“Abstract Holidays”
Writer: Dan Jurgens
Artist: Ronan Cliquet
Color Artist: Nick Filardi
Letterer: AndWorld Design
Review by Steve J. Ray
Nightwing #77 is the perfect Christmas treat, in every way possible; it’s colorful, full of heart, and it’s a steal of a stocking filler at under five bucks. Buy it for a friend, a relative or – even better – pick the book up for yourself!
This issue took me right back to my childhood, and the wonderful one off Christmas stories that would often appear in the December issues of my favorite comic-books. “Abstract Holidays” evoked all those emotions, whilst giving us a bang up to date, 21st century cyber-crime story… with a twist. I know I say this a lot, but I love Dan Jurgens’ writing. This is a standalone issue, and you don’t need to know anything about what’s happened in previous Nightwing or Batman books, but Jurgens pulls off the neat trick of referencing “Joker War” the loss of Alfred, and Dick Grayson’s own trials and tribulations, without having them invade a wonderful, feel-good morality tale
Just The Cliquet
I’m so glad that Ronan Cliquet is still drawing this book, as his take on the vintage black and blue Nightwing costume is terrific. Cliquet’s art is consistent, strong, and perfect for the Batman family of characters. Everyone who reads my reviews knows I don’t do spoilers, but a glimpse at the lovely preview pages DC Comics have given us for this review clearly show that a certain Dark Knight appears in these pages. Of course, it’s also a Christmas story, and the holiday season is all about family. I’m not saying anything else, but I’m sure you can figure out the rest.
The issue is made complete with great color art from the always dependable Nick Filardi, and letters by AndWorld Design. Season’s greetings to all the creative talents behind this book, as each and every one of them makes Nightwing one of my favorite monthly books. I pay money for this series, even though Dark Knight News is blessed to receive digital copies to review.
Conclusion
I’m going to buy two copies of Nightwing #77 for myself, as the two covers by Travis Moore and Alan Quah are both absolutely stellar. Then I’m going to pick up a few more copies, for friends and relatives; kids and adults alike. Like I said coming in, this issue is the perfect Christmas treat, in every way possible; it’s colorful, full of heart, and it’s a steal of a stocking filler, at under five bucks. Buy it for a friend, a relative or – even better – pick the book up for yourself!
Images Courtesy of DC Entertainment
