Batman needs a break. But with new vigilante Duke Thomas moving into Wayne Manor and an endless supply of adopted, fostered, and biological superhero children to manage, Bruce Wayne is going to have his hands full. Being a father can't be harder than being Batman, right?
CRC Payne is a freelance writer from Seattle, WA. Batman: Wayne Family Adventures is her first webcomic series. She spends most of her free time writing, reading, and drinking way too much tea.
Winter, spring, summer, or fall / All you got to do is call / And I'll be there, yeah, yeah, yeah (You've Got a Friend – James Taylor).
I wouldn’t be surprised if people considered me to be the most insufferable kind of Batman fan after this review, because the truth of the matter is that the only Batman story I can stand is either the super lighthearted and slice-of-life stuff as found in this web comic or the ultra-depressing character studies. And when I say depressing, I don’t mean edgy stories that have The Joker acquiring god-like powers and spending an eternity torturing Batman until he gets bored or Batman having his secret identity revealed so he decides to go out with a bang by sacrificing his life to save Gotham one last time, because these story lines don’t actually put Bruce Wayne under any real examination as a person. I've always found that the more impactful story threads are the more intimate looks into what makes the man tick. For example, the original Bane introduction is a good one because him taking Batman out of commission forces The Dark Knight to use rely on his other abilities (like being a detective) rather than his punching his way through every obstacle, but my favorite way for Batman to end his career as Batman is in the first episode of Batman: Beyond, where an aging Bruce Wayne his forced to threaten a common criminal with a gun in order to save a hostage. Which is, as you know, him breaking his one rule by using the very weapon that was used to kill his parents! That’s rough, buddy. But that’s where I believe the best kind of Batman stories are found, not the action heavy scenes, but the contemplative ones that let us see underneath the mask. I mean, I would have loved to add “detective stories” on to the list of my favorite Batman genres, but I have yet to find a Batman comic that actually adheres to the conventions of a mystery. Let's be real, he usually just pulls out some dumb gadget that’ll zoomify or rectify or otherwise just straight up solve-ify the case for him so he can spend more time punching and kicking bad guys. Remember that scene in The Dark Knight where he’s able to locate The Joker based on using laser analysis on a brick that one of the clown's henchman shot through (my memory is a little hazy, I’ll admit)? Come on now, that’s not a mystery novel! That’s not how “The World’s Greatest Detective” should be going around solving cases, it's just hella weak. This is an interesting character! So, it's disappointing that people just want to watch this guy punch and kick. Look! There goes an invincible Batfleck killing bad guys without a care in the world because his investigative skills are so elementary that we’re only reminded of them every time he’s conversing with Ra's al Ghul.
Anyway, Wayne Family Adventures is wa~ay on the other side of the pendulum swing in terms of Batman stories that I like, in that there’s no drama, no action, and no evil doers to ruin everybody’s day. Nope, this comic focuses entirely on the character dynamics between Batman and his kids… and I mean all of his kids! Seriously, I'd list them all out right now, but you’d think this dude was Nick Cannon the way there’s, like, twenty kids popping in and out of frame with nary a passing glance. Christmas must be a nightmare for this guy! And that’s actually one of the things I really liked about Wayne Family Adventures; the way it was centered strictly on family like some kind of Fast and Furious movie. And just as an aside, this comic shines light on day-to-day issues for Batman's vigilante family that would never be included in the mainline comic runs. In that regard, my favorite short from this volume was when all the batkids were trying to get out of fighting Condiment King because while he's not particularly dangerous, his ketchup and mustard based attacks make for a messy fight that would ruin anybody's crime-fighting superhero costume! And this point highlights the thing that frustrates me the most about comic books; that even though a run will be named after a character, the story line won't actually focus on character development for the protagonist. I had this issue with the new Wiccan: Witches Road run because even though it looks like it’d center on Billy and his relationship with his husband, the entire thing falls off the rails almost immediately when the writer thought it’d be important to just keep introducing more and more characters that don’t add anything of interest to Billy’s own arc. The comic would say, “here’s Baba Yaga! Surprised!?” and it's like, yeah we’re surprised, but only because there was no narrative reason for us to have expected a turn like this in the first place! It’s like how in season eight of Game of Thrones (spoilers), in their omnipresent genius, show runners D&D figured that Arya Stark should be the one to off the Night King, the ultimate bad guy and harbinger of the end of the world, because in their words, “it would be too obvious” if Jon Snow was the one to take him out. You know, only the hero of the show who rose up like the second coming of Christ and the only character who had interacted with the Night King prior to his defeat! It’s not "obvious writing" if the main hero defeats the villain, especially if it is heavily foreshadowed beforehand!!! It's called “competent and good writing,” you clowns! Anyway, what I’m trying to say here is that comic books always annoy me because it’s actually very hard to find a good character study without some dumb “comic-booky” thing happening within the story to detract from the good stuff, and that’s why I appreciate Wayne Family Adventures hard stance against action of any kind.
