
I’ve talked about Nightwing quite a bit on the podcast since the New 52 relaunch, as it’s the only Bat book that I’ve been consistently reading. This series is about to head off in a brand new direction, and issue #17 explores what has become of Dick Grayson’s life in the wake of Death of the Family.
What I’ve loved about this book from the beginning is Dick’s connection to haly’s circus, and how he has tried to build that connection into his life again. Through Death of the Family, everything that he has worked so hard to build has been destroyed, and Dick is trying to keep it together mentally as his world is crumbling around him. There’s a nice moment in this issue with Damian, who seems to be the only one willing to call Dick on his inability to admit he’s hurting. Obviously, this will only add another layer of pain when Dick is confronted with Damian’s death. I’m looking forward to seeing how Higgins transforms Dick as he processes everything that has happened to him and those he cares about in recent months.
Juan Jose Ryp does a decent job with the art duties on this issue, but I really miss Eddy Barrows on this book. I suppose I’ll get used to it after awhile, and Ryp does capture the emotion of the story well, as it is a heavy one.
Overall, I really enjoyed the issue, and I am looking forward to the next chapter in Dick Grayson’s saga, which I believe will see him leaving Gotham for the Chicago area.
4 out of 5 Can’t Catch a Breaks