DKA Online Comic Series - Nightwing: Dark Knight Adventures Special!

[The Flash]

World's Finest & Batman: DKA Presents

Nightwing: Dark Knight Adventures Special

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to read this issue!

Musings of a Lost Boy

23 Page Giant

Story, Artwork & Letters - Romain Ronzeau
Cover - James Mclean & Kristian Trigwell

Bane has gotten a hold of a mysterious new weapon, which gives him tremendous power. Nightwing decides to go after the brute on his own, but in the wake of the Monster Within events he has lost his sense of the purpose for his work as a crime fighter. To win the battle against his deadly opponent, he will have to seek help from the most unexpected visitor, in order to reunite with the Boy Wonder that he once was.

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

[The Flash]

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What about the NEXT ISSUE of DKA?

DKA Holiday Special out later in December!
Batman: Dark Knight Adventures #13 out end of January!

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TALKBACK!

WHAT DID YOU THINK OF ISSUE #12?

GIVE US YOUR THOUGHTS!

[stwasm]

All I can say is, "Wow!" That issue was pretty deep. I had to get used to the drawings, but other than that, I really liked the story and the tone of it all. And, I must add, I'd love to see Bruce and Dick come to some sort of understanding. Nice job!

[Batman's Biggest Fan]

So 6 months have already passed? Huh, well then does this mean Barbara's out of the hospital?

[Salvor]

Well for continuity reasons Barbara's fate is entirely up to James. The thing is, when I wrote this story, I didn't know what James would do to her. Would she be out of the hospital yet? Would she be able to walk? Would she be dating Bruce? etc etc... so many reasons why I decided to leave her out of this special. Besides this is really about Nightwing and Batman... Barb wouldn't have had much to say anyway! I wouldn't have minded having a goodbye scene between the two... but then again Blüdhaven is not the other end of the world either. I'm sure we'll see him again in DKA... some day

Think of this special more as a Monster Within tie-in (almost a stand-alone story) than anything else. It's not a direct sequel, just another adventure following Nightwing's path in the same continuity. I just hope you enjoyed it even with Barb gone.

stwasm : thanks a lot, glad you enjoyed the tone! Since this is not very action-oriented, tone is what it's all about

[Batman's Biggest Fan]

And another thing I noticed Alfred's with Batman again? I thought Batman kicked even Alfred out.

[Salvor]

Originally Posted by Batman's Biggest Fan

And another thing I noticed Alfred's with Batman again? I thought Batman kicked even Alfred out.

Now THAT is explained. He came to visit Bruce for Christmas... I think it will be explained later on that Bruce doesn't shut himself down completely... besides I WANTED Alfred to make an appearance and like my good British pal would say, continuity should never get in the way of the story!

Obviously this is NOT an issue for continuity "freaks" (), you'll have the next DKA monthly issues for that. Please try to judge the story on its own and maybe not in relation to the DKA continuity.

[The Flash]

Well, it is in DKA continuity. But it just might not be in the proper order. The stuff will make more sense after you've all seen the next issue or so...

[James]

Originally Posted by Batman's Biggest Fan

So 6 months have already passed? Huh, well then does this mean Barbara's out of the hospital?

Barbara's stint in hospital will be over by the next issue. There is only a certain amount they can do for her at this time....

As for the 6 months and the question about Alfred.. that will be dealt with. From continuity perspective - everything is cool. That's the beauty with fiction, anything can be explained because none of it's real.

[Azbatz]

I don’t want to sound like the bad guy here. I like the idea of Nightwing Adventures. But there are problems in issue one. On page 9 you spelt Exactly wrong. You spelt it this way, Eactly. I’m sorry but I didn’t like your take on Bane with the bionic arm. I think what would have worked better if Bane got Superman’s powers or something. As a result of Bane's new arm, a new continuum problem is made. I'll explore that below. I really enjoyed page 12 with Nightwing defeated being saved by Batman. It almost seems Nightwing would rather get killed than be saved from he’s former teacher. This is the first issue major continuum problems that can’t be fixed. Bane is the big continuum problem. This storyline takes place before Batman: Mystery Of The Batwoman and Batman Beyond. I bet you didn’t know Bane has both arms still and still pumping venom. In a Batman Beyond Beyond episode Bane is ill from all the venom drug did to his body long ago. Bane never gets a new arm and never gives up venom. The second major continuum problem is that Nightwing not supposed to go to Bludhaven until after he finds out Bruce and Barbara dating is exposed later on as mentioned in a Batman Beyond episode, A Touch of CuraréI liked your art style but out of respect for continuum I would like to see this issue remade someday. Maybe 3 issues in one month was one too many.

