Nightwing #113 is written by Tom Taylor and published by DC. Pages 20-21 are written by Marv Wolfman and the backup story written by Michael W. Conrad. Artwork in the main story is by Daniele Di Nicuolo and Bruno Redondo (p. 20-21). Colours are by Adriano Lucas and letters by Wes Abbott. The backup story features artwork by Howard Porter and colours by Hi-Fi. Main cover art (left) is by Redondo.
Nightwing #113 is available from today, in print and on digital where all good comic books are sold. Grab your digital copy from Amazon Comixology UK right here.
Synopsis
Since the 1940’s, you’ve seen him go from acrobat to orphan; from Dick Grayson to Robin; from Robin to Nightwing. You’ve seen him work alongside the universe’s most powerful heroes, against existence’s most sinister villains. You have seen Dick Grayson do so many things, but now, in his 300th issue, you will see him…well, you’ll just have to pick up the issue and find out. Join us for this legacy 300 milestone!
Review
Today we congratulate Nightwing comics on reaching another incredible landmark. The series, which recently celebrated 100 issues in its current run, has now also reached the legacy landmark of publishing 300 issues. With the “Fallen Grayson” arc set to kick off next month, Tom Taylor and a creative team which includes the legendary Marv Wolfman are celebrating the character with a standalone issue which embodies everything that has made this arc one of the best in comic book history.
As is typical of recent issues, Nightwing #113 is split in to a main story by Tom Taylor and a short backup story by the equally brilliant Michael W. Conrad (Batgirls). It still amazes me with every issue just how effortless Taylor’s writing feels on the page. His story touches on Dick’s history as Robin, his relationship with Barbara, the ongoing threat of Heartless and yet still finds time to work in an incredible cameo for creator Marv Wolfman (with input from the man himself). To do all that in 22 pages of story is just mind boggling. But Taylor does it and it reads so smoothly.
You see today is Dick’s birthday and he’s allowed to whatever he wants. That seems to include using his incredibly named Boatwing to drop in on Captain Blud who has some clues towards the latest developments in the Heartless storyline. Meanwhile Dick’s loved ones are gathering at City Hall where Dick is due to be awarded the key to Blüdhaven in celebration of his charitable work. But Dick being who he is can’t just take all the credit in a touching moment which really pays tribute to some of the key relationships in the book.
It feels tonally poignant that this book celebrates Nightwing as a character and his history. With the recent issue #100 Taylor celebrated the storylines in this run and how it brought the character to where we find him today. This celebration of 300 issues feels, rightly, more intrinsically tied in to his entire legacy as a character. That’s perfectly exemplified in a visit for the entire Bat-Family and their loved ones to Marv & George’s Pizza, allowing Dick a moment to reflect on how far he’s come.
The backup story is a whirlwind. Conrad writes a story without dialogue which follows Nightwing as he works at breakneck speed to stop an impending disaster. An ominous clock, which I first thought was the time of day, counts down as Nightwing takes on some Joker-y goons and, of course, saves the day. It’s always impressive to see a story like this without dialogue. It would be far too easy to suggest writing a story without dialogue is simple. In reality it requires a synergy between writer and artist to communicate all the necessary information purely through the image. Teaming Conrad with artist Howard Porter for this backup was a brilliant move. The story is never static, Nightwing is on the move in every panel and Porters artwork has the perfectly fluidity to capture that essence.
Verdict
A wonderful celebration of 300 issues of Nightwing. Taylor’s poignant story gives occasion to honour Dick Grayson’s legacy whilst Conrad’s backup brings a short, sharp burst of action.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
