Batman Damned: The Full Story, Controversy and Discussion

[@TheRealZubes]

I put a lot of thought and work into this episode and I really hope you enjoy it. I also hope that every comment isn't just saying the controversial element. There is more to discuss in this book beyond it.

[@Grievousish]

You did a "damn" good job Tiff hehe. Get it?........ I'll let myself out. (Jokes aside you did great work Tiff)

[@TheRealZubes]

@@Grievousish Thank you!! 💕

[@hetdarji271]

Did Amazing Work Tiff👍👍👍

[@TheRealZubes]

@@hetdarji271 Thank you so much!

[@AFROZILLA774]

@TheRealZubes thank you for this Storyteller Supreme! Lol

[@mattixender3016]

"If you sell your soul as a kid, it shouldn't count!" Tell that to college financial offices.

[@jmsolano0516]

You’re not a kid when you do that

[@mattixender3016]

@@jmsolano0516 You're 17/18 still raising your hand to ask to _possibly_ use the bathroom, being pressured to go tens of thousands into debt. You're a kid.

[@architeuthis3476]

@@jmsolano0516 most people are

[@dead0ntime]

Mattix Ender at my schools we’re allowed to walk out as long as it’s not disruptive.

[@dragnipurdagorath5696]

Is that a quote from damned ?

[@FifthHorseman23]

Ya know, there are tons of places that will tell me what happened in a comic. There are fewer places that will tell me the history and behind the scenes stories surrounding a comic. And then there's ComicPop, who very often provide deep analyses of this medium as the art form, storytelling vehicle, and cultural representative that it is. The four of you each bring insights that I deeply value. Note: This isn't a dig at any channel or person, I'm just explaining why I love ComicPop.

[@jakesthe1805]

Fax

[@galvatron3323]

Agreed 100%

[@jonfrombuckland_3784]

Truth! ComicPop! Rules for this reason among many others

[@andrewwestfall65]

That's also why I fell in love with ComicPop.

[@architeuthis3476]

For real! ComicPop and ComicTropes are on a higher tier than other comic review shows

[@batfreeze56]

Tiffany is the perfect host for this episode. If I understand correctly, she's quite well-versed in art history and analysis. So, when she looks at something like Damned, she sees more than a pretty picture. I'm looking forward to hearing your thoughts.

[@Thehotdogman]

I love every Tiffany led episode. I love how she always goes into the interpretive layers of all these books. I especially appreciate the art analysis she's constantly shining lights on.

[@relicglennfae4583]

I bet the body in the morgue is the young Bruce Wayne who died in the alley. And the "I wish he was alive" line is Batman's regret at not allowing himself to be a human being while he had the chance. Because at the end of it all, what he sacrificed to allow him to become Batman, was ultimately made in vain by the killing of The Joker. And so in other words, the true sin he was judged for was the killing of his own humanity.

[@raymondfisheriii791]

Personally, I also like the idea is that it’s the Joker he finds in the morgue, because before they go there he says “I need to go somewhere I should’ve gone a long time ago.” And you can interpret that as him meaning “at the very beginning of the investigation. If he’s dead, he should be in the morgue” and him saying “I wish he were still alive” is essentially his admission of not feeling ready to move on, but also knowing he has no reason to stay either. His acknowledgment that it was essentially a war of attrition on both sides, but the sight of Joker dead, to some degree, make him feel content. Because if Joker’s gone, if Gotham no longer has to worry about that threat, then he can rest easy in his mind. To Batman, the Joker was essentially what Michael Myers was to Dr. Loomis: Pure evil in the form of a man.

