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Review: Nightwing #51

By Philip Schweier
October 17, 2018 - 04:18

Dick Grayson got shot in the head. And now he is a ne’er-dod-well cab driver named Ric Grayson. Whatever he knew before, he doesn’t know anymore, except maybe in his sub-conscious. He knows the obscure history of cars, how to speak German, and oh yeah, how to beat up bad guys. Does this mean he’s going to suit up in tights and a mask again? Doubtful.

Does this mean Nightwing is permanently sidelined in Bludhaven? Again, doubtful. Because without a super-hero presence to keep the lid on things, crime is rapidly getting out of control, from your average street mugging to master super-villains with an ax to grind. Someone’s got to do something about it, and the cops can only do so much.

Scott Lobdell and Fabian Nicieza share the writing on this issue, taking over from Benjamin Percy. I enjoyed Percy’s run, but can see the benefits of Lobdell. He’s already writing Black Hood, Outlaw, and if he writes the saga of both former Robins, there’s greater likelihood the two characters will grow in different directions. Honestly, I’m kind of tired of the former sidekick with a chip on his shoulder. I’d kind of like to see the Earth-2 Robin from the Bronze Age show up, and show these surly punks how to embrace their super-hero identity.

The artwork is a little uneven, but that because it’s split in half between Travis Moore and Garry Brown. Literally, one guy drew some pages, and the other drew the balance. Their styles are individual (good), but the shift from one to the other is a bit jarring (bad). I’m not sure who the ongoing artist will be moving forward. Perhaps a player to be named later.

But for those wondering how “Ric” Grayson would carry on as Nightwing, boy, wonder no more. The answer is on the last page.

Rating: 8/10

Last Updated: August 31, 2023 - 08:12