Comic Review: Nightwing (Issues 1 - 115)
This review was written before the current re-vamp of the entire DC Comics line. I'll be re-writing a new review as new issues become available.
Comic Book: "Nightwing" (Issues 1 - 115)
Current Writer: Chuck Dixon
Past Artists: Scott McDaniel, Greg Land, others
Available: At most comic shops.
Background/Summary: Dick Grayson/Nightwing, formerly the original "Robin" (there have been three), first appeared in the pages of The New Teen Titans #44 in a new costume, as a different superhero, effectively shedding the mantle of "Batman's Kid Sidekick." Now, he has his own city, Bludhaven, his own life and his own superteam that he leads (The Titans) away from Batman and out of his mentor's considerable shadow.
Mad Props to Issues:
+ #1-9; This collection of issues got me back into comics. The art is amazing, the story-telling dynamic and just an overall great read about a young man trying to come into his own. (I can relate) You can pick it up as a collected trade paperback entitled "Nightwing: A Knight in Bludhaven."
+ #25; A great one-shot story that gives you a glimpse into the humanity of the former Robin and the current Robin. The big/little brother dynamic here is perfect and this is considered by many to be the best issue to date.
+ Various hints are made towards Nightwing's status as a Christian, however, this important facet of his character hasn't been explored yet.
Mad Props to Comic Writer Chuck Dixon:
+ For consistency! This guy has to be one of the hardest working writers in comics today. I admire his strong, consistent story-telling, his attention to detail, dialogue and character and his advances with this character, my favorite. And the best part is, his stories are really good! I enjoy reading his work and I consider him to be the best kept secret in comics today!
Mad Props to Comic Artist Scott McDaniel:
+ This guy is a "Mad Minister!" Check out his homepage and you'll see that he's seriously into seeing people come to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ! I cannot express in words how much of a blessing it was for me to go to his homepage ( www.scottmcdaniel.net ) and see all the Christian art and even to see the awesome tract he has constructed using his art from various issues of "Nightwing." By all means, go and check this page out!
Mad Slops to Issues:
+ At some points, the stories are too thin, especially the current run. There haven't been any real, big advances in the title character's growth lately, other than trying, and succeeding, in building up a Rogues' Gallery for him as there is with Batman.
+ Scott McDaniel leaving. His art was the best ever. Period.
+ Once again, the fact that even though this character is a Christian, his roots are not explored makes for a frustrating read for me. Chuck Dixon, the writer, on his homepage shares his views of his faith in comics (both he and Scott McDaniel are Christians), however, he has yet to show the Christian faith of this character even though other comics characters' faiths are being explored. (The comic character "Nightcrawler" of the "New X-Men" and "Uncanny X-Men" titles is pursuing his studies to enter the Roman Catholic priesthood) A major letdown, seeing as how the series is approaching issue #60 as of this writing.
Mad Minister's Verdict: A great comic read if you're inclined. Fast paced art, rapid fire story-telling and an overall masterful comic book. Hopefully, there will be more depth to the character's faith added at a later date.
I understand that these characters belong to DC rather than the individual writers/artists, but I know that you guys do have some pull as to what the stories are about and what they add to/take away from the characters.
Mad Points: 3.5 outta 5.