Nightwing #5

Nightwing #5 is an interesting issue. The characterization and art are spot on, but the script is weird, and it's probably thus far the best example of Kyle Higgins' first five issues. Right now, Kyle Higgins seems interested in doing mostly one-off stories, which end with slight advancement of an ongoing plot. And that's fine, but there is something off about it, and after a lot of thought, I think I've put my finger on it.

The thing is, the main stories are rarely tying back into the larger story arc. If the adventure in issue five had much of anything to do with Saiko and the circus as a whole, that would be great. This story centers around a random circus clown with a vengeful ex that has somehow conjured a monster to come after him. The fight was cool, and Nightwing's actions int he story were spot on, but this begs the question "why the hell are you telling this story?" How does this matter, what's the point in telling this story?

Nightwing #4

In terms of quality, the first three issues of Nightwing are on par with nearly any title in the "New 52." Much of its quality was based on the often stunning (although sometimes inconsistent) art of Eddy Barrows. But for whatever reason, Eddy Barrows is having trouble meeting deadlines, with issue #3 being finished by Eduardo Pansica, and issue #4 being entirely drawn by Batman: Gates of Gotham artist Trevor McCarthy.

While by no means is Trevor McCarthy a bad artist, he's a terrible fit for this series. While some have championed that he has a fluid, motion-like style, his pencils look to cartoonish and Scott McDanielesque (that's never a good sign if you're a Nightwing fan) for the tone this series has had thusfar. In particular, the faces I find very flawed and off-putting.

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. 

Nightwing #2

While Scott Snyder is the big buzzname in comics right now, Kyle Higgins will be joining him shortly for his work on Nightwing. This is a fantastic comic, as Kyle Higgins nails Dick Grayson, and Eddy Barrows has been putting on a spectacular art-show.

This comic picks up last comic's big showdown between Nightwing and the new villain Saiko. Nightwing shows off some impressive fighting skills, despite the superior weaponry of Saiko. We also see the return of the suit-taser, again proving Kyle Higgins' love of Nightwing. This guy has clearly read Dick extensively, even if I'm not quite sure if his claims of Dick Grayson being his favorite character are lip service, or actually genuine.

Issue #2 also explains why Haly's Circus will be playing a big role in this series, as we find out that Mr. Haly (owner of the circus) is dying, and in his will has left the circus to Dick, as originally the circus was meant to be willed to his parents. This is a great choice by Higgins. Haly's Circus is a big part of Dick Grayson's life, and him owning the circus means never having to justify why he's there, ditching the tired "I haven't seen everyone in forever!" story arc used so often.

Nightwing #1

In the past I've mentioned how Dick Grayson is my favorite character. I don't care what costume he's in, or how old he is, he's my favorite. Needless to say, I've enjoyed the last two years of comics tremendously. Finally, DC put elite teams on Dick Grayson titles, and the results were tremendous, with Scott Snyder's "The Black Mirror," and Grant Morrison's "Batman and Robin" chalking up to some of the favorite stuff I've ever read.

The problem was that while they did well, it could only keep Dick under the cowl for so long. And then they devised this relaunch/reboot/re-whatever they want to call it in the middle of last year, this meant an end of an era for Dick. Part of the editorial mandate was that with the exception of Green Lantern (because Geoff Johns is one of the heads of DC creative, so of course his storylines aren't interrupted) all the characters should be returned to their traditional roles if at all possible. This meant there would be only one Batman (Bruce), Dick would be Nightwing, and Barbara Gordon would be Batgirl and so on and so forth. In all likeliness Dick would have only been Batman only until the end of Grant Morrison's "Batman Inc." story (which probably would have ended next spring) but still, that's half a years worth of more Dick Grayson stories by the best creative teams.