Another three weeks, another three episodes of Batman: Wayne Family Adventures, that means another Webtoon review from Steph and Ian! The two friends were so excited to talk about this next batch of episodes. Let’s find out why.
Steph: Ian! No time intro. You ready to talk about Cassandra Cain (Orphan) and Damian Wayne (Robin)? Last we left, they were in a real pickle in episode #91 “What I Want (Part 2)”!
Ian: I am so ready! What do you think about the way our Wayne Family Adventures team resolved the intense situation that Cass and Damian found themselves in?
Steph: Well, honestly, it was a little predictable. But, I don’t think the point was getting out of Mad Hatter’s (Jervis Tetch) trap as much as it was about seeing how important the Bat-Family has become to Cass. Though, I will say, that was an intense, beautiful image of Orphan at the start, with Damian’s desperate plea for her to wake up.
Ian: Indeed. The Power of Love TM may be predictable and cheesy, but darn it, we love cheesy warm fuzzies when reading Wayne Family Adventures, don’t we?
Steph: For sure. If I wanted Death and Sadness TM I’d read Frank Miller. I noticed they didn’t give David Cain a title card. Do you think that was intentional? Like, he’s such a doody-head dad he doesn’t deserve one?
Ian: My guess is that he showed up in Cass’ first backstory episodes. Let me quick-check! Hmm, in Episode 33 – “All Seeing (part 2),” they mention Cass’ father, but don’t introduce him either. Interesting omission!
They’ve SHOWN Cluemaster as well, but not introduced him, so maybe that is a trend!
Steph: I thought so. I thought maybe because he was a villian, but other villains have gotten title cards. Maybe bad dads haven’t earned them?
Ian: Perhaps! Also David Cain and Cluemaster aren’t exactly A or B list material!
Steph: It did also seem like Starbite re-used some images from past episodes, but I think that’s fine. Instead of referring to activities with family we haven’t seen, they are all things we already have an emotional connection with.
Ian: Of course. It also makes those images have more weight, I think, because it’s not just a one-off thing made up, but actually has a story you can go back and read!
Steph: For sure. The one thing I loved most about this was that Cass was proud of herself for how far she’s come. It’s important for people, and I think women in particular, to see that it’s okay to pat yourself on the back for your successes.
Ian: Absolutely! A sense of pride in hard-won accomplishments is very much important! And Cass generally has such an inferiority complex and low self-worth that it’s very nice seeing her make this big step!
Steph: So next is episode #92 “Newsflash,” which, you know….
Ian: Moar Kent Family Adventures!
Steph: …That too.
IT’S THE FIRST TIME WE SEE THE SUPER-SONS TOGETHER!!!
Ian: As you know, I’m more here for Lois Lane. She’s one of my faves!
Steph: But this was not labeled as KFA
Ian: (it should have been)
Steph: But yes, it was lovely seeing Clark and Lois in this Damian/Jon story.
I lol’d out loud at the “phone booth” gag. Every line of that I stopped to laugh not expecting more delightfulness.
Ian: Now I want Lois to come to Gotham and hang out with Vicki Vale and Deb Donovan!
And Selina, of course!
Steph: DOUBLE DATE!!
Ian: More double dates!
Steph: jinx!
Ian: 🥤
Steph: What did you think of the overall social message? I thought it was done a lot better than…other writers have done lately.
Ian: Haha, I thought it was a reasonable take on the importance of journalism today. I liked that it wasn’t a simple feel-good solution
Steph: Yeah! Lois brought up so many good points, and it was great seeing that the boys were thinking about it. Money can’t cure everything, but bringing issues to the attention of people with money and power is a good step, IMO.
Ian: That is very true!
Steph: Next is episode #93 “Alarm Bells.” I’m a little bummed that we never find out what had Bruce so enthralled.
Ian: I thought it was hilarious to see the Bat-Family working together against Bruce for his own good again!
Steph: I was about to say that! I love these kinds of episodes. The kids get together and try to solve a problem each in their own individual ways, and as a team. It shows off their personality while also building comradery.
Ian: Like when he was confined to the house or in the snowball fight!
Steph: I liked that he was acknowledging their efforts, but still not being lulled out by them.
Ian: Did you think that Dick Grayson’s solution rang true?
Steph: I’m not sure. I didn’t quite understand it. So…the only reason Damian doesn’t go off on his own is that he’ll get caught?
Ian: I believe that is the implication!
Steph: Reminds me of the first Batman and Robin DCAU.
Ian: Or perhaps there is a situation like in Batman Inc. Vol 2 where he has a price on his head, so Bruce has confined him to the cave for a specific period of time.
Steph: I do wonder if he lied though. Because unless Alfred Pennyworth’s cookies are better than escaping, I don’t know if Damian would choose to eat cookies instead. But maybe he did. I mean, Alfred is pretty cool.
Ian: Alfred’s cookies are DEFINITELY better than escaping!
Steph: Oh man…I just made myself sad thinking about the current Damian/Alfred status quo in comics.
Never mind, having cookies with Alfred is better than escaping.
Ian: YES!
Steph: One thing I loved about this episode is that, other than some off-character writers, Batman doesn’t really use swears… and he definitely said &@*@#*$ when he thought Damian had escaped.
Ian: He was concerned!
The Flamingo is out there!
Steph: The Flamingo?
Ian: The assassin who was after Damian in Batman Inc. vol 2
He eats people and is very bad.
Steph: ew…yes, very bad.
Well, that’s all I’ve got for this batch. Any last thoughts?
Ian: I think this was quite a nicely varied little batch of episodes – from the drama and hugs of Cass and Damian, to the inspiration of Lois Lane, to the humor of Bruce vs. his kids – all great!
Steph: All super great! Well, I’ll see you next time Ian!
Ian: Bye!
Editor’s Note: We thank Webtoon for providing TBU with access to episodes of Wayne Family Adventures for review purposes. You can find this comic and help support TBU in the process by purchasing Volume 1 on Amazon or through Things From Another World when it releases on August 8, 2023.
