As of this month, Dick Grayson has been around for 84 years! That means he’s been around longer than Aquaman, Green Arrow, Wonder Woman, The Flash (Barry Allen), and Green Lantern (Hal Jordan), just to name a few! And since then, he has had a total of (technically) four ongoing series. So much has changed for the character since his inception, and he’s had many titles: he’s been Robin, Nightwing, Batman, Nightwing (again), Agent 37, Nightwing (again), Ric Grayson (if this is considered a separate entity), and Nightwing once again. And through these last 80+ years, Dick Grayson has become one of the most recognizable faces and names in comics. However, after all these years, he’s finally hitting the landmark #300th issue. Who’s the creative team behind this, one might ask? Well, this issue has not one, not two, but three writers and artists. In this issue, writers Tom Taylor, Marv Wolfman, and Michael Conrad collaborated with artists Daniele Di Nicuolo, Bruno Redondo, and Howard Porter for this issue. That said, how is it?
The premise is relatively simple. It’s an important day for Dick Grayson, both in-universe and in the outside world. However, that’s not going to stop him from being a do-gooder with his two brothers. The banter between Dick, Tim, and Damian is great, and thoroughly enjoyable as Taylor uniquely captures each of their charm. The three don’t partner together often, and this team-up winds up being a great time for the trio to have some light banter. Naturally, as this elusive big day is important for Dick Grayson, it’s important for his loving girlfriend, Barbara Gordon. Throughout the series, Taylor has shown the couple’s trust in each other grow as their relationship blossoms. That said, there’s a brief moment between them, which, although intended to be very sweet, feels reductive towards Barbara’s greater role in the DC Universe as a hero. However, it’s a brief moment that’s quickly glossed over as a point of love between the pair and doesn’t detriment the overarching story. Altogether, Taylor writes an energetic story that shows the importance of Dick Grayson’s support system while keeping him front and center.
DC Comics
Throughout this series, Taylor has balanced Dick Grayson’s resilience with a consistent aura of confidence around the character. And when Dick’s big moment comes, it’s handled perfectly and shows what separates Dick from everyone around him. This buildup has a great payoff, as the transition between the celebration of Dick Grayson in the story shifts from one kind to another. Of course, there’s still the nagging issue going on in the series: Nightwing is afraid of heights. While the story doesn’t add much to develop this, it’s clear that this will be the focus point of the final arc in Tom Taylor and Bruno Redondo’s tenure on the series. However, we know this much: it’s not boding well for the last Flying Grayson. This pairs well with the final moments of the main story, which gears readers up for the upcoming arc “Fallen Grayson”.
DC Comics
Possibly the biggest surprise in the story is the return of Marv Wolfman to write a Nightwing story. His return is perfectly utilized in this issue, as it feels like a heartfelt love letter from the writer to the character. Not only that, but it also feels like his story is meant to speak to the importance that the late George Pérez had on the character too. It’s important to remember that the pair created Nightwing in Tales of the Teen Titans #44. Overall, the return of Wolfman is one of the best parts of the story and carries the most emotional part of the story.
Once again, Michael Conrad returns for another short story for Nightwing. However, this one is all visuals and no words. This makes for a very suspenseful narrative, both for the character and the reader. Here, Howard Porter translates the script into a high-speed action sequence. Frankly, the story is very fun, with a cool idea that may pose a few questions for the reader. Is this an isolated incident? Or perhaps the beginning of a new story? Or maybe this is just meant to show how unstoppable Nightwing is. All in all, the story is still very engaging, although it’s a bit jarring since we don’t know the buildup.
DC Comics
The art in this issue is astounding. Daniele Di Nicuolo does a brilliant job depicting the charm and positive energy needed for a story meant to be a celebration. Additionally, fans of the popular anime Jujutsu Kaisen may want to be on the lookout for a very popular character’s alleged cameo (or doppelgänger) in the story. Additionally, Bruno Redondo returns to the interiors of the series for the first time since June 20th, 2023! And his art fits perfectly with his role in the story. It’s important to note, that not only is the transition between Di Nicuolo and Redondo seamless, but the story Redondo helps with makes his return all the more appreciated. Not many can put “worked with Marv Wolfman” on their resumes, but the pair make a spectacular duo, albeit only for a few pages. Also, in the final story. Howard Porter’s thick and intense line work helps to carry the emotion of the story. Unlike the main part of the issue, which has a more cheerful tone, this is far more serious. Through this line work, Nightwing’s drive and determination ripple off the page. Altogether, this story has beautiful art with vibrant colors from both Adriano Lucas and Hi-Fi.
Overall, Nightwing #113 is a great issue that shows the importance of both Dick Grayson and Nightwing to everyone around him, including those who pick up his stories to connect with the hero. This comic carries many touching and heartfelt moments, that help to make an enjoyable story. Additionally, the return of Marv Wolfman is certainly a major highlight and carries the most heartfelt moment. That said, the setup for the finale arc of Taylor and Redondo certainly will have readers nervous about what’s in store for Nightwing.
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