Review: Nightwing #112

Nightwing #112 picks up right where the previous issue left off, with Batman & Nightwing hot on the trails of a missing boy. Batman also learns about Dick’s mysterious inability to perform his signature aerial feats. The issue comes w/ a surprising narrative choice: Batman/Bruce as the primary narrator.

While it is definitely a choice to have someone other than Dick narrate his own book, Tom Taylor does leverage this in smart and unique ways. We see a surprising amount of emotional depth from Bruce, albeit within the confines of his own head. Bruce wouldn’t be Bruce if he ever let his emotions show on his sleeves! Beyond that, there is also an acknowledgement of Bruce’s own shortcomings as a hero & father figure, which he very rarely ever says out loud, going so far as to adapt his own approach to act more like his protégé. Throughout all these little moments, Taylor showcases just how much Dick Grayson has matured to become one of DC's most respected & beloved heroes — by comic book readers & members of the DC Universe alike.

The emotional core of this issue is undeniably strong. Seeing Bruce acknowledge Dick's growth is a touching moment in the decades long father-son relationship. That being said, this mini arc did feel a bit like we were in a holding pattern. While Taylor's script remains accessible & engaging, & the artwork by the creative team of Sami Basri, Vicente Cifuentes, & Adriano Lucas is nothing short of outstanding, the plot didn’t quite push the narrative forward in a meaningful way. With the news that Taylor’s time on Nightwing is coming to end w/ one last run with his previous partner in crime Bruno Redondo, I couldn’t help but wonder if this was just filling space until that arc kicks off.

Rating: 9/10