[Phantasm]

The biggest strenght of this issue was that the spotlight managed to not waver away from Dick, like it had from Batman at times, during the course of the entire TOBW story arc. It's also quite brilliant how almost all aspects of Dick's personality were touched upon, and how the last page seemed reminiscent of the final strokes of a brush, as if adding finishing touches to the picture that is Dick Grayson.

It was lovely to see Timmy again!Tim was his adorable little self. I just wanted to pull his cheeks!LOL!And my!Has he grown!But in some scenes...specifically where he is drawn as a mere silhoute, his rather large cape enveloping him completely...there seems to be a sad air about him.Also the slight hump in his posture...not sure if deliberate or not...gave off an impression of someone carry an unweildy weight on his shoulders...and such a small lil boy...

Now I confess, the artwork was a bit hard to swallow at first glance. There isn't anything particularly wrong with any aspect of it as a whole...it's just such a radical change that's all.A far cry from other visual interpretations of Batworld so far...and a bold step on your part to give it a try. The part which bugged me severely were those supposed trickles of blood escaping through Dick's mouth.I first thought that was his tounge!

Something especially noteworthy, I beleive was the smooth, easy transition from panel to panel...Somehow it all seemed to flow rather beautifully. THere was this entire page shot of Nightwing with him swinging amidst Gotham building.BEAUTIFUL.So simplistic yet...truely an eye catcher...

The confrontation between Batman and Nightwing was a bit...too blunt. I mean, I never can imagine Bruce telling Dick anything along the lines of..."I did this and that for you"...It's just not Bruce...and the whole "you never loved me" line from Dick made me cringe somewhat.ugh...too starighforward...and an awkward out of character moment too.I see what the intention of including that piece of conversation was but...it seemed a moment out of The Batman.Considering the fact that I've never written a batman comic...(shrugs)

Aside from that one bit mentioned above, Dick just charmed his way through. I loved the way his character was perfectly captured. The narrative was enlightingly Dick Grayson. That memory -dream sequence was SO...I've no other word for it...SWEET! I mean...AAWWW.... It was a shame to see what level Bruce and Dick's relationship has deteriorated to. And the part where Bruce hears Dick's talking without him being aware of it was haunting sad..

I love the way all the pieces are comming together after the monster incident and yey for continuity! I am very anxious about Babs though...things don't seem to good on her end either...Oh and the chrismas special!YYEEHA!!!!Can't wait!!!!

A Great Job as usualEveryone!! Keep up the good work!!!An extremely memorable addition to the DKA.

oh and I forgot to add:The cover is intense!

[Reverend]

I don’t want to sound like the bad guy here. I like the idea of Nightwing Adventures. But there are problems in issue one. On page 9 you spelt Exactly wrong. You spelt it this way, Eactly. I’m sorry but I didn’t like your take on Bane with the bionic arm. I think what would have worked better if Bane got Superman’s powers or something. As a result of Bane's new arm, a new continuum problem is made. I'll explore that below. I really enjoyed page 12 with Nightwing defeated being saved by Batman. It almost seems Nightwing would rather get killed than be saved from he’s former teacher. This is the first issue major continuum problems that can’t be fixed. Bane is the big continuum problem. This storyline takes place before Batman: Mystery Of The Batwoman and Batman Beyond. I bet you didn’t know Bane has both arms still and still pumping venom. In a Batman Beyond Beyond episode Bane is ill from all the venom drug did to his body long ago. Bane never gets a new arm and never gives up venom. The second major continuum problem is that Nightwing not supposed to go to Bludhaven until after he finds out Bruce and Barbara dating is exposed later on as mentioned in a Batman Beyond episode, A Touch of CuraréI liked your art style but out of respect for continuum I would like to see this issue remade someday. Maybe 3 issues in one month was one too many.

