospectively, a lead in would be wise.

I'm very happy with the explanation for how Terry's return has gone down; it seems very logical and it prevents us from having to go off on a tangent with the McGuinness family when they haven't been in any of the strips so far.

I'm glad that was cool for you - naturally we weren't going to really look deeply at Terry's resurrection and its massive implications for himself and his family, so finding a quickfire way of dealing with it without ignoring it was going to be slightly risky in regards to payoff. One of the reasons I liked using use the Spectre was because the potential power was so off the scale we had a reset button built into the story which actually was valid and not a cheat. He created an interesting situation and gave us an easy coda to boot.

A new year to you guys! Have a great New Year's Eve tomorrow! I bet you're both looking forward and not looking forward to finishing DKA off for good in 2008...

So are we. :) Not for nastiness sake, just simply to know we managed to do what we intended - and I think that's an important notion to carry in life; to finish what you start. It was a fun and educational experience. Statistically it had a big audience and I still get nice emails from people either asking advice (!) or simply saying they enjoyed it. So yeah, for a fun student project which got a little out of control, its been a blast messing with you.

A little nitpick, but could you guys add a 'previous strip' link on the page that has the current comic? I always have to go through like 2 or 3 links to find the strip archive (yes, I know this is pretty minor, but it is confusing).

I'm poke BB about that. We did use to run a link to the archive from the latest strip on the mainpage - but I think it got lost in the weekly updates.

Mr. A

12-31-2007, 12:54 AM

James

12-31-2007, 08:42 AM

Some really nice characters moments in strip number 69. Its good to see the last member of the Bat-family accepting Terry as one of their own and I'm always a fan of more "paneltime" for the ex-Boy Wonder.:) The older, wizened Grayson really is a great take on the character.

Funny how my most hated DCAU main character (Grayson) has become the star of virtually the whole of DKA, from his humble beginnings in DKA number 2 he's been a pivotal dramatic character in the whole thing. It's cool to end DKA with Dick given he was so relevant to the start.

For his part, Terry somehow seems more mature, like he's finally grown into the Batman role. It's interesting to see his character arc since his first appearance in DKA.

Death does that for you I guess.

Poor Tea. Her gaining JLU membership posthumously is an especially bittersweet touch and somehow having Kara at her funeral makes it all the more poignant (at least Brainiac 5 was there to console her...). Judging from the attention focused on her she must have been a fun character to write.

She was a rogue card to the BB mythos, so like Dick, she was fun because she was a guest who didn't naturally fix into the mix.

In a similar vein, as sad as it is to see Alfred's gravestone it feels right to see him acknowledged and mourned by those who were close to him.

Alfred was pretty relevant to DKA so once again, it seemed relevant to include him in the epilogue, albeit six feet under.

Wow, looks like a blockbuster reveal coming up. Seems fitting for you to be ending the DKA universe by answering (at least) one of Batman Beyond's biggest hanging questions. I can remember dying to figure out what happened to Dick Grayson ever since Terry found his jacket in "Spellbound".

There are a couple of revelations yet to come in regards to Dick. Will be interesting to see how they play out.

Honestly, "Stripped" is such a great companion to the DCAU I'm going to keep a copy of it next to "Return of the Joker". Its played out like a great little mini-movie and with so many continuity references to seemingly every corner of the DCAU and so many cameos (Deadman! Ma Kent!!!!!!!!) it feels kind of like a greatest hits tour.

It's funny how the death of Terry in DKA spurned an epic far greater than DKA itself, I'm thrilled its gone down so well and hasn't been either too laborious or too contrived. To be considered a fun companion to DCAU is a great honour, to be kept as a story next to ROTJ more so.

As a side note, three cheers for the return of Ollie Queen's illegitimate tabloid reporter son!

Glad to see someone spotted him!

Happy New Year and thanks again to the creators

Likewise A!

ShadowStar

12-31-2007, 09:52 AM

Green Arrow's illegitimate tabloid son?! Was he the reporter present for Kara's "operation" earlier on? I also want to know what impact the Spectre is going to have on Bruce; he's now the host, which is a pretty significant role for him to be in. Please let that be covered in one of the remaining strips! And your comment about the "oncoming train" was far too negative a comment to go into a new year with, Kris. ;) Be positive; DKA is going to go out with a bang!

Jasmerrin

12-31-2007, 10:44 AM

This was an amazing strip. Great resolution to the Stripped Series, and from the looks of it, we're finally going to get a resolution to DKA in general. The art was amazing, as well.

