How the Sausage is Made

 It's been almost a year since Marcelo, Carl and I released "The Partner", a fan-comic based off of Batman: The Animated Series. Marcelo and I had done one five months previous as a small tribute to the late Kevin Conroy, but this was the first time we were telling a real story.

For me, the big thrill of this cover was our names at the top

This was also our first time bringing in someone new but Carl took to the task masterfully. He knew where to put the text boxes beautifully so that they didn't block or obstruct anything and he also knew to make small changes that made everything flow so much better.

He's also very kind to give me a suggestion about making an addition to the final page as well as admit that it may have been bad advice.
He suggested that we needed some of Batman's narration on the last page to close things out but maybe a day or two before we posted it he thought it was a bit repetitive so I decided to scrap it.

Nonetheless, I'm very happy with how it turned out and it's my favorite story of the comics we've done thus far.

As a special treat, I'm going to show you the script I wrote and gave to them, giving you an idea of what they had to work with and how much detail-or lack thereof-goes into my scripts. You'll also see the little changes that both Marcelo and Carl made.

THE PARTNER

PAGE ONE

Panel One: These scenes are to be in black and white, conveying that what we’re seeing is a flashback. We’re back at Haley’s Circus and near the top of the tent ceiling are the Flying Graysons: John, Mary & a young Dick Grayson. A spotlight is on them as they wave to the audience below, unaware of the disaster they’re mere moments from. Our narration is going to be from Bruce’s point of view.

 

CAPTION 1: The similarities were uncanny.

CAPTION 2: A happy family…

 

Panel Two: We’re seeing the audience reacting to the awful fate that befalls the Graysons. I obviously don’t want to show the bodies but perhaps we can use shadows to convey that these two are falling to their deaths. In the audience is a younger Bruce Wayne. (Remember that in the flashbacks he had his hair slightly different than we saw it in regularly The Animated Series). He looks horrified along with the rest of the audience as well.

CAPTION 1: Falls victim to tragedy.

 

Panel Three: Back on his perch, we see a young Dick Grayson looking down at the horror beneath him. This is absolutely horrible for him, a nightmare come to life.

CAPTION 1: And a young man…

 

Panel Four: We’re cutting to after the incident. The tent is empty, some police are on the scene and a younger Commissioner Gordon is sitting with Dick Grayson, who has his head in his hands, crying about how he saw Zucco earlier and how he threatened Mr. Haley. These two will be in the background while Bruce Wayne is approaching from the foreground.

CAPTION 1: Was left with no one to care for him.

CAPTION 2: I had to do something.

 

PAGE TWO

Panel One: Cut to the interior of Wayne Manor. For reference, go back to the episode Robin’s Reckoning for how the characters appeared and were dressed. Dick is getting settled into his new room. Bruce is in front of him, explaining to Dick that this is his home now. Alfred should be nearby in this scene, probably standing next to Bruce as he says this.

 

CAPTION 1: I decided to share my home with him.

 

Panel Two: This scene is taking place in the Batcave but I want it done very carefully. Basically, it’s almost a copy of the previous scene/panel in the bedroom. All the characters, Dick, Bruce & Alfred are in the same positions they were before but now, we’re seeing that Batman has revealed his true identity to a young Dick Grayson. Alfred is beside Bruce/Batman asking if Dick’s visit will now be indefinite.

Remember, this has to be identical to the positions that these are in for the previous panel. Batman’s cowl should be off, showing he’s Bruce Wayne. The only thing that would be different for this scene is Dick’s reaction. I want to that initial gasp/shock of realization that Bruce Wayne and Batman are the same person.

CAPTION 1: And then I shared my secret with him.

 

Panel Three: Interior of the dining room at Wayne Manor. Bruce and young Dick are sitting, having a serious discussion about something.

CAPTION 1: He wanted to help me in my fight against crime.

 

Panel Four: Back in the Batcave, we’re in some dark corner of the cave and here we get a scene that we never saw in The Animated Series: The candlelight oath that Batman/Bruce has young Dick take. Even though what we’ve seen so far has been in black and white, I’d like the flame from the waxy candle to be in color, as is the glow it is giving off. Our setting and characters are still in black and white but this flame & its glow has to be the only color we see thus far. Also make sure the candle is in one of those old-timey candleholders, with a special handle to carry it around; something like you’d see in A Christmas Carol.

