NIGHTWING #17

[ GIMME MY F*CKING COUPONS ] 

Who can help poor Nightwing now? A goat, or even a cow? Now Damien has some ideas. But they all involve Britney Spears. Plus a dating site called, 'Evow'. OK. So who do you think is going to log-on first out of the rather pleasant creative team of Writer: Kyle Higgins; Artist: Juan Jose Ryp; and Publisher: DC Comics in March 2013. Go on. Click-Click.

Using GENERAL terms, answer the following 4 questions about this STORY entitled 'The Long Week'.

• WHAT'S THE MAIN THRUST OF THIS TALE: After the tragic events of 'Death of the Family', Dick (Nightwing) Grayson tries his best to bury the dead, tend to the injured, and extinguish the flames of his now ruined business.
• ARE THE MAIN OBJECTIVES ACHIEVED: Kind of. Even though Dick doesn't feel that he's accomplished anything at all.
• ANYTHING ELSE HAPPEN: Robin stops Nightwing from going bonkers when he spots him beating up a gang of masked thieves. 
• HOW DOES THIS STORY END: With 'The Dealer' buying a garment that was once stolen by the Joker, belonging to the Flying Grayson's.

Overall, what is the most memorable SENTENCE OR CONVERSATION spoken in this issue?

Now there was a sentiment echoed throughout this issue which was remunerated by the numerous characters in it. Yet, for yours truly, the one person who said it best would have to be Alfred Pennyworth, when he told Dick...

'I know what you are thinking. You could have stopped them. You could have saved everyone. Everyone. But, need I remind you this is the Joker we are discussing. Which is why I hope you believe me when I say you did everything you could, Master Richard'.

Need I say more than that?

What are the BEST bits about this issue?

(+) There was an almost rhapsodic disposition running throughout this story, one which I personally thought was very relevant and moving for this 'day in the life' type tale. Furthermore, it was a nice change of pace to see Dick as disheartened as he was, because I also found that very moving as well.
(+) The stand-out scene for me would have to be the one where Robin tries to consul Nightwing in his usual sardonic manner. Not only was it very nice to see these two characters on the same page again. But it also brought their relationship 'full-circle' since their 'Batman and Robin' days.
(+) Just like the Damien scene, I did like the Alfred scene too. It just goes to show that good old Mister Pennyworth is a very fine hero to a very fine gang of heroes.

What are the WORST bits about this issue?

(-) Opps! Did somebody forget to buy enough ink for this book? Alfred's hair color isn't white, it's black-ish!
(-) In the scene where Nightwing went 'berserk', it wasn't clearly illustrated what the masked gang he went 'crazy on' were trying to do. I mean, they could have been work-men for all Dick knew, right?
(-) Barbra Gordon's appearance in this issue didn't really lend anything to the overall tale. It felt very disposable to me. Almost fleeting.

Pick TWO CHARACTERS out this comic book, and compare them individually to a HONG KONG ACTION STAR.

YUEN BIAO AS NIGHTWING: Alright. I know that I've picked Yuen in a previous casting call, folks. But that does not necessarily mean he isn't a perfect match for Dick as well! They're both aerobatic. They're both on the slim side. And by proxy they both have a very boy-ish quality about them.

MAGGIE CHEUNG SONIA BRANCH: If you've ever seen her in any of Jackie Chan's Police Story films, then you'd know that Maggie can play feisty to down-trodden without splitting a curl. 

What WORD or PHRASE could you use to sum-up this story?

'When I look at the world I'm pessimistic. But when I look at people I am optimistic' -- Carl Rogers

What SONG, THEME-TUNE, or MELODY, would complement this tale, as well as add and extra dimension to it by default?

'COME PICK ME UP' BY RYAN ADAMS: Now I've compared this song to this adventure because they're both melancholy and slightly depressing, whilst at the same time sharing the same uplifting yet poetic conviction.

ANYTHING Else?

All in all this issue of Nightwing was a fairly above average read than most books on the racks today. The story was well paced. The art was fine. Plus the emotion behind the narrative transformed this adventure from OK, to... as I just said... above average.

However, now that's been said, what about the future of this title? Huh? The Circus is in ruins. Dick is falling in love and the daughter of his parent's murderer (and visa-versa). Plus I haven't got a clue what Dick does with himself when he's not fighting crime!

Do you have any idea, comic book fans? Do you think Dick just watches television or hangs out with Batman when he hasn't anything on?

No! Doesn't sound right, does it? So if you've got any ideas, please drop me a line, OK? Or alternatively, try to send me your suggestions telepathically. Might work!

GIVE IT, IT'S DUES: If This Comic Book Was Prescribed Medication, It Would Be Vicodin. Well, if It's Good Enough For House, It's Good Enough For Me.