Duke Thomas: We Are Robin, Signal Appreciation 2018

[skyvolt2000]

Look at who is in the top 100 for Amazon Superheroes-

https://www.amazon.com/Batman-Signal...NCRM0QGWHFJWHW

Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #14,745 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)

#68 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Comics & Graphic Novels > Graphic Novels > Superheroes

#72 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Comics & Graphic Novels > Superheroes

#95 in Books > Comics & Graphic Novels > Graphic Novels > Superheroes

Batman White Knight issue 4
Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #9,903 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)

#15 in Kindle Store > Kindle Short Reads > 45 minutes (22-32 pages) > Comics & Graphic Novels

#48 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Comics & Graphic Novels > Graphic Novels > Superheroes

#49 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Comics & Graphic Novels > Superheroes

The trade set to come out May 2018
Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #89,870 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

#381 in Books > Comics & Graphic Novels > Publishers > DC

#1313 in Books > Comics & Graphic Novels > Graphic Novels > Superheroes

#18071 in Books > Science Fiction & Fantasy

The sad thing about this is-this is the highest I have seen any DC minority. Especially for a DC black one.

Now the trade did move up.

[Korath]

Argh, my LCS won't have the issue until tomorrow, at best... The wait is killing me folks !

[JasonTodd428]

King will probably drop that plot point altogether. It was tacked on in a before then completely absent narration style. Suddenly she starts narrating from the future out of nowhere.
Maybe we'll get a flash forward issue but Duke is not even old enough to get married.

I wouldn't be surprised if editorial has him drop it completely to be honest. Wouldn't be the first time a writer was told it was okay to do something by editorial only for them to change their minds about it later on. (Happened with Tomasi and the Carrie Kelly plot point in Batman and Robin.)

@Korath: If it helps any I really enjoyed the issue. I can say that without spoiling anything for you. I hope you enjoy it too.

[Assam]

The sad thing about this is-this is the highest I have seen any DC minority. Especially for a DC black one.

Even with my grievances toward the issue, I'd be happy to see any minority from DC doing this well. But Duke isn't the one accomplishing this. I keep bringing this up, but this is the result of Snyder writing, Batman being on the cover and it being Batman's name in the big letters. If this was just 'The Signal' by Tony Patrick and it was selling this well, even as someone still not sold on Duke, this would be cool.

[HereNThere]

I actually liked the issue. I feel Duke's potential, but I feel like he's still missing a feet or so of depth or complexity. He has everything going for him, but it feels like he's missing something that will bring his character together for me.

[J. D. Guy]

Duke did real good this week, indeed! Seriously, how do we change this thread's name? It's overdue at this point.

I really loved this first issue of Batman and the Signal! It was forever coming, but it's finally here. Literally the only thing I disliked is how the issue has now made the fact that there's only going to be 3 of them more glaringly frustrating. I'm gonna need more than 3 of this, just based on the set-up alone.

spoilers:

