dukethomasweek2025

[dukethomasweek2025]

slight eye strain warning ‼️

that’s pretty trippy, man

[weird psychedelic alternate universe sunshine for Duke Thomas week day three!]

@dukethomasweek2025

[dukethomasweek2025]

"A Light at The End"

Art by @yrkhn!

For @dukethomasweek2025!

Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: Batman (Comics), Batman Incorporated (Comics), Batman - All Media Types, Batman and the Signal (Comics) Rating: Mature Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Bao Pham/Duke Thomas Characters: Duke Thomas, Bao Pham, Stephanie Brown, Damian Wayne, Jason Todd, Cassandra Cain Additional Tags: Strangers to Lovers, Kinda, Duke Thomas Deserves the World, Bao Pham Needs a Hug, Idiots in Love, Awkwardness, Ambiguous/Open Ending, Implied/Referenced Sex, Suicidal Thoughts, References to Depression, The Joker is dead, Post-Canon, Explicit Language, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence Series: Part 11 of The Kids Are Alright

“Ya know,” Bao groaned, “If I had your bullshit cheat powers, I’d be fine too.”

Signal snorted. “Uh-huh. How many fingers am I holding up?”

Bao lazily looked over at his hand, and then winced. “Bro, I can’t tell when you’re making yourself glow, not cool.”

Signal stared at him for a long moment. “...Bao, I’m not using my powers.”

“...Oh. Aw, fuck. That’s bad.”

[dukethomasweek2025]

AND THEY CALLED HIM DUKE T FOR THE WAY THEY KNEW HE'D RULE!!!

i didn't have the time or energy to participate in @dukethomasweek2025 properly but i reeaaally wanted to give my special little guy a special little drawing, so here it is!!! a bit late, but oh well

[dukethomasweek2025]

First Thing in the Morning

Characters: Duke Thomas, Alfred Pennyworth

Summary: Elaine Thomas always used to say that people have a harder time hiding who they are first thing in the morning. So, a week into his time at Wayne Manor, Duke wakes up bright and early and goes to help Alfred with the chores.

Warnings: Mild body horror in a dream sequence, references to Troy's death, discussions of child soldiers and war

For @dukethomasweek2025

Day 4: Self-Discovery

Character Study | Forging Your Own Path | Time Travel/Time Loop | Wings AU

[dukethomasweek2025]

Duke Thomas has a lot of heartfelt moments as well as funny ones in his comics. He's shown to be brave, loyal, determined and community based. I really love the community aspect of him in particular because it sets him apart from a lot of the Bats who don't really have that as their primary motivation. It makes Duke feel more genuine in my eyes.

Anyway, I thought I'd show some moments where Duke's character really shines to me.

This is in We Are Robin. It's a small moment, but to me it really stands out. He immediately calls Leslie out by saying "When we find them?" I really like how he makes a point to show that he's not thrilled with how the search for his parents is being handled by any of the adults around him.

Then he goes further by saying "the only one looking for them is me." Because he's been the one out searching each day, following any lead he can, he's the one who grieves and loves and misses them, the one who essentially lost everything in one night and has spent countless nights after trying to get it back. So I imagine when Leslie says "when we find your parents" and "what would they think?" He may feel bitter, even angry. Because she's not looking for them and she doesn't know them so imply either is just plain wrong in Duke's eyes.

I love this moment because in a few lines you see that he's not afraid to call authority figures out, loves his parents and his first priority is finding them.

This also takes place in We Are Robin. "I just need to find two" to me, this is just such a heartfelt moment. It shows his single minded focus on finding the two people who mean most to him. It shows that he's searched and investigated and looked for so long in persuit of his parents and I think that really encapsulates a big part of his character. Not only his love for them but his unwavering loyalty for the people he loves.

After being so badly hurt, likely in agony, disoriented and scared, his first question is "did the kid make it?" Because that's what he cares about. And I think, with the tears streaming down his face as he asks this, part of him knows the answer, but he has to ask, he has to know, because that's what matters most to him in that moment. And it shows the kind of hero he is. Someone who even when in pain, hurt and terrified will ask after the fate of those he was trying to save first, even over himself.