The picture is from Batman Beyond, “The Winning Edge” from Season One.
Old Bane with two arms and still on drugs.

A - Someone who can't seam to spell continuity properly is in a poor position to be pointing out typos.

B - I don't think I've seen any comment that places DKA before or after MoBW.

C - Who's to say that Bane couldn't have gotten a cloned replacement arm in the time between TNBA & BB?

D - Perhaps Bane has yet to feel the effects of venom withdrawal and so he'll probably have to go back on it at a later date.

E - Bane getting Superman's powers is not very interesting and it's been done already.

F – It’s not polite to post inline images directly from someone else’s site. It’s called stealing bandwidth.

[Azbatz]

Originally Posted by Reverend

A - Someone who can't seam to spell continuity properly is in a poor position to be pointing out typos.

B - I don't think I've seen any comment that places DKA before or after MoBW.

C - Who's to say that Bane couldn't have gotten a cloned replacement arm in the time between TNBA & BB?

D - Perhaps Bane has yet to feel the effects of venom withdrawal and so he'll probably have to go back on it at a later date.

E - Bane getting Superman's powers is not very interesting and it's been done already.

F – It’s not polite to post inline images directly from someone else’s site. It’s called stealing bandwidth.

A - Thank you for helping me spell continuity properly. If you can't post criticism than this is a dictatorship. Every artist or storyteller needs criticusm to help him or her improve. You learn from your mistakes and by the way Romain Ronzeau has a good art style and I would like to see him continue. I will read future comics he makes. I just wasn't happy with the story. The art was good.

B - I mailed James McLean and asked him when the Monster Within took place. He told me se after TNBA and before MOTB.

C - I have a feeling Bane won't be coming back in DKA.

D -

E - Yes it's been done before but that was just an example.

F - I didn't know that. So I removed it.

[Yarharhar]

I'd say this is my favorite DKA comic. I really liked the art style, it looked good and stayed rather consistent. Plot and writing also worked very well, definately seemed like a 'real' comic.

[paulie]

I really, really liked the art. Very clean and modern, but with lots of rounded lines. Like Phantasm, I really liked the lower panel on page 8, it was probably my favorite.

I like the Dick needed to be reminded (even if it came from himself) of the good times with Bruce. Dick is still young and not above self-pity...but this highlights his growth out of it. I liked the "road" symbols--the road signs pointing in all directions at the beginning, then Dick choosing which fork in the road to take at the end. Such an exhilirating time for a young man.

Great stuff, thanks! Can we expect more from you, Salvor?

[James]

Okay, time to smooooooth things here..

Azbatz - first off, appreciate the feedback. Personally I'm happy with the specific point about Bane's arm. Reverend is indeed right, anything can happen between now and BB, as I said earlier, that's the wonderful nature of fantasy. That said, I would be lying if I said I had noticed that clinch and appreciate it being pointed out. While there are no specific plans for Bane to return, I hadn't disregarded the possibility of his return and maybe Romain's story has set up a possible basis of a new story.

So any other issues aside, we welcome any comments - positive or negative - providing they are respectful. Having spoken to you via email, I'm sure you didn't mean any disrespect even if the post seemed a little abrasive to some.

Yeah, as Reverend said guys, be cautious of hotlining, not only for the etiquette, but because sometimes some sites can replace chosen images with.... interestingly colourful ones... good idea to avoid.

As for the timeline, MOTB is in the future so far as DKA goes. I think the sooner myself and Ian sort the timeline out for certain, the better for all!!

As with BB - and based on the issue concerned, we'll probably tie some reference into what happens to Bane. Personally I think he's a very underused villain (so far as to his full potential) with all this debate (and an excellent story by Romain to run from) I'm sure he'll reappear!

Interesting stuff... more continuity to bear in mind, but if that's what the fans love, that's what we'll try and give them but not, as Salvor points out, at the sake of a good story. Story first, continuity clean ups second!