Nah man, the only fight scenes to be seen within the pages of this web comic are the batkids literally fighting over who gets the last of Alfred’s cookies or Tim Drake and Damian Wayne having an escalating prank war at Wayne Manor (with many causalities). And you know what? Good for the writers and artists of this comic! Because even though I’m definitely not familiar with all of the characters that show up throughout the story (apparently Batgirl and Batwoman are different people), I found each and every one of them compelling due to the fact that they were given the chance to be so! No hack multiverse shenanigans or world-ending plots to get in the way of just some good old fashion character writing. Who's their biggest supervillain? Who cares, this comic is about how they interact while they're off the clock! And I know I’m the outlier in this wanting to see these badass characters doing normal stuff like trying to make friends in school or going on first dates or adopting pets, but that’s always where the most interesting narrative choices can be explored, in my opinion. I've always found it particularly frustrating to read stories in this expansive medium because it feels like every writer just wants to see how quickly they can get their favorite superheroes to fight each other, and it’s like, why do these guys always resort to throwing hands!? Don’t get me wrong, seeing Iron Man and Starlord duke it out in Avengers: Infinity War was hype as hell, but this aggressive alpha male shit doesn’t fit with every character. It didn't even work with Batman and Superman in that terrible Dawn of Justice movie! Sorry, but this writing style just reminds me think of how Once Upon A Time in Hollywood was almost completely ruined when Quentin Tarantino wrote in his self-insert OC played by notoriously bad dude, Brad Pitt, being able to beat Bruce Lee in a fight. Bruce Lee!? Be. For. Real. And Tarantino’s defense of this blatantly wrong scene is that his character was made up for the film, so he can technically be as strong as he needs to be. Sure, that’s sound logic or whatever, but let me tell you right now that whether it's real life or fantasy, Bruce Lee would have one-inch punched Brad Pitt right in those fake ass dentures and sent him blasting off again like Team Rocket, and guess what? Then he would have put his foot right through that foot-loving foot-faced tool, Quentin Tarantino. See? You're not the only one who can write fan-fiction! Okay wait… I got off track again, what I was trying to get at is that even though heavy action comes as a packaged deal when you’re dealing with superheroes, I still really appreciate the lighter stories that feature characters who care about and enjoy each other’s company. Just nice people doing nice things to each other! And considering Batman stories are often so cloaked in darkness and self-serious drab, something like Wayne Family Adventures is a much needed change of pace.
“This is Pennyworth’s domain. He’ll decide if you have cooking privileges. Father has a lifetime ban.”
Wayne Family Adventures is a light-hearted, almost gag manga-esque take on the Batfamily. It knows what it is and doesn't shy away from just being completely off the rails goofy at times. Chock full of easter eggs, it's not a good representation of how the Batfamily are in the main continuity, but it's a fun read if you're after some wholesome Batfam content.
I'm always a sucker for Bat Family content. There's just something about found families that I find appealing. In this Webtoon collection of Bat Family stories, the focus is on character rather than story. Each story is only a few pages and highlights a relationship or an aspect of a character. Through these stories, the personalities of the characters really come out in these stories. However, the art style was not my favorite. The characters are well drawn, but the backgrounds are really basic. When I thumbed through the book for the first time, I was a little worried that I might not enjoy it just based on the art style, but in the end I was glad that I read it because it was a fun read.
