There are characters that we grow attached to and as we grow older and that character grows up with us. This only increases importance to the reader. For many comic book fans one such character is Dick Grayson, the first Robin. Over the years, readers have witnessed Dick grow from Boy Wonder to the character of “Nightwing #1.”
“Nightwing #1” was written by Kyle Higgins with art by Eddy Barrows and J.P. Mayer. Higgins has written most recently for the mini-series “Batman: Gates of Gotham” with Scott Snyder. Along with this series, Higgins is also writing the new Deathstroke series for “New 52.” Barrows and Mayer have also done the art for many DC books, including “Birds of Prey” and “War of the Supermen.”
We see Dick return to the Nightwing persona and it is quite nice to see him as his own hero again. When he became too old to be Robin, Dick left the Bat-Cave and Gotham to become Nightwing. However in the “Final Crisis event” Bruce Wayne was killed by Darkseid, and in his absence Dick took the mantle of Batman. While he was good as Batman, it didn’t really suit him.
This issue returns to the past. Dick has moved on from filling in for Bruce and taken what he learned and applied it to being Nightwing. Also Haley’s Circus, the circus where Dick and his parents preformed until their murders is coming back to Gotham for the first time since that night. We see that, like his mentor, Dick has moved on from the memory of his parent’s death and used it as to his advantage. However, just when you think you have things figured out and everything’s okay, there comes something to challenge that. In this case, the challenge comes in the form of a new hired assassin that can match his speed and fighting expertise.
The issue is a character study. We see what is going on in Dick’s life now and what has gone on in the most recent past and how they are using that to influence their future. To Dick being Batman was more than just filling in for his mentor; it was a challenge. The worst of the worst threw their best at him and he remained strong enough to fight another day. Also bringing Dick’s circus past into the story adds an interesting twist that I hope Higgins will use in future issues. The art by Eddy Barrows is another highlight of the issue though at times characters’ expressions are a little off.
This issue was fantastic and it is an easy jumping-in point for both old readers who have followed Dick before or new readers. I would highly recommend this issue and I can’t wait for the next one.