James

12-31-2007, 05:20 PM

Green Arrow's illegitimate tabloid son?! Was he the reporter present for Kara's "operation" earlier on?

Yes. Whether or whether or not he has any relationship to Ollie will be open to speculation. Maybe he himself has no clue. There, a story unto itself.

I also want to know what impact the Spectre is going to have on Bruce; he's now the host, which is a pretty significant role for him to be in. Please let that be covered in one of the remaining strips!

So much to cover in so little time...

This was an amazing strip. Great resolution to the Stripped Series, and from the looks of it, we're finally going to get a resolution to DKA in general. The art was amazing, as well.

Thank you. Not basking in the kind words, just generally touched at how people have stayed with us despite our long breaks. I think I speak for Kris when I say how amazing it is that people would invest so much interest in this silly bit of fanfiction. It's really very cool.

ShadowStar

01-01-2008, 07:44 AM

Kris hinted a while back that we may get to see Le Fey without her mask, but I guess he was just trying to mislead us... Still, he said something like, "What's behind the Le Fey mask? Funny you should ask...", and that makes me wonder what he meant...

Happy new year to everyone at The World's Finest! :D

Reverend

01-02-2008, 12:50 PM

It's been a while so forgive me if I don't remember clearly, but I think James and myself discussed the possibility of showing her without her mask and that her appearance would tie in with her increased powers. I won't say what that is as I don't remember if it's discussed in the final strips, but there is a clue in what's already been shown. If not then remind me after we're done.
As for why we never did it, I guess it's one of those things that just slipped through the cracks.

Mr. A

01-02-2008, 02:59 PM

What was behind LeFey's mask?...

Technically, Terry's fist (at least for a split-second or two, then it was in front of LeFey's mask).

Reverend

01-03-2008, 08:30 PM

I think it's best that we didn't show it anyway because so long as the mask is on then her real face is as ugly/beautiful/scary/whatever as your imagination can conceive. Once we show you, then that's it, no more imagination.
Kind of like the monster movie effect. So long as it's a creepy noise and an ominous shadow then it's the most scary, soul freezing terror in all creation...until you actually see it and it's just a guy in a rubber suit...or these days a bunch of rendered polygons.

P.S. Next strip is done and has been sent off to James. Assuming he doesn't have me killed for rewriting all his snappy one-liners it should be up soon.

James

01-03-2008, 09:36 PM

I think it's best that we didn't show it anyway because so long as the mask is on then her real face is as ugly/beautiful/scary/whatever as your imagination can conceive. Once we show you, then that's it, no more imagination.

I must admit, in my head I imagine you'd pull away the mask to find underneath it is - the mask. Ad infinitum. I always envisioned at this point there was so little humanity left to Le Fey what you see was her, which is why when she becomes godly in the middle of the story, the mask itself becomes so fluid.

I can't recall what other ideas we had, I know we talked about it, but retrospectively, that's how I see it.

As Kris says, I think its best left to your imagination - simply if it makes imagining what Terry's hand forces through even more icky.

P.S. Next strip is done and has been sent off to James. Assuming he doesn't have me killed for rewriting all his snappy one-liners it should be up soon.

I have more use for alive than dead Mr Bond.

Bird Boy

01-03-2008, 10:38 PM

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CLICK BANNER ABOVE FOR THE BRAND NEW EPISODE (January 3rd)

Bic

01-04-2008, 05:23 AM

ShadowStar

01-04-2008, 08:25 AM

Oooh, Dana knows! :D This should be interesting... As for Dick's story, I'm surprised that Alfred died like that, stopping a second-stringer, but I think that having him die saving Leslie is a touching way to seal his character's fate. We still don't know what happened to Leslie, though... I'm guessing that the business with Tim and the Joker had gone down by then, though I thought Commissioner Gordon was the only other person that knew about the night Joker died; wouldn't Alfred know? Anyway, that's besides the point. This was a great way of closing off Dick's part in the story. Now to see how Terry and Dana deal with this and what has become of Bruce... Was the twist with Alfred the one you guys were unsure of regarding how well it would go down with readers? 'Cause I thought it was fine. Um... and what happened to "The Batman will die"?

James

01-04-2008, 08:41 AM

Great job as usual, and I must admit, I actually find that last panel more interesting than Dick's story (which was really good). Now, I'm probably in the minority here, but the text is a tad small on a 42" 1920x1080 LCD monitor. Just thought you should know. ;)

The Dick story was never the intended one, but a truncated idea that would fit into one strip - and as you say about the text - there was so much lettering, the text had to be reduced in size to fit. There were around three different possibilities for Dick's outcome, all - in my opinion - far more interesting than this, but this was only added as an after thought given how many people were interested in total exposition before DKA ended.