[@mr2000s]

Hey, Tiff, I want to let you know I bought a copy of Damned and JOKER because of this episode! You completely sold me on a book that I was indifferent to before watching! This channel just keeps convincing me to check out great books. *SPOILERS* Here’s my theory of what happens in the book: Bruce dies in the alley. John takes him back to his apartment and uses magic (as evidenced by the sigils covering the room Bruce wakes up in) to allow him to maintain a physical presence until he makes his peace with what happened. This means that the Gotham we see is the real one. I think that Harley isn’t dead, she just multilated her body to look like autopsy had been performed to symbolize that she’s dead inside without Joker. I think she’s alive because she begs Bruce to kill her indicating she hasn’t been able to kill herself. Enchantress is trying to get Bruce to believe he deserves to go to Hell through the false memories she’s implanting in his mind. At the end, Bruce goes to whatever Heaven exists in this universe as indicated by Enchantress being vanquished after her being implied to represent forces trying to take Bruce to Hell.

[@mr2000s]

Can’t believe I’m coming back to add to this a year later! Guess that’s what happens with a good book, you keep thinking about it. SPOILERS I wanted to add what I think happens at the very end. I believe that the body in the morgue is The Joker’s. I think that, even though he made the most sensical call given the circumstances, Bruce regretted killing The Joker because he’s really that noble and good. I think The Joker coming up at the end means Joker is going to go through an experience where he has to accept that the game’s over and both he and Batman are dead, something Azzarello’s Joker would be especially horrified by. If I had to guess why, I’d say that it’s part of the requirement for John’s spell since his kind of magic typically operates on a give-and-take system. I doubt John’s going to help Joker figure stuff out, though (knowing John he might make Joker’s journey harder than it needs to be out of spite). Joker might not even GET to figure stuff out given how irrational this version is, so it’s equally possible he’ll be stuck as a wraith haunting Gotham’s streets.

[@CharZy-y8v]

I know I’m late to this but I agree with Joker possibly being a wraith at the end. After rewatching the video, I noticed that the Joker’s eyes seem to be the same color as the Enchantress’s eyes. Perhaps that’s an indication of what’s to come or I just am seeing things wrong.

[@Just_Some_Guy_with_a_Mustache]

Heh. Controversy surrounding a Batman book = Bat Issues.

[@Revanxbone]

I really like back issues that are more discussion like!!!

[@francozambrano4980]

Tiff really kills it with thouse

[@Mattkeyz1]

A back issues where they not only cover the story but the history of something, Aw Shit, here we go again. Genuinely my favorite version of Back Issues

[@MixTwentyOne]

This is genuinely one of my favorite episodes of Back Issues in a while, if not ever

[@holaed4320]

I have just seen 9 videos of this channel in a row, amazing way of explaining the intricate details of these stories, amazing job, i'm subscribed now and really looking foward to the next videos, next time someone tells me a woman dosn't like comics i will just send them this channel. thanks!

[@TheRealZubes]

Welcome!! Thank you so much for checking us out! 💕

[@FifthHorseman23]

Welcome to the group! Yes, just point those people toward Tiffany so she can give them a stern talking to.

[@jacob_ian_decoursey_the_author]

Black Label could have been what Vertigo was for the late 80s and early 90s, if only DC’s editors had any bravery whatsoever.

[@porassrivastava8242]

Nothing's coming close to vertigo anywhere it was just one hit after the other. It started a mini movement all on its own. God bless the British inquisition.

[@Danial_Duval]

21:05 This Batsuit reminded me of the Suit of Sorrows. Background: The Suit of Sorrows is a knight armor that was given to Batman by Talia during the Resurrection of Ra's al Ghul storyline. It belonged to a crusader, Geoffrey de Contana, who was a reputed "pure of heart" knight but in time massacred hundreds of innocents which was then covered up by the Order of St. Dumas. Batman kept the suit as a reminder of the need of vigilance against violence and evil from within himself, that "no man is so pure he can drop his guard." (source: Det. Comics #842 (2008)) From the above video, I believe the suit reaching out to him is a omen that he failed in his goal of self-vigilance by willfully not saving Joker and led him to the path of damnation. He allowed evil to taint his actions despite how small the act (or inaction) was. Because in essence, Batman must always need to save people despite being an dark agent of vengeance. To do otherwise will no doubt twist his soul.

