Grumpy Beastie's Other Lair

Since Batman: Wayne Family Adventures premiered on Webtoons, I have pretty faithfully kept up with it each week and recommended it whenever I get a chance, but this year has continually kicked my ass to the point where I got several months behind on this as well. Yesterday, I took the time to catch up and to celebrate, here are the episodes that live rent free in my head!

But first, a brief description of what I'm talking about: Batman: Wayne Family Adventures is an official DC Comics webcomic on Webtoons by CRC Payne & StarBite. It starts with Duke Thomas moving into Wayne Manor and the highjinks that ensues from becoming part of the Bat Family. While the series has serious storylines from time to time, it is mostly humorous, slice of life stories. The comic also takes the time to give all the characters their own arcs and not focus primarily on Bruce Wayne/Batman. If someone is looking for an introduction to Batman characters, I really recommend this series, despite it's fluffy nature, it does help you get a sense of each character and all in nice, bite-sized chunks. While this series is intended for people new to Batman, there are references to the vast Batman lore/canon everywhere. The series is rated Teen and updates every Thursday on Webtoons.

Now on to the list! Episodes* that live rent free in my head (thar be light spoilers):

#2: Ep. 2 - The Last Cookie (Sept 8, 2021): This very early episode sort of sets the tone for the rest of the series. The Bat Family is resting post patrol with platters of Alfred's post patrol baked goods. All is well until they are down to the last cookie. A manor wide brawl for it ensues.

#31: Ep. 31 - Dirty Little Secret (Mar 23, 22): Damian is collecting blackmail material on everyone else in the family, but has been unable to get anything on Jason. Jason is totally aware of Damian's stalking and combats it with his usual flare. It ends with an adorable bonding moment between the two of them.

#44: Ep. 44 - Ransom (Jun 22, 22): Tim gets kidnapped as a civilian and has to be rescued by Red Hood, who bonds with the kidnappers and gives them tips.

#45 & #46: Ep. 45 - Strong Enough (1/2) [Jun 29, 22] & Ep. 46 - Strong Enough (2/2) [Jul 6, 22]: Jason is working on his motorcycle in the Batcave when a sound triggers a PTSD flashback to when he was beaten by the Joker with the crowbar and he actually gets help and support.

#53: (S2) Ep. 53 - Online (Oct 5, 22): Barbara is doing her regular online check on the Batfamily's civilian identities and finds Jason's online dating profile.

#71: (S2) Ep. 71 - High Heels (Feb 8, 23): It starts as Selina teaching Stephanie how to fight better in high heels, which turns into a battle between Stephanie and Damian, both in high heels. There is also a sweet moment with Bruce & Selina at the end.

#77: (S2) Ep. 77 - Suit Up (Mar 22, 23): After a battle with Condiment King, Batman needs his spare batsuit and trusts Batwoman to get it from the cave. Unfortunately for him, she runs into Nightwing and Red Hood there, who know about the secret closet of old Bat costumes. Batman does chose to own their choice while he's meeting with Gordon at the end.

#79: (S2) Ep. 79 - Just Desserts (Apr 5, 23): Bruce has a nemesis on the PTA at Damian's and Duke's school.

#83: (S2) Ep. 83 - Utility Belt (May 3, 23): Batman is on a mission with Green Lantern (Hal Jordan) and Hal learns exactly how much ridiculousness is contained within Bat's utility belt. They even worked in the shark repellant. (They bears and the robots are cuter than they have any right to be.)

#95 & #96: (S2) Ep. 95 - Win or Lose (Part 1) [Jul 26, 23] & (S2) Ep. 96 - Win or Lose (Part 2) [Aug 2, 23]: A more serious Jason centric story about Jason on patrol, the choices they make as vigilantes, and if it makes a difference.

#97: (S2) Ep. 97 - Wonderful (Aug 9. 23): This is the episode that officially introduces Wonder Woman and she has to meet ALL of Damian's animals before her and Bruce can discuss business.

#108: (S2) Ep. 108 - There Can Only Be One (Oct 25, 23): This episode officially introduces Roy Harper & his daughter. Jason thinks just the three of them are going to spend the day at the fair, but Dick was also invited. Jason & Dick spend the entire time trying to prove which one of them is Lian's favorite uncle.

#111: (S2) Ep. 111 - Haley (Nov 15,23): Bitewing vs. The Vacuum while Tim cleans Dick's apartment and Dick narrates.

Honorable Mentions. Theses are episodes that don't live in my head rent free, but are definitely worth mentioning:

#22: Ep. 22 - The Tournament (Jan 19, 2022): Barbara, Jason, Tim, Stephanie, and Cassandra gather for the Fifth Annual Challenge of Champions. (Duke & Damian sacrifice their participation to serve as a distraction to Alfred & Bruce so the tournament can happen.) The loser this year has to patrol for 2 weeks in Dick's old "Discowing" costume. Guess who loses?

#89: (S2) Ep. 89 - Stick Up (Jun 14, 23): Tim is once again confronted with the kidnappers from #44 while in his civilian identity and has to be saved by Red Hood, again.

#92 - (S2) Ep. 92 - Newsflash (Jul 5, 23): Clark takes Jon & Damian with him to the Daily Planet to learn more about his civilian job. Jon & Damian try to figure out what a phone booth is and Lois ends up being the real hero when she teaches the boys the importance of helping people outside of what they do as costumed heroes.

#93 - (S2) Ep. 93 - Alarm Bells (Jul 12, 23): Bruce will not leave the batcomputer, so Alfred offers a reward of fresh cookies if Dick, Jason, Duke, and Cassandra can get him away from it. Jason is very on point, but Dick is so perfectly devious.

#102: (S2) Ep. 102 - Bad Day (Sep 13, 23): Alfred is sick and the rest of the family is injured, but they manage to rally and make soup as a team.

#105: (S2) Ep. 105 - Trivia Night (Oct 4, 23): Apparently, Bruce, Clark, & Diana have monthly get togethers in their civilian identities (& Bruce in disguise). This night in particular, they deal with the fact that Bruce is a nightmare at trivia night.

#109: (S2) Ep. 109 - PhD (Nov 1,23): Damian & Harley Quinn debate the merits of having a higher education in Gotham.

*Episodes are what Webtoons calls individual comics of a series.