No Love For BATMAN CONFIDENTIAL

[Tony Bedard]

So my second issue of BATMAN CONFIDENTIAL with Rags Morales came out yesterday, and I'm looking for some reviews and...nothing.

Crickets chirping.

Dang! How am I expected to do my job without internet feedback to steer my story choices? Do I have to come up with this stuff myself?!

Seriously, it would be nice to know if somebody's enjoying this thing, since Rags and Mark Farmer did an outstanding job, and I'm pretty darn pleased with the results.

It would even be nice to know if someone didn't like it.

Just not crickets chirping.

[Captain Jim]

Tony, I can appreciate your wanting comments on your own forum, but don't forget to check the Batman board as well. :)

http://forums.comicbookresources.com/showthread.php?t=210581

http://forums.comicbookresources.com/showthread.php?t=213403

[jgiannantoni05]

I started an account here just now, so I could praise your story here so far.

I and many on the DC Message boards and Newsarama boards are loving this story so far. So the love is there.

This is my favorite story of yours so far. I liked your Hourman/Bane story as well, but I have some strong negative feelings about the direction Bane has taken since Knightfall. I don't think he is used to his potential, to say the least, so that colored some of my opinion of that story.

The martial arts "fest" b/w Batman and Wrath was a real treat. Something we don't see in Batman comics enough is Batman busting out some of the 127 martial arts that he knows. Very cool and very smart way to establish Wrath as a real credible threat.

You really capture the slight tension b/w Nightwing and Batman well. You really know these characters well it seems.

I love your attention to continuity overall, you pay attention to the little details and cover all the bases. And I like how you're really using a lot of elements from Batman Special #1. Barr I think would or should be proud.

I'm not generally a fan of working in movie events into the comics (I've criticized the previous Batman Confid arcs for doing so), but your work in of Gordon into the 26th (from Batman Begins) works perfect for me because Gordon was already in Gotham now anyway at the time (to kill Wrath's parents), so why not have him console Bruce.


Question: Do you happen to know if Batman Special #1 will be reprinted in the upcoming trade with this arc? If you don't know, I would like to say that I endorse the idea. I hope you do as well.
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[Tony Bedard]

I don't know what, if any, plans DC has for collecting this, but including the original story would be a great idea and would give the four issues added heft for a good-length tpb. I'll mention this to the powers that be at DC.

[Scott Mateo]

I posted this over at the ComicBloc:

I just read #13 and #14 right after reading BATMAN SPECIAL #1 for the first time - and yeah, it totally picked up where Mike and Michael left off without missing a beat! Tony totally out does himself on the script, and Rags' pencils take on a darker style - dunno if it's Mark's inks, but the art almost looks like Michael Golden's, with Rags signature facial expressions You can tell alot of time and effort went into art, especially the flashback scenes - great job, Rags - your Wrath is just downright scary!

Also, for me, over the years the BATMAN SPECIAL #1 has been hard to find, or reasonably priced - so including it in the trade would be a treat for fans who either can't find it, or afford it.

Also, if you really need feedback, drive over the bridge to the St. Pete Alehouse (or stop by on the way back from emerald City) and ask the bartender to point out that "Scott Mateo guy". I'll be more than happy to buy ya a couple pints. :)

[Cam63]

You need to start bribing reviewers with beer.

...and good luck, Bed'. :)

[Pixie_Solanas]

I'm lovin' it, personally. Good storyline, great pacing, art is on point.

[Alexx1]

http://www.newsarama.com/dcnew/March08/previews/26th.html

Previews for Batman Confidential #15 have been posted on newsarama. There's been positive love for this book/story but it's also a little surpising to read on the boards not that many are even aware this stories out there. I'm glad DC included this preview. It can't be said enough, but this really is one of the best written and illustrated Batman Stories out there right now.

http://i.newsarama.com/dcnew/March08/2/bmcon_cv15_solicit.jpg

Wrath discussion on newsarama:
http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?t=133758

[jgiannantoni05]

Tony, great work on issue #15. Another homerun.

I love how you tied Gordon, Loeb, the corrupt GCPD, and the orginal Wrath together. Great use of continuity.

Very cool how you had Wrath's version of his predecessors' parents deaths differ from what is actually shown in the flashback.

I was at my LCS at like 2:30, and got the last copy, so people must be liking this.
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[Pixie_Solanas]

Another solid effort. Looking forward to the wrap up next ish.

[Alexx1]

You and Rags keeping putting out steller issues. The story telling and art throughout thus far has been so fluid and engaging. 15, was INTENSE. The WRATHMOBILE was PIMPED OUT! 16, looks like it's going to be FREAKING FANTASTIC GOOD! Tony, you're an awesome writer. This is the best the Batman Confidential series has been. This is one of the better Batman stories out there, past and present. You've definitely risen the bar for good story telling.