CAPTION 1: So, I made him take a vow.

CAPTION 2: A promise that what we did would be about justice and not vengeance.

 

PAGE THREE

Panel One: We’re in the corner of the Batcave, where young Dick Grayson is on a pull-up bar, doing pull-ups obviously under Bruce’s supervision. But Dick’s been doing them for a while as there is sweat on his forehead, dampening his workout shirt and gritting his teeth. Maybe he should be doing these one handed (with the other behind his back)?

CAPTION 1: It takes more than a costume & an attitude to do this work.

CAPTION 2: It involves training the body…

 

Panel Two: Still in the Batcave only now we’re at a table that’s close the Bat-computer. Bruce will be sitting in that big chair that’s always in front of it while Dick is off to the side, studying from a stack of books that are focused on topics like “Criminology” “Psychology” etc. Bruce will be in the background, reading something on the computer screen while Dick is in the foreground, studying intently.

CAPTION 1: As well as the mind.

 

Panel Three: Interior of Wayne manor in what’s most likely the gym/workout room. Bruce and Dick (Maybe he’s a little bit older) are in martial art gis. Maybe Dick is trying to land a kick to Bruce’s head which is being blocked by Bruce. To be clear, these two are just doing training/sparring so while their faces are a bit intense, there should be no real indication of anger/malice in their appearance. Another note, this is incredibly minor but Bruce’s belt on his gi must be black.

CAPTION 1: Mastering many forms of unarmed combat.

 

Panel Four: In the same gym/training room, Bruce and Dick are now in wrestling/boxing ring. This is going to be similar to the scene from The New Batman Adventures episode “Sins of the Father” where Bruce & Tim Drake are training with those large…sticks or staffs, whatever they’re called. Maybe like in that same episode, Bruce is sending Dick flying across the ring by using his staff to get his feet out from under him. Best use that episode as reference if I’m not making any sense or I can just send you some screenshots.

CAPTION 1: And armed combat as well.

 

PAGE FOUR

Panel One: Interior of a football stadium. Bruce and Dick are in the stands, close to the action, cheering on Gotham’s home team. I understand this is another crowd shot so maybe angle it so that you only have to draw as many people as necessary. I don’t want to constantly have you drawing large crowds for my stories.
Anyway, back to our characters. Maybe Dick is a few years older here, sort of a mix between the young boy we see in Robin’s Reckoning and who he’ll grow up to be.

CAPTION 1: But I didn’t want to deprive him of a normal childhood either. I wanted him to have fun…

 

Panel Two: Exterior of Dick’s high school. He’s getting into the Wayne limousine (Chauffeured by Alfred of course) and giving a wave to one of his classmates, a young Barbara Gordon, who smiles back but also has a playful “Oh come on, rich-boy” look on her face as she approaches her ride which is being chauffeured by her father, Commissioner Gordon. Gordon is giving a look to his daughter like, “And who was that you were waving to?”

Maybe there are some other students around as well that Dick’s waving to.

CAPTION 1: Make some friends.

 

Panel Three: Interior of Wayne Manor, near the grandfather clock which serves as the entrance to the Batcave. Dick is the one opening the entrance, beckoning to Bruce, like he’s eager get inside because today’s the day he’s going to practice with the grappling hook.

CAPTION 1: But he always made sure to find time…

 

Panel Four: In the depths of the Batcave, Bruce is watching as Dick fires off a grappling hook for the first time. Bruce should be in uniform as BATMAN but Dick is in his usual clothing. Batman’s uniform should now have the yellow oval on it like we normally see in The Animated Series.

Dick’s holding a grappling hook which he has just fired off, the small explosion that happens whenever it’s fired is going off and the rope is propelled towards the roof of the cave.

Dick is holding onto the grappling hook with one hand; he should have a look on his face like he can’t believe that he gets to do this. Other kids might have pools and video games (Not that he doesn’t have those now probably) but as far as he knows, he’s the only kid/teenager in the world who gets to play with a grappling hook. With his other hand, it should be in a fist, giddy with excitement like he’s thinking, “This is SO COOL!!!”

