Writer: Tom Taylor
Art: Marv Wolfman, Daniele Di Nicuolo, Bruno Redondo, Andriano Lucas, and Wes Abbott
Publisher: DC Comics
Price: $3.99
Reviewed by: Anonymous
Release Date: April 16th, 2023
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!
If you’re interested in this comic, series, related trades, or any of the others mentioned, then simply click on the title/link to snag a copy through Amazon as you read the Nightwing #113 Review.
THE DISPATCH
Nightwing #113 hits comic shops with a monumental promise: a glimpse into Dick Grayson’s future. This landmark 300th issue by Tom Taylor and Michael W. Conrad boasts a shrouded narrative, leaving fans guessing what exactly awaits Nightwing as this series continues. Sure, the first story is a homage to what Dick has done since Taylor took over with elements of an “appreciation issue” to boot followed by a quick artistic, dialogue free story by Conrad. But fans don’t get any big clues as to what’s on the horizon for Nightwing, Babs, and the future of this series.
Now, Nightwing #113 highlights Dick Grayson’s rich history as Robin, Nightwing, and a key member of the DC Universe. With some subtle retrospectives on Dick Grayson’s authentic history, Taylor infuses elements from his origins as a circus acrobat to his iconic role as Nightwing with a modern twist that will certainly reward fans of his run. But more importantly, it seems to pave the way for a new chapter in his life that leaves fans with uncertainty on the direction of this series. We’ve seen him face countless villains and fight alongside legendary heroes. But what’s next? Well, here is my pet peeve with Nightwing #113.
Take a look at this issues description which keeps its cards close, simply stating, “You have seen Dick Grayson do so many things…but now…well, you’ll just have to pick up the issue.” This approach is both intriguing and frustrating because fans of this series will be expecting something big to transpire, however, nothing really happens. In fact, it’s almost skippable making Nightwing #113 mainly for the collector than anything else. It whets the appetite for a significant development but offers no clues about its nature and really the future of the series.
ART
With art by a team of talented creators like Michael W. Conrad, including a cover by the legendary Jim Lee, Nightwing #113 promises to be a visually stunning experience. Moreover, the issue’s significance as a 300th milestone suggests that it blends elements of the past and future together well. By far, fans will appreciate Conrad’s story and technique the most with his defining moments as well as glimpses into a potential future storyline fortifying its rich and vibrant nature from multiple perspectives. Conrad’s story will literally speak for itself.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Well, is Nightwing #113 worth picking up? Possibly. This milestone issue is a collector’s dream, packed with elements of nostalgia, action, and an unclear direction for Dick Grayson. With a stellar creative team and a focus on Nightwing’s legacy, this issue is sure to be a satisfying read for long-time fans and new readers alike. However, as a fan interested in story progression and major plot development, you won’t find that here. As stated prior, Nightwing #113 is a milestone issue shrouded with a hint of mystery. The lack of concrete details throughout this review might frustrate some readers, but for die-hard Nightwing fans, the promise of a significant development in Dick Grayson’s life is enough to warrant a purchase. Nevertheless, the preview’s “promise” was definitely misleading. For everyone else, this issue might be a wait-and-see approach depending on the take from multiple reviews. One thing’s for sure: Nightwing #113 is sure to spark some speculation among DC Comics fans. With a creative team of all-stars and a focus on both Dick Grayson’s past and future, this is a can’t-miss comic for any Nightwing collector and Tom Taylor fan. Pick up your copy on April 16th to see what awaits the former Boy Wonder!