Oooh, Dana knows! :D This should be interesting... As for Dick's story, I'm surprised that Alfred died like that, stopping a second-stringer, but I think that having him die saving Leslie is a touching way to seal his character's fate.

This was as I said, the forth alternative angle for Dick's issue with Bruce. At one point, there was a question as whether we would use it as a DKA epilogue and in that version, the dying kids played a far greater emphasis - Leslie go to save an orphanage from a new Joker toxin but die in the process and Alfred disobeys Dick and joins her in the quarantine area, helping to provide the extra hands Leslie needs (who is dying herself). Both died. I never used it because it just felt too contrived in a long played out tale (and as Kris pointed out yesterday, there is references to Leslie being around for a while at least in ROTJ). But it did ok IMO here. The idea was to show Alfred going out as a hero, but not the standard hero that superheroes marvel in - he risks his life to find a cure for children and just because they fail, doesn't make the heroism less real, but more evocative. The fact he puts Leslie's life before his own seems very Alfred to me - especially as there has always seemed to be a deeper bond there in DKA (and as I recall the BA comics), which makes this act more relevant to the series.

We still don't know what happened to Leslie, though... I'm guessing that the business with Tim and the Joker had gone down by then, though I thought Commissioner Gordon was the only other person that knew about the night Joker died; wouldn't Alfred know?

In ROTJ there is a line where Barb says Tim was helped by Leslie to recovery - so she must have known something! Actually, I place the flashback prior to ROTJ. I like to think the Batfamily disintegration in ROTJ was perhaps to do with the lack of Alfred to hold things together.

Was the twist with Alfred the one you guys were unsure of regarding how well it would go down with readers? 'Cause I thought it was fine. Um... and what happened to "The Batman will die"?

Wasn't Tea enough for you? :)

ShadowStar

01-04-2008, 08:55 AM

Lots of interesting possibilities you played with there... but to be honest, what happens now with Terry and Bruce is more interesting than Dick. Still, it's poignant that he let Bruce down like Bruce let him down. And yeah, I thought you meant Tea (though I still think of her as Kara! partially because I like to believe that Kara crossed the line and killed Tea at the end of "Panic in the Sky", something that Clark would never do), but I wanted to hear it straight from the horse's mouth. :D I asked about a week or two ago if Tea was the intended one, but I didn't get a straight answer then. :p

ShadowStar

01-11-2008, 11:52 AM

James

01-11-2008, 05:45 PM

OK, please forgive me for the double post, but I was just wondering if you guys are planning on finishing this on the upcoming anniversary of when you started it. A shameless attempt, I know. :p Well, I'm on a temporary break from exams and looking for entertainment, so you can't blame me for trying.

Kris has been taking a naughty break honing some colouring techniques, so he's aware he's slightly behind, but I don't think he should be long.

adoptedBatpuppy

01-14-2008, 01:26 PM

Wow! This strip just keeps getting better and better. I didn't expect Alfred not to be around anymore. I can see why Bruce took all the blame on himself, but Dick really tried to patch things up the best he could, with the help of Leslie and Barbara. What happened to JLU? Is there going to be an explanation for Terry's death? Who was the services held for? That girl who kept staring at Terry looked a lot like Melanie, but I think it's Kara.
The strips are a little hard to read when there are blue backgrounds. I just hope I understand everything that's going on. Keep up the good work! :anime:

James

01-14-2008, 08:36 PM

Wow! This strip just keeps getting better and better.

Great to be finishing on a high note!

I can see why Bruce took all the blame on himself, but Dick really tried to patch things up the best he could, with the help of Leslie and Barbara.

While Bruce is very logical, he is bloody minded. One could say when he makes his mind up, he's a hard man to convince otherwise. Also the fact that the older you get, the more set you often become. I like to think even by this point in the flashback, he's becoming less flexible, and without Alfred around to nudge him in the right direction, he's lost that one person who really seemed to have a profound affect on Bruce's fixed judgments. IMO. :)

What happened to JLU?

As Terry said last issue, they were at Tea's funeral. In the original outline, Barb would have given Clark a slap too for his long term refusal to recognize Tea's attempts to find redemption.

Is there going to be an explanation for Terry's death?

Issue 12 of the DKA comic showed how Terry died, and how Terry came back to life is explained in the strip through the Spectre's interference - looking for a soul of vengeance.

