Nightwing #116

Archive

Review by Tim Sheridan

“Marathon”

Script: Devin K Grayson
Pencils: Wellington Alves & Marcos Marz
Inks: Edde Wagner and Rodney Ramos
Colors: Gregory Wright
Letters: Pat Brosseau
Editor: Nachie Castro

Published by DC Comics

So most of the people who read DC comics probably are reading “Infinite Crisis”. I certainly do. And I was excited when a new issue was out last week, however I did not read that issue before I read this one. I was entirely confused when I opened Nightwing. Bludhaven was destroyed! I knew it was still standing last month, so when it was not around here, I was confused.

But because I have much wisdom (and because the cover stated this was an “Infinite Crisis Crossover”) I figured it was destroyed in those pages.
But that’s all beside the point. What we have here is a very strong issue of this series. After this, writer Devin Grayson only has one more issue on the title, so she is going out on a very good note. With the ‘Nightwing as a villain’ story done with, this is in some ways trying to tie up loose ends while set up a whole new story. In terms of thematically though, this is very much an aftermath of the previous story. Dick is still emotionally all f—ed up, and seems like he’s just one step away from totally losing it. But he manages to pull himself together, despite his city’s tragedy.

Most of the story is Nightwing running. He runs all around the city, trying to find his friends and loved ones. It’s a very quick-paced issue, and it doesn’t waste any time. That’s not to say there aren’t great character moments here. In fact, the issue is full of them. One of my favorite moments is with a young kid who asks Nightwing, “Are you a hero?” In the midst of all the chaos, the issue seems to stop for a few panels and it’s very effective.

Nightwing is almost overcompensating for his lack of heroism over the last few months, and, ignoring Superman’s suggestion, he tries to save the city, even though it’s already gone. One character he does save is Sophia, who he has been taking care of for some time. He takes her to Amy Rorbach, the city’s police captain. There are many unresolved issues between her and Dick. He pretty much betrayed her. But we don’t have a whole lot of time for that story (maybe next month). The issue ends with Batman showing up, and presumably continues into their scene in this week’s IC issue.

As I’ve already said, Grayson has delivered a very strong script, and I’m looking forward to how she wraps up her run on the title in a few weeks. My only real beef with this issue is the art. It’s all good, but there are two different art teams at work here. Most of the issue is done by one, but the last few pages are done by different artists and inkers. It’s just a bit of a tonal shift, and a little annoying. But because of the story, it’s forgiven.

Nightwing redeems himself a bit here, and once again proves why he’s one of the best heroes in the DCU.