“Corrosion Of The Corrupted”
Writers: Scott Lobdell and Zack Kaplan
Artist: Travis Moore
Color Artist: Tamra Bonvillain
Letters: Andworld Design
Things have been really heating up for Ric Grayson. Ever since starting out his new life, the hero formerly known as Dick Grayson, has had to struggle with his own identity. Now it really feels like he’s coming into his own as a character.
He has a new job, new friends, a new lady, and has left the superhero game behind… mostly. Okay, so he’s no longer Nightwing, but he is an honorary member of The Nightwings. After saving the city with the new team of heroes, Ric proves he’s no different from Dick. Jumping in to help innocent bystanders, only a true hero does that.
The Good, The Bad And The Crazy
Grayson has had to face many an adversary in his day, and The Nightwings have already put Scarecrow away. While there’re some teething issues with the new vigilante group, they know how to handle themselves. The new threat they’re facing, however, may prove that they have bitten off more than they can chew.
Lobdell has done a great job with the plot for this comic, the story flows so fluidly. Every beat feels natural and the progression is a ride of twists and turns. That being said, it’s not just Lobdell’s excellent writing that makes Nightwing a brilliantly written comic. Zack Kaplan’s script is just a joy to read. The conversation between Ric and the Joker’s Daughter is beautifully written, as is the conversation between Ric and Barbara.
Can we just talk about the art for a second too? I mean, Travis Moore and Tamra Bonvillain have done a wonderful job drawing up the comic. Moore is great at drawing both the action pieces and the emotional close ups. Bonvillain colors the panels beautifully. I really love the coloring of The Nightwings costumes, as well as Joker’s Daughter.
Conclusion
This issue had a lot: Action, drama, comedy, and a whole bunch of emotion, especially in the last few panels. I’m not crying, you are. Okay, now we’re both crying. I love Ric, and the direction that the new story is going in. I know a lot of people haven’t picked up an issue since Dick was shot in the head (spoilers), but I happen to really like the story, and think that the idea of a group of Nightwings is a great idea. Dick, well Ric – I mean they’re the same person, so what does it matter? – always did better in a group anyway, and who’d be better to whip this new team into shape, than the original Nightwing himself?
Images Courtesy Of DC Entertainment