You Don't Know Dick

"Dick. That's an interesting name.  My bottom hurts just thinking about it." - Madonna

Cover of Grayson #1

Okay, so other than his first name, that song lyric doesn't really have much application to the new GRAYSON series starring Dick Grayson (former Robin, former Teen Titan, former Nightwing, former Batman), but how often do I get the chance to use it?

When this new series/title was first announced, I was a bit disappointed that Nightwing was being cancelled, as Dick Grayson/Robin/Nightwing has always been one of my favorite characters.  I guess DC thought he needed some shaking up.  While I was unsure about this new direction, I was glad that Dick was at least getting another series (and that he wasn't actually killed in Forever Evil).  And I appreciate the fact that they kept the elements of the Nightwing logo in the new Grayson logo. 

I read the first issue of Grayson and was surprised that I actually enjoyed it.  The story was fast-paced, yet not too bogged down in action.  It was very Mission Impossible-esque, and the cover reminds one of James Bond.  I guess Grayson is supposed to be the next great spy along the lines of those two famous spies. 

Interior art by Mikel Janin.

Speaking of the cover, I question why DC didn't use an illustration drawn by the comic's regular artist, Mikel Janin, when -- to me -- his art and characters look so much better than Andrew Robinson's.  It's so great, though, that they went with a hot pink background to really make Dick's dark outfit stand out.  It's very eye-catching.  

There was also some character development and interaction in Grayson, including appearances by Stormwatch's Midnighter and Helena Bertinelli, in her first appearance in the New 52.  The new Helena is much more Italian/Mediterranean-looking, and I'm curious to see if she'll eventually assume the Huntress persona or leave that to Helena Wayne on Earth 2.  Regardless, I'd like to see more of these two as regular supporting characters for Dick to interact with on a personal level. 

Helena Bertinelli

So far, I'm sold on Grayson, and I can deal without a Nightwing in the DC Universe for the time being. 

Earth Two: the Sideways Earth

Huntress #1 (2011)

DC Comics' mini-series Flashpoint has apparently undone Crisis on Infinite Earths.  Along with a lot of other 1980s revivals in the New 52, DC has announced that they're bringing back Earth Two, along with a new Justice Society of America monthly series set on this alternate Earth.  They've also hinted that there's a connection between this new JSA series, the new Huntress mini-series, the Mister Terrific ongoing series, and the latest Birds of Prey series.  Does this mean that the all of these series are currently taking place on Earth Two and we just don't know it?  It's quite possible.  Have there been any crossovers with these series and other series in the New 52?  Not that I've seen. 

Infinity Inc. #1 (1984)

While some (or most) may scoff at this idea, I'm kind of digging it.  Why?  With Earth Two, it opens the door for  reviving Infinity Inc. and the Young All-Stars (two of my favorite 1980s series).  It would also allow DC to compete with Marvel's successful "Ultimate" universe and its myriad of titles.  

The downside to an Earth Two Huntress?  I guess that would mean that the romance between Huntress and Catman would never happen.  But she would (hopefully) be the daughter of Batman and Catwoman again, and that would be pretty cool.   

Young All-Stars #1 (1987)

But the biggest mystery for me is...what's the connection with Birds of Prey?  Does that mean that the current Birds of Prey series doesn't take place on Earth One or New Earth or whatever it's called now? 

As for the new Huntress #1, it was just okay.  I've always liked Huntress as a character, but have never felt that anyone's ever done anything spectacular story-wise with her.  She's always felt like more of a supporting/team player than a headliner.  So maybe there's a place for her (again) in a new Infinity, Inc.

The Catman Scratcheth

Being that this blog is named after him, it's only fitting that I plug his appearance in an upcoming comic/storyline.  Catman will be appearing in Birds of Prey #11, as he and Huntress attempt to go out on their first date.  

See?  That's what's been missing from the ongoing Secret Six series:  Catman's sexual prowess.  After all, he bedded the deadly Cheshire and she bore a son from that union. (Although she also did the same with Speedy/Red Arrow/Arsenal and they had a daughter, so maybe she's just a slut.)  And then later, he hooked up with Huntress.  Now let's hope this becomes an ongoing relationship/fling/no strings attached affair.  Comic book characters need to have personal lives, too, you know...

Happy Valentine's Day, Catman and Huntress.  I hope you survive the experience.