[@skywriter9532]

I love this book more every time I go through it, it's Batman's silent hill, or his last test to me. I REALLY hope Azzarello and Bermejo do one last book which is Joker's version of this.

[@truegraphicnovelfan1989]

i want to see a Back Issues episode for Harleen and a Back Issues episode for Batman Last Knight On Earth.

[@davidbromfield8328]

To further the point about people only caring about the controversy because it was Batman. Doomsday Clock, which is in continuity has in multiple issues of full frontal nudity due to Dr. Manhattan.

[@StickySauce101]

in fairness who is going to tell Dr Manhattan to put on pants? the dude is a living nuke..

[@prophetjay5326]

After watching this episode, I developed a greater appreciation for how stories and art coexist. I used the linked address to buy the Batman: Damned hardcover and go back and buy the Joker hardcover. Thank you all for everything you're doing and keep up the good work.

[@christianndukwe8994]

Release the Bermejo cut!

[@MrTerranis]

As someone who mainly finds out about comic news and interesting stories through this channel, I'm really glad this was covered. I hadn't heard about it or the controversy before and look forward to reading Batman Damned. I only wish DC would have at least left us the uncensored copies for those that were interested

[@jonfrombuckland_3784]

I'm about thirty minutes into this and there are so many narrative elements and visual things I'd never noticed before. I'm gonna pause the episode to really peruse and reread this series. Tiffany doing wonderful as usual and making me more interested in a story I didn't really care for when I was buying it.

[@mitchellregan21]

This book really is quite intriguing, and I absolutely love how realistic and grotesque the art is. It's a shame where the controversy came from. Can't wait to get into this episode!

[@gunnarfletcherdrums]

I've been a fan for a while, but this video is special. Thank you for shedding a mature and fun light on this book.

[@thegreyinitiate3680]

The main takeaway is that I’m disappointed that people who likely don’t read comics regularly (or even at all) got this book so trashed by the media, that the entire focus for the imprint changed afterwards. Imagine what we could get if the artists and writers literally didn’t have to worry about anything. Bat-Dicks aside, any risk that could have been taken in terms of stories told, likely got changed, because they realized the mob wouldn’t let them get away with stuff. That’s the real bummer. But hey, my uncensored first printing of issue one is worth like 5 times the retail price now, so hurray for me I guess? I’d rather have cool stories than money though.

[@kyronlewis6975]

I’m just still waiting for the 3 jokers

[@caitlinbrewer4843]

Look, when official DC properties say Constan-TEEN, no one is allowed to criticize you for saying it.

[@Southpaw-qf4ju]

In summary of the controversy, it was an immature reaction to a mature-readers imprint.

[@funkyweapon1981]

Batman getting raped=Not controversial. Batman buck naked=Controversial? HUH? 😕

[@toren2099]

@@funkyweapon1981 Batman got raped are you talking about talia because I know that has it happened again

[@saracohle]

It goes BatmanNoel->Joker->BatmanDamned right? Or are all three separate despite the linked creator team and character interpretation?

[@TheRealZubes]

Batman Noel was written and illustrated by Bermejo, so I'm not 100% where it fits... if at all. If I had to place it, I would say it goes before Joker.

[@saracohle]

TheRealZubes Oh! I didn’t realize Bermejo had sole credit on Noel.

[@TheRealZubes]

@@saracohle no problem!!

[@xyzz8722]

My take is Batman/Deathblow, Lex Luthor Man of Steel, Joker and Damned. Noel would fit too, but has flashbacks of Batman s 60s suit with Robin, which dont make sense in this more grounded universe.

[@ChopHarderAlchemist]

Much respect Tiffany! I have not read this story and I thoroughly enjoyed all the backstory of the publishing side of this book. I think it really sets up the viewer to take in the book in a more comprehensive way by keeping the insights and intentions of the creator in mind while watching/reading. The distinction between nude and naked was fantastic. I love how involved and present you are in explaining the story. I always enjoy how you mention the art in the books you cover. Thank you for the much needed entertainment.