Who was the services held for?

Tea - Kara's not so evil now clone.

That girl who kept staring at Terry looked a lot like Melanie, but I think it's Kara.

On the ball and from the future, yes you are right. Come to see her "sister's" send off.

The strips are a little hard to read when there are blue backgrounds. I just hope I understand everything that's going on. Keep up the good work! :anime:

That's because I overload the strips with info that Kris has to make the type smaller to fit. My fault! Glad you enjoyed!

Reverend

01-14-2008, 08:49 PM

Kris has been taking a naughty break honing some colouring techniques, so he's aware he's slightly behind, but I don't think he should be long.

I prefer the term "Colouring Superpowers".

I didn't expect Alfred not to be around anymore.
Seriously? I mean the bloke was getting on to 70 at least, back in the day and that was 40-50 years ago at this point. Plus I'm pretty sure Bruce & Barb spoke of him in the past tense in BB.

What happened to JLU?
They're back from whatever dimension Le Fey stuck them in, along with the Metrotower one would presume.

Is there going to be an explanation for Terry's death?
Read #69 again.

Who was the services held for?
See above.

hat girl who kept staring at Terry looked a lot like Melanie, but I think it's Kara.
The two big clues here are; who's funeral is it and who's standing right next to her? The little clue is what colour jacket is she wearing?
Also, Melanie's hair is a much lighter shade of blonde.

Reverend

01-17-2008, 03:22 PM

Next strip is done and has been sent off to James, so watch this space!

One more to go and then I'm FREE!

James

01-17-2008, 03:52 PM

Maybe two, remember?

But yes, its in Bird Boy's hands now.

Mr. A

01-17-2008, 04:42 PM

Figured I’d post my thoughts before the next strip comes out…

It’s an accomplishment that in only a small appearance “The Plague” casts so chilling a shadow. We only see him for one panel, but his presence hangs over the entire strip and indeed a good amount of “Stripped” itself. He’s truly a disturbing character, especially for the DCAU.

Fortunately we also see an example of his complete opposite.
In nearly every incarnation of Batman, Alfred provides humanity: he is the field medic, the voice of conscience and self-sacrifice working in the background amidst the “War on Crime”. As such, he dies doing exactly what he has always done, seeing to the details others neglect and protecting human life. It’s a better character showcase for him than nearly any episode of BTAS or TNBA.

But though Alfred’s story was especially poignant the aftermath was even darker.
The line “didn’t stop him from breaking my jaw in three places, though” was especially jolting.
I had to read it twice just to get the full impact:
This is Bruce, for all intents and purposes, beating his own son to a pulp, not because Dick has committed a crime, but because he has made a mistake (If it can even be said he made a mistake).
This is Bruce Wayne, the damaged orphan finally giving into his sense of loss, his sorrow, his rage. And as always he takes it out on those close to him.
This is the turning point that leads to an elderly Bruce Wayne alone in his mansion, broken and alone, with no friends, and more importantly, no family.
The ultimate tragedy of course is that if Alfred had been there, he most likely could have prevented it, diffused the situation with a few well-chosen words. His death really does mark the end of the Bat-team.

While the art was as usual spot-on the last two panels was especially nice, especially the concluding shot of Dana.
…
Oh hey, she finally woke up (after a couple years). Good for her! ;)

James

01-17-2008, 05:28 PM

While the art was as usual spot-on the last two panels was especially nice, especially the concluding shot of Dana.
…
Oh hey, she finally woke up (after a couple years). Good for her! ;)

Lol. It has been a couple of years. I think that's her first coherent sentence in the whole of DKA.

Reverend

01-17-2008, 06:48 PM

Lol. It has been a couple of years. I think that's her first coherent sentence in the whole of DKA.

Which makes what she has to say all the more ironic! :D

ShadowStar

01-18-2008, 09:01 AM

Next strip is done and has been sent off to James, so watch this space!

One more to go and then I'm FREE!

AWESOME! :D

... But don't forget about the possible 73rd strip, plus maybe a retrospective. ;)

ShadowStar

01-20-2008, 10:20 AM

Where be the new strip?

Bird Boy

01-21-2008, 12:33 PM

http://www.worldsfinestonline.com/DKA/promo02.jpg (http://www.worldsfinestonline.com/DKA/issues/strips/)
CLICK BANNER ABOVE FOR THE BRAND NEW EPISODE (January 21st)

Where be the new strip?

