Nightwing #24 – Review

by Kyle Higgins (writer), Will Conrad (art)

The Story: One’s the world’s greatest acrobat; the other’s the variably important racketeer who killed his parents, together THEY FIGHT CRIME!

The Review: It’s a strange time to be a Nightwing fan. On one hand, Kyle Higgins has finally found his groove on this title and is giving us some of the best Nightwing we’ve gotten in years. On the other hand, the spectre of Forever Evil hangs over this title, promising to mess with things down the line. Like a child yelling at the screen, we all know that bad things lurk in Dick Grayson’s future, but the world goes on, as if everything’s fine.

While we may be waiting for the future to catch up with Nightwing, Kyle Higgins clearly wants us to know that no matter what Forever Evil holds for Dick, he’s not done with him yet.

This somewhat front heavy issue is the last chapter in the rather impressive Prankster storyline that Higgins has been building over the past few months. Unfortunately, for all the excellent work he’s done with the character, Higgins’ final reveal is somewhat lacking. The Pranksters origin is casually tossed off in the early pages and his plan, which follows soon after, requires the most twisted logic to make sense. That being said, I think that may be the point.

Nightwing #23 – Review

By: Kyle Higgins (writer), Will Conrad (artist), Andrew Dalhouse (colorist)

The Story: Chicago burns…except when there are hot red-head. Even terrorism will stop for hot red-heads.

The Review: With Chicago being torn apart by the Prankster, Kyle Higgins takes some time to move things into position for October’s finale. There are really only one or two scenes that seem important to the arc as a whole, but they’re strong ones, and Higgins fills the rest of the issue with old-school Nightwing heroics.

While Higgins takes the opportunity to bring a little fun into the rather dark situation he’s thrown Nightwing into, it can’t be said that his writing is as strong as it has been in recent months. That’s not because of any fault of his as a writer of dialogue, but merely that this issue is lacking opportunities for him to flex his dramatic muscles.

The lone exception to this is a scene between Tony Zucco and his wife. While I could see some calling it out for melodrama, I thought that the scene had a definite kick to it. It’s been a slow build, but the work that Higgins has done with Zucco’s character is coming to bear and I, for one, am impressed.

The other scene that bears mentioning is the first one, which really shows how much fun this character can be. Little things, like Dick knowing the hostage’s name and talking to her throughout combat, get across just how breezy and decent Grayson can be. Not to mention Danny, “the guy with the impractical dreads”. Particularly with an ill-wind on the horizon, scenes like this remind why Nightwing is so loved, and why so many are worried about what Forever Evil will bring for the former Robin.