Batman DCF is a curious beast. One of the big names of this Future with high expectations placed on it. The Dark Knight was expected. But we didn't get that and thank god. Tim Drake is not Bruce Wayne. Tim Drake isn't even Tim Drake. I could never see Bruce Wayne at a birthday party like we see early on in this collection. Nor can I see Binko producing such a reaction. Binko's appearance, while brief, showed such promise, and I truly believe he could have been DCF's Tawky Tawny. You don't know who Binko is, well, read on.
But two characters stand out in this sequence, Joker and Alucard Holmes. Joker and Batman of the DCU are linked. The two are inseparable. Forget Robin, Joker defines Batman as much as anything.
So this collection introduces Tim's own twisted version. While interesting, it was left till later for this Joker to truly make his mark. In my opinion I think we'll see the Joker grow as much as we see Tim grow. Much along the lines of the Hobgoblin when he was introduced.
And as for Alucard.... If you're an old DCf reader you might know of my feelings on this gentleman. I expect Erik reckons I'm going to take another dig. I truly only hate one thing about this guy and that is his name. I saw the name and just waited for a guy called NEILA to turn up. Names are important, but Alucard might live to make me change my opinion. Now at least I know who he isn't and it gave me my theory on who another person might be. It's important trust me. I'm just looking to introduce a certain Mr Sin to Alucard and show him the value of a good name. The Joker has got the name, just wait and watch him carry it with pride.
Mark (Keravin) Peyton
(still convinced Erik is Mad)