The first page was as beautiful as ever. Just as I thought, Duke was feeling inadequate, and the art reflected that. We don't see his face until "he steps out of the others' shadows and into the light" in the last one. One thing I will say is that I believe Assam called it this time. It was a dream, more specifically a vision of some kind, and the heroes in it were just relaying things as he felt they would in his head, including Damian's nagging and Jason and Barb's telling him not to be so hard on himself. It was done so beautifully and poetically, I just loved it! And that's only the first page! Then we go headfirst into action as Duke goes back-first into a bus. I was surprised at how abrupt it was, but it was very suitable. I didn't realized that those pages did come immediately after the "morning family breakfast discussion", but it makes sense to have the fight scene early to draw in the reader with a good punch. Or a good blast into a bus, as the case here is. The transition being abrupt actually works in the story's favor (likely meaning it was done on purpose), since it snaps Duke (and the readers) out of his reverie and into the action of the present. And just like the first page, Duke continues to be self-reflective with more than a hint of self-deprecating. Apparently, this is his first [s]night[/s] day out, and he's having a rough of it. We finally get to see the new baddie's name, and he's calling himself Null, based on the negative energy he makes use of. He's a bit loopy, though, but still cognizant enough to know why he's picking a fight with the Signal, which seems to be because he senses a kinship between the two of them and is trying to make the Signal use his powers, though the latter is still all too new to their usage and control. And ouch, again! Kudos to Hamner once more for making you really feel like Duke was getting the stuffing beating out him. Really, he was mostly out matched, and he barely survived. Were it not for his powers finally kicking in and cluing him into how Null's powers operates, who knows how it would have gone down. Alas, it seems folks in this part of Gotham aren't appreciative of a hero's assistance, as Mr. Patrick lampshades the "hero by day concept". Oh, how naive these civilians are... On the topic of newcomers, I wonder who this Aisi(sp?) person is? Is she completely new, like big cousin Jay, or is she from somewhere obscure and is now being used in an earnest fashion? Either way, we kinda know our daytime police informant. Maybe. She's caught up in her own plot (or more likely what she presumes to be her on plot), and may not be as amiable to supers as Gordon has long since become. And speaking of newcomers, I was a little surprised at the creation of "Big Cousin Jay". Not angry or anything of the sort, mind you, just surprised. First we've heard of him, and while it's not impossible or even improbable that he'd be off Duke's radar through all the chaos, it's still convenient that he's never shown up at all while Duke was bouncing around foster homes in early We Are Robin and in Bruce's care during Rebirth to this point, though he does seem to be aware of the latter to some extent. Still, where was he? This is another moment where the 3 issue limitation rears it ugly head once more. I hope Tony Patrick will be able to delve into Jay here. There's a lot of potential in having a relative of Duke's who's not lost their mind, with regards to exploring his family beyond what Duke knows or cares to think on at any give moment. Likewise, I wonder which side of the family he's on? His dad's? Or his mom's...? I appreciate that we are going to dive into the mystery of Duke powers and whatever makes him and his mom's side of the family so special. Hope we can get to a good point on that front by the end of issue 3, if nothing else. On another note, I was also surprised to see Riko and Izzy here! Very pleasantly surprised, in fact. It seems Duke's new girlfriend that was brought up by the writers from way back is herself not actually new. I'm kinda happy that she's not, really. I'd have lived otherwise, but I am super ecstatic that Tony Patrick is making use of the We Are Robin crew. Two of them, at least, so far. I'm hoping Dax and Dre aren't far behind. Also, it seems there's at least a tinge of envy in Riko's tone for Duke "graduating" while the others "didn't"... So many story plot threads being teased. So little time. T_T Once again, I can't stress how happy I am to see that part of Duke's life in his solo! I had made my peace with their not being any time for that, but Mr. Patrick found a way to make it work! Back to Duke, it had slipped my mind that they said Duke's getting his own HQ under the Fox Center, so it kinda had the intended awe effect when I saw it for the first time. Batman shows up for only 3 pages here (really more like 1, which was a two-page spread), but I loved how sure and proud he's shown to be of Duke and what he's capable of, even acknowledging his independent spirit, in light of Duke's wavering confidence since first discovering his powers. Bruce's reassuring smiles here just say so much, and combined with the words he says really makes you feel the bond between the two characters. In a way, it makes you feel like the two have been together longer and done more than how Tom King was developing their relationship in Batman (if you can call it that, with how little Duke was used). Nice callback to the drawing one kid made of Duke in his old costume that we saw back in that All-Star backup where Duke visits the Center and runs into Izzy. (Maybe that's what led them to start going out together?) A couple more things, but we finally see just where the Signal's name comes from. According to Duke (and Synder in a Washington Post interview), "the signal" is how they referred to the first Knight on the battlefield in medieval times. It works really well here, more so than Joker's accidental naming in the heat of the moment. If things pan out, the Signal will be the "first Knight" out during the day, as he leads into the remaining Gotham Knights' arrival onto the field of battle more prepared than they'd otherwise be at night. I also like that Duke coming up with the name showcases his otherwise subdued geeky/nerdy side. I 'lol'ed at them for that final Lark tease before putting it away for good. Last but least, I appreciated how they're potentially foreshadowing Duke becoming a leader once more, this time to super-powered Gotham teens. I may have misread the signals (ha!), but that's what I got from what Mr. Patrick laid down. If nothing else, though, he's definitely some kind of catalyst for them, as he makes the Juvie Arkham kids stronger by just being near them. And that cliffhanger was so frustrating. I did not want the issue to end, once I really got into it, and that it did brings me one step close to the end. Man, do I wish this wasn't only 3 issues.

end of spoilers


All in all, I loved this issue! It did not disappoint, and Mr. Tony Patrick once more shows he has what it takes to drive Duke's character and drive it forward. Seriously, he does so much good by Duke in a single issue than largely has been done for him in about half a year's time. Maybe even longer.

It should go without saying, but I'm eagerly waiting for issue 2, if not so eagerly anticipating the end.

[J. D. Guy]

I really enjoyed the first issue! alot of cool stuff to talk about

spoilers:

The new Detective with one arm seems like she will be an interesting supporting character. Im sure we will find out a wee bit more about her in the coming issues. I also liked Dukes cousin he seems like he could be a good character with his rules for dukes probably and inevitably clashing with Batman's expectations of Duke I also was really happy to see Riko and Isabella from We are Robin again. I liked both of them so glad their back. Duke already has a really interesting supporting cast in my opinion so ive got high hopes for Duke in the future Duke getting his own base with the Hatch was also pretty awesome! Does nearly every Batfamily member have their own place now

end of spoilers

spoilers:

Do you know if Detective Aisi is new? Regardless, I agree that both characters have good potential and prospects. I'm also thinking there might be some resentment from Jay towards Bruce for Duke being under Bruce's care. He seems to know that much, even if he doesn't know anything else. He's surprisingly authoritarian for someone who's been out of Duke's life in a time period where he could have really used him.

end of spoilers

So, I haven't read B&S yet, but White Knight #4 is out and Duke plays a greater role in there, so I think it's safe to say that the first week of January is a great week for him.