It was in my inbox for two days. Sorry about that guys, I've been doing homework for the past...well, two weeks now. :p

ShadowStar

01-21-2008, 03:43 PM

Wow. :eek: So I guess Dick will become the Spectre now? And it sounds like he's a father! He must have had a child with Starfire! The allusion to "Old Wounds" was handled very well - I liked that part of the exchange. :D The fatal disease angle has come out of left field, but it's cool because hopefully the Spectre will do a swap. I wasn't truly fond of Bruce permanently becoming the Spectre, so this might be a better solution. I suppose we're done with Terry and Dana; I doubt they'll be in the final strip, but I don't mind. Ironic that Dick continues to get strip-time when he's not a favourite of yours! ;) I look forward to the finale! This has been nothing short of awesome so far. In 3 days it will be the anniversary of when Stripped started... Think you might be able to make that deadline? :)

Mr. A

01-21-2008, 08:39 PM

Wow, the Spectre's kind of a jerk isn't he? At least he and Bruce have that in common. :anime:

Dick's daughter's name is Mar'i, huh? Nice homage to Kingdom Come (I guess the more things in the multiverse change, the more they stay the same. :))

Poor Grayson. I'm glad he got the chance for a nice final speech though, complete with a father/son reunion and a dignified march into the distance. (I'm still going to pretend he and Barbabra get back together before he passes ...It will just happen "off camera" :D).

In all seriousness, I've really enjoyed your take on the character. Dick Grayson was always one of my favorite parts of the DCAU and its great to see him given such a nice showcase. Like the rest of "Stripped" his story has been a great ride.

James

01-22-2008, 04:33 AM

The fatal disease angle has come out of left field, but it's cool because hopefully the Spectre will do a swap.

Left field? I felt it was a pretty good motivator for Dick's reappearance (given we get the impression in BB and this strip that Dick doesn't really venture into Gotham much) and the frailty of age; that these characters are on their "final chapters". Plus it might tick people off - and I do enjoy doing that. :)

I wasn't truly fond of Bruce permanently becoming the Spectre, so this might be a better solution.

As I said - I like to tick people off. :) As for the Spectre, in the end you have two evils to recouncile. The Bruce being trapped into selling his soul, isn't nice, nor is Terry remaining dead. In the end, the latter is priority for the story; that Terry must come back to give the reader's their worth in following the damn thing, but you need to justify that - for to have his return come with no price, belittles the notion of Terry's death in the first place, it cheapens it. So somethings have to balance out. The question of the Spectre resolution and Dick's frailty all balance out that payoff of Terry's return. You need some ying if you are going to give out the yang!

I suppose we're done with Terry and Dana; I doubt they'll be in the final strip, but I don't mind. Ironic that Dick continues to get strip-time when he's not a favourite of yours! ;)

Lol. True. But yes, we're done with Terry and Dana. We've left them in an ambiguous spot that ties up with "Epilogue".

I look forward to the finale! This has been nothing short of awesome so far. In 3 days it will be the anniversary of when Stripped started... Think you might be able to make that deadline? :)

Depends on Kris!

Wow, the Spectre's kind of a jerk isn't he? At least he and Bruce have that in common. :anime:

That's a given. To be fair to Spectre, his motivations are so beyond the emotional crutches of humanity, he's not really a jerk, just alien to the sentiments we embrace. Not sure what Bruce's excuse is.

Poor Grayson. I'm glad he got the chance for a nice final speech though, complete with a father/son reunion and a dignified march into the distance. (I'm still going to pretend he and Barbabra get back together before he passes ...It will just happen "off camera" :D).

Yah, Barb is waiting behind a tree for a nearby grab. :) Yes, we needed to finish the strip off with a decent and poignant encounter between the two strip stars (which have had very little time in each other's company. Bruce was sort of the star for the first half of the strip then Dick took over for the final half - and here they get to say what they need to.

In all seriousness, I've really enjoyed your take on the character. Dick Grayson was always one of my favorite parts of the DCAU and its great to see him given such a nice showcase. Like the rest of "Stripped" his story has been a great ride.

Must confess, I can see far more depth in Dick since writing this, and enjoyed having a more.. mixed character to toy with. He's been a lot of fun in the strip, and I think Kris has had some fun on some dialogue edits with him as well. Bitter old Dick - ahem - has a lot of potential. A pity they never used him in DCAU.

