#cass stuff

Jason: I’m a knife

The problem with being able to perfectly read other people's emotions in their subconscious body language is that not only do you know if they're lying to you, but also if they're still afraid of you. Batman might not even be aware that he's wary of Cass, but it's showing in his body language, and that's what Cass sees.

In this scene, Cass is hiding from Batman. I don't fully understand the context but here we dig into some of her internal guilt. It's interesting that Cass identifies Batman, and probably on a broader level, the Batman Symbol, as justice. She thinks she deserves some kind of punishment for what she's done.

It's always really funny how small the artists draw Cass. Like, she's supposed to be 5'4", she'd be about chin-to-ear height to Bruce. It just makes it even more fun when Batman admits he is well aware his tiny daughter can kick his ass.

I don't think this comic lets Cass really shine like she should in some fights, (she doesn't really beat Shiva, for example). However, there are moments like this where she's treated as absolutely the best fighter on the team and I appreciate it. Batwoman calls her the, "Star quarterback." LIke, yeah, Cass is a jock. What about it?

I like how Batman immediately changes the topic from the idea of his, once again, itty-bitty daughter kicking his ass. Also amused by Batman and Bat Woman talking about taking Cass out to a ballet, like they're slightly estranged parents trying to connect to their weird daughter. Also, I don't think.... Bruce would know that Cass is interested in ballet at this point? The comic has treated it as something she secretly does. Although, is it any surprise that Batman would know that Cass is secretly hanging around a ballet company?

Here we're introduced to this version of Shiva. Besides an improved design, there's not much I like about her besides what was introduced in Cass' original comic.

I think what I really liked about the OG Shiva is that there was something, at least initially before character assassination crept-in, compassionate about her. She didn't fully know that Cass was her daughter, and yet taught this kid how to read body language again, agreed to the death match in a year, gave Cass a good fight, and freed her of her death wish. There's a lot more build-up too.

Just wanted to record Shiva beating-up Batman.

Dad Bat Hug, really hits after learning your biological mother is a psychopath.

I've also really enjoyed Cass' relationship with Clayface. It really shows that Cass will give a chance to people that no one else would even consider. Given her empathy through body-language, I think Cass might be, technically, one of the nicest bat kids to the rogues. The only problem is that breaking your arm is Cass being nice.

If there is one thing that the original arc lacked was Bruce being Dad Bat. Hearing him weigh-in, try to comfort her, and give advice, is very nice.

Cass' adopted dad had to be Batman cause no other man could survive. Also, "I believe in X," is a long-standing Batman phrase, "I believe in Harvey Dent," "I believe in Batman," "I believe in Cassandra..." Cass' adopted dad had to be Batman cause no other man could survive. Also, "I believe in X," is a long-standing Batman phrase, "I believe in Harvey Dent," "I believe in Batman," "I believe in Cassandra..."

Shiva is a great example of how Cass chose to be something other than her parents. I consider her a genetic specimen, the peak of human ability, perfectly trained, with an unusual gift... and she chose to be her own person. She chose not to kill when that was all she was born to do.

OG Shiva wanted to fight Cass because she had a death wish. She wanted to die, she wanted that perfect fight, she was waiting for it. Ironically, she could free Cass, but not herself. I kinda miss that in this version of her.

Cass beating-up the entire League of Assassins to save her dad. She's feral your honor.

If I could summarize this fight it's between what Cass was made to be and what she chose to be, and Batman represents what she chose. In a way, that bat symbol is what freed Cass (which means it really sucks that this run doesn't let her wear it lol).

Saving Dad Bat. I appreciate Batman emphasizing Cass's choices, because he knows she'll chose right.

This is a really well-choreographed sequence and the art slaps. I love Cass getting to beat-up Shiva and prove that her style, her way, works. Cass is the best martial artist in the world and her pacifism does not hinder her.

Context: Ra's shot Shiva, like an asshole. Also Ra's can't beat Shiva, so Cass did it for him. Ergo, Cass is better than Ra's. I also love that 4th panel with angry father-daughter glaring.