James M.

[Bleu Unicorn]

Originally Posted by SJJ

That's the beauty with fiction, anything can be explained because none of it's real.

It's not!? Good grief, next you'll be telling me there's no Santa or that the Tooth Fairy really was my dad!

Anyhow, cool issue. Albeit the confuzzlement posed with the out-of-continuity shtuff, but I can live with that. And really I'm just squeeing about Nightwing. Happy me.

[The_NewCatwoman]

I loved the art on pages 1, 2, 9, 12, 13, 14, 17, the bottom panel of 21, and of course page 23. The art was beautiful, clean and the muted colors really put me at peace this late in the evening. It reminded me of the Cameron Stewart's work on Catwoman before the switch in issue 25 to Palmiotti/Gulacy.

The entire story sort of put me in a dreamy, pleasant place. I really, truly enjoyed this issue and honestly think it's my favorite. I suppose the level of introspection attributed to that but I loved it nonetheless.

Fantastic job guys! Cheers this holiday season!

tNC

[Salvor]

Wow this issue sure seems to stir up a lot of controversy (every time I do something for DKA, it seems to stir up some sort of controversy anyway ). Some of you call it their favourite DKA comic, some others (only one actually, thank god ) call it the "one issue too many".

Let's get started on what seems to be the biggest problem for hardcore fans : continuity.

Originally Posted by Azbatz

I don’t want to sound like the bad guy here. I like the idea of Nightwing Adventures. But there are problems in issue one. On page 9 you spelt Exactly wrong. You spelt it this way, Eactly. (...) I would like to see this issue remade someday. Maybe 3 issues in one month was one too many.

Now that's something that makes me cringe. I appreciate the feedback on the continuity issues, I really do, and contrary to James I HAD thought about them, but calling this the "one too many"? That is both rude and disrespectful. I've been working on this story for a LONG time and every single point you just made had nothing to do with the story nor with the art. I think it goes to show you completely missed the point of the whole thing, and that's sad for me, because I didn't put enough thought into continuity issues... simply because I didn't think they would matter so much to diehard fans.

For me a Batman story has to be judged on its own, NOT in relation to some BB episode or some crappy DTV which I, for one, found appallingly bad. But that's not the point Now I understand some fans just have GREAT expectations about their favorite characters' fates and thus pay attention to every single detail of continuity... if I ever go back to Batman or Nightwing, I'll try to be more careful, thank you for making me realize that.

Originally Posted by Phantasm

The biggest strenght of this issue was that the spotlight managed to not waver away from Dick, like it had from Batman at times, during the course of the entire TOBW story arc. It's also quite brilliant how almost all aspects of Dick's personality were touched upon, and how the last page seemed reminiscent of the final strokes of a brush, as if adding finishing touches to the picture that is Dick Grayson.

Great great comments. I have to admit I loved reading your entire post.... such constructive criticism is VERY fulfilling.

It was lovely to see Timmy again!Tim was his adorable little self. I just wanted to pull his cheeks!LOL!And my!Has he grown!But in some scenes...specifically where he is drawn as a mere silhoute, his rather large cape enveloping him completely...there seems to be a sad air about him.Also the slight hump in his posture...not sure if deliberate or not...gave off an impression of someone carry an unweildy weight on his shoulders...and such a small lil boy...

Now that's funny. Originally that Robin you see was created to be younger cockier Dick Grayson. But some "advance readings in Britain" () made me realize I never really say who that is, and it might just as well be older Tim who's come to haunt Dick, which also works marvelously in a different way... that's why I decided to leave the dialogue as it is and not specify which Robin it is. That's what I love about leaving some aspects of a story fuzzy : to each his own interpretation. IF anyone cares, for me it remains Dick Grayson... kindda reminds me of that whole Teen Titans controversy

Something especially noteworthy, I beleive was the smooth, easy transition from panel to panel...Somehow it all seemed to flow rather beautifully. THere was this entire page shot of Nightwing with him swinging amidst Gotham building.BEAUTIFUL.So simplistic yet...truely an eye catcher...