I'll definitely need to catch up on White Knight, then.

Shouldn't this thread be renamed to add the Signal codename?

It should, yes. I PMed millernumber1, as they're the opening post, to ask them if they would do so. If not, or if they can't, we'll need to PM a moderator.

Was anyone else disappointed in spoilers:

IZ being his girlfriend? I thought he was going to marry Gotham Girl, I'm confused

end of spoilers

Otherwise I really liked this issue, it was a really good start and I only hope this transitions into a full time series.

Admittedly, that kinda slipped my mind. Probably because of how neither Duke nor Claire have shown up consistently in a while, and less so together. Who knows what King's plan was for them. spoilers:

I kinda feel Izzy makes more sense, at least and especially as Duke current girlfriend.

end of spoilers Things can still pan out how King supposedly foreshadowed. But we'll see. Can't say I was disappointed on that front, though.

And I concur. This needs to be made an on-going since, like, yesterday!

I'm not surprised by that we didn't see her in this issue but I do have to wonder spoilers:

if there is a connection between how she and her brother got their powers and this mysterious Dial character(?)

end of spoilers

That would be cool if Patrick's thoughts ran that deep. I kinda question if even King knows at this point.

Argh, my LCS won't have the issue until tomorrow, at best... The wait is killing me folks !

Hold out, friend. You'll make it!

[Katana500]

On another note, I was also surprised to see Riko and Izzy here! Very pleasantly surprised, in fact. It seems Duke's new girlfriend that was brought up by the writers from way back is herself not actually new. I'm kinda happy that she's not, really. I'd have lived otherwise, but I am super ecstatic that Tony Patrick is making use of the We Are Robin crew. Two of them, at least, so far. I'm hoping Dax and Dre aren't far behind. Also, it seems there's at least a tinge of envy in Riko's tone for Duke "graduating" while the others "didn't"... So many story plot threads being teased. So little time. T_T

Yeah I certainly wasn't expecting for either of them to show up! Riko and Izzy make more sense showing up I guess as they were always closer and more friendly to Duke than Dax and Dre, atleast thats the impression I got from 'We are Robin'. I kinda hope that Riko and Izzy continue to show up as Duke's main support network helping him with information gathering and stuff while still being his main friends.

The We are Robin kids are definitely too interesting characters to throw away, I hope a Duke series in the future keeps them around in support roles.

[J. D. Guy]

Sorry for the spoiler, Korath.

Yeah I certainly wasn't expecting for either of them to show up! Riko and Izzy make more sense showing up I guess as they were always closer and more friendly to Duke than Dax and Dre, atleast thats the impression I got from 'We are Robin'. I kinda hope that Riko and Izzy continue to show up as Duke's main support network helping him with information gathering and stuff while still being his main friends.

The We are Robin kids are definitely too interesting characters to throw away, I hope a Duke series in the future keeps them around in support roles.

Dre and Dax were a bit closer to each other than with Duke, but they still had their interactions with him, and I would still want them to show up. Both had a lot of internal potential that I'd love to see realized or at least played with.

[DragonPiece]

New interview with Snyder,Patrick and Cully https://io9.gizmodo.com/dcs-batman-a...ium=socialflow

[JasonTodd428]

Just to let people know currently Batman and the Signal is number 10 on Comixology for the week and it was the book they chose to feature in the new releases as well.

[WontonGirl]

I'm going to enjoy this while it last. I'm looking forward to the next issue

[DragonPiece]

Just to let people know currently Batman and the Signal is number 10 on Comixology for the week and it was the book they chose to feature in the new releases as well.

It beating so many other Rebirth books should be a clear indicator to DC there is a audience. Though I wonder how sales would be if they take out batman's name,Snyder's involvement and the metal logo on the cover.

[Korath]

Having not read it, I can't judge its quality just yet (hopefully this evening, finger crossed!) but I think that we should wait until issue 2 or even 3 to judge any potential audience. There are probably peoples who bought #1 because of Snyder's name or the Metal Logo but I think only those wanting to push Duke forward will buy the other two issues of the mini. Obviously, Snyder's name will play a role here, considering that Metal has been well-received and his Batman run is well-liked overall, but I think that the number next month and in march will be more indicative of the actual audience for The Signal.

[millernumber1]

I've been asked to petition the mods to update the thread title to include "The Signal".