Shadow of the #BatmanChat: Exploring the Twitter Q&A
Phillip Morgan ‘18 / Emertainment Monthly Staff Writer
In the wake of the “Endgame” story arc that wbrapped up with issue #40 of Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo’s Batman, the status quo of the Batman’s World has been thrown almost completely off its hinges. Before you panic, no. This does not include spoilers if you’re not fully caught up with the series yet (that’s what this is for), but for those of you who’ve been keeping up with Batman and are freaking out over that ending and how everything Batman-related is going to change post-Convergence, Snyder and Capullo have you covered. On May 1st, the DC Comics Twitter Page hosted #BatmanChat, a two-hour window in which anyone could tweet Snyder and Capullo directly using that hashtag and ask in what direction they’re headed with the Batman Mythos. Sometimes, they teased future developments; other times, Snyder and Capullo took the opportunity make lighthearted jabs at the fans’ uproar over the future of the franchise. Instead of simply recapping all the newsy bits from the discussion, here are some favorite excerpts from the #BatmanChat led by Batman’s current dynamic duo.
Pt. 1: Under the Cowl
As one of DC’s top creative teams, Snyder and Capullo constantly juggle meeting the growing expectations of the Bat-fans and satisfying their own artistic desires. It’s clear that there’s pressure from both sides to perform as the stakes keep rising.
https://twitter.com/MJMTIII/status/594209985850052608
For me, no. If fans don't like an idea, I get to blame it all on Scott! @GregCapullo #BatmanChat https://t.co/kymwAAyOnD
— DC (@DCComics) May 1, 2015
Naturally, there’s a bit of a competitive edge to them.
#BatmanChat who would win if you guys played a game of Badminton? #realtalk
— Kenneth Clark (@_kennethclark) May 1, 2015
I would because Greg would never play badminton. @Ssnyder1835 #BatmanChat https://t.co/cRI9fR2BOT
— DC (@DCComics) May 1, 2015
But no matter what, they stick together, always sure to keep Batman close…
What the hell are you doing with Bruce Wayne!!! But… I like it the new custom #batmanchat
— CARLOS (@CARLOS_POETA) May 1, 2015
He's here with me locked in Scott's basement @GregCapullo #BatmanChat https://t.co/ybRIzrBfxi
— DC (@DCComics) May 1, 2015
…drawing inspiration from those closest to them.
#BatmanChat also @Ssnyder1835 how do you imagine jokers voice to sound like?
— Taylor (@iamOzymandias) May 1, 2015
My Mother @GregCapullo #BatmanChat https://t.co/cYWE6ZHYsv
— DC (@DCComics) May 1, 2015
And while they may need some time apart once in a while,
@DCComics @Ssnyder1835 Rumours said you were going to be involved with upcoming Miller DK sequel, was that ever true #BatmanChat
— Portland’s Batman (
still truth to that. but more to come soon. @Ssnyder1835 #BatmanChat https://t.co/VZFUGEhALk
— DC (@DCComics) May 1, 2015
wherever Snyder and Capullo are going, they’re in it for the long haul.
https://twitter.com/BanerjeeShreyas/status/594199628481953792
No date is set in stone. We've got more ass to kick. @GregCapullo #BatmanChat https://t.co/EtpO3MC6YH
— DC (@DCComics) May 1, 2015
Pt. 2: Where in the World is Damian Wayne?
As most followers of Bat-news are aware, at the end of the “Robin Rises” story arc in Batman & Robin, Damian Wayne has just returned from the dead so hard he got superpowers for about a week. So where was he during “Endgame?”
@DCComics Where was Damian during Endgame? #BatmanChat
— Mama Wade's Baby Boy (@WadeiLLson) May 1, 2015
I got this a couple times. It was just scheduling! We didn't want to bring Damian (1/2) @Ssnyder1835 #BatmanChat https://t.co/o4TdfsZOig
— DC (@DCComics) May 1, 2015
.@WadeiLLson … back before Pete got to in B and R so we left him out. No story reason (2/2) @Ssnyder1835 #BatmanChat
— DC (@DCComics) May 1, 2015
.@WadeiLLson But I will say that he's a tough character for me to write and I tend to avoid him. (1/2) @Ssnyder1835 #BatmanChat
— DC (@DCComics) May 1, 2015
.@WadeiLLson I love reading stories w/ him, but I have trouble writing him as my older son is almost his age. Too close for me. (2/2)
— DC (@DCComics) May 1, 2015
Makes sense. And where is he now?
How will react Damian to the to the conclusion of Endgame? @ssnyder1835 @gregcapullo #Batmanchat
— Agudo (@mgarsek) May 1, 2015
You'll have to check out @patrick_gleason's Damian series (1/2) @Ssnyder1835 #BatmanChat https://t.co/Q0M1PQTRtE
— DC (@DCComics) May 1, 2015
.@mgarsek starting in June (he has a pet Man-bat – it's awesome) (2/2) @Ssnyder1835 #BatmanChat
— DC (@DCComics) May 1, 2015
Damian is cool. Man-bats are cool. So logically, this should be pretty cool. Keep a lookout for Robin: Son of Batman featuring Patrick Gleason as both writer and artist once Convergence wraps up in June.
Part 3: Days of Future Bats
Now that they’ve finished turning Batman’s universe upside down, Snyder and Capullo are now free to reshape it as they see fit. It’s a whole new Bat-world, so who are they gonna have living in it? Well, several people tweeted wondering if they were planning on bringing fan-favorite Batgirl Cassandra Cain into the new continuity at any point. They had this to say.
