[ad_1]
The second half of Nightwing‘s latest tale begins with a race to find a missing child. Initially, Nightwing and Batman assume Heartless is behind the sudden homicide, but truthfully, something worse happening. Let’s take a closer look.
Interestingly, Tom Taylor continues to tell this story from Batman’s perspective. Batman’s observations about Nightwing and the case give unique insight to his mindset as a father. This includes opening with another flashback of Bruce training Grayson before he becomes Robin. In particular, Bruce is able to coach Dick into recognizing when his anger is crossing the line. It’s a touching but disturbing reminder that Grayson was once a very traumatized child like him. Ultimately, Bruce steers Grayson out of taking his anger into the world, while creating a safe place for it at home. Today, Bruce’s patience with his son has shaped the man Nightwing is now. In fact, Bruce continuously marvels at Nightwing’s leadership, restraint, and skill at being everything Bruce is and more. However, Batman also the world’s most overpowered helicopter parent. In his attempt to solve the side plot of Nightwing’s uninteresting fear of heights, he requests his location history and bloodwork. Even though Nightwing finds it disturbing, he still admits this is probably a sign that Bruce cares in his own way. Additionally, what impresses me is how Batman easily mentors Beast Boy as well. When Beast boy asks for advice about people hating him, Batman warmly says that they do it to help not for likes. Furthermore, Nightwing witnesses Bruce encourage Garfield to believe that he saved the world.
With minimal leads on the Heartless copycat, Nightwing seeks to interview Iko Khalid once again. Unfortunately, the dynamic duo find the Khalid home to be empty apart from a note that reads “HELP.” In a nutshell, the two finally deduce that the parental guardian may have been the killer all along. Personally, unnecessarily copying a supervillain’s m.o to cover up an inheritance ploy is literally asking for superhero intervention. Nonetheless, the uncle books a flight to Vietnam in advance to avoid extradition. Unfortunately, I don’t think he understands that Batman has no jurisdiction, and will drag him back to the United States whenever possible. The biggest problem I have is that Nightwing asks to borrow a jet from the Titans to get there as if Batman doesn’t have his own jets somewhere. The climax of the book follows a few nice panels of Nightwing and Batman lovingly fighting in sync. Most surprisingly, the flashback about anger also plays into the finale. Instead of confronting Loc Khalid with violence, he takes a different approach and impresses Batman. However, the biggest moment of the book comes when Loc takes his own nephew hostage. Although the encounter features ridiculous physics, the conclusion is a goosebump inducing example of Nightwing’s trust in his mentor and vice versa. In many ways it is a satisfying display of Nightwing’s heroic values, while still coming off sadly generic. Son Of Gray Pt. 1-2 by Michael W. Conrad The backup story of issues #111 and #112 follow a confusing tale of a vengeful knight in 14th century Normandy. Basically, some weird priest and his followers murders his father for his possessions. Not too long after that, the “Gray Son” sets out for revenge. Naturally, the assailants think he’s some kind of demon for defeating them. Firstly, the artwork by Francesco Francavilla seems to be the same signature inks + flat secondary color combination he uses in stories like Joker: The Man Who Stopped Laughing. Secondly, the uncomfortable dialogue is primarily from the murderer’s point of view. The priest, whom looks like the Joker, is a disgustingly unreliable narrator skewing the truth in his favor. Despite the interesting setting, it all feels like an entirely pointless backup overall. Recommended If… You love the original Dynamic Duo! You don’t mind a story with mildly lower stakes. Nightwing deflecting bullets with his forearm doesn’t bother you. Overall Lucky for Tom Taylor, I really love the relationship Bruce has with his sons. Sometimes it feels like Batman doubts the positive influence in the lives of the boys he takes in. Stories like these remind me and readers like me that Batman is a still a great mentor. Also, there aren’t many issues with Sam Basri’s artwork. On the other hand, there are several convoluted issues and flaws with this story. For example, Loc’s illogical plans are either sloppy or stupid. Enjoyment of these two issues will depend on how forgiving readers can be about the tragedy of the Khalid family. Otherwise, it’s a simple heartwarming tale about a father’s bond with a pointless backup. Score: 6.5/10 DISCLAIMER: DC Comics provided Batman News with a copy of this comic for the purposes of this review COMMENTS
[ad_2]
Source link
