Grayson 18 cover Reviews 

“Grayson” #18

By | March 24th, 2016
Posted in Reviews | % Comments

With “Grayson” #18, writers Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly begin their stint on the remaining issues of the series. Spy intrigue, Dick wisecracks, and thrilling action remain.

Written by Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly
Illustrated by Roge Antonio and Geraldo Borges

Civil war has broken out at Spyral with Dick Grayson stuck in the middle. When true allegiances are revealed, which agents will be left standing?

Instead of beginning a new story with “Grayson” #18, the title’s new writers instead continue the brilliantly executed story arc built by previous writers Tom King and Tim Seeley. Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly retain the quick pace and sense of fun that has defined the series. The transition has been seamless and it’s not a criticism to say that this issue keeps the same stylistic choices as King and Seeley. “Grayson” #18 gift the reader with moments that have built to this issue since its inception. Familiar characters, revelations, and intrigue pepper every page and panel. Although not new reader-friendly, that is a well-received expectation.

Lanzing and Kelly, despite lending “Grayson” #18 that quick pace, are more than able to juggle scene changes smoothly and with the perfect amount of suspense. They take care with the plot and characters while urging us to quickly turn the page. The spy motif is not only evident in the art, but in the writing as well. Confessions are spilled, villains are unveiled in dramatic fashion, and the hero remains suave yet extremely likeable. Lanzing and Kelly needed to retain the attractive qualities of Dick Grayson and they have succeeded through his banter and actions. This is a hero who is relentless like his mentor but just a tad nicer than that certain Dark Knight.

Art duties are ably taken over by Roge Antonio and Geraldo Borges. Both artists have similar styles, so “Grayson” #18 is never a jarring reading experience. They are an ideal pair and complement the two writers’ words. The non-stop action and sense of motion on the page grips our attention and commands us to quickly turn the page. The absurdity of certain characters or concepts appear very real and it’s to both the credit of Antonio and Borges that we take this story seriously while being bombarded with secret organization shenanigans.

Antonio and Borges also have fun with their panel layouts and perspective despite mostly conveying the tale of “Grayson” #18 in a mostly straightforward way. There is a series of pages that jump back and forth between two action scenes that is “cinematic”, fluid, and mostly successful. Despite some at-times rushed feeling to certain panels, the dedication to surprise the reader is commendable and a defining trait of a good and engaged artist. Whether it’s Antonio or Borges (or both) that remain on the title, Dick’s tale is sure to retain some sense of dynamism.

The one constant that remains in “Grayson” #18 from previous issues is colorist Jeremy Cox. His palette and use of color is distinct. His style is defined by a bold selection of color that is appropriate for certain scenes or characters. This makes him an essential part of the storytelling process. Gorgeous yellow and orange swirls usher in an ally while purple hues in one panel look haunting and animated behind the silhouette of Dick and some young adversaries. Like any other member of a team that goes into making a successful comic book, Cox adds touches like these to bring exhilarating moments both subtle and striking. More than anyone else in this issue, he lends a thoroughly unique hand to the story.

With the impending conclusion of “Grayson” leading to “Rebirth”, it is an exciting prospect to see how Lanzing and Kelly will conclude this series. Even though Nightwing is about to rear his rear again, it’s been an intoxicating adventure and surprising change of pace to see Dick grow as a character within new and unexpected surroundings.

Final Verdict: 7.9 – The new “Grayson” team is more than competent enough to continue Dick’s long story arc through this series. Those that have been reading since issue one will not be disappointed.


Keith Dooley

Keith Dooley lives in sunny Southern California and has Bachelors and Masters Degrees in English literature. He considers comic books the highest form of literature and has declared them the Great American Art Form. He has been reading comics since age eight and his passion for comic books and his obsession for Batman knows no bounds. If he isn’t reading or writing about comics, he’s usually at the gym or eating delectable food. He runs the website Comics Authority with his fiancé Don and can be found on Twitter and Facebook.

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