This takes place in Urban Legends. "It's always gonna come down to you to save your own neighbourhood" this captures a major part of Duke's character and his beliefs when it comes to Robin and heroes in general. If you want to save your people, your neighbourhood, your community, then it's gonna be up to you. The choices you make. The actions you take. This doesn't necessarily mean doing it all alone, but it means that in Duke's eyes, you can't be passive and wait for someone else to make the change you want to see. You have to do it yourself first.

This goes down in Robin War. It's an awful comic, but Duke has some good moments despite Tom King's writing. Like here, Duke doesn't care about making a performative stand in the name of proving WAR is worthy. They are Black and brown kids at the mercy of Gotham police and Duke knows that. He tells them not to escalate to keep themselves safe. Because that's what he cares about. Not big shows of senseless bravery but the lives of his friends, his allies, his community. So he tells them to stand down. Even when Damian calls him a coward for it because Duke doesn't give a crap about proving himself to the "real" Robin. He cares about the safety of his community first and foremost. That's what I love about him.

Another panel from Urban Legends. I love this because it continues the theme of Duke valuing community and working together with others to make a better world. Yes, he's willing to do things on his own, but if he can work side by side with others he will. Because better worlds aren't built by individuals. He defeats and evil version of Batman with help from Cass, Steph and Tim and he says that "Gotham belongs to us" because it's their turn to take on that mantle and make the change.

This takes place in Detective Comics(?) and I just really like this moment because Duke isn't afraid to be honest and vulnerable here. He doesn't put on that stereotypical male bravado or stoic expression, instead he takes the time to relate to her, to say, yes, I'm scared too. It's such a meaningful moment because Duke, no matter what, is honest and brave enough to be himself, even if that's not the traditional image of heroes (especially male ones) I like to imagine that Elaine had a part in instilling this mentality into him.

This happens in We Are Robin. This moment made me smile while also being a little misty eyed. See this is when the whole city hates WAR, the Bats have put them down, the GCPD is after them and Duke is at his lowest point. His win isn't a blaze of glory or changing the minds of those who don't believe in him. No, it's seeing Izzy, his friend and comrade, hugging her, laughing with her. That's his win. Because Duke is all about community and sharing moments with those he loves.

This also happens in We Are Robin (it's SUCH a good comic) and I love this moment - not only because they're finally telling Alfred to go to hell, though that is a bonus - but because after all they've been through, all the crap they've endured, the WAR kids are stepping out on their own, counting on one another as they always have and fighting to make their city a better place. And of course they don't know exactly what they're doing, they're kids, but they're willing to dive into the unknown together. As a community. I suppose this is more of a WAR moment than a Duke one, but it really carries that theme of not changing the world alone forward which is a big part of Duke's character and I love it.

Another Urban Legends moment. I really like that even after so much has changed, Duke's love, focus and loyalty when it comes to his parents is unwavering. Look at that red string board, that kid is finding his mom one way or another come hell or high water. He has both Black Lightning and Batman saying maybe he should relax a little and his response is "ain't a thing in this world that can stop me" because there really isn't. When it comes to those he cares about, Duke Thomas is unstoppable. Love and loyalty really are his greatest strengths and that's what makes me love him so much.

Anyway, happy Duke Thomas week!! 💛🥳💛🥳💛🥳 I know I'm not really filling in any prompts and I'm so sorry! I've just not been in that mindset lately. But I want to do my part on celebrating my favourite ray of sunshine so this is all I've got 💛

[dukethomasweek2025]

Hear me out:

Enemies to lovers for Duke and Dre.

I know this isn't an original thought but it's definitely one that isn't talked about enough regardless.