Batman is nearby watching closely and has a look on his face like Dick’s doing it just right, exactly like how he had been shown.

CAPTION 1: To let me show him the ropes.

 

PAGE FIVE

Panel One: Interior of the training room. Bruce & Dick are in their martial arts gis again but this time instead of when we saw previously that Bruce had no problem blocking Dick’s blows as a child, now that he’s older and has years of training under his belt, he’s become a lot better and now Bruce is having to not let his guard down around him.

CAPTION 1: He got better…

 

Panel Two: Back in the training room, still in their gis, again inside the ring with those foam strikes from earlier (Someone told me they’re called ‘foam strikers’ so we’ll just go with that term from here on out) but this time Dick’s ready for Bruce’s move to use his striker to knock his feet out from under him and blocking his feet with his own striker.

Bruce should have a look on his face like Dick anticipating his strategy has caught him by surprise a bit. He’s not shocked or startled but he’s clearly noticed it and maybe just wasn’t anticipating that his ward would be able to block it.

Dick should have a look on his face like he was clearly anticipating that move and he’s thinking, “Come on, you thought I’d really fall for that old move again?” Try to get his face right because we want Dick to look confident and cool without coming off as cocky or arrogant.

CAPTION 1: And better.

 

Panel Three: In the Batcave, Batman and Alfred are presenting Dick with a parcel of some kind that’s waiting to be opened on a large table where Dick normally does his studying. Dick should be curious as to what this is.

CAPTION 1: It was clear that he was ready to join me out on the streets. There was just one more thing he needed.

 

Panel Four: This is going to be an interesting shot because I Dick to be looking into the parcel and while it’s obvious to us that inside is his first Robin costume/uniform but the readers can’t see it yet. This is another page where we’re going to use color. Remember the scene in Pulp Fiction where John Travolta looks into the briefcase and this bright light shines on him but the audience never sees what’s IN the briefcase? That’s what I want this to be. Dick should look like this is the coolest birthday or Christmas present he could ask for and whatever is in the box is giving off this glowing light that shines on his face. We know it’s the Robin costume but the big reveal of that isn’t going to happen yet.

Batman and Alfred are looking on, knowing that Dick is clearly happy with this new choice of wardrobe (Though chances are Alfred did more of the work as Bruce probably wanted to go with something more Bat-themed like himself).

CAPTION 1: He needed a uniform.

PAGE SIX

Panel One: Exterior of Gotham City at night. Atop the roof of a warehouse Batman and another person who is hiding in the shadows watch as a van enters through a garage door into the warehouse.

CAPTION 1: Rumors had been floating in the underworld that Rupert Thorne’s men were going to be making a move on an armored car transporting a large amount of cash to the Gotham National Bank.

CAPTION 2: It turned out to be more than just rumor.

Panel Two: In this warehouse, the men (There are four of them) are dumping the cash onto a large table in the center of the warehouse. They’re dumping the stacks of cash (These are NOT loose bills) out of large duffel bags. The men are marveling at this large bounty they’ve just stolen. Some of them are wearing ski masks as well to obscure their identities. All the while they’re unaware that watching them above the skylight overhead are two figures who are in silhouette. Due to the pointed ears of one of these, we’re obviously aware that this is Batman but who could be this other person with him? OK, obviously we know this is Robin but again, I want the big reveal of him to be a secret.

 

CAPTION 1: Four million in unmarked, untraceable bills.

 

Panel Three: Batman is looking at his new, mysterious ally and giving some nonverbal hand-signals for how he wants him to proceed. Batman should be pointing to the far end of the roof, indicating that he wants him to proceed in through the back entrance. And while we’re not going to be seeing Robin (We should only be seeing the very back of his uniform and only from the neck up so we only see the back of his head, his cape and maybe the edge of his mask), we should see that he’s giving a thumbs-up to Batman like he knows the game plan and is going to follow it to the letter.

CAPTION 1: The plan was simple.

 

Panel Four: We see Robin (Again, we’re not giving a reveal to who this is even though everyone reading KNOWS this is Robin; he’s going to be covered in shadow/silhouette as he does this) sneaking in through the back door of this warehouse.

