It took some time, but Nightwing is finally back in Blüdhaven this week in this new story arc. New readers can jump on now, but is it good?
Nightwing #10 (DC Comics)
So what’s it about? Read our preview to find out!
Why does this book matter?
Tim Seeley has been writing a very exciting espionage story since the first issue with Nightwing taking on the Court of Owls. Now Dick’s finding his bearings in a new city, which means Seeley can start from semi-scratch (be it with supporting characters and/or Dick hero-ing exploits).
Fine, you have my attention. What’s good about it?
You’re on your own yet Alfred packed your boxes! Peshaw!
This issue is very friendly for new readers, with new supporting characters who are introduced in strong fashion, Dick filling us in on his current state of mind, and an interesting tie into the tourism side of the city. Even if you didn’t know who Nightwing was you’ll get the full 411 on the character here.
Believe it or not, the tourism angle is the most intriguing element of this issue. Sure, seeing Dick deal with being the only hero in town is interesting (and trying to not lose his mind being an average person watching TV is fun too), but Seeley ties the tourism angle of the story in quite nicely from the very first page. This angle logically ties into social media and the general view of a hero like Nightwing visiting a new city. It’s a logical aspect to take and it feels quite fresh.
Seeley continues to have a strong bead on Dick and showcases the ability to get inside his head with solid captions throughout the issue. There’s also a clever full page break down of Dick’s point of view on friends and family that will get you screaming, “How could he be saying this to a stranger!”
The art by Marcus To is very clean and eye-pleasing. Dick has a very young but obviously fit look that suits the character and he’s very kind looking. To draws a fantastic montage (multiple in fact) as well. See Nightwing suit up, see Nightwing chill out at home — the layouts convey multiple things in subtle ways (like Dick getting progressively more bored over time) that gives these scenes an extra spark of life. He also draws a mean Bludhaven with cool looking neon signs and lights in the distance (with excellent color by Chris Sotomayor). There’s also a fantastic mirror scene that works well to set up the next issue.
Fun!
It can’t be perfect can it?
It’s pretty darn close. The pace of this issue is rather slow and that’s more obvious due to a lot of time spent getting inside Dick’s head. These ruminations are helpful, but they do seem to run on too long.
Is It Good?
Nightwing #10 is a perfect first issue to a story arc that adds new complexities to Nightwing’s life whilst capturing his inner conflicts well. Blüdhaven is ripe with new stories and this issue introduces a unique one I’ll be keeping a close eye on.
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