NIGHTWING #7

[ DIE FOR THIS COMIC? ] 

The truth about Haly is finally out. Its something to do with a kraut. Nightwing knows the score - Saiko is a boar - and that red-head just screams and shouts. Or then again why don't you read this comic book Written by Kyle Higgins; Drawn by Eddy Barrows; and Published by DC Comics in April 2012. You won't be sorry.

So what’s the STORY morning glory?

This issue of Nightwing, entitled 'Turning Points' is a right... errr... 'turning point' issue, I can tell you. Well, it's just packed to the brim with questions and answers!

QUESTION: Why does the villain, Saiko, want to kill Nightwing and all the people attending his parent's memorial show at the circus? ANSWER: According to 'Dick's' one time pal, 'Raymond', this is because a secret society nabbed him for some arduous project, instead of the orphaned Dick.

QUESTION: Can Nightwing save the people in the circus whilst fighting Saiko? Especially since they are all encased inside, and that the fire is getting worse by the minute? ANSWER: Yes, with a little bit of reluctant help from the pretty turn-coat, Raya, plus some forward thinking, he finds the a way to save the day - in a manner of speaking.

QUESTION: What is this secret society that Saiko was referring to? ANSWER: Saiko won't tell Dick because he has taken a nose dive. Raya can't either because she is banged up. So it's up to Batman to forcibly explain to Dick, that this 'secret society' is in fact 'The Court of Owls', whom are a bunch of historical movers and shakers, that the Dark Knight has been recently fighting. Moreover, Dick's relatives are amongst their pantheon.   

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

I generally liked reading most of Dick's running monologue all in all. Plus Bruce's conversation with him was very 'dramatic 'as well. So for me, when Bruce said to Dick "His name is Cobb. William Cobb. And he is your Great Grandfather", my heart did a mambo straight away. Not because of the content, but because of the connotation.

Nice twist, right? 

What was the BEST thing about this issue?

The whole Dick / Court of Owl connection was a real treat in my eyes, honestly. I did not see this one coming at all, and I almost forgot about that plot point relating to Dick's DNA being found on a victim in 'Batman #1' and 'Nightwing #1'. Well, it was explained away so well at the time, that I kind of just dismissed this notion completely. Come on, lets face it, who could have guessed? Not me. Also, this aspect was so well explained in this issue, that it hardly came across as 'coincidence' case-wise.

What was the WORST thing about this issue?

There were three things about this story that did not really play out that well for me I am afraid to say. Such as: (1) Bruce hitting Dick - why? No point trying to tell something to someone, and then giving the recipient a slap for the sake of it. (2) Raya suddenly turning against Saiko within a couple of panels, as if she just came to the realization that she was doing 'the wrong thing', needed more subtext as a plot point - it played out too pat. And (3) Saiko dieing 'off panel'? No. Don't buy it myself. We'll see him again I am sure.

What was the most CREATIVE thing about this issue?

STORY: I do not want to repeat myself about the Dick / Court of Owl connection, so including that, creatively, I did like the way that the circus was built upon a sand catacomb, and how Dick planned this fact ahead of time to deal with a possible contingency.

ART: Artist, Kyle Higgins, keeps on getting better and better by the issue. For example, in this one, I liked his bold and kinetic action scenes, because they had a very lively and bold dynamic to them. The one thing artistically that I was not keen on though, was Dick's blood stained lip when Bruce gave him a slap. Too overt.

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

WILLIAM COBB: OK, so for this catatonic assassin, you need someone who has long hair, looks younger than he is, and can stand still for a very long time. What about Arnold Schwarzenegger in a wig? He's better when he's doing nothing.

NIGHTWING: Ohhhhh! I wanted to avoid this one you know, Dick Grayson. He has always been one of my most favorite heroes, and I do not want to choose someone who will one day be a sap. But then again I can always choose another actor later, huh? So who doesn't look like a sap? A younger Jason Lee maybe? Bless him.

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

Never Go To The Circus When A Secret Society Is In Town? Why? It's A Secret.

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

Simple. This comic is nice to look at. Has a revealing way about it. And is just a joy to behold. This comic book is 'Jerry Springer: the Opera'.

Maybe?

FINAL thoughts...

OK, so the groundwork has been set for Dick to go back to Gotham City, and now have a fist fight with a member of the 'Court of Owls'. I just hope that this isn't all that there is to next issue though, a fight. I hope that some more associative history comes along for the ride as well.

Come on Dick - it's payback time!

MARKS out of 10? 9