CAPTION 1: Sneak in…

 

Panel Five: This will be a small panel as we see Robin’s gloved hand reaching out and flicking off a breaker in the fuse-box for this warehouse.

 

Panel Six: The gangsters from before are looking around as now all the lights that had illuminated this warehouse are out and the only source of light is now coming from the skylight above. They’re totally puzzled by what’s going on right now.

CAPTION 1: Cut the lights…

 

Panel Seven: Near the garage door where these criminals entered the warehouse in their vehicle, there should be a regular doorway. This doorway has now swung open, drawing the attention of the gangsters because standing there is the one person they hoped that they wouldn’t encounter: Batman.

CAPTION 1: While I serve as a distraction.

 

PAGE SEVEN

Panel One: The gangsters are focused on Batman, their weapons drawn, knowing that while he may have the drop on them, they still have guns. But while this is happening, in the shadows we see the masked eyes of someone lurking in these shadows, ready to strike at one of the gangsters furthest away from the door.

The gangster in front is shouting something at Batman, probably daring him to take a step forward so that they can all unload their magazines into his body. This leader should have no idea about what’s happening behind him and neither should any of his men.

CAPTION 1: A lot of my reputation is built off of myth and misconception.

CAPTION 2: Some people think I don’t even exist. That I’m an urban legend that floats around the underworld.

 

Panel Two: This is going to be the same shot as the previous panel on this page but there are going to be some slight changes. We won’t see all of the figure who is in the shadows but we will see a pair of gloves that have wrapped around the body of the mobster closest to the door; one hand wrapped around the mobster’s mouth, the other grabbing the gun in his hand so he can’t get a round off. Either way, this guy is not going to pose a threat to anyone for the rest of the evening.
That’s one mobster down out of the four.

None of the other mobsters are aware of what’s happening, all of their focus is on Batman.

CAPTION 1: Some people think I’m a demonic force. A creature that preys on the evil that lurks in men.

 

Panel Three: As the head mobster continues to shout threats at Batman (Who is off panel for these panels by the way), the mobster on the opposite end is now taken out in the same fashion as the mobster before: Grabbed by a strong pair hands that are emerging from the shadows and dragging him off into God knows where before he can make a sound. Two down, two to go.

CAPTION 1: Others think I’m a group of men. A special unit the Police Department has on standby to do the things they can’t do by the book.

Panel Four: The penultimate mobster might be a bit more aware than the previous two and is turning towards the intruder who is approaching from the shadows. Unfortunately for him, (the still unseen) Robin is faster and disarmed and ready to throw him into the shadows and dole out whatever punishment is happening there.

CAPTION 1: I even heard an interesting theory that I was actually a robot.

 

PAGE EIGHT

Panel One: Close up on the lone remaining mobster. He’s livid that his big score is possibly about to be undone by Batman but he’s going to let him know that he and his men (Whom he doesn’t know have already been taken care of) are going to go down with guns blazing if that’s what it takes.

CAPTION 1: I’m just one man.

MOBSTER: You’re just one man!

Panel Two: The lone mobster looks back at the crew he thinks are behind him but how now inexplicitly vanished. The gun he previously had on Batman has now fallen to his side out of sheer shock. All the confidence should be drained from his face as he didn’t see them leave, certainly didn’t hear them leave and yet they seem to have vanished into thin air. Sweat should be forming on his face as he has no idea what’s happened to his men but he’s very frightened that it’s soon going to happen to him.

Batman is STILL in the exact same position he was at the start of this, he hasn’t moved from that door because this whole time, he’s just been watching Robin. This has all been part of their plan.

MOBSTER: And we’re…!

MOBSTER: We’re…

MOBSTER: I’m…

BATMAN: Alone.

CAPTION 1: With the best trained partner I could ask for.

Panel Three: The mobster whips back to Batman, his gun raised but he’s not going to fire now; he’s far too scared to muster the strength the pull the trigger and even if he did, he’s trembling so badly with fear that he can’t even hold it steady. Batman continues to stare him down.

BATMAN: You were right, though. I am only one man.

