• About Me

Sci-Fi Jubilee

~ Sci-Fi News & Reviews

Sci-Fi Jubilee

Tag Archives: Dick Grayson

Future State Nightwing #1 Review

19 Tuesday Jan 2021

Posted by Paul Bowler in All, DC Comics

≈ 16 Comments

Tags

Batman, Bruce Wayne, DC Comics, Dick Grayson, Future State Nightwing #1 review, Future State Nightwing#1, Gotham, NCBD, Nightwing, The Next Batman

Future State Nightwing #1

Review by Paul Bowler.

Dick Grayson carries on the good fight in Future State Nightwing #1 as he leads the resistance in Gotham against the Magistrate’s oppressive regime. Batman is gone and Bruce Wane is believed to be dead. In order to stay one step ahead of the Magistrate and his cybernetically enhanced troops Nightwing has established a base in the abandoned Arkham Asylum, but a visit from Gotham’s new Batman could prove fortuitous — at least so long as he can fight like a Dark Knight!

DC Comics Future State is in full swing now following the aftermath of the multiverse saving events of Death Metal, and it looks like this possible glimpse into the future is going to be very dark indeed for Nightwing. Now as Nightwing’s mission to keep the citizens of Gotham safe from the Magistrate’s police state begins to escalate, writer Andrew Constant quickly establishes how grim the situation has got in Gotham since Batman was murdered by Peacekeeper-01. Right from the get-go the stakes are raised as Nightwing intervenes to help a couple being harassed by a Cyber, although everything isn’t quite what it seems, and plans are being hatched in Magistrate HQ to take Nightwing out — permanently!

Nicola Scott’s artwork and Ivan Plascencia’s vivid color palette stylishly conveys every nuance of the plot as scenes shift from Nightwing’s vertigo inducing rooftop skirmish, to the gleaming Cyberpunk vista of Gotham, the  high-tech interiors of Magistrate HQ, and the gloomy ruins of Arkham Asylum that Nightwing now calls home. Nightwing’s costume for Future State is  a nice blend of the classic look with some cool looking futuristic refinements. Although the story is primarily action driven, its in the quieter moments where Dick talks via video link to his allies, especially Barbara, where Nicola Scott’s art really shines and accentuates the scripts emotional beats with powerful effect. Yasmine Putri’s cover portrays a stunning depiction of Nightwing – its almost as if Gotham has a new Arkham Knight!

The face-off between Nightwing and the Next Batman is easily the big highlight of the issue. While I found this new Dark Knight’s debut in Future State The Next Batman #1 rather underwhelming, his characterisation here in Future State Nightwing is much less one dimensional, and far more satisfying as a result. Andrew Constant really fleshes out the characters and their motivations in these scenes, which, though heavy with exposition, skilfully adds an intriguing    plot twist into the mix as the Magistrate’s forces close in. 

It seems the future hasn’t been kind to Dick Grayson, but he’s still very much depicted here in Future State as the character that can resist the darkness and remain in the light — despite all the friends and allies he’s lost. Although Future State Nightwing #1 might not exactly be the most groundbreaking chapter in DC Comics current line-wide Future Sate event, the exciting story by Andrew Constant and impressive artwork by Nicola Scott nevertheless still provides a fascinating glimpse into these dark times for Nightwing in Future State.

Publisher DC Comics

Writer Andrew Constant / Artist Nicola Scott

Colorist Ivan Plascencia / Letterer Wes Abbott 

Cover Yasmine Putri

Follow @paul_bowler

About The Author

Hi, I’m Paul Bowler, blogger and reviewer of films, TV shows, and comic books. I’m a Sci-Fi geek, a big fan of Doctor Who, Star Trek, movies, Sci-Fi, Horror, Comic Books, and all things PS4.You can follow me on Twitter @paul_bowler,or at my website, Sci-Fi Jubilee, and on YouTube and Facebook

Share this:

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Reddit
  • WhatsApp
  • More
  • Tumblr
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Skype

Like this:

Like Loading...

Batman #99 Review

15 Tuesday Sep 2020

Posted by Paul Bowler in All, DC Comics

≈ 4 Comments

Tags

Alfred Pennyworth, Batgirl, Batman, Batman #99, Batman #99 Review, Batwoman, Bruce Wayne, Clownhunter, DC Comics, Dick Grayson, Gotham, Harley Quinn, James Tynion IV, Joker War, Joker War Part 5, NCBD, Nightwing, Orphan, Punchline, Red Hood, Red Robin, Signal, The Joker

Batman #99

Review by Paul Bowler.