Love seeing all my kids together. These comics are just delightful in contrast to how rough the actual comics can be. But at the same time have a different type of conflict that makes the characters feel more human.
When I was a kid in the 1970s, I really enjoyed DC Comics' Batman Family series. Admittedly, that had a lot to do with it being the only place to look at Batgirl on a regular basis, but I also liked being able to check in all the other Gotham City characters who helped or modeled themselves on Batman. This book does the same thing in a way, letting us hang with the Bat-Family, but now reimagined as the cast of a sitcom where they're a big happy foster family sharing Wayne Manor and engaging in all sorts of silly hijinks between their battles with villains.
Kinda cute, kinda stupid, kinda goofy, kinda fun.
FOR REFERENCE:
Contents: Episode 1: Moving In -- Episode 2: The Last Cookie -- Episode 3: Eyes and Ears -- Episode 4: Alert -- Episode 5: Arm Day -- Episode 6: Favoritism -- Episode 7: Vigilante Bingo -- Episode 8: Crush, Part One -- Episode 9: Crush, Part Two -- Episode 10: Crush, Part Three -- Episode 11: Not It -- Episode 12: Escalation -- Episode 13: Stupid Traditions -- Episode 14: Unaccompanied -- Episode 15: Family Ties, Part One -- Episode 16: Family Ties, Part Two -- Episode 17: Top Chef -- Episode 18: Mother and Son -- Episode 19: Bat-Cow's Day Out -- Episode 20: Daydreaming -- Episode 21: Holiday Spirit -- Episode 22: The Tournament -- Episode 23: Opening Up, Part One -- Episode 24: Opening Up, Part Two -- Episode 25: Front Seat -- Bat-Fam Character Designs by Maria Li -- Episode 2 "The Last Cookie" Process
I've gotten super into DC this past year (specifically into the batfam and SuperBat), so I was so excited to see something like this. I absolutely love the idea of a webtoon that is basically just a collection of the batfam being chaotic.
I had a good time with this and loved seeing these characters that I love so much. I only wish this could have had a bit more of a plot woven through. This was super episodic, with basically every chapter doing something different. This could also lean a bit more into the crime-fighting action!
I love this family so freaking much, and hope to see more projects like this in the future!
So delighted that these Webtoon comics got bundled! Now I can add them to my Goodreads. I started this series this year I think and we are currently at 90+ episodes! I am really loving this series and all the fun characterizations and bonds it brings. It gives a new vibe to Batman and all the vigilantes/family with him. I love that there is a dose of humour, but that there are also serious topics being discussed. Love it! Will put the date on today, no clue when I exactly started~
Honestly one of the best Batman comics out there! The art is so cute! And every story is a mix of humor, drama, heartfelt moments and amazing character studies. I'll be rereading this for sure.
I'll keep this review simple :3 ☆⋆。𖦹°‧★☆⋆。𖦹°‧★☆⋆。𖦹°‧★ - Binge worthy - Funny - Really really really sweet and light compared to the comics - Getting to read the bat family's dynamics just makes me so happy 🥹 - It adds a sense of normalcy to their life, and a normalcy that definitely needed to be explored further. ☆⋆。𖦹°‧★☆⋆。𖦹°‧★☆⋆。𖦹°‧★ Dick Grayson ིྀ and Jason Todd ིྀ are in there
It's the daily life of Bruce Wayne and his various "children" (Duke Thomas, Damian Wayne, Jason Todd, Tim Drake, Cassandra Cain, and others I'm forgetting).
My slice-of-life loving heart absolutely adored this. It was fluffy, sweet, and funny. I'm sure there are those who hate that an entire series is devoted to showing the softer side of Gotham's various vigilantes, but I personally loved it and wanted more.
Bruce was the "workaholic but wants to be better" dad. I haven't kept up with DC comics well enough to know most of the other characters, but we got a decent amount of context and information for everyone that I didn't feel lost.
So good. I wasn't expecting to love this as much as I did.
Extras:
Character designs by Maria Li, some "process" art, and a multi-page guide telling readers what to try next depending on their favorite Wayne family member and the kind of story they're in the mood for. There's also a brief excerpt from Vixen: NYC Volume 1.