Reverend

01-22-2008, 11:58 AM

And it sounds like he's a father! He must have had a child with Starfire!Yes, that is the implication. Originally, way back when we started this we were characterising Dick as this bitter, somewhat washed up sickly
old man who was very much still hung up on his issues with Bruce. Along the way though I think both James and myself have softened our attitude towards him and by this point I especially felt that for him to still, after nearly half a century be hung up over his issues with Bruce started to feel slightly petty and childish, on it's own. By slipping in this bit about having an estranged daughter (presumably grown up and living on Tamaran with her mother) seamed go give his troubles a little more maturity and perhaps give him an edge where he sees Bruce's failing as a father reflecting his own, perhaps even softening his view of Bruce having gone through a similar ordeal of having (at least in his mind) failed as a parent.

I suppose we're done with Terry and Dana; I doubt they'll be in the final strip, but I don't mind.Correct, as James said we're done with this part of their story. To be honest it's the "guy in rubber suit effect" again. Nothing either James or myself can come up with can compare to the imagination of the audience as to what's going on in the cave right now. Why do you think Bruce is hiding outside in the grounds rather than in the mansion? ;)
Yes, that particular discussion is best left to the imagination!

In all seriousness tough, for at least a year that's exactly how we envisaged the last panel of Terry's story to be. Dana sat in Bruce's chair in the cave, grinning like a maniac. To me that seamed the most satisfying end, particularly as has been noted before, the poor girl has been out of it since mid way through RotJ and here she gets the final word in.

Wow, the Spectre's kind of a jerk isn't he? At least he and Bruce have that in common. :anime:As James points out, he's not entirely human so you can't judge him by the same standard. More to the point he was just making an observation that is quite true. Dick will die, as will we all.

Dick's daughter's name is Mar'i, huh? Nice homage to Kingdom ComeWell, if you're going to steal, might as well nick something worth having. ;)

Yah, Barb is waiting behind a tree for a nearby grab. :) Yes, we needed to finish the strip off with a decent and poignant encounter between the two strip stars (which have had very little time in each other's company.This is where I must disagree with James (and where James usually hits me with a stick.) To be, Dick and Barb are ancient history and at this point are more family than ex-lovers. That ship sailed long ago...then got hit by an iceberg and had a film with DiCaprio made about it...but I digress.

Having said that it is a shame we didn't have more scenes between the two of them but other than that little bit after "young" Bruce is carted off, there's just no place to fit in into the story.

I look forward to the finale! This has been nothing short of awesome so far. In 3 days it will be the anniversary of when Stripped started... Think you might be able to make that deadline?

:) Depends on Kris!

Check your inbox! ;)

ShadowStar

01-22-2008, 03:38 PM

Check your inbox! ;)

... Does that mean it's done? :D

James

01-22-2008, 06:14 PM

... Does that mean it's done? :D

The artwork has been coloured, but at time of typing, he's not sent the lettered version, so no, not quite - but close.

Reverend

01-23-2008, 03:05 AM

Check you inbox AGAIN! :D

adoptedBatpuppy

01-23-2008, 01:15 PM

Oh my god! Dick is dying, I kind of expected that, since Kara is dead now. I'm glad to see him and Bruce are starting to patch things up now. Nice of you to give Dick a family, even though Star has broken up with him it seems.
I can see why he is so depressed. Spectre is going to take advantage of that, I'm sure.
Please don't tell me that the next strip will be the final?
I'm going to miss reading Batman Beyond weekly strip. :sad: I liked what you have done with the characters.

ShadowStar

01-24-2008, 12:44 PM

It's the anniversary today! :D Now would be a great time to present the final strip...

James

01-24-2008, 02:56 PM

It's the anniversary today! :D Now would be a great time to present the final strip...

It's been sent to BB, so really we're just waiting on a space in his schedule.

Mr. A

01-24-2008, 05:25 PM

Gosh, this really is the last one isn’t it? I’ve been reading DKA in its different incarnations for years, its sad to see it end.
Thanks again for providing so much quality entertainment for so long.

