With an iconic character such as Nightwing, that one could argue is the heart and soul of DC Comics, it’s to no surprise that the former Boy Wonder currently has one of the best comic teams of both writer and artists working together in the Rebirth series. “Nightwing” #27 is but another issue where the art nearly dominates the text, in that Javier Fernandez brings a deserving life to Dick Grayson through both style and story. Of course, not without the popping colors Chris Sotomayor graces the readers with. The vibrance of each panel unmistakably represents the fiery and colorful spirit that is Nightwing. Fierce ink work and motion through movements you will only ever see the flying acrobat do, Fernandez and Sotomayor have a notable chemistry from page to page that keeps you in the vigilante’s world from start to end.
Written by Tim SeeleyCover by Javier Fernandez
Illustrated by Javier Fernandez
Colored by Chris Sotomayor
Lettered by Carlos M. Mangual“SPYRAL” part two! Nightwing and Huntress have been ambushed by Spyral, and their old friend Tiger is leading the charge! Will the duo find out what corrupted their former agency—or are they about to be disavowed and burned?
While the “Nightwing” ‘Rebirth’ series may be most recognized by the artwork, Tim Seeley has worked to web a story for Nightwing that sees new and old friends and foes fighting both with and against him. We see that now more than ever with the reintroduction of Spyral and the two agents best associated with them: Huntress and Tiger. For those familiar with the “Grayson” series, the issue has a subtle sense of nostalgia while watching Tiger and his team of agents hunt both Nightwing and Huntress.
Dick vocalizes what the readers are surely thinking throughout this issue, as Tiger and Nightwing’s relationship is purely a bundle of empty threats that seem poetically playful to Dick as is his approach to most things. So watching the two go toe to toe, with a delightful string of panels from Fernandez, is not the reunion expected as Nightwing points out frequently to the agent. But what stands out most in this issue is Dick’s internal monologue on the matter. Or rather, the landslide of thoughts spoken rather than the ones he keeps to himself.
Seeley does a beautiful job of this. While Nightwing is in the thick of battle alongside Huntress, speaking of the potential betrayal of Tiger and Spiral as a whole, he’s internally thinking about betraying himself. A seemingly never ending struggle that Dick encounters, and the only constant villain we see him battling against is himself. Something that is constantly overlooked in other forms of media, is that despite the giddy and upbeat personality that comes with Dick Grayson, it is in no way the case that it reflects wholly to his character. Given his tragic childhood that included being Batman’s kid soldier, watching the mantle of ‘Robin’ being passed down from one brother to the next, and faking his own death to serve a spy agency that essentially goes against everything he’s learned, there’s undeniably more beneath the surface of Dick and it is relieving to see Seeley exploring it.
Amidst his fight with the Spyral agents, there is a brief moment where he speaks of the ease that comes with turning a blind eye. How seductive the idea is, especially in such a predicament. Where Nightwing could look away and allow Huntress to take matters into her own hands. And in fact, he does,/i>. And while Nightwing clearly has something looking out for him, sparing him a moment he would undoubtedly regret, Seeley defines Dick Grayson in that moment by showing that not everything is so cut and dry with the ‘Golden Boy.’
Which perhaps brings us right back to Fernandez and Sotomayor. With rugged and distorted inks splashing the page, and the vibrant colors stitched into them, it mirrors what is being read within the issue itself. The clashing of order, personality, and expectation is visualized without the text. Making moments like Dick encountering his old friend on the very last page heavier with a weight of reality the “Nightwing Rebirth” series brings with this addition.
Continued belowWhile we watch Nightwing work alongside Huntress, who is yet to be labeled friend or foe, we are also caught up on Shawn and friends who seem to be getting into their own mischief. Nothing too surprising considering her line of work, however her continued presence in the series does have the reader questioning whether or not the fire is completely out between both Dick and Shawn. It isn’t unlike a Nightwing series to string out a relationship with the main bird. There’s also a few mentions from Dick himself on his feelings towards Helena. And though it may be too early to tell, we’ve got to wonder if we’re about to be lead into a lethal love triangle here.
Though it’s certainly nothing new to comics, both Defacer (Shawn) and Huntress, are far more worthy of the early roads we’ve seen laid out for them this issue without any intrusion of bird-drama. It’s truly a breath of fresh air to jump to the sub story that Shawn has, while waiting to see how both of their roads will meet in the end.
All in all, this chapter in Nightwing’s story speaks volumes for the character himself, in both word and art. Leaving readers with a cliffhanger that will surely pain us for the following weeks before questions are answered and enemies are revealed.
Final Verdict: 8.3 The art in this book continues to impress, as well as the character development we see in Nightwing. A book everyone should have on their subscriptions.