The endgame of Joker War looms in Batman #99 as the Dark Knight and the Joker prepare for the ultimate showdown. Batman knows he cannot win this war alone. He’s going to need the whole of the Bat-Family to help him reclaim Gotham. It’s time for a reunion with the first Robin, Dick Grayson, but is he ready and willing to return as Nightwing so soon after reclaiming his lost memories?

Everyone is in place as the penultimate chapter of Joker War unfolds, writer James Tynion IV delivers his most thrilling issue of Batman to date, and the rich level of characterisation he employs is mind-blowing in the extreme. We are treated to a frightening insight to the Joker’s twisted psyche and his anarchic vision of Gotham. Equally chilling is his warped use of the Wayne fortune, enjoying his luxurious new Jokermobile as he surveys the carnage he’s unleashed, and his ruthless demeanour towards his minions — including his new partner in crime Punchline – as he makes his final preparations at ACE chemicals highlights just how determined the Joker has become over the course of Joker War.

With theaters now filling with Gothamites for a movie where the Joker will ultimately kill them all and Clown goons running riot across the city, Batman calls in the Bat-Family for a rooftop meeting to help him form a strategy to retake Gotham. It’s great to see Red Hood, Signal, Orphan, Red Robin, and Batgirl all reunited alongside the Dark Knight. Harley Quinn is also along for the ride, Batwoman and the GCPD are busy having recaptured Wayne Enterprises and saved Lucius Fox (as seen in Detective comics #1025), but of course the biggest highlight is the return of Dick Grayson to the fold. DC Comics have come to their senses and the whole Ric Grayson debacle is finally over at last! Dick has his memories back and is ready to work alongside Batman again to save Gotham, Tynion crafts a fantastic and moving reunion for Dick Grayson and Batman, and while its not quite the big set-piece hinted at on the cover this scene is still easily the standout moment of the whole issue.

Harley Quinn also gets a good share of the action and some wonderfully snappy dialogue. She challenges Batman’s plans, her furious aside to Red Robin is hilarious, and her heartfelt resolve to finish the Joker if the Dark Knight should fail is as touching as it is brutally frank in its examination of the terrifying schism and collateral damage that Batman’s never-ending conflict with the Clown Prince of Crime has wrought over the years. The only complaint I can really level at the issue of Batman is that Punchline is seemingly sidelined by the Joker himself, Clownhunter gets thrown into the mix as just an afterthought, and even Catwoman’s scheme to strike back at the Underwriter feels a little underwhelming by caparison with the bigger events going on in the  rest of the issue. 

Joker War has seen the work of artist Joege Jimenez and colorist Tomeu Morey elevate DC’s flagship Batman title to new heights of visual opulence, and Batman #99 is no exception to that rule. With its burning panoramic vistas of Gotham, the Joker’s bloodthirsty treatment of his Clown thugs, and the Bat-Family reunion are all highlights from this issue, but the star of the show has to be Batman’s arrival at ACE chemicals — beautifully rendered by Jimenez and sumptuously coloured by Morey these scenes in particular are almost cinematic and breathtaking in scale and intensity.

Batman #99 wraps with another nerve jangling cliffhanger and it seems Dick Grayson isn’t the only one who gets a costume change this issue either! The excellent creative team of Tynion, Jimenez, and Morey are on fire with this title, and everything is now set for the momentous 100th issue of Batman and the conclusion of Joker War!

Publisher: DC Comics

Writer: James Tynion IV / Artist Joege Jimenez

Colors: Tomeu Morey / Letters: Clayton Cowles

Cover: Guillem March & Tomeu Morey

Follow @paul_bowler

About The Author

Hi, I’m Paul Bowler, blogger and reviewer of films, TV shows, and comic books. I’m a Sci-Fi geek, a big fan of Doctor Who, Star Trek, movies, Sci-Fi, Horror, Comic Books, and all things PS4.You can follow me on Twitter @paul_bowler,or at my website, Sci-Fi Jubilee, and on YouTube and Facebook

 

Share this:

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Reddit
  • WhatsApp
  • More
  • Tumblr
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Skype

Like this:

Like Loading...

Batman and Robin Eternal #1 Review

07 Wednesday Oct 2015

Posted by Paul Bowler in All, DC Comics

≈ 14 Comments

Tags

Batman, Batman and Robin Eternal #1, Batman and Robin Eternal #1 review, Bluebird, Bruce Wayne, Cassandra Cain, DC Comics, Dick Grayson, Gotham City, James Tynion IV, Jason Todd, Mother, Red Hood, Red Robin, Robin, Scarecrow, Scott Snyder, The Orphan, Tim Drake, Tony S. Daniel

Batman and Robin Eternal #1

Review by Paul Bowler

DC Comics new weekly comic series Batman and Robin Eternal #1 is finally here! This sequel to the hugely successful weekly series Batman Eternal will focus on Robin and the many characters that have been involved in the Dark Knights legacy as Robins, and will form a major Bat-Family story event to celebrate Robin’s 75th Anniversary!

