Nightwing #3

Nightwing #2 was awesome. It had action, romance, and drama -- it kept the reader on the edge of the seat and looked awesome. I was hoping that would lead to a great next issue, but unfortunately, it takes a small step back. While apparently the creative directive for DC has been not to focus on the past events of the characters, this issue deals almost exclusively in filling in the gaps from Dick's past.

A couple things to note. I don't remember the exact age Kyle Higgins said Dick became Robin, but it's not nearly as young. If I remember correct, the old age was 12, but now it's probably more like 15 or 16, as Dick is definitely at least 12 in this flashback to his past at the circus. And I like the contrast between what Haly Circus is now and what it was then. When Dick goes back to the circus to visit it's usually all smiles and happy days, but this shows a Haly Circus that resents him for leaving and isn't always all honky-dory. 

Also of note, in his flashback to being Robin, he's wearing pants. IT TOOK THEM TWENTY YEARS BUT THEY FINALLY RETCONNED HIM TO HAVE PANTS. HALLELUJAH! WAS THAT SO HARD DC? *eh-hem* Excuse me, momentarily lapse of control.  But in all seriousness, shorts were only acceptable in the 1940's, any real superhero wears pants. I mean what if it's cold out?

But aside from all these side nuggets, the story was actually pretty good, even if it doesn't advance the overall story that much. There's also advancement of Dick's relationship with Raya (at least for the near-future, she seems to be Dick's love interest, although I think it will be Barbara in the long run of Higgins' story). I've always been in favor of Dick settling down with a non-super-heroine, because he's the most well-adjusted of all the Bat-family, where there's a significant difference between Dick and his superhero identity.

PANTS! but no ass?

What I liked: Despite the fact that two different pencils worked on this issue,  I didn't even notice. More and more solid dialogue helped a slow issue not grind to a halt. Also, way to go Higgins, Dick still hasn't been truly beaten in combat like used to happen all the time, and touches upon those insecurities. This shows Dick as competent, not a lesser version of Batman.

What I didn't: Barrows draws Dick with no butt. Seriously, look at all the pics, no butt.

Conclusion: Another strong issue from Higgins and Barrows, though I'm very disappointed to learn that Barrows will be taking an issue off (Trevor McCarthy from "Batman: Gates of Gotham" will be a guest artist -- he's good, but of everything I have seen of his, he could never draw on Barrows' level). Batgirl is visiting next issue, maybe her and Raya have an awkward meeting? 8.4/10 (B).