A C2E2 panel hinted at the return of Cassandra Cain. Is there anything we’re allowed to know about her coming back to the DCU? #BatmanChat
— Rachel Burry @
We have very immediate plans for Cass. Not indefinite, like years away plans, (1/2) @Ssnyder1835 #BatmanChat https://t.co/xS5gLWexMo
— DC (@DCComics) May 1, 2015
.@rachelburry … but like very soon plans. Stay tuned (2/2) @Ssnyder1835 #BatmanChat
— DC (@DCComics) May 1, 2015
While some were still fangirling over that, others wondered if they would see any more of Harper Row, Snyder’s own creation and new Bat Family member, Bluebird. Specifically, would readers ever get to see how exactly she became Bluebird? Well…
About Harper. She was there since 2011, but when are you finally gonna give us her origin story?! Especially her mother!! #BatmanChat
— Yasmin (@HarpoRow) May 1, 2015
You would see it in season 2 of eternal… (1/2) @Ssnyder1835 #BatmanChat https://t.co/lwO3weTYH8
— DC (@DCComics) May 1, 2015
.@BluebirdsWriter … that is, I mean – cough cough- if we do one – #notannouncedyet (2/2) @Ssnyder1835 #BatmanChat
— DC (@DCComics) May 1, 2015
A second season of Batman Eternal sounds fantastic, but frankly, as long readers get to see more of Harper in some capacity, it should be fine. Then, of course, came the barrage of questions about the immediate Bat Family members and if their reactions would be addressed, but not just regarding what happens to Bruce. During the final battle for Gotham, Dick Grayson makes a surprise appearance in perhaps the coolest way possible, but the only problem with that is that to everyone but Batman, he’s supposed to be dead. What’s up with that?
https://twitter.com/joedock/status/594199524064698368
They weren't told. Some may suspect, but you'll have to read GRAYSON to see! @Ssnyder1835 #BatmanChat https://t.co/bzSK6e8vYq
— DC (@DCComics) May 1, 2015
Readers aren’t entirely sure how (or even if) Dick plans on covering his tracks here, but we doubt wiggling his arms and yelling, “WOOOOHHH I’M A GHOOOOST!” is going cut it. Also, it’s pretty safe to assume that the other Bat Family members would notice if one of their most beloved comrades suddenly appeared ten feet away from them in a Batsuit.
Part 4: Everybody Loves Alfred
As the Butler of Wayne Manor (who just happens to be a former British Special Forces Operative, Army Medic, Tech Operator, Philosophical Guru, and occasional Enabler of Disobedient Wards), Alfred Pennyworth has become one of the most beloved characters of the Batman Mythos, never failing to lighten Batman’s grim determination with witty remarks and always ready to lend a hand behind the scenes in the Batcave. He’s the heart of the Bat Family, the nougaty center holding them all together. So when Joker grievously injured him during his assault on the Batcave, a great number of fans voiced their concern for his fate post-Endgame. Snyder and Capullo responded as any compassionate human being would in that situation—trolling. Lots and lots of trolling.
Will Alfred now need a butler after Batman #40? @ssnyder1835 @gregcapullo #Batmanchat
— Super Podcasto (@SuperPodcasto) May 1, 2015
No, he'll be fine. And he saves money on gloves! @Ssnyder1835 #BatmanChat https://t.co/HdtjknQgSO
— DC (@DCComics) May 1, 2015
And they were more than open to audience suggestions.
Will alfred be a pirate now? #batmanchat pic.twitter.com/j5iDVBL2aP
— Braeden (@braedenlang) May 1, 2015
captain pennyworth does have a ring to it. @Ssnyder1835 #BatmanChat https://t.co/PjGzgrwLdx
— DC (@DCComics) May 1, 2015
But perhaps the best of the gag tweets was the one that plunged nearly the whole Q&A into chaos. A joke so simple, so bizarre, so obviously deadpan, that it almost had everyone fooled. Almost.
@Ssnyder1835 @GregCapullo @DCComics So did Grayson also die from Joker's gas after the unmasking in 40! #BatmanChat
— Grandpa Batman (@Grandpa_Batman) May 1, 2015
Yes. Alfred is the new Nightwing. @Ssnyder1835 #BatmanChat https://t.co/xg6TUsz8Bn
— DC (@DCComics) May 1, 2015
Despite the idea sounding unquestionably awesome, most people figured out that it was a joke (except apparently everyone who commented on that tweet). But that didn’t stop one brave soul from giving us this glorious image.
Here you go, @Ssnyder1835 – your vision made reality by @Arkham_Chris. #AlfredWing pic.twitter.com/i6vLVOHlgb
— Lady B Wash your hands and gargle
Part 5: Oh Dear God, How Long Was Everyone on Twitter?
All in all, we’d say #BatmanChat was an enlightening experience. Readers learned intriguing new developments about the future of Snyder and Capullo’s Batman, got some hints at possible awesomeness to come, watched Alfred become an internet celebrity, and caught a brief glimpse into the dark, twisted minds tasked with writing DC’s number one series. Snyder and Capullo will return with Batman #41 on the heels of Convergence in June to begin the new story arc, “Superheavy.” In the meantime, be sure to tweet your thoughts on the new creative direction using the totally not misleading #AlfredIsTheNewNightwing. Until then, let’s part with this.
https://twitter.com/justjenn/status/594208095221329921