Can't wait for your BoP run. That TIHS is just going to be AWESOME! I already know it.

[Scott Mateo]

It's the little bits, like when Batman calls Nightwing, "Robin", and working with continuity (i.e. Gordon going to Chicago, etc.) that truly make you stand out as one of the greatest writers in the bizz!

[Lairston]

I received the first three parts today and they were awesome. It was Batman like he's supposed to be. Confident. Plus the added touch of him being drawn right too. Tall and Slender like Neal Adams and Jim Aparo's. Plus my favorite costume with the yellow oval!

You and Rags should be on Batman.

[Chuck Dixon]

Yeah. Yeah. It was great.Now get back to work!

[Tony Bedard]

As Reed Richards said in SECRET WAR, "I am honored to be acknowledged by Galactus."

[The Amazing Lord Retail]

Hi Tony-

Your work on Batman Confidential has been very solid and as a retailer I thought I should say something. I have a shop in Greensboro, NC and have been funneling people straight to your arc. I mention The Wrath and some people perk right up and go for it, others I need to mention Rags, and others I just need to say that something good is happening with Batman in it. I feel that its the best installment of Confidential so far actually. We've been a supporter of yours since Crossgen and you've been a solid writer at both Marvel and now DC. But to be frank, I've also felt like you haven't been allowed to really show what you can do as far as coming to a series and blowing the doors off. Batman Confidential is just showing the tip of the iceberg on what Tony Bedard is capable of, in my opinion. Looking forward to seeing much more!

[Rags Morales]

Yeah. Yeah. It was great.Now get back to work!

Look here, Chuck.

Tony is a beautiful spirit. I'm not. I'm CerRRRAAZY. Jump his sh@#$% again, and I'll break you like so, hwith my kneeeeeee!

[Shadow ES]

I didn't like the first arc at all, and quit reading after 2 issues.

The Joker arc was about a million times better.

I was waiting to hear how this one was going before I committed $ to it.

This thread convinced me to get on board with it this week.

[Chuck Dixon]

Rags, I hope I get to write for you some day and inspire the kind of loyalty you feel for Tony. There are some people I'd like broken.
BTW, Mr Bedard deserves every bit of your pitbull-like devotion. He's a rock-solid comics writer, a real showman, a caring craftsman and all-around sweetheart.

[Rags Morales]

Rags, I hope I get to write for you some day and inspire the kind of loyalty you feel for Tony. There are some people I'd like broken.
BTW, Mr Bedard deserves every bit of your pitbull-like devotion. He's a rock-solid comics writer, a real showman, a caring craftsman and all-around sweetheart.

Right backatcha pal...loved your work on Nightwing, especially Year One.

As for Tony, I owe him some money, so since I'm cheap, I threaten people for him.

Buys time...the only thing I can afford!

[Alexx1]

With this being only a four-story arc and the subpar sales performance of the prior two Batman Confidential's, I'm sure some are waiting for this one to be collected in trade. At least that's what I've seen others say around the different boards. It would be nice if they also include the Batman Special. That would really encourage folks to pick up the trade. Then they will see the AWESOMENESS of Tony and Rags.

[Tony Bedard]

What? Rags owes me money?! PAY UP, bizahtch!

And Lord Retail, I can't thank you enough for pimpin' my stuff! (that is, if "pimpin'" isn't too offensive a term).

I am still trying to get a chance to really rock a book at DC. Might be in the works, though, with BIRDS OF PREY and a new series in the works...

[batmud]

Just finished #16, great work! I loved the story all the way through. Plenty of laughs in there with all the "bad-assed-ness" I could want.

[Rags Morales]

What? Rags owes me money?! PAY UP, bizahtch!


Sorry Tizzle. No dizzle in the bizzle.

[Alexx1]

All good things must come to an end but somehow I don't think this is the last of the Wrath. Tony, you've definitely laid a believable groundwork Wrath could be a pain in Batman and Nightwings butt in the forceable future. I hope other writer's will pick up and run with it. amazing ground work you've laid. This was an awesome ride. I also hope you and Rags will get to work on another project in the future. You two really meshed well together. And it's rare as a reader you feel the writing and art are a perfect pair as was the the case for "Wrath Child".

Best Wishes to you on BoP and Best Wishes to Rags on Nightwing!

[rodneyrodis]

I loved the story arc. I also loved the Valiant Comics easter egg you slipped in.