Thank you, I appreciate the compliments. I have learned a lot on this comic, especially as far as storytelling goes. And I did work really hard on some pages, most likely the one you mentioned gave me the hardest time As for the "hard to swallow" style, well I can't blame you since 1) I hate coloring blood 2) I knew not sticking too close to the BT animated style would put off some readers... I'm glad you managed to go past that.

The confrontation between Batman and Nightwing was a bit...too blunt. I mean, I never can imagine Bruce telling Dick anything along the lines of..."I did this and that for you"...It's just not Bruce...and the whole "you never loved me" line from Dick made me cringe somewhat.ugh...too starighforward...and an awkward out of character moment too.I see what the intention of including that piece of conversation was but...it seemed a moment out of The Batman.Considering the fact that I've never written a batman comic...(shrugs)

Ah now I understand how Dan Slott felt when some ppl said Batman's line in one of his JL scripts was completely out of character... and I'm going to answer the same way! I think Bruce and Dick could say that... in fact, they just said it! There! No seriously, that confrontation is MEANT to be blunt and embarrassing, just like any fight usually is. Bruce has never been good at dealing with those things, and to me Dick's hectic behavior and his "loner line" have disappointed him... a lot. Hence that "I have given you everything" line whose only purpose is to remind Dick he's the heir to a legacy... and he could start being proud of it instead of resorting to his usual "poor boy whimpering". Same goes for Dick's love speech. It sounds a little far-fetched but he's upset, and he says stupid things. That's what I tried to do with that scene : make Bruce and Dick look more human, more real. I've always felt Bruce, for one, was way too dark and stiff in TNBA... he's human for crying out loud, let him get carried away in a fight against his spiritual son!

Aside from that one bit mentioned above, Dick just charmed his way through. I loved the way his character was perfectly captured. The narrative was enlightingly Dick Grayson. That memory -dream sequence was SO...I've no other word for it...SWEET! I mean...AAWWW.... It was a shame to see what level Bruce and Dick's relationship has deteriorated to. And the part where Bruce hears Dick's talking without him being aware of it was haunting sad..

Glad you enjoyed those moments, they're my favourite scenes as always.

Yarharhar>> Now that's the kind of comment any "fan artist" appreciates Thank you very much. And I'm sure James is still full of surprises... keep reading DKA!

paulie>> thank you! That dream sequence was the first thing that came to my mind when I thought about doing a Nightwing comic. I thought "hey, wouldn't it be cool if I started with some kind of symbolic dream with Dick at a crossroads and then jump right into action"... well that idea remained intact in the final comic! As for expecting more from me... well it's always the same, every time I think I'm done with Batman I tend to go back to it in some way. Maybe for a short story or two in a few months... I already got some ideas as to what NW might be up to over there... and I SO want to bring Blockbuster into the animated world!

Bleu Unicorn>> thanks, glad to make you happy

Originally Posted by The_NewCatwoman

I loved the art on pages 1, 2, 9, 12, 13, 14, 17, the bottom panel of 21, and of course page 23. The art was beautiful, clean and the muted colors really put me at peace this late in the evening. It reminded me of the Cameron Stewart's work on Catwoman before the switch in issue 25 to Palmiotti/Gulacy.

The entire story sort of put me in a dreamy, pleasant place. I really, truly enjoyed this issue and honestly think it's my favorite. I suppose the level of introspection attributed to that but I loved it nonetheless.

Wow thank you for your comments. The comparison to Stewart is a little bold but I truly appreciate it And that dreamy pleasant place? It's exactly (there, spelled correctly ) where you were supposed to be. I'm relieved to see you really grasped the gist of the story, and got carried away by the atmosphere. One of my main concerns about making this comic was how to convey such atmospheric moods and feelings in such short time (for a storyteller 23 pages isn't that long, believe me). Reading your post is very rewarding for me.

Thanks to everyone who's posted here, thanks to everyone who's read the comic, thanks to everyone who intends to read it again And keep posting!

[TheScarecrow]

I love the characterization you guys got going on here in these comics. They are great to read. You guys put a lot of hardwork into these things and it shows.