But as it's Duke Thomas week and all I have to offer are rambles on his comics, I thought I'd add this to...also ramble on his comics just in a new way 💛

I think it's interesting how Dre brings one of Duke's more obvious flaws. His judgemental side. The moment he figures out Dre is a mob kid he immediately starts looking at him differently. Which is fair considering the effects the mob has on Gotham as a whole. But also unfair as Dre was just born into it, he had no choice in the matter. Look at Dre's face here, in the initial moment when Duke finds out, he looks anxious. (Off topic, but Alfred's an asshole for outing him like that)

And this is where Duke brings out one of Dre's major flaws. His temper. How, when he feels vulnerable or judged in any way, he lashes out until any chance of reconciliation is, not destroyed, but much harder to rebuild than it would have been before. He gets angry, he gets loud and he cuts at any seemingly vulnerable part he sees. Which of course makes Duke judge him more because now all he sees is a typical angry mob kid who doesn't take well to being questioned.

See, as I said, that show of temper didn't help Dre's case. Duke doubles down on it even when people he respects say otherwise, because in his eyes, his judgement has been confirmed and Dre isn't someone who can be trusted because of it. Also "I think Dre's a werewolf, his blood is always up." 👀 Something you wanna add to that, Duke?

Yet, before that, when they first started working side by side, they were weirdly in sync with one another, even in perilous situations. I know this is stretching it a little, but indulge me. This shows how they're alike in certain ways despite their differences and dislike. The way they had the same idea at the same time, said the same thing, essentially, as they stood side by side...ships have been built on thinner wood.

Also, the way they unknowingly agree on things that matter. Remember Dre questioning Alfred back in the initial panel here? Duke also did that. Neither of them trusted Alfred, they both said as much to his face and called him out without hesitation and this was in the same scene Duke found out about Dre being a mob kid. Even then, they still stood side by side on what mattered.

Then there's this cute cute little moment 💜 Them bantering, having one another's back and Duke teasing Dre, even wrapping an arm around him. Dre in that first panel with his mischievous lil smile. Plus look at Duke's face in the second panel, that man is winking and I'll testify to that.

I just think they have a lot of potential as enemies to lovers. Or besties. Honestly either works, platonic is just as valid as romance to me.

Anyway, how, even when they disagree, they ultimately fight on the same side and turn up for one another is beautiful. I think their relationship has so much potential and I wish it would be explored more, in any form.

Happy Duke Thomas week! 💛

[dukethomasweek2025]

My inspiration's been at an all time low recently, so I don't actually have anything to contribute to Duke Thomas week (bc I never finished anything 😭) but I still want to give my sunshine king some love anyway so here are some of his funniest panels imo

This happens in New Talent Showcase 2017. I swear half this comic is just Duke roasting Jason and I love it. Not just because it's hilarious, but also because even now, Duke's making it clear what Bruce is and isn't to him. Where he stands. He's not only funny but assertive and unafraid to say what's on his mind.

This happens in Batman All Star/The Cursed Wheel. Seeing Duke immediately and with no hesitation whack Harvey Dent in the face is one of my favourite moments. Especially as he's such a lil menace about it too. Overall, this comic has a lot of amazing Duke moments, both funny and heartfelt.

This happens in Batman and the Outsiders (2019) I just love how confrontational and snarky he is, even when he's kind of in the wrong. I don't think many people could look at a disgruntled Black Lightning and go "skill issue" to his face. This comic is also amazing for Duke and Cass moments, exploring a new element of Duke's powers and seeing him deal with the aftermath of something that was pretty traumatic for him.

This happens in Rise of the Power Company. After getting yelled at by someone he admires, Duke doesn't cower or questions himself, he immediately calls that crap out and confronts it head on. In both a snarky and honest way. Also the "woooow" had me rolling 😂

This is the same comic. Literally five seconds later Duke is up on that roof telling him what's what and roasting Jason while he's at it 😭

Speaking of roasting Jason, here's another panel from Talent Showcase 2017 where Duke, right off the bat, immediately starts reading Jason for filth. What can I say? He's a hater through and through.