Years ago, Batman and Robin tackled one of the most unsettling cases of their careers, when they brought down a secret organization run by a ruthless human trafficker – a mysterious woman known as Mother. Although Dick Grayson never fully appreciated the true scale of the case back then, those dark secrets from the past are returning to haunt him and everyone who ever worked alongside Batman. Now Bruce Wayne is no longer Batman, Dick Grayson and his allies must deal with the menace without him. But who can really be trusted, is someone amongst them not quite who they seem, and who is the silent – yet extremely deadly – young woman swathed in black who has recently arrived in Gotham City in search of Batman?

Batman and Robin Eternal will feature a wealth of characters, villains, international intrigue, plot twists, and a few new additions to the saga of Batman and Robin along the way over the next six months in this new weekly blockbusting DC Comics series from lead writer James Tynion IV, together with Batman writer Scott Snyder, and co-writers Tim Seeley, Steve Orlando, Genevieve Valentine, Ed Brisson, and Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly, with lead artist Tony S. Daniel fronting an art team which includes Paul Pelletier, Scott Eaton, and Francis Manapul.

Being the 75th anniversary of Robin the boy wonder, and of course the character of Dick Grayson, the original Robin, this 26 issue weekly series gets off to a exciting start with Batman and Robin Eternal #1, featuring story by James Tynion V & Scott Snyder, script by James Tynion V, with art from Tony Daniel’s, together with inks by Sandu Florea, colors by Tomeu Morey, and letters by Tom Napolitano, we plunge right into the heart of the action as three time lines converge as one. Years ago in Cairo, Egypt, a hooded figure guns down a young boys parents, while Batman and Robin patrol the Gotham skyline in the then, and in present-day Gotham Spryal agent Dick Grayson’s return to the city (see Grayson #12) finds him engaged in a motorbike chase with drugged-up weapons designer. Grayson gets some backup from Red Hood and Red Robin, and soon the action-packed chase is over and the trio quickly capture the high-tech weapons dealer.

Batman and Robin Eternal #1 (Cover)

I really like the strong dynamic between Dick Grayson, Jason Todd, and Tim Drake. They make a great team, there’s some fun banter between them as well, and working in a Gotham where Bruce is no longer Batman has clearly strengthened the bond between them. While Dick sets off to deal with some official super-spy business, Red Hood’s opinion of Gotham’s new Dark Knight is brought into sharper focus when Bluebird has a run in with the new Batman, and it seems Harper’s no pushover when it come to dealing with Bat-Bots!

Even though the weekly series takes place in the present-day setting of Gotham, where Bruce Wayne is no long Batman and Jim Gordon has taken over as the new robo-suited Dark Knight, Bruce still have a key role to play. The story revolves around a mystery from the past from back when Dick Grayson was Robin, and Bruce Wayne was the Batman, and involves Mother during Robin’s first globe trotting adventure. Flashbacks to these past events featuring Batman / Bruce Wayne and Robin / Dick Grayson are fleeting in this first issue, but when Grayson’s mission at the reopening of a Gotham University in the present reminds him of his first encounter with Scarecrow when he was Robin, it sets in motion a deadly chain of events that could unleash danger and betrayal on all sides as an unknown figure from the past returns.

It’s also good to see Tony Daniel returning to Gotham City. Tony Daniel’s spent over five years writing drawing Batman comic books and more than three years writing them, so it’s fantastic to see Tony Daniel’s art in Batman and Robin Eternal. Since moving on from Detective Comics in 2012 the writer / artist has worked on a number of projects, including writing and drawing the recent run of Deathstroke. As we might’ve expected, Batman and Robin Eternal provides a welcome reunion for Daniel’s with these iconic characters, and his brilliant artwork on this first issue quickly sets the tone and style of this weekly series. The inks by Sandu Florea are also excellent, highlighting every aspect of Daniel’s art, and the rich colors by Tomeu Morey make this issue look absolutely stunning. Needless to say, the cover for Batman and Robin Eternal #1 by Tony Daniel, Sandu Florea, and Tomeu Morey, is superb, and probably one of the most impressive covers for a new series that I’ve seen in a long time! (There is also a great variant cover by Mikel Janin.)

