Nightwing: Rebirth

Writer: Tim Seeley
Artist: Yanick Paquette
Colorist: Nathan Fairbairn
Letterer: Carlos Mangual
Publisher: DC

It's been really interesting to see Rebirth unfold. While being advertised as a jumping-on point for new readers, Rebirth has harkened back to a lot of obscure characters. Although usually publishers have approached reboots as ways to return to the version of their universe that exists in public consciousness (therefore attracting new costumers), as a mostly new DC reader, seeing a wider range of characters and a quirkier approach to the DC Universe has actually been really enjoyable. The Rebirth one-shot kind of made no goddamned sense as a story but it still worked because of the love that Geoff Johns displayed for the characters in it. Since that came out, I tried a couple series but aside from Detective Comics, nothing had stuck with me until this book.

Nightwing: Rebirth is filled with that same reverence for legacy as DCU Rebirth. Before Dick dons the Nightwing mantle again, Seeley makes him reckon with what being Agent 37, Robin and Dick Grayson means to him. At the end, the reason why he becomes Nightwing again isn't as important as what each of his identities signify. A big theme in superhero comics is whether the superhero persona ends up superseding the civilian but here Dick Grayson is definitely more important than Nightwing.

Also featured is Damian Wayne. His presence drives the plot of the issue, and his wordiness and arrogance give some comic relief and make him a really good foil for Dick. The issue is framed as a conversation between them. While they talk and hang out at an arcade, we see a series of vignettes that feature Helena Bertinelli as Huntress, The Tiger, and Midnighter. Seeing Dick's rapport with other characters was one of the best things here so I hope we get some of them back on future issues. Those were the supporting of Seeley's Grayson, so I'll probably read that eventually.

Eventually, we find out Damian had a bomb implanted in his brain by the Parliament of Owls and Grayson uses a device given to him by Midnighter to extract it. There isn't a great deal of intrigue in the plot but it's a nice way to tie the story together. I really admired the structure of the issue, especially as some of the other Rebirth specials have felt somewhat driftless.

For the most part, the book flows really well together thanks to Yanick Paquette's art. I really appreciated the use of negative space between panels. This is a book that probably would be more enjoyable to read in print for that same reason. That flow and pacing do benefit moments like the reveal of Helena Bertinelli in the Huntress costume a lot. That being said, later on there's less spacing when the issue alternates between the Batcave and the Parliament of Owls, the way it coincides with the Damian plot being resolved makes the rest of the book feel like an afterthought. But by that point the book had completely won me over and Seeley keeps things interesting with his dialogue. Fairbairn quietly does really well on colors. Everything looks just right, the book isn't dark as a Batman issue or as those early New 52 Nightwing comics, even the villains that Dick fights are all have gaudy, bright colours and I'm sure that's no coincidence.

Nightwing: Rebirth definitely has that charm and swagger that a lot of fans appreciate about this character. It does a lot in 20 pages, revisting Grayson's supporting cast and even hyping the Birds of Prey series debuting next week with the appearance of Huntress. Even then, I thought it was enjoyable enough on its own and it does set up what should be a good Nightwing series. With this and Detective Comics, the Batfamily are having a great moment.