DC Comics reviews for the week of 9/20/17

Nightwing #29

Nightwing continues the Gotham Resistance mini-arc of Dark Night Metal tie-ins. This format is much smarter than the usual haphazard thrown together reference of a big major event.

There’s a terrific amount of cohesion here with the baton passing. Writer Tim Seeley is right in lockstep with Teen Titans writer Benjamin Percy in terms of what’s happening for all the characters. While Nightwing is paired up with Damian Wayne, Green Arrow, Harley Quinn and Killer Croc, the other Teen Titans find a new set of allies as well. And they’ve arrived just in time as Dark Robin descends on Gotham.

Nightwing’s crew, meanwhile, must tangle with the powered-up Mr. Freeze and his frozen concoctions. But to do that, they’ll need to properly fortify themselves for a battle of Metal. And what is the deal with the guiding sphere? I’ve got an idea and hopefully it leads to the return of yet another long absent DC hero.

Seeley seemed to enjoy having another opportunity to write Damian again. The brotherly dynamic with Dick and Damian always makes for a fun read and adding Green Arrow, Croc and Harley to the mix made it even more entertaining.

Paul Pelletier handles the art this issue. Regular Nightwing artist Javier Fernandez draws with a darker style full of moody shadows anyway, which might not have conveyed the nightmare scenario as well anyway. Pelletier is one of the best utility artists in DC and can handle any scenario tossed his way and make it look strong. The panels here feature focused action and some fun pages embracing the anything goes spirit of Metal.

It’s scary seeing how seemingly random elements in the various titles are coming together from previous storylines like Better than Batman and Nightwing Must Die. These aren’t essential reading for the story, but adds an appreciated extra layer of attention. It all makes it feel like DC editors and writers have dutifully planned for Metal and not figuring it out on the fly.

Gotham Resistance continues next week and it’s already vying for best event supporting mini-arc of 2017. Seeley and Pelletier held up their end and hopefully next week maintains the pace and quality effort so far.

Rating: 9 out of 10