[@TheRealZubes]

Thank you for this! 💕

[@skywriter9532]

I don't think anything more openly expressed how the general population thinks of comics than the response to this book. DC can make a Film like Joker and nobody bat's an eye. But make a Batman comic book with ONE page of nudity and they say it's not right. People still think Comics are a children's medium that adults make grown up versions of in movies. It really, really sucks. I don't get how people can love the MCU or DC films and then disparage the comics they came from.

[@Zxzero36]

Umm people did bat an eye with the Joker movie though? It was a big thing that people though that this movie was going make people be violent and stuff.

[@skywriter9532]

@@Zxzero36 but they didn't do it because it's a movie, that's my point really, that Comics as a medium is disrespected

[@Zxzero36]

@@skywriter9532 I think the problem is more that when a character that is known as one thing suddenly does something different people are shocked. I would say it's no different from superman actions in man of steel, or Spiderman's in one more day as the fans equivalent to changes that differ. I see it more as a problem of these characters being marketed as the same thing for so long that any change that's made for them will seam jarring to people regardless if it's good or bad.

[@adrianvelante8014]

My interpretation(s): 1. This is a retelling of Dante's Inferno with Batman as Dante and Constantine is Virgil. 2. Batman was dead for a little while. He dealt with his emotional baggage (represented by the Enchantress) in the afterlife. When he vanished in the morgue, he was actually revived and went back to the living world (supported by the line in the heart monitor morphing into HAHA's). And also Joker survived. 3. It's all a hallucination.

[@MrCeratix]

Easily Tiff's best hosting performance, fantastic episode

[@brancorocks]

The irony of the world we can view genetalia in medical journals and books of science but oh no it's bad to see it in a comic written for mature readers like that's just dumb

[@Zxzero36]

Nudity is kinda a touchy subject to most people. I didn't think it helped that it just happened to be part of a character that everyone knows either. It reminds me of holy terror the fixer is batman but if DC allowed that to be printed people wouldn't like it because it's not what batman would have done.

[@Chactemal]

That's mostly in USA among developed countries, there is a big example where the same news are censored differently. In Germany they censored a woman's face, in USA they censored her cleavage. In French beaches it's common to be topless

[@brancorocks]

Zxzero36 yeah even I found the nudity aspect as kind of unecessary but I wasn't so offended as to want it censored after all it's an artist's interpretation which should not be hampered because of people's moral opinions

[@Zxzero36]

@@brancorocks Correct me if im wrong because im not that big into comics, but weren't the people making the most complaints people who never read comics in the first place or something?

[@brancorocks]

Actually zxzero36 there were many readers too cause they were not ready to accept their beloved character in a state of undress so just jumped to conclusions based on one panel and a news article about the scene in question the black label line up would have been really interesting to see if it were not for some unhappy readers and the pc groups out there

[@Shoub-kb9sk]

Wow there’s a lot more to this than I initially thought, great episode!

[@creed8712]

First of all the distinction of nude and naked is beautiful. Secondly is the Constantine thing something new? I thought they even made a joke about it in the cw show before

[@SophiaSanders61]

The Constantine thing was done in the CW, however, it mirrors what the comics did. John would off handedly complain about how people kept getting his name wrong and that it rhymes with fine.

[@BrettplaysStick]

THANK YOU SOOO MUCH.... I love this story.... you made GREAT insights.... this is one of my favorite videos!

[@valiantshadow89]

More of this type of in-depth discussion! This was so cool!

[@Ducaso]

I really like the “Batman is in his Purgatory” theory and John ,with his companions(?), are like his Spirit Guides to help him reconcile with himself, his past, his actions, etc.

