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

[The Flash]

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
[email protected]​

Previous Discussion:
-DKA Presents - "Batman Beyond: Stripped" Talkback, Part 1 (Spoilers)
-DKA Presents - "Batman Beyond: Stripped" Talkback, Part 2 (Spoilers)

 

[The Flash]

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YOUR TURN, PARTICIPATE IN OUR ONGOING TALKBACK!​

GIVE US YOUR THOUGHTS!​

 

[Bird Boy]

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Note: Discussion Continued From -DKA Presents - "Batman Beyond: Stripped" Talkback, Part 2 (Spoilers).

 

[ShadowStar]

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).

 

[James]

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).

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]

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]

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]

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[ShadowStar]

Yes! Return of the Justice League! 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]

Yes! Return of the Justice League! 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]

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]

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]

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!

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]

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

 

[adoptedBatpuppy]

Happy Holidays to everyone who is behind DKA!
Have a joyful and relaxing time!
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]

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!
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]

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.

 

[ShadowStar]

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. 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]

I'm looking forward to it. 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]

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