NIGHTWING #2

[ HANDS OFF FREE STUFF ] 

Nightwing has a new villain called Saiko. Who looks like a very stern Kato. But Nightwing knows no fear, and he’s certainly no queer, all because he studied the philosophy of Plato. As depicted by Writer: Kyle Higgins; Artist: Eddy Barrows; and Publisher: DC Comics in November 2011.

So what’s the story morning glory?

In ‘Haly’s Wish’, Nightwing has to reluctantly cut-short his battle with new villain, Saiko, because of a car burning nearby.

Nevertheless, his adventure still continues, when – some time later – his pal from the circus, Raya, asks Dick – in a round about way – that Mr Haly wants Dick to visit him in Los Angeles.

Dick visits, and in so doing, he learns that Mr Haly wants to give him the circus when he passes away – which happens at the end of the book – after Dick ‘gets some oats’ from Raya, and has a subsequent battle with Saiko.

What is the most memorable sentence spoken in this issue?

When Raya knocks on Dicks door to ask him for help, Dick thinks to himself “Beautiful girl comes knowing at my door and asks for help. Who can say no?”.

Git.

Was the story any good?

Yeah – this story was a nice one actually. Not the best that I have ever read – but far from the worst.

Now what I liked about it the most, was that it told a self contained story, whilst at the same time acknowledging that it is being encapsulated into a bigger ‘story arc’.

Also, it was about time that Dick got ‘some booty’ and ‘some luck’. Heck, the last person I saw Dick ‘get lucky’ with was Kory (which would be interesting now). And as for the last time he had ‘some luck’ – err – #2 of the ‘Batman Family’ November 1975 (check it out).

Was the art any good?

Kyle Higgins is a very good artist, and his work on this book is greatly appreciated compared to the last Nightwing series we had. I find that, in places, his etchings are somewhat reminiscent of Alan Davis’ work – especially where his facial expressions and body compositions are concerned.

On the flip side of this though, it was noticeable that two inkers worked on this issue – JP Mayer and Paulo Siqueira – occasionally making inconsistencies within a coherent style.

What is the best thing about this issue?

I liked the conceit that Dick’s identity has been compromised – again – as well as the notion that he is now going to be the new owner of Halys Circus.

Both of these sub-plots give this new title a new angle to play with – plus a promising future to boot.

What is the worst thing about this issue?

I was not too happy with three aspects of this issue of Nightwing. The first one relates to the way in which Nightwing and Saiko’s initial confrontation was delayed because of an imminent car explosion – too convenient. The second one concerns the manner that Raya felt that she had to trick Dick into visiting Haly – this made no sense at all, and was not even explained away properly. And the third one is all to do with air-miles – it must be good to have a plane, huh?

If you could sum up this issue in a phrase or saying, what would that phrase or saying be?

“A new member has just entered the mile high club”.

If this issue were a movie, an object, or a piece of music, what would that be and why? 

In a strange way, this issue of Nigtwing reminds me of the Dallas soap opera spin off ‘The Colbys’. In both – the people are pretty – there is always 'a will' involved – someone always dies – and people have sex on a plane. Here, see for yourself...

What do you think would have made this issue better than it was?

For a start, I would have removed all that nonsense about Dick flying back and forth to Haly in the way that he did – I’d have the old Carney in a nearby hospital of something. And next, I would have Kory show up whist Dick and Ray are ‘getting jiggy with it’ on the plane - and then have her join in too.

Oh! And if this did happen, this comic book would have to be in 3D. Ha!

Final thoughts...

Personally speaking, the best thing about this issue – apart from the general adventurous aspect of this tale – is that Dick’s future now seems to be more closely tied with the circus. Though I hope that this status-quo does seal the breaks that mould, and is not used as s a fleeting piece of story to be ‘dumped’ into a arc.

Marks out of 10? 8.5