The way I hollered when I read this part 😂 It happens in Batman and the Signal. Duke's first day out on day shift in his new mantle. A really good comic for a lot of reasons, but especially for moments like this when you just see Duke in all his glory.

I think my favourite part of this whole interaction is Duke trying to pretend he's tall when he's literally only like two inches taller than Cass in Batman and the Outsiders (2019) 😭 Anyway, this also happens in Rise of the Power Company. It's Duke's facial expressions that really get me here, just look at how offended he is at it being implied he's not tall. Also him politely saying "if you don't mind" before punching a man into next week 🤌🏾

Robin War is a terrible comic. BUT Duke is really funny here so I have to include this. He's stuck with Damian (poor guy) and these are his (very valid) thoughts on the matter. Because as much as I like Damian he WAS a pain in the ass in this comic 😭

The moment Shiva mentally adopts Duke 😂 This happens in Batman and the Outsiders (2019) and I just love how shameless he is here. Like, yes, your mom is hot, Cass, get over it. Also the lil fist bump is so cute. I miss seeing these two interact.

Anyway, I've hit my ten picture limit so I'll stop for now. Happy Duke Thomas Week guys!!! 💛💛💛

[dukethomasweek2025]

You Are My Sunshine

Characters: Elaine Thomas, Duke Thomas, Bruce Wayne, Cassandra Cain, Isabella Ortiz

Summary: Elaine has always known that her son would be a hero.

Warnings: Hospitals

For @dukethomasweek2025

Day 3: Sunshine Dimension Travel | Hurt/Comfort | Powers | Fantasy

[dukethomasweek2025]

Welcome to the Robbinsville Haunted House

Relationships: Pre-Duke/Izzy/Riko

Characters: Duke Thomas, Isabella Ortiz, Duke Thomas

Summary: After a series of mysterious disappearances, Duke, Izzy and Riko investigate a haunted house.

For @dukethomasweek2025 Day 2: Family Thomas Family | Case Fic | De-Aged/Age Reversal AU | Ghosts

[dukethomasweek2025]

@dukethomasweek2025 and finally, day5: robin

I hd a lot of fun doing this one, quite proud of how it came out ^-^

I used this brush for the lettering with minor editing btw !! Found on pinterest

[dukethomasweek2025]

@dukethomasweek2025 day 4: wings !!

My internet kept going out yesterday 😭😭 but !! the bird is called the horned lark and isn't he cute :]

[dukethomasweek2025]

birds of a feather

Duke Thomas Week: Day Five – Rebellion | Robin | Lark. Duke & Robins. 500 words.

[dukethomasweek2025]

cryptid au where all robins are crytids.

Duke uses his light powers during we are robin to appear like a cryptid like the robins

Imagine being a criminal walking down an alley and seeing a formless being made of light run towards you and deck you across the face

[ Duke Thomas week day five ]

@dukethomasweek2025

[dukethomasweek2025]

@dukethomasweek2025 and finally, day5: robin

I hd a lot of fun doing this one, quite proud of how it came out ^-^

I used this brush for the lettering with minor editing btw !! Found on pinterest

[dukethomasweek2025]

@dukethomasweek2025 day 4: wings !!

My internet kept going out yesterday 😭😭 but !! the bird is called the horned lark and isn't he cute :]

[dukethomasweek2025]

Batwheels bumblebats siblingisms for day 5 🙏

@dukethomasweek2025

[dukethomasweek2025]

DUKE THOMAS WEEK

(I) – round robin. Community | Old Friends and New Friends. 100 words. (II) – old habits. Family | Thomas Family. 200 words. Trans Duke, hospitalized!Thomases. (III) – cowboy hat from gucci. Sunshine | Dimension Travel | Fantasy. 300 words. Duke & Jason, Wild West AU, Unrequited Crush. (IV) – down to the millisecond. Self-discovery | Time Loop. 400 words. Duke & Bruce, Gnomon. (V) – birds of a feather. Rebellion | Robin | Lark, 500 words. Duke & the Robin movement.