Between the Dick Grayson-related revelations that came out of Night of the Owls and various other elements Kyle Higgins has seeded over the past year, Nightwing has a lot going for it. Unfortunately, the series too rarely seems to nail the execution. Issue #12 is another frustratingly uneven installment that nonetheless suggests some pretty cool things are coming on the horizon.
It's mainly the final clash with Paragon that disappoints in this issue. I'm rarely a fan of the types of hero/villain showdowns where the characters embark on long-winded conversations even as they trade blows. There's a lot of exposition flying about during the extended fight scene. But to his credit, Higgins successfully ties some threads together and showcases just how far back he was planning Paragon's rise. But ultimately, like so many of the new villains that have debuted in the Bat books with the New 52, Paragon lacks that special punch needed to stand alongside the classic rogues.
One area where Higgins succeeds relative to a series like Catwoman is in building up an effective supporting cast that actually feels vital to the book's success. The relationship between Dick and Detective Nie takes an interesting new turn, as does Dick's civilian relationship to Sonia. I'm also very keen on some of the later plot twists Higgins introduces after the Paragon battle wraps. I would be amazed if the series doesn't immediately start to improve as this new material comes into play.
Sadly, the ongoing art woes continue to plague the series. Andres Guinaldo is back again. His work shines best during the fight scenes, and he shows a particularly deft grasp of Nightwing's fighting style and acrobatics. It's more the facial work that drags down the issue. The expressions run from being merely bland to downright weird and silly. The facial work really works against the tone of the script in the final encounter between Dick and Sonia. What should be a serious, dramatic moment reads almost like a comedy instead.
Nightwing needs a more suitable and consistent artist if it's going to live up to its potential. Luckily, Higgins seems to be maneuvering the book into a more compelling place in the coming months, so the visual woes aren't an insurmountable problem.
Jesse is a writer for IGN Comics and IGN Movies. He can't wait until he's old enough to feel ways about stuff. Follow Jesse on Twitter, or find him on IGN.
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