Batman: Gotham Adventures #7

Batman: Gotham Adventures

by Ty Templeton (Script/Cover), Rick Burchett (Pencils), Terry Beatty (Inks)

Batman and Robin cross paths with Dagger Dixon, a hood who knew Tim Drake's father and recognizes the face behind Robin's mask. Is this the end of Tim's career as Robin?

Genres: Comics, Comic Book, Batman

36 pages, Comic Book

First published December 1, 1998

About the author

Tyrone Templeton is a Canadian comic book artist and writer who has drawn a number of mainstream titles, TV-associated titles, and his own series.
He is the brother of internet pioneer and entrepreneur Brad Templeton, and son of Canadian celebrities Charles Templeton and Sylvia Murphy. He lives in Ontario, Canada.

Reviews

[cauldronofevil · Rating 5 out of 5]

This something I haven’t seen before. A story was reused.

Batman and Robin Adventures #14 that I read, reviewed and enjoyed in the Batman and Robin Omnibus.

It’s written by Ty Templeton but called “Dagger’s Tale” and it’s 22 pages.

It’s very similar to this story - “Dagger’s Secret”. Let’s see how they differ.

Dagger got out of jail after being busted by Batman the second time. He’s having a drink at Lennie’s Bar and Grill and explaining to a friend that he got his Batman tattoo to remind him that he ain’t the toughest guy around. To learn humility.

He is however, having trouble making rent, but he doesn’t want to break the law. Batman & Robin decide to drop in just then.

”We’re here for Tommy Silk. No one else.”

As the fight starts, Dagger decides to crawl out. But in the middle of the fight Robin recognizes Dagger Dixon. Dagger recognizes Tim! Which distracts Robin just enough to get kpow’ed by Tommy Silk.

Dagger punches Tommy and help’s Tim up. Batman thanks Dagger for helping Tim, and warns him that he is watching to make sure he stays straight.

But Dagger is still behind on his rent. He calls Tim Drake.

”Um… what made you think of calling me after all this time? ”

Dagger asks for money, and real fast. He says he knows something about Tim that he’d rather keep quiet. Tim says it’s not his money and he can’t give Dagger any. Dagger says that’s okay, and promises that no matter what, he’ll make sure Tim doesn’t get hurt.

Dagger goes to Penguin to ask for help with a hypothetical. He knows something on a millionaire and wants to bribe him but doesn’t know how to go about it.

Penguin asks what the secret is, but Dagger won’t say. He’ll cut Penguin in on the money if he just tells him how to set it up.

Penguin’s men rough him up for the secret, but Dagger’s tough and doesn’t talk. He also escapes. He goes to see Tim.

Dagger tells Tim he needs to be protected. He knows who Tim is. Dagger confesses that he told Penguin he knew something big and now Penguin’s after him.

Bruce ask what’s going on, but just then Penguin and some large goons bust in. Penguin says that Dagger stole something from him. Dagger screams out that Penguin is lying and he really wants Bruce’s secret! Penguin and company drags Dagger out to their car.

Just then Nightwing leaps overhead and takes out Penguin and his goons. He was working out in the cave and and Tim signaled him as soon as Penguin came in.

Nightwing’s taking Penguin to jail, but Penguin tells Dagger that he’ll have to look over his shoulder forever until he tells him Bruce’s secret!

So Dagger tells.

This was a great story. Much more intricate. It also gave Tim some history - after all, we know he was a little thug before he met Batman.

5 star story cleverly told. The art was great as well.

Now I’m going to re-read Daggers Tale!

[Steven Shinder · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wasn't quite as exciting.