DCU Comic Book Reviews

NIGHTWING #153

Black Dawn

April 2009

Written by Peter J. Tomasi

Pencils by Don Kramer

Inks by Jay Leisten

Cover by Brian Stelfreeze

Synopsis

In New York City, the Justice Society of America help Dick Grayson (aka Nightwing) pack up his stuff for his return to Gotham City.  There, Dick helps Alfred and Tim Drake (aka Robin) clean up the batcave.  Later, Nightwing goes to Crime Alley, where he lights a candle on the spot where Thomas and Martha Wayne were murdered.  Dick sees himself in Bruce, two people who lost their parents.  Bruce helped Dick to find a path of selflessness and devotion.  Dick relied on the kindness of a stranger to help him and because of that, Dick believes there will always be hope in Gotham City. 

Review by Binkley (e-mail)

While I enjoyed the story and Tomasi’s take on the similarities and differences between Dick and Bruce, there was a big feeling of “been there, done that” that weighed down the issue.  Don’t get me wrong, I thought this was a good issue with some nice moments, especially the final scenes with Nightwing in Crime Alley, but I just can’t go overboard with heaps of praise given how much we have seen scenes like this in the past.  The specter of Batman hangs over Nightwing whether the Dark Knight is dead or alive.  Many writers have spent a lot of time mining this particular area and while Tomasi handles it well, it still seemed like one more to add to the pack of many. 

Having said that, I think it is still the best way to end this book, with a look back at Nightwing’s past while looking forward to the future.  In the first issue of the book, Nightwing was looking to move out of the batcave and Gotham City and escape the shadow of Batman.  Now, he is returning to the batcave and Gotham and may very well end up being Batman.  It is that whole circle of life thing that I love so much when writer’s can pull it off.  And Tomasi does. 

I wonder about the scene with Tim listening to Dick and Alfred talk about Bruce’s death.  I like the fact that someone, finally, has an honest discussion about the fact that heroes die and come back to life a lot within the DC universe.  It is refreshing to see here.  But what was the deal with Tim?  I am not saying I disagree with the way the scene played out, but it doesn’t have a payoff at the end.  I wonder if this was added to lead into the Battle for the Cowl, or perhaps will be something that will be dealt with in the final issue of Robin, out next week.  

Origins & Omens

Written by Peter Tomasi

Art by Joe Bennett and Belardino Brabo

Commentary

That’s some origin being retold here (insert sarcasm here).  Really, what the deal is with this particular back-up story?  Not that I am complaining, mind you, I liked the scene.  Tomasi writes great little vignettes like this to really flesh out the characters.  It was amusing and touching, especially for these two characters and their rich, long history.  But it doesn’t really reflect the “origin” part of the title. 

 

ïPREVIOUS	Main		Page

Home ●  Blog ● Who Are We? ● Site News
Alive and Well since April 16, 2006

 DC Universe Reviews.  All Rights Reserved
  Characters, trademarks, brands are property of DC Comics

For problems or questions regarding this website, please contact our kindly webmaster.
Last updated: 08/06/11.