Whoops - we haven't added the link to the strip! Spoilers below, click the link on the post below to read the finale before Mr.A's comments! - James

This was a nice sum-up strip, encapsulating what makes Bruce Wayne (not even Batman necessarily, but Bruce Wayne) such a perfect hero.
Still though, would you buy a used car from that man?: “The events that led to your auto warranty were grossly manipulated and should never have occurred. Therefore I will find a way to nullify our pact” :)

I have my own theories as to what Bruce took in the second-to-last panel (one would be a nice throwback to the end of Dark Knight Adventures). But I think I’ll keep it to myself (in case its ever answered officially)

The “cast photo” was great too, especially “Battle Gear Ro” and “Hospital Action Dana”. Its amazing how well the DCAU style was captured in this.
Things like the ultra-thin, almost sickly looking Dick Grayson make so much more sense now that the story has unfolded…
It’s also good to see Kara/Tea and Jimmy take a final bow too :)

James

01-24-2008, 05:55 PM

http://www.worldsfinestonline.com/DKA/promo02.jpg (http://www.worldsfinestonline.com/DKA/issues/strips/)
CLICK BANNER ABOVE FOR THE BRAND NEW EPISODE (January 24th)

DBZALLSTAR

01-24-2008, 06:00 PM

James

01-24-2008, 06:05 PM

These last few strips have been well worth the wait. The only problem that I have is that now I want more.:D

Congratulations to all of you for all the great work you done with both The Dark Knight Adventures and Batman Beyond: Stripped.

So...any update of an epilogue?:D

We're talking about it. As much as I find the thought of rendering one more strip a painful experience (72!! 7-2!!!), I think we'll be doing a final goodbye strip along the lines of a past idea we had. Don't hang your hopes on anything with substance, just something that makes a nod to the Batman Beyond story which has been my favourite moment of the entire DKA run.

ShadowStar

01-24-2008, 06:06 PM

Fantastic finish! 3 years on, the saga comes to an end! :crying: But what a ride. And an intruiging climax - I was wrong in my assumption that Dick would become the Spectre, and it seems Bruce remains the new host. That thing in his hand immediately reminded me of the hospital scene at the end of DKA #17 too... I don't know what it is but hopefully the epilogue might clear that up? Bruce looked a bit like Dracula in that last shot. :D I'm sure he wins through in the end - gives us something to think about, I guess. Amazing series, all in all, and quite a curtain bow! I'll have to read all 72 strips back to back one of these days. ;) Anyway, you guys have earned a break (until next time :D)!

James

01-24-2008, 06:13 PM

Fantastic finish! 3 years on, the saga comes to an end! :crying:

Unlike many webcomics, at least it had an end! There were times I feared we'd never make it.

But what a ride. And an intruiging climax - I was wrong in my assumption that Dick would become the Spectre, and it seems Bruce remains the new host.

Unless he can escape the pact. Who knows...

That thing in his hand immediately reminded me of the hospital scene at the end of DKA #17 too... I don't know what it is but hopefully the epilogue might clear that up?

The things in his hand are a little indistinct - my fault, but are a homage to Bruce's pill popping in Epilogue.

Bruce looked a bit like Dracula in that last shot. :D I'm sure he wins through in the end - gives us something to think about, I guess. Amazing series, all in all, and quite a curtain bow! I'll have to read all 72 strips back to back one of these days. ;) Anyway, you guys have earned a break (until next time :D)!

Well, I certainly would love to work with Kris again. I'm not quite sure how we would in the realms of DCAU, but he's a great colorist and provider of many of those small little in-fan references. We do have one Batman short we did for a French company that fell through, maybe one day we'll add that - who knows.. would be an easy publish for us, certainly. :)

Bird Boy

01-24-2008, 09:55 PM

It's the anniversary today! :D Now would be a great time to present the final strip...

Well what's funny is it was actually up at the time you posted this. I posted it up before I left for class (at noon, ET) so it was technically already there. I just had to fly out the door and I forgot to email James to post in here about it.

But yes, it's up. Woo! And an awesome wallpaper to boot.

-BB

Reverend

01-25-2008, 12:27 AM

Well, I certainly would love to work with Kris again. I'm not quite sure how we would in the realms of DCAU, but he's a great colorist and provider of many of those small little in-fan references. We do have one Batman short we did for a French company that fell through, maybe one day we'll add that - who knows.. would be an easy publish for us, certainly. :)

Actually, after more than three years since my stint on DKA began I rather do ANYTHING than delve back into the DCAU...once the epilodge/coda is done of course.;)
Give me a storytelling tattooed stripper or a 20's cricket girl in hades any day!

James

01-25-2008, 11:32 AM

Give me a storytelling tattooed stripper or a 20's cricket girl in hades any day!

Then I'm sure we can talk! :)

Jasmerrin

01-26-2008, 10:20 AM

James

01-26-2008, 11:37 AM

I'm really upset that this is over. I realize that it is only a fan-comic, but the stuff you did here rivaled the work on the actual shows (it certainly surpassed the official animated universe comics). But congratulations. I'm sure you're all happy to have finally finished a story years in the making.

