#strayswolf post

Jason slowly falling into a flashback gave this issue so much life and a greater purpose. They’re once again acknowledging harm Jason suffered at the hands of the Joker, and how he continues to deal with the mental scars left behind, an aspect that isn’t addressed enough in comics and is so appreciated here.

Also, the artistic decision to have Dick’s word bubble, “He’s taken too much from this family. We can’t let him take any more.” inlaid over introspective Jason was perfection.

When Duke is overwhelmed, he flashes to Bruce—kind, parental Bruce, not Batman—to help him calm down and reorganize his thoughts to get himself back in the game and find a way out of a bad situation. (Also, Duke really just wants his dad. 🥺)

Can we please just admire this moment of bonding by the two most physically impacted victims of the Joker in the Batfamily? The way Jason is covering his face while Barbara lays a comforting hand on his arm and then the way in the next panel they embrace hands! I can’t even.

Also, the way Jason acknowledges and accepts there’s no shame in what he’s feeling and experiencing. He’s grown so much. 🥺

I can’t tell if Dick is trying to lighten the mood by talking about his “handsomeness” or if he’s just being Dick. Honestly, it’s both. That realization alone is why I love his character and this portrayal because it’s so wonderful and light hearted while being caring—he’s asking after his brother’s well being while also being a giant dork.

A moment of levity that showcased how well Dick knows his brother Jason based solely on the fact that a bad guy is getting tossed out of a known villain bar.

I applaud moments in comics that speak to relationships and this one did it while making me chuckle. Also, Dick’s grin over the moment is so win.

Batman: Wayne Family Adventures, Season 3, Ep. 120, Break Myself to Pieces

Bonus:

Just admiring big brother Dick coming to the rescue.

The writing for Dick in the issue is so spot on between him being emotionally aware, respectful of boundaries when needed (seen in the issue when Dick offers to go fight with Jason instead of ordering him to stop, asking for permission to touch him), and overall helping Jason through this traumatic moment.

Dick came to help Jason as a brother, and not a vigilante superhero. It speaks to his character, and that’s what I really love.

Bruce going full-on Batdad to his kids. ❤️

Bruce actually used his words here which is an accomplishment for him, even if done a bit explosively which is still in line with his character.

Also, Damian’s devastated face here because he’s both scared for his father facing the Joker alone and also seems at a bit of a loss over his father’s display. Then there’s Cass’ hand here, so gentle, stalling Damian’s rebuttal and the emotion breaking through behind her eyes in the last panel is so strong.

Can we please just appreciate the parallels here between the Robin!Jason panels and Red Hood!Jason panels? They’re so raw and powerful.

The truthful internal dialogue Jason is having verse what’s he’s actually saying is a rich scene acknowledging the struggle Jason has with being honest about his emotions and feelings and how he covers up his emotions but being brusque and abrasive.

Also, that second panel having the predominant statement “before he gets me” with the young, hurt Robin!Jason instead of Red Hood is so strong as it speaks honestly about where Jason’s head is in this moment—stuck in the past when Joker had him. He does not want to physically go back there and experience that again, but he is mentally despite everything.