“The Scout”
Writer: Dan Jurgens
Artist: Ronan Cliquet
Color Artist: Nick Filardi
Letterer: AndWorld Design
Review by Steve J. Ray
Nightwing #62 brings back a blast from Nightwing’s past, in the form of his great-grandfather William Cobb, A.K.A. Talon. Ric Grayson says that his life as Nightwing is behind him, but with every passing moment his heroic nature is becoming more and more prominent.
It’s fantastic when comics writers take the challenges thrown at them by a multi-title crossover, and use them well. Dan Jurgens has dug into the archives to bring back a villain who will challenge Ric, but who also has an emotional link to him. Unlike many “Year Of The Villain” tie-in issues, this one doesn’t feel forced, but natural. That’s down to the talent of a veteran comics writer.
Jurgens is continuing the ongoing narrative, both in regard to Ric’s blossoming relationship with Bea, and Alphonse Sapienza’s team of Nightwings. To handle all of this, and the latest event, in a way that feels both fluid and organic is impressive.
On A Wing And A Prayer
It seems seems that my prayers and wishes for this title have finally come true. Nightwing #62 is the second issue in a row that has the same art-team handling the visuals. Once again Ronan Cliquet has provided the line-art, with the ever impressive Nick Filardi providing color, and the always artistic AndWorld design giving us something to read. Two issues in and I’m enjoying Cliquet’s version of Ric Grayson, particularly his stripped down biker costume. It’s simple, yet makes perfect sense for the story.
Nick Filardi is a consistently great color artist. I love his flesh-tones and he enhances Cliquet’s art brilliantly, without swamping it or detracting from it. The two artists work very well together.
Conclusion
I love what Dan Jurgens is doing in this book, and am happy that it finally seems that we have a permanent art team too. Nightwing has always been one of my all-time favorite comics characters, so seeing handled with flair, care and passion makes me very happy indeed. I’m enjoying his romance with Bea, watching him evolve as a hero, and as a human being. Now I’m also nervous/excited to see what will happen between him and Talon.
Yep, this series is well and truly winning.
Images Courtesy Of DC Entertainment