Yes, very happy. It's a shame to leave DCAU behind totally, but the story's, characters and products all belong to other people. As a fans, I'm very happy we were allowed to have fun as we have, but there comes a time to move on, and I can't think of a better note than this to finish DKA on.

I got the reference to the Epilogue pills, but had trouble deciphering their meaning. Would they stop Bruce from dying until he can figure out a way out of the bargain? Make him immortal (so long as he keeps taking them)? Somehow null the bargain on their own?

They would never stop Bruce dying but at best they may prolong his life in case of an opportunity to null an agreement he doesn't wish to honor, and at worst, it's a statement - "You may one day get me, but I'm not going to roll over easily, I'll make you wait as long as I can."

I always imagined the pills had some sort of Lazarus Pit ingredient, but really its up to the individual to how powerful one imagines the pills are.

I'm just a bit confused. I suppose an epilogue would help. Or a reply post. But I'd prefer an epilogue. :sweat:

This whole thing is a big epilogue! :) Well, if I can find the time, I intend to start putting a final strip together next week in between professional projects.

Anyways, congratulations on having finished your strip. Good luck on any future projects you have.

Well, I know "Stripped Bare (http://strippedbare.cartoonsdammit.com)" is planning another set of stories which I hope to get Kris involved in if the writer doesn't have any objections, so watch that space. And I'm involved in several projects that if you keep an eye on my website - www.jamesmclean.net - will be posted up as they come!

adoptedBatpuppy

01-26-2008, 01:38 PM

The Grand Finale! So Spectre left just like that, without making Bruce to fullfill his pact? I wonder what Bruce did to make it so the Spectre would leave. I bet we could only speculate.

This has been long but fun 3 years of reading Batman Beyond Stripped.

Are we going to see another DCAU story line, or perhaps something different a new comic all of your own soon? That would be nice. :anime:

Although I'm sad that Batman Beyond Stripped has ended. I understand that everyone and everything has to move on in life. I wish you Reverend, James, and the rest of comrades on your creative team the best of luck in the future!

P.S
You are a talented bunch, and can definetly do this for a living! ;)

Reverend

01-27-2008, 12:39 AM

The Grand Finale! So Spectre left just like that, without making Bruce to fullfill his pact? I wonder what Bruce did to make it so the Spectre would leave. I bet we could only speculate.

Not exactly. I mean the Spectre can't collect on the debt so long as Bruce is alive (hence the name) so as long as Bruce's soul stays in his body, there's nothing the spirit of Vengence can actually do about it. As far as it's concerned WHEN Bruce eventually dies he'll come to collect (Presumably allowing Corrigan to pass on) Bruce is just basically saying "you will TRY".
As far as the pills go, I think the original script did attribute some specific purpose to them (magical cancer eating beans or something) but we both agreed that was too on the nose (and a narrative deux ex machina cheat to boot) so now they're just a symbolic representation of his will to not give up - which has always been the closest thing Batman has to a "superpower".
If you REALLY MUST have some specific, real world purpose ascribed to them, lets just say they're angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. Look it up. ;)

James

01-27-2008, 02:26 PM

...but we both agreed that was too on the nose (and a narrative deux ex machina cheat to boot)..

I would disagree with the deux ex machina point simply because they aren't there to resolve, conclude any narrative line; they don't stop The Spectre, an entity not really that fussed to wait a few years, all they do is prolong the period, giving Bruce a tiny mid digit symbol of control. They are only there really for two reasons, the first, as Kris said, "they're just a symbolic representation of his will to not give up" which is where I think we agreed", but equally, they were just a fun tie in as to Epilogue, giving a possible background to the pills he has and why he's fighting the reaper by becoming a walking medicine cabinet (though officially, obsessive people like Wayne don't really need much of a reason).

So what they were didn't matter, but I wouldn't say they were technically a deux ex machina to any narrative - far too superficial, they don't resolve any narrative out of the blue, just give a small bridge to Epilogue and a symbolic thrust to Bruce's mindset.

- PickyJames

James

02-12-2008, 05:24 PM

Just as an update, we'll be making the final epilogue a 5 page story - not because we think people want more, but simply, its the only way to really make any final goodbye more than simply a few fan glory shots - which I can't be arsed to put the effort into - there needs to be a little more substance to make a final farewell worth the effort.

We've had a chat (myself and Kris) and come up with some good ideas to stage a story that I've just finished scripting. I'll probably start working on penciling it this weekend. I think it will be a rather good farewell.

ShadowStar

02-12-2008, 05:28 PM