written by Tom Taylor

art by Bruno Redondo, Rick Leonardi, Neil Edwards, Andy Lanning, Scott Hanna, and Adriano Lucas

cover by Bruno Redondo

ON SALE 7/20/2021

$3.99 US | 32 PAGES | FC | DC

card stock variant cover $4.99 US | FC | DC

Now that the shock of knowing that Dick Grayson and Melinda Zucco are brother and sister may have worn off a bit, let’s take a slight pause in the action of the past few issues, and see how Tom Taylor has crafted this so-called family tree. Let’s check out Nightwing #82 – Leaping into the Light part 5!

STORY:

We immediately jump right back into our story as Dick and Melinda chat and Dick realizes the depth of his current situation. He also realizes that Oracle has called in several superheroes for a rescue attempt. Curiously Robin (Tim Drake) remains with Oracle and is absent from this issue other than appearing in one panel. However, it’s not that surprising as the issue progresses. Page two shows just what big guns were brought in, and I was shocked honestly! As one that avoids solicits and previews as much as humanly possible I was NOT expecting this…Being a nice guys has its benefits I guess!

If you’re one looking for any more action or a huge battle in this issue you’re out of luck! What we do get instead is a deep dive into the complicated history of just how intertwined Tony Zucco has been in many facets of the Grayson family and how Dick Grayson ended up becoming Nightwing! Taylor retcons the Grayson back story a bit, and in my opinion, it adds depth to the backstory. It also sets Dick’s origin a bit different than being exactly like Bruce’s. Things don’t seem so random now. I can’t write much more without spoiling it, so make sure you check out the issue!

ART:

As I say every month, the art is outstanding! This issue is heavy in flashbacks. The coloring by Adriano Lucas clearly differentiates the present and the flashback panels in fine fashion. The additional pencilers give the art in the flashbacks a nicely “aged” look too!

FINAL THOUGHTS:

While we definitely get a retcon of sorts to the Grayson back story, I’m having a hard time finding anything at all that I don’t like about said retcon. Nightwing remains the best ongoing book in DC’s roster in my opinion, so if you haven’t checked this run out yet, do yourself a favor and pick it up. You will not be disappointed!!