Oh…. Well, it’s over for Crunchyroll I guess

Sorry for the delay. Work’s been busy, and I’ve been working on a House of Leaves reader’s companion for a friend meant to be a quick reference for some of the allusions and translations in the book to prevent googling and possible spoilers. Will be back to it real soon!

What a fantastic finale to Dark Victory. Mainly for the Batman and Robin stuff. The overall mystery left something to be desired. But good action and great art makes up for it. I don't really have any deep thoughts or any introspection or analysis to do here. It was fun, but mostly it was a great version of the Dick Grayson origin story. Next up on the docket will be Lemire's three issue run of Robin and Batman from 2021. I should have that up tomorrow or Tuesday.

Oh yeah...it's all coming together. Dick is so precious here. I love him already. And what a fantastic page to end on. Great art, and I feel like I've seen it before. But maybe I'm just assuming it has to be iconic. Really curious how this will all tie up.

Holy shit.

Issue 11 was a fun one as things are now all coming to a head. Something that's really grabbed me by surprised is just how fun and delightful Two-Face is. My familiarity with him is limited to TAS, the movies, and the Arkham Games, and I've always liked him but I didn't realize how great he can be. Rest in Pieces, Zucco. Only a pity you died before you could finish talking. And the ending is exciting. Wilcox definitely recognizes her killer. I'm curious if it's Lopez. I know The Dark Knight pulls heavily from The Long Halloween, and I think Lopez was the name of the one dirty cop in that. Two issues to go.

Great use of color again. I love the red and green on Dick in his first two panels this chapter. And Lopez shrouded in blue from Freeze's ice splitting the page with Bats is just chef's kiss.

Issue nine of Dark Victory, "Orphans," is simply put a masterpiece. By far the highlight of Dark Victory thus far. The story of Bruce and Dick and the parallels are so well portrayed here. I know enough to know their relationship will be fraught and rocky over the years, but it starts so quietly. So beautifully.

This sequence is phenomenal. So well done from every single aspect. The direction, writing, art, coloring, and emotional beats are all flawless.

This spread is incredible. So evocative and empty. Sale does a great job with the artwork, and Wright's use of color's is masterful.

The fireworks factory. At long last. Not much to say about this issue. Joker shenaned again.

I didn't have anything to say about issue 6, but boy does issue 7 make up for that. Pacing is definitely picking up now with he confirmation that the Rogues don't know who Hangman is (the trial of Calendar Man was a lot of fun), and with the reveal that batman has been under the effects of Scarecrow's gas for months. That was such a good reveal. And finally, Dick Grayson! The Flying Graysons take to the skies in Gotham! Surely nothing bad will happen them!

The most predictable twist yet was that Porter's mystery man was Dent. Hoping the rest of Dark Victory isn't as predictable. I called the pacing last issue methodical. Here I may up the ante to meandering. It feels as if they wanted 13 issues to match with The Long Halloween, but only had enough story for maybe 10? We'll have to see, i know I'm only a third through so opinions will likely change.

I've always liked Bruce's understanding and sympathy of Grundy. Such a good and interesting dynamic between the two. So far Dark Victory is a lot more methodical in its pacing than The Long Halloween.

Issue three put to bed. Always a joy to see my boy Crane. I love his stupid hat. Definitely intrigued as to what is going on with Albert. Reading these has really given me the itch to replay the Arkham Games.

The plot is plotting in Dark Victory Issue 2, and I don't really have much to say about it. The intrigue is there, but I am Milhouse and Mr. Grayson is the Fireworks Factory. I do like the inversion here of the killing of corrupt cops where last time it was the Falcones and Maronis. That said, look at Selina's lipstick. Look at it. What a shade. i want it. Need it.