If y’all want something light hearted and fun, read this comic. If you want great art and story, read this comic! If you want recs for other comics involving these heroes read the back of this comic 🤣
This was so much fun and I’m so glad I finally got to read more. I love these characters and their family. I want to know more about all of them. Alfred is still the best!
I loved the art so much too! Like brooo I think I’m a fan of all the robins now 🫣👀 (smash *cough cough* who said that). Even Bruce, ahhh he’s so wholesome in this!
Also what! Talia Al Ghul is Damian’s mother. So she and Batman hooked up? Bro I need to read some origin stories for these characters. I swear she was betrothed to green arrow ?
I’ve been reading the webtoon series for a while (almost since it started) so I read this before, but was so happy to find out it was being published!!!
This comic has some of my fave characterizations of my fave family. I love the details included like making sure Damian’s race wasn’t whitewashed, Harper being at the holiday dinner(!!), Dick’s love of superman and Jay’s of Wonder Woman, Babs’ being a librarian, Cass’ dance recital!! Just an absolute joy to read.
I hope new readers find this all over so they can experience the fun of the Batfam without having to read the entire backlog of comics.
OH MY GOSH WAIT THIS IS PUBLISHED??!? I'VE JUST BEEN READING THE WEBTOON OH MY GOSH brb i'm about to buy all five volumes. rip my bank account but i need this biblically
Jamás había leído un cómic "slice of life" de DC o de Marvel, tampoco es q sea algo muy popular en el género.Pero,que maravilla de historia.
El estilo de dibujo es increíble y las aventuras de la familia Wayne son graciosas,alegres y super entretenidas. Las interacciones familiares entre los diferentes miembros son definitivamente lo mejor de la historia.Si es cierto que en mucho capítulos me faltaba Jason Todd, espero que comience a salir un poco más.
La verdad es que hacia mucho tiempo que no leía un cómic tan rápido,algo que si me suele pasar con los mangas.Pero, empezé a leerlo y no podía parar.
Aunque si es verdad que me arrepiento de estar leyéndolo en WEBTOON por qué me hubiera encantado tenerlo en físico.Voy a empezar ya con los siguientes capítulos por qué he entrado en un círculo vicioso.
Are you a DC fan who needs a break from the constant angst and death and frustration and miscommunication that the comics offer?? Well this series gives you an opportunity to have said break!!
This is the cutest thing ever. I love seeing them interact and bond and be a FAMILY. This is so cute and lovely, and it’s a good way to heal any wounds you’ve got from the comics.
Obviously, the mischaracterisation (Tim) of the characters (Tim) is very obvious on some (Tim) of them, but if you’re not the very traditional kind of DC fan that can’t have any fun, I really don’t think this is much of a problem. This is a series to have a good, lighthearted time and overall the characters are fine! They’re just not being traumatised every 2 seconds.
I will say if you’re a new DC fan, this might not be the best introduction to the DC universe, but not because it’s not enjoyable - But because of how different the characters are portrayed. But really, it’s no biggie, you can like just this series. You do you. Be happy. Because if you read the comics, you definitely won’t be 💔
This is cute, I don’t care about how much hate it gets, it’s cute and I recommend to any bat family lovers who need a break!
Oh, this is what my Batfamily-loving heart needed today. Listen, I love superheroes fighting and end of the world threats like any other person, but I'm always craving for small character moments and fun dynamics, plus this is my favorite cast of characters in DC so this silly little collection of super short stories where the Batfam actually behaves life a family has my heart. It's fluff, it's silly, it's wholesome. Stories about Duke moving into the mansion, about Damian's birthday and him learning to make new friends in school, about the Robin siblings being competitive. Yup, this was fun. A portrayal super different from the main series, but utterly charming. I know it isn't everyone's cup of tea, but as someone who needs these little moments of love and friendship, I was happy.
leer cosas de esta familia (de manera sana) siempre le hace bien a mi corazón mientras intento ignorar algunas de las cosas que pasan en los comics jskdk pero ay que sean así para siempre porfa y seré feliz, que bueno que van a sacar el webtoon oficialmente espero poder comprarlo en el futuro 🫶🫶