[@xanderreimers4445]

Another one of the best episodes, you’re killing it guys

[@Yungtacosss]

I love these episodes where it gets more analytical! Tiffany and the gang did an awesome job on this! :D

[@Cloudy_Jones]

I immediately purchased this after the video, I was initially super excited for this series and from what was said it delivered what I was looking for.

[@jameshoughton2770]

First time ever really commenting on KZbin, massive fan of this channel :) Something I always connected with the name of the club they meet Etrigan in, is a subtle connection to Constantine. The Cavern been one of the famous clubs in Liverpool where the Beatles played at, and Constantine himself being from Liverpool.

[@TheRealZubes]

That is honestly great to know and could feed into a number of theories about the book! Or it could just be a fun wink to the audience! Thank you for sharing that!!

[@jameshoughton2770]

@@TheRealZubes You're welcome, I'm from there myself so it stuck out to me like a sore thumb lol. Great video so far :) I love Batman Damned.

[@lub9079]

I like that you all mentioned that even though we know he didn’t kill Joker; his own code says he did so he winds up in purgatory of sorts, maybe an as above so below kind of thing. I thought he may have said “ I wish he were alive” about himself. He had to leave Batman in the morgue and goes on to live as Bruce Wayne, I don’t know, I have to read it! Excellent episode everyone!

[@georgebaynard4096]

I’m pretty sure joker died, there’s so many clues to hint he died, the news report, Harley’s involvement, The closed fist, and Batman literally says he knew if he died, he couldn’t keep the joker alive, so batman didn’t save him and joker died, but that’s the beauty of an open ended story any answer could be correct

[@roccoborghetti4693]

Listen, I love Sal. I come here almost every day for some content from Sal and his seemingly endless knowledge of all things comics. But Tiffany as a host this episode was really cool and definitely an interesting perspective on this story.

[@alexharris6622]

Another outstanding episode with Tiffany at the helm.

[@rydergoodrich3346]

I really like that Bermejo did the art for this book. I don't know if its officially connected, but I like imagining that this is the same Batman from Batman: Noel

[@caitlinbrewer4843]

When you consider that in Constantine's first appearance in Swamp Thing he filled the role of Swamp Thing's Virgil, this obviously seems to be a Dante's Inferno. Especially considering John cant finish the journey with Bruce.

[@georgekouteris]

Hey Tiff. I'm glad you talked about this book because it really is a very interesting book with some of the best art I've seen in a modern comic. I find it really sad that people don't like this book just because of the controversy and I think more people should read it and decide for themselves if they like this book or not

[@levonleban6252]

Tiffany your past few episodes have been out of the park!!

[@hatter2539]

Firstly I would like to thank you for your discussion on what "for mature readers" actually means, it's really great stuff and I like Ben's point of that a mature story has a lot to do with the analysis the audience brings to the story. Now for my hot take; I think this is a weighing of batman's soul. Constantine is his guide through this judgement and at the end the ultimate verdict is rendered. Bruce sacrificed his humanity (his fear) to become The Batman but in his final act he succumbs to fear (of what the joker might do without him) and breaks the "deal." Since he became human right before the end, he is judged as a human and gets the ultimate punishment, The Joker comes back without him.

[@turnitout920]

I hate this book. After first reading, I saw it as dark just for the sake of being dark, with nothing meaningful to say. Most of Azzarello's work rubs me the wrong way. So I thought I would skip this episode. I'm glad I didn't. Tiffany led a well-researched, thoughtful analysis that was a joy to watch. It didn't change my opinion that this book belongs in the trash, but it also strengthened my opinion that this channel should have 1,000,000 subs. Any book would benefit from this kind of engaging discussion, since you guys shine a light on the fact that any piece of art deserves interpretation and for someone to take the time to celebrate the work it takes to make a thing.

[@christianndukwe8994]

I hope this gets a lot of views

[@thesantadad]

I'm just here for Tiffany. So enjoyable to listen to her break downs.

