DCU Comic Book Reviews

NIGHTWING #152

Eminence Front

March 2009

Written by Peter J. Tomasi

Pencils by Don Kramer

Inks by Jay Leisten

Cover by Brian Stelfreeze

Synopsis

In the Batcave, Nightwing is dealing with Batman missing and presumed dead when suddenly Ninjas descend on him from above.  Nightwing easily defeats them all, and then uses their communications to contact their boss:  Rā’s al Ghūl.  He wants to talk to Nightwing, face to face.  Nightwing agrees.  In Thar Desert, Nightwing meets with Rā’s al Ghūl, who shows Nightwing one of the Pits of Lazarus.  Angry at Ra’s for suggesting such a thing, the two argue then fight with swords.  Neither wins the fight.  Nightwing tells Ra’s that Batman is dead and that will not change.  Ra’s offers Nightwing his sword as a reminder their paths will cross again.  Nightwing tells him to keep it as a reminder that wherever evil might go, he will fight it.  Later, at the batcave, Nightwing finds the sword.   

Review by Binkley (e-mail)

At this point, this series feels like it is treading water, just waiting for its cancellation in the wake of the “death” of Batman.  This issue treads similar story ideas as previous issues, in that Dick misses his mentor and is uncertain if he is worthy of following in the Dark Knight’s path.  To top it off the entire issue is not only an extended dialogue between two characters, but it also feels stretched out, especially with the useless ninja fight and the clichéd sword fight (why can’t they just talk; the action scene is totally not needed).  What saves the issue, however, is that the conversation is not only fascinating and well written, but it also serves a genuine part of Dick’s character.  At the beginning he is morose and uncertain.  At the end, the conflict with Ra’s has perhaps given him a renewed sense of purpose to carry on with Batman.  It is a nice little moment and I hope this carries through in the other titles when we get to the “Battle For The Cowl.” 

I like the call back to the “Resurrection of Ra’s al Ghul” when Tim was offered the chance to bring back his family (here).  I also like the fact that Dick admits that he is unsure what is answer would have been if he had been given the same choice. 

Was there anything specific about Alfred’s disappearance from Gotham?  I don’t recall any recent issue in which his “mission” was explained.  In terms of the story, there doesn’t seem to be any reason for Alfred not to be in Gotham, so there has got to be something up it.  Or is this somehow related to whatever was mentioned in issue #683 of Batman. 

I am annoyed that it is becoming easier and easier for people to get to the Batcave.  Doesn’t Bruce have a security system of some sort?

 

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