Nightwing #9
Writer: Tim Seeley
Artist: Marcio Takara
Publisher: DC Comics
The last issue of Nightwing concluded the two-part “Rise of Raptor” storyline, where we finally got to see the villainous Raptor get his bearded mug smacked around and sent to face justice by our titular hero.
This issue starts off with a fun action scene showing Nightwing and the Titans in action. Just as quickly as it starts, however, the situation turns to tragedy as the Titans are killed off one-by-one in front of Dick. Of course, this all turns out to be Dick’s nightmare, and we find out that the poor guy hasn’t been sleeping well lately. This brings us to Clark Kent - originally from an alternate dimension and currently the Superman of this dimension – who has detected a couple energy anomalies that point towards the Dreamstone - a powerful item likely familiar to all the Sandman fans out there. Of course, whenever the Dreamstone is involved, Dr. Destiny is not far behind, and so is the case when Clark uses his high-tech machines to enter Dick’s dreams and check out the source of this anomaly.
Now, for those of you who are interested, Nightwing #9 contains a multitude of hints towards the greater DC Rebirth story. In fact it’s probably one of the most overt issues since the Rebirth special itself. For a good three or four pages, Dick and Clark talk about the mechanics of alternate universes, the darker, grittier tone of this universe (seriously!), and the alternate versions of their current selves. If you look hard enough, you might be able to spot some curious details scattered about the issue that’ll give you pause.
In any case, the overarching theme of this storyline is friendship and loss, which is thematically appropriate considering Dick’s recent loss of two of his closest friends - Tim Drake and this universe’ s original Clark. The rest of the issue explores Dick’s struggle with the possibility of losing more people close to him, and Dr. Death abusing this weakness in Dick’s psyche for nefarious purposes. All-in-all, this issue is fun, action packed, and begins to build up the relationship between Dick and alternate universe Clark.
Marcio Takara's artwork in this issue ranges from good to mediocre. One scene in particular features a dreamscape Tim Drake whose proportions are off just enough so you can feel it’s not quite right, but it’s hard to pinpoint where exactly it’s off. On the other hand, the best page in Nightwing #9 is a splash page near the end of the book – a dynamic, colorful rendition of all the people that’ve made a difference in Dick’s life. If you’re a NIghtwing fan, then this alone is reason for you to go out and grab a copy of this issue.
Nightwing #9 continues to showcase Tim Seeley’s incredible understanding of Dick Grayson, what makes him special to the other characters in the DCU, and what makes him special to us, the reader. Even more impressive is Seeley’s characterization of Superman, and his ability to bring hope to the people around him. This issue is filled with touching moments, funny moments, awesome action scenes, and of the coolest splash pages this year. For those of you who are interested in the greater DC Rebirth storyline, this issue also includes a few more clues that might calm your appetite. And finally, for all the Chuck Dixon fans out there, this issue also sets up Dick’s trip down to Bludhaven!
Artist: Marcio Takara
Publisher: DC Comics
The last issue of Nightwing concluded the two-part “Rise of Raptor” storyline, where we finally got to see the villainous Raptor get his bearded mug smacked around and sent to face justice by our titular hero.
This issue starts off with a fun action scene showing Nightwing and the Titans in action. Just as quickly as it starts, however, the situation turns to tragedy as the Titans are killed off one-by-one in front of Dick. Of course, this all turns out to be Dick’s nightmare, and we find out that the poor guy hasn’t been sleeping well lately. This brings us to Clark Kent - originally from an alternate dimension and currently the Superman of this dimension – who has detected a couple energy anomalies that point towards the Dreamstone - a powerful item likely familiar to all the Sandman fans out there. Of course, whenever the Dreamstone is involved, Dr. Destiny is not far behind, and so is the case when Clark uses his high-tech machines to enter Dick’s dreams and check out the source of this anomaly.
Now, for those of you who are interested, Nightwing #9 contains a multitude of hints towards the greater DC Rebirth story. In fact it’s probably one of the most overt issues since the Rebirth special itself. For a good three or four pages, Dick and Clark talk about the mechanics of alternate universes, the darker, grittier tone of this universe (seriously!), and the alternate versions of their current selves. If you look hard enough, you might be able to spot some curious details scattered about the issue that’ll give you pause.
In any case, the overarching theme of this storyline is friendship and loss, which is thematically appropriate considering Dick’s recent loss of two of his closest friends - Tim Drake and this universe’ s original Clark. The rest of the issue explores Dick’s struggle with the possibility of losing more people close to him, and Dr. Death abusing this weakness in Dick’s psyche for nefarious purposes. All-in-all, this issue is fun, action packed, and begins to build up the relationship between Dick and alternate universe Clark.
Marcio Takara's artwork in this issue ranges from good to mediocre. One scene in particular features a dreamscape Tim Drake whose proportions are off just enough so you can feel it’s not quite right, but it’s hard to pinpoint where exactly it’s off. On the other hand, the best page in Nightwing #9 is a splash page near the end of the book – a dynamic, colorful rendition of all the people that’ve made a difference in Dick’s life. If you’re a NIghtwing fan, then this alone is reason for you to go out and grab a copy of this issue.
Nightwing #9 continues to showcase Tim Seeley’s incredible understanding of Dick Grayson, what makes him special to the other characters in the DCU, and what makes him special to us, the reader. Even more impressive is Seeley’s characterization of Superman, and his ability to bring hope to the people around him. This issue is filled with touching moments, funny moments, awesome action scenes, and of the coolest splash pages this year. For those of you who are interested in the greater DC Rebirth storyline, this issue also includes a few more clues that might calm your appetite. And finally, for all the Chuck Dixon fans out there, this issue also sets up Dick’s trip down to Bludhaven!
A Look Inside
