Someone in Gotham City is impersonating Heartless, and unfortunately for them, Nightwing and Batman are on the case. In this issue, writer Tom Taylor and artist Sam Basri deliver a great issue showing how well the duo is capable of being when the situation necessitates it. Additionally, this issue carries a haunting backup story by Michael Conrad and Francesco Francavilla. Together, this issue offers a good ending to a rare team-up between the original Dynamic Duo; one where the pair rely on each other and their unique strengths are showcased for the reader, while also opening up a potential new connection between the Grayson’s and the Joker.
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The issue opens with a flashback to when Dick first began training as Robin. Unlike what one may guess, Dick Grayson was quite the angry bird back then. In fact, he still can be. But back in the beginning, when he was first training, he had a lot of pent-up rage. This flashback does a great job illustrating that through a simple encounter between Dick and Bruce working together. This is paralleled rather well with the pair working together to save Iko. However, the best part of this issue comes from its conclusion, where Taylor does a great job depicting how Batman’s teachings have impacted Nightwing and made him into his own independent hero.
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Additionally, Michael Conrad’s backup story is another can’t-miss for Nightwing fans. Typically, the Joker is assorted as someone with a long-lasting and never-ending connection to Batman. However, his, assuming this is the same Joker we know, connection to the Son of Gray is certainly being further intertwined. This story ends on a disturbing note; one which doesn’t bode well for Nightwing. Where this will be picked up, time will tell.
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Sam Basri does a stupendous job of this issue highlighting the raw emotions Dick experiences, both in the past and present. While Basri does a great job illustrating an intense fight at the end of the issue, the more memorable moments are the more subtle and calm scenes between him and Bruce. Additionally, Vicente Cifuentes and Adriano Lucas each carry the emotional weight of the story to a higher level through their skillful inks and colorings, respectively. Francesco Francavilla, as always, does an outstanding job making this brief story so horrifying. The shadows of the forest and similarly medieval environments cast a menacing tone over the story. Additionally, the coloring in this story further deliberates the eerie tone of this issue. Moreover, this issue is beautifully illustrated and is only elevated by its art.
Nightwing #112 is a strong issue that displays how successful Nightwing and Batman can be at working together when written as equals. Despite the continuing fear of heights Nightwing has, he still finds a way to stand out from Batman in all the best ways. Additionally, the backup story offers potential future connections to explore between Nightwing and one of DC’s most villainous villains.
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