[@linknlog]

This was an excellent episode. Love these thought provoking conversations.

[@TidalVex]

Etrigan would have a FIRE mixtape

[@rebornkusabi7264]

So (year later watching this), I also took the idea during the Harley Quinn scene to also have a more overtly sexual angle to it as well. See, some of the more interesting aspects for me with comic books is when they confront the idea of human sexuality, an ostensibly normal thing for people, but something that (in America) is always viewed with an extremely conservative lense. So in this scenes case, beyond everything said in the video that was also an interpretation, I also feel it was also a confrontation in Batman's mind that Harley is (rather) confrontational with her flirtation of him- I mean, she's mentioned in comics she finds Bruce Wayne "hot", so Batman has to know that on some level when fighting her, especially when contextualized with his memory of his mother AND the recreation of that with Harley telling him to keep hitting her, that sex and violence is sort of warped in their "relationship" as villain and hero. In other words, if this is all happening in his mind as he dies, or if he's in purgatory if you take the theological angle, this entire scene is loaded with sexual subtext between "Batman" and Harley Quinn that on so many levels that, I think, ARE intentional. And very adult, not in the "ha ha sex" way, but in confronting that very real interplay of sex and violence that crops up in comic books occasionally, and not glossing over it or PG-ing it up. Of course, like all works of fiction, the possibility can always be that the cigar could just be a cigar, and that the surface of the comic could be less metaphorical and fantastical than it's being read as.

[@jmsolano0516]

This book seems to actually be a lot better than I thought

[@orafletcher8963]

Thanks for finally covering this story. Quite possibly one the best Batman stories that stays true to Him as a character

[@danejohnson9906]

Great job hosting Tiffany! Made me wanna pick up this book now

[@Myxlpltx]

Really enjoyed this episode/story, especially the conversation afterwards. I caught myself audibly joining the end discussion. I'd be down to watch Tiffany teach us more on stuff like symbolism, art, and anything in between.

[@spasmhd7572]

Tiffany should definitely cover the Harleen book for back issues!

[@batnick7230]

I’ve been waiting for your guy’s full opinion on Batman Damned.

[@NachiketNaik]

Wow! The first time this book came out I was out of my home city for work. I hunted the local comic shop where I was and asked for this book and the shopkeeper said "unless you had this in your pull list at your LCS, you are out of luck". I particularly didn't care if my copy of the book had the nudity. The rest of the art and story is good enough. When I first read it I felt like I was cheated off $35 for someone trying to be really edgy without much substance. Regardless, the art is worth it and I thought to myself then that I'll reread it later. Listening to your analysis, I feel I really need to re read it. This book especially needs to be read slowly and not like a page turner. It's like the comic book version of HBO series vs Netflix bingeable series. Side note, I like bermejo's art but always feel like it needs great production always and I'm never too happy with the lettering. Something about all pages being full bleed and really muddy colors makes it a bit hard to catch small stylized letters.

[@catlawyerwilldefendfortrea6038]

Thank you for talking about it! Bought the hardcover immediately after.

[@jabezcreed]

Bermejo definitely has a striking art style. I still have yet to read my issues of this series though.

[@architeuthis3476]

Tiffany's reviews are really good! Even when I like a book significantly less than she does, its fun to hear her talk about it!

[@andrewwestfall65]

The rug staple story reminded me of an April Fools where my mom tricked my sister and me into thinking she stepped on a stick and it went through her foot. Turns out she had just mashed it in between her toes and pulled her sock forward so it looked like it was deeper in her foot than what it was. She started laughing at us and tossed the stick to the side. She got up to go to the bathroom later, stepping on the stick, putting it through her foot.

[@depressedknicksfan6060]

The story was amazing but the discussion is my favorite part

[@marcuslopez9373]

Love the show!!! You guys are awesome!!!!