[jerrymcl89]

I got on board this story late, but I did like it. Got to appreciate the unironic use of disco Nightwing, who in present continuity is dressing that way in approximately 2002 :)

[Tony Bedard]

Maybe it's cuz I have no sense of fashion whatsoever, but I adore all the "disco" costumes out there. The disco Legion, Iron Fist in the giant collar and slippers, puffy-sleeved Power Man, Mon-El and Firestorm. Jesus Christ, I love puffy sleeves!! And, of course, the Disco Dazzler in her roller skates! That, my friends, is comics!

[Alexx1]

Tony, after such terrific work on BC it would be awesome if you and Rags could tag-team on a Birds of Prey Annual!

[Tony Bedard]

I have a feeling Rags has his hands full on NIGHTWING, and he should get all the love possible for the killer work he's doing there.

But if Pete Tomasi wants to wrestle me for a shot at having Rags do a BoP Annual, I will immediately go into training.

If you've ever seen Pete, you'd know it's a mismatch, like Rocky vs Drago, but still...

[apoehler]

As a big fan of "The Player On the Other Side" I really enjoyed the sequel, and though I thought the ending felt a little rushed I was glad it left open the opportunity to use Wrath 2 in the future--perhaps as a Nightwing foe.

[Scott Mateo]

Hasn't there been a breakout at Blackgate in some DCU or Batman event? Could the Wrath be at large as we speak? Love to see him in BoP...

[Alexx1]

I have a feeling Rags has his hands full on NIGHTWING, and he should get all the love possible for the killer work he's doing there.

But if Pete Tomasi wants to wrestle me for a shot at having Rags do a BoP Annual, I will immediately go into training.

If you've ever seen Pete, you'd know it's a mismatch, like Rocky vs Drago, but still...

Rags is definitely killing that joint on Nightwing. Only speaking for myself of course, but I sure as hell wouldn't mind one more Nightwing fill-in in the future if it meant Rags on a BoP Annual. That right there would be WOW and some BEAUTIFUL work!

BIRDS fans might have to chip in to cover your training expenses!

[Pixie_Solanas]

Maybe it's cuz I have no sense of fashion whatsoever, but I adore all the "disco" costumes out there. The disco Legion, Iron Fist in the giant collar and slippers, puffy-sleeved Power Man, Mon-El and Firestorm. Jesus Christ, I love puffy sleeves!! And, of course, the Disco Dazzler in her roller skates! That, my friends, is comics!

Brother, I have yet to read more pleasing words on this forum.

[frank123]

DC released the first two story arcs in tpb format(hardcover first). Does anyone know if they will do the same with with this one. Please say yes.:biggrin:

[Captain Jim]

I'd say it's a pretty good guess that they will.

[frank123]

Ok, thanks. I asked because DC released the TPB hardcovers 1-2 months right after each of those two storylines ended and I haven't seen anything in the previews. Of course it doesn't mean they won't release it in TPB. I'll keep watch.

[The Amazing Lord Retail]

What? Rags owes me money?! PAY UP, bizahtch!

And Lord Retail, I can't thank you enough for pimpin' my stuff! (that is, if "pimpin'" isn't too offensive a term).

I am still trying to get a chance to really rock a book at DC. Might be in the works, though, with BIRDS OF PREY and a new series in the works...

I really feel like you're going to be a break out name at some point soon as far as the DCU. I've known of you since your Crossgen work and some of your Marvel work (Exiles World Tour was the most exciting thing since that series started). Hopefully you can think of a Birds epic, something you would like to see that hasn't occurred for the book since its started and you will be allowed to do it no-holds-barred. Do you have such a story that you're sitting on for the right time, perhaps?

[WOLVERINE25TH]

You know, I'm pretty sure I responded to this thread saying "Tony has yet to do a comic I haven't liked." Dunno what happened to that post, but there it is again. Let's see if it sicks this time.

[saintsaucey]

Wow tony was writing Batman confidential. I didn't know. I didn't pay attention to it because they canceled LOTDK and started another non continuitey batman title. plus my wallet was hurting the way it was. I'm glad your book is doing well tony. you are indeed a solid writer. I loved your fill in on Legion of Super-heroes, Shooter has nothing on you man. U should be writing something like JLA or something. maybe you could do what quesada did for marvel and demand like four titles to write to improve there sales.

[K26dp]

Nice work from Tony and Rags. My first Batman: Confidential pick-up.

[md62]

Great story arc. My LCS recommended it to me knowing I am a long time reader & might remember the first Wrath story (which I did!). This was my first Batman Confidential arc & I will be sticking around for the Batgirl story. I also will be looking for more stuff written by Tony Bedard. I loved his Black Canary series. And Rags I am loving your work over on Nightwing with Peter Tomasi.

[Tony Bedard]

Rags and Pete are both terrific, and I wish them all the success on NIGHTWING they could hope for. That book deserves its return to greatness.