DC Comics reviews 7/20-21 – Nightwing #82, The Flash #772

Nightwing #82

It’s easy to forget Nightwing was in the midst of a long amnesia storyline a few years back and essentially twirling in the wind as a character. Now, he’s headlining DC’s strongest monthly title and the creative team of writer Tom Taylor and artist Bruno Redondo are on King Midas mode where whatever the touch is liquid fire gold.

This issue is the fallout of the bombshell that Dick Grayson has a sister. But before that, Taylor shows the extra special level of protection Nightwing has…likely a result of said amnesia storyline. It allows for some cute and sensible cameos while showing a superhero’s journey doesn’t have to be spent in isolation.

There’s little action this issue, but Taylor crafts a perfectly logical and non-disruptive to established continuity explanation for Dick to have a sister. That was key. With too many writers that cliffhanger from last year would have offered a setup they couldn’t deliver. This was hardly a risk with Taylor, who makes the events play out in such a natural manner that it was easy to go along with this major shake up to Dick’s status quo.

Redondo’s art is exceptional. He’s really got a knack for the best angles and perspectives of his characters along with creative layouts. Rick Leonardi and Neil Edwards contribute on flashback sequences and it didn’t feel like a drop in quality. Edwards draws one page that is beautiful in how it captures the tragedy of The Flying Graysons’ death. Adriano Lucas’ colors keep a cohesive tone to the story.

As usual, by the time the issue is over it doesn’t feel like we had nearly enough time with Nightwing and crew. Taylor, Redondo and company deliver another excellent installment that opens up so many more fresh and exciting new possibilities for this title.

Rating: 10 out of 10