[@JaCoby9924]

I am so glad I watched this video. I only listen to the press reports and stuff. Now I am really interested, and am going to go buy it. Thank you all

[@reginaldjohnson1347]

I'm a simple person comic pop uploads I watched

[@snakeyman5560]

Brian and Lee make absolute 🔥 comics.

[@Wilkidw]

If we had conversations like this in my art history class I might have passed that class.

[@fadikzanji9121]

I've never been a fan of the supernatural, especially with Batman. I know there supposed to be a horror element to Batman, but that's from the perspective of the criminals he fights. I always prefer grounded Batman stories that are focused on his detective skills and his martial art prowess. That's why, "Damned" is far from what I look for in a Batman story.

[@eqs1782]

I got upset when an ad just started while Tiffany was talking.

[@Brainiac1138]

I am definitely going to have to check this out

[@sonofvicvega816]

You're right, Tiff. Constantine is pronounced Con-stan-teen. He's a chain-smoker. Constant nicotine = Constantine.. unless you're a weirdo and pronounce it ni-ko-t-eye-n lol

[@LP-lj9ig]

There are multiple lines in hellblazer's original run where John himself corrects mispronunciations and says his name rhymes with fine.

[@ChristopherZubin]

I also wouldn't put it past the Brits to pronounce nicotine that way.

[@SophiaSanders61]

I am very dubious that this is the origin of Constantine's name. In fact, it's an old French name derived from the Latin term Constantinus - steadfast and faithful. As the creator was Alan Moore, this is the level of writing I would expect.

[@ChristopherZubin]

@@SophiaSanders61 Constantine is a real name...it can also be a play on words, that's not mutually exclusive...as for Alan Moore and word play....ever read Anon E. Mouse or his 2000AD stuff? He has a sense of humor.

[@smithysforge5309]

Can Tiffany cover the Harleen Black Label book? I love that one and would love to hear her view on it

[@bernadetteewertz1662]

Wonderful job Tiffany, I loved your interpretation. And you're right, one of the the things besides the amazing art that makes this book so great is how it can be interpreted so many different ways. For instance? I take it to be a fight for Batman's soul between different forces. The book is about if Batman can accept that he went against his morals, will he take responsibility and show remorse. In the end, like the Specter (and I agree that it is him) is right, it doesn't matter if letting the Joker fall was right or wrong it matters if Batman thinks it's wrong and is he remorseful, without excuse, for his actions. In my interpretation I think the ending though is that Joker lived, that killing the Joker isn't what endangered Batman's soul but the willingness to let someone die was.

[@galvatron3323]

One of the great Back Issues

[@loki_l_1380]

I loved this episode so much! Could you three please PLEASE do a back issues on The Crow graphic novel?

[@ComicCrossing]

I'll be back. Went about a third of the way through, decided to buy it (through the link in the description) and I will read it before finishing.

[@christianblack4060]

This is really good. I really interpreted this one way but looking at it now, hearing Tiffany, it made me rethink my opinion

[@ravemaestro7398]

The art was stunning, possibly one of the best comic book art ever. The controversy was pathetic in my opinion and Tiffany explained it perfectly. I’m lucky enough to to own that print too. The story defo needs multiple viewings and gets better each time, some of azzarellos best works in a while.

[@ChristopherZubin]

I never read the last issue of this, I was pretty disgusted with its treatment by DC that I kind of just let it go.... That said, I'm not sure this story was strong enough to be the first foot forward for Black Label.

[@robphoenix1182]

Not sure if anyone ever mentioned this since this is from so long ago. Enchantress, Etrigan and Deadman (caught inbetween) are brought to the living world from another place through a living being. They are shown in their normal form without them having to turn into that form. Spectre can travel through realms. Constantine has huge ties to Hell and the Magic world. Swamp Thing's ties to The Green. Zatannna ties to Constantine...so a bridge there. Maybe the Justice League Dark is making sure the Dark Knight's soul is taken care safely. Enchantress could be trying to corrupt his soul and use it for something. Just my thoughts on the characters in the book. Also agree Harley is dead and stuck because she is lost without Joker. Possibly killing herself with Joker reported dead. Joker at the end....Batman's wish came true so his spirit could move on. So Joker is back in the living world coming out of the river. Just my thoughts again though.