Panel Four: Focus on the mobster and he has to look like he might use some of that money he stole to buy some adult diapers because he’s about to crap his pants in fear. Also, unbeknownst to him, a figure has emerged from the shadows and is getting very close to him. Now despite the fact that we-the audience-know this is Robin, do NOT show the “R” on his uniform yet. I know we’re teasing the audience with the big reveal but we’re gonna keep tantalizing them for just a few more panels but believe me, this is gonna be worth it.

Robin may even be tapping the mobster on the shoulder kinda gently like he’s trying to say, “Excuse me, may I have your attention?”

BATMAN (OP): But I’m not alone.

MOBSTER: What the…?

 

Panel Five: The mobster has turned around, ready to face his doom or maybe (But unlikely) summon the courage to maybe get one slug into whatever or whoever may be behind him. Beads of sweat are pouring down his face and if he were any more frightened, he’d be screaming for his mother. We won’t see Robin in this panel (I know, I’m dragging out the big reveal) but Mobster is being overshadowed by shadow of the Boy Wonder himself.

MOBSTER: Another Batman?

ROBIN (OP): Nope.

 

Panel Six: A gloved fist connects with the jaw of this mobster, a beautiful uppercut that would knock the block off of any professional boxer who took such a gorgeous punch. Maybe in this panel we can see Batman in the background, still watching as his partner continues to go to work.

ROBIN: He’s Batman.

 

PAGE NINE

Panel One: This is it! THE BIG REVEAL SHOT! The mobster is down on the ground, he’s down and out, not getting up even if you counted to 100. Standing over him, triumphantly, boldly and in FULL COLOUR (Yes, we’re going to go to full colour from here on out) is Robin the Boy Wonder as we first saw him in Batman: The Animated Series. Put the colours to good use, I want this to be a definite hero shot, a panel that makes readers exclaim, “Holy shit! This is awesome!!!”

Robin is gesturing to himself with his thumb to the downed mobster, despite the fact that he won’t be able to hear it. It’s not so much a declaration to the mobster but to all the underworld and maybe the whole world.

ROBIN: I’m ROBIN!

 

 

PAGE TEN

Panel One: Batman enters the warehouse as Robin starts to carry in the other mobsters whom he tied up and gagged after dragging them off.

Batman’s observing the whole scene that took place in front of him.

CAPTION 1: No shots fired. Wasn’t noticed by anyone until he wanted to be noticed.

Panel Two: Robin has moved the mobsters to the center of the room and is starting to bound them all together.

CAPTION 1: He followed instructions to the letter.

Panel Three: Batman and Robin start to exit the warehouse as Robin has now bound the mobsters together so that they’re not going to be going anywhere and will wait there for the police to pick them up. There should also be a note attached to one of the mobsters.

CAPTION 1: He did great.

Panel Four: Close up on the note. It should read in cursive writing, “To the Gotham City Police Department. From Batman & Robin”.
EXCEPT instead of the words “Batman & Robin”, there should be a Bat-symbol, like we see on Batman’s uniform, and an “R” like we see on Robin’s uniform.

 

PAGE TEN

Panel One: Atop a building across from the warehouse, Batman & Robin are observing as the police have converged on the warehouse below. Robin’s looking at Batman, wanting a grade on his first effort as a crimefighter. Batman is continuing to watch the scene below, not wanting Robin to know how proud he is of his ward at this moment. Remember, it’s not that Batman is cold or uncaring; if anything, he probably doesn’t want Robin to get a swollen ego and start taking unnecessary risks.

ROBIN: So, did I do good?

BATMAN: Yes, you did good.

BATMAN: Ready to call it a night?

 

Panel Two: Robin gives a look like he’s way too excited to stop now. His adrenaline has him buzzing like a hummingbird and there’s no way he’s going to want to stop now. Batman has turned away from the scene below and is firing off a grappling hoop, ready to swoop off to the next adventure.

ROBIN: Call it a night? This night just got started!

BATMAN: Then come on. We have work to do.

 

Panel Three: This is our closing shot. Batman and Robin are swinging through the streets of Gotham. While Batman might still be a bit of an urban legend at this point, this is Robin’s night. In fact, he should be leading the two of them because this is the night where Batman goes from being the lone Dark Knight and instead has brought Robin into the fold and together, they are Gotham’s Dynamic Duo.

ROBIN: Yeah! Time to kick some butt!

 

THE END