NIGHTWING #12

[ JUMPING FOR DISCOUNT ] 

If the 'Republic of Tomorrow' comes today. Should I act rather coy or just gay? Nightwing's not sure. He thinks I should be demure. Or else sing a song by Marvin Gaye. Unlike the rather macho creative team of Writer: Kyle Higgins; Artist: Andreas Guinaldo; and Publisher: DC Comics in August 2012. But then again they do eat raw meat.

So what’s the STORY morning glory?

Whilst visiting a zoo, I once saw a monkey throw his own sh*t at a visitor who was there at the time. In turn the visitor in question sh*t into a bag, and then threw it back at him. True story that. True and very serendipitous. Just like this episode of Nightwing called 'Inside Out'. 

• Well, picture the scene if you're still awake. Nightwing and Detective Nie have both been lead to a well-lit underground sewer situated somewhere in Gotham City by the well-masked villain known as 'Paragon'.
• Here, at this dismally debutant location, Paragon tries his best to turn Nie into Donatella Versace -- i.e. flatten his face -- whilst revealing to Nightwing why he has done what he has done previously. The b*stard.
• Moreover, after all of this plays out, Dick surprisingly gets a rather nice surprise from someone who he surprises with a surprising gesture. I think.

To be continued just as soon as the Penquin squawks, QUACK-QUACK!

(I said 'penguin' not 'duck').

What is the most memorable SENTENCE OR CONVERSATION spoken in this issue?

Although it wasn't part of the main thrust of the story, I did like Dick's closing passage to Lucius Fox by its end. Particularly...

'I want to put every cent of my trust fund to buy the amusement mile. Look, I know what you're going to say -- that it's a terrible business move. I get it. But how can I be so adamant about what I believe this place can be if I'm not willing to put myself on the line for it?  I've seen first hand what desperate people can achieve when they go all in. Sure, it can be dangerous. But if you are doing it for the right reasons Lucius, it can also be inspiring too'.

Agreed. One hundred percent. 

What was the BEST thing about this issue?

For me, one of the best parts to this yarn was Dick's tail-end dilemma between him and Zucco's daughter. Not only was it a nice turn up for the books and very surprising as well. But it also makes me think if there relationship together is doomed to failure as soon as it can begin.

What was the WORST thing about this issue?

I am afraid to say that I wasn't that keen on the Nightwing and Paragon fight. Granted, it did look good on the page and flowed quite nicely. Though, in the same breath, it did feel a bit flat to me where a story was concerned. Too predictable.  

What was the most CREATIVE thing about this issue?

STORY: I suppose having Dick's new 'police contact' as a homosexual Detective who hates him is a nice and original twist on things. However, it isn't very clear if Nie and Nightwing will be working in conjunction with each other in the near future, does it? Though I would not put it pass DC to make it so.

ART: There's a splash page in this issue which made me stand up in my seat and yelp 'Yahhooooo' (no tm). It's the one where the sewer explodes around Nightwing prompting him to strike a pose. Honestly, the dynamic tone to this image is so outstanding; I can forgive the colourist for using rather light hues in a rather dank and dismal location.

If you had to CAST TWO CHARACTERS in this comic book, who would they be and why?

NIGHTWING: I'm going to go all fruit flavoured in this instalment of casting call. Well, due to Dick adventurous, sweet, and lively demeanor, how can I not compare him to a watermelon...

NIE: ... where as this fruit is a fruit by another name. A kiwi fruit. It has a slightly bitter aftertaste, although it does possess some redeemable features.

If this issue had a MOVIE TAG LINE, what would it be?

The Only Way Is Up Unless You're Going Down To Funky Town.

If this issue were a MOVIE, an OBJECT, or a piece of MUSIC, what would that be and why? 

Non-directly this story was about location-location-location, as well as the way in which some people perceive their lo-cal to be either a nice place or a bad place. Therefore, why not compare it to something I've alluded to previously? The 1980's funk classic by Lipps Inc 'Funky Town'.

Let's dance.

FINAL thoughts...

Admittedly, I wasn't blown away by this issue. The art was above average. The story was un-even. And though it had some really nice scenes at the end of this tale, to oppose that, the scenes at the beginning were yawn some to say the least.

However, do you know what the best thing about this issue was? It's future. Straight up, I can not wait to read what happens between Dick and Sonia Branch next because of the zigger at the end of this adventure. Moreover, Dick's cast of supporting players seems to be building too. Nie. Jimmy. And Lucius.

Please continue the motion Kyle; you're a great writer, and I know that you have it in you.

MARKS out of 10? 8