[@robphoenix1182]

Also love your interpretations Tiffany. This to me is what comics are about. The story and the art concepts. Not just selling books.

[@matthewshelton8307]

Assuming that it is all fueled by Bruce's mind, could Harley be a mouthpiece for his feeling on the Joker? Like they have a very twisted and abusive back and forth where they are defined off of one another. Like in such a way that he feels by giving up on Joker he has given up on himself as batman and thus the little bit of him that's left is dying?

[@jembo2000a464]

Amazing episode as usual

[@jevonniclaybon9471]

I avoided this episode because I disliked the first two issues and the controversy was so dumb to me but after watching tiffany's genius analysis I can look at this book with new lenses. Amazing Episode !!

[@mysteryent]

I like your idea of the ending Tiffany and also you got me to buy this book!:)

[@jakesthe1805]

This rlly well done, you guys rlly crush this one ggs

[@diegoyerse593]

I guess I'm Buying this book. Thanks team!

[@Xelveki]

Just rewatched this... going to have to pick this up now.

[@hobbes6392]

Finally read through Batman Damned and was excited to see what other people thought. I enjoy a book you can chew on and personally I saw this as Constantine trying to keep Batman’s soul in his body long enough to bring him peace. As Ghosts/Spirits usually come about from the dead still having business with the living. And Batman of all people would never stop and be a spirit to haunt Gotham forever Granted that’s the main thrust of the plot, as for the metaphors, symbolism, and deeper meaning. I always appreciate you guys allowing for new and different perspectives and interpretations on what Books all mean

[@justinclark397]

I think that all three of the Waynes died in the alley but Bruce upon his death struck a deal with the Enchantress to become the one who could've saved them. So the Enchantress brought him back and turned him into the one who could become Batman in return for his "tears". Someone who could never let go, someone without emotion and devoid of humanity. However, since Batman killed the Joker before his death now he is being forced to make peace and accept what he's done. Something that is being enabled by Constantine and the others by keeping him tied to the Purgatory type world that they've created for him. And with the help of Constantine, he's able to free his soul of the Enchantress. Bringing the book to an end with Batman accepting his fate as the Joker is born again to join Batman in eternity. The ultimate punishment for Batman to be forced into eternal battle with the Joker.

[@willknight685]

I LOVE THIS BOOK! And I love the twists, turns, and call backs. I thought the ending meant the specter sentenced Batman to live on as the joker as punishment for him taking his life? Anyways I loved this. Thank you for doing this story!

[@Nauty_nation1990]

I really hope that the purgatory theory is true because,as you all said if it is the idea of the joker going through through his own version of self reflection and the journey to it would be amazing

[@ghoulking7616]

I interpreted the ending as everyone relevant who died came back to life at the end. Joker came back, Batman came back, maybe Harley came back. It’s all supposed to be like life is more of a hell for characters like Batman and Harley. Or maybe it’s something like joker is their hell and they are stuck with him forever. Something along those lines.

[@steele9087]

Best thing to get through the last few days before going back to work. BINGING BACK ISSUES

[@brya9681]

Ahh, I love that new back issues smell. Love you guys, and great job Tiffany! One of these days we need a Ben and/or Ethan led episode.

[@AnarchicArachnid]

I'm at the 1:03:00 mark but I'm reading the story as: John fucked up, he wanted to give batman one big last stand and used his magic to keep batman's body going and soul attached but it had an accidental ripple effect that took into account Bruce's will & guilt. Bruce's will revived Harley's body and possibly also kept joker alive long enough to get to shore. John realizes at the end he has to fix it by shooting batman's body to free the soul and the soul disappearing into the drawer was Bruce finally letting go after admitting his wrong doings.