It’s no secret that the all new, silent and deadly version, of Cassandra Cain makes her welcome debut to the New 52 in Batman and Robin Eternal, and it’s clear her role will be a key factor that drives the narrative of this weekly series. Let’s just say that her appearance during this issue comes at a most unexpected moment, actually it completely wrong-foots you, and it’s a brilliantly handled scene that illustrates her fighting skills perfectly. I’ve always liked Cassandra Cain, she’s a terrific character, and I’m looking forward to discovering more about her role in the events of Batman and Robin Eternal in the weeks ahead.

There are also some good scenes featuring Harper and her brother, Cullen, their bond is as strong as ever, however, it seems Steph isn’t too happy about being left on the sidelines again while Bluebird hit’s the streets. Harper Row is another worthy addition to the Bat-Family, she’s evolved into such a pivotal character since her introduction, and I’m sure Batman and Robin Eternal will give the character a chance really to shine.

Dark secrets wait in the shadows, there’s a message from the past for Dick Grayson, and who is the mysterious Orphan? James Tynion V and Scott Snyder have worked their magic on Batman and Robin Eternal #1, Tynion’s engaging multi-layered script sets a high benchmark for the series, as the story weaves seamlessly between timelines, and the art by Tony Daniel’s is stunning! Batman and Robin Eternal #1 delivers a cracking start to the series, packed from cover to cover with full-throttle action, great characterization, and one of the most jaw-dropping final pages ever its clear we are going to be in for one hell of a ride!

Publisher: DC Comics

Story by James Tynion V & Scott Snyder

Script by James Tynion V

Art: Tony Daniel

Inks: Sandu Florea

Colors: Tomeu Morey

Letters: Tom Napolitano

Cover: Tony Daniel, Sandu Florea, and Tomeu Morey / variant cover: Mikel Janin

Follow @paul_bowler

Share this:

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Reddit
  • WhatsApp
  • More
  • Tumblr
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Skype

Like this:

Like Loading...

Search Sci-Fi Jubilee

Follow @paul_bowler
Follow Sci-Fi Jubilee on WordPress.com

Enter your email address to follow SciFi Jubilee and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Sci-Fi Jubilee RSS Links

RSS Feed RSS - Posts

Recent Posts

  • Doctor Strange in The Multiverse of Madness Film Review
  • Doctor Who: BBC Reveal Ncuti Gatwa is the New Doctor!
  • New Amazing Spider-Man #1 (2022) Review
  • Doctor Who Legend of the Sea Devils Review
  • Gunslinger Spawn #6 Review
  • The Swamp Thing #11 Review
  • The Batman Film Review
  • New Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness Trailer

Top Posts & Pages

  • Doctor Strange in The Multiverse of Madness Film Review
    Doctor Strange in The Multiverse of Madness Film Review
  • Doctor Who Series 5 The Time Of Angels / Flesh & Stone Review
    Doctor Who Series 5 The Time Of Angels / Flesh & Stone Review
  • Gunslinger Spawn #6 Review
    Gunslinger Spawn #6 Review
  • New Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness Trailer
    New Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness Trailer

Calendar

May 2022
M T W T F S S
 1
2345678
9101112131415
16171819202122
23242526272829
3031  
« Apr    

Categories

  • All
  • Avengers vs X-Men
  • BOOM! Studios
  • Dark Horse Comics
  • DC Comics
  • Doctor Who
  • Dr Who (Classic Series)
  • Dynamite Entertainment
  • Film Reviews
  • IDW Publishing
  • IF? Commix
  • Image Comics
  • Marvel Comics
  • Movie Articles
  • Paul Bowler YouTube Channel
  • Playstation 3
  • The Walking Dead
  • Titan Comics
  • Trailers & Posters
  • Vertigo

Gravatar Profile

Paul Bowler

Paul Bowler

Writer / Blogger / Sci Fi geek, fan of Doctor Who, The Walking Dead, Movies, Comic Books, and all things Playstation 4.

Personal Links

  • Sci-Fi Jubilee
  • Twitter @paul_bowler
  • Sci-Fi Jubilee Facebook
  • Paul Bowler YouTube

View Full Profile →

Follow Me On Twitter

Twitter @paul_bowler

Archives

  • May 2022
  • April 2022
  • March 2022
  • February 2022
  • January 2022
  • December 2021
  • November 2021
  • October 2021
  • September 2021
  • August 2021
  • July 2021
  • June 2021
  • May 2021
  • April 2021
  • March 2021
  • February 2021
  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • June 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • August 2014
  • July 2014
  • June 2014
  • May 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • February 2014
  • January 2014
  • December 2013
  • November 2013
  • October 2013
  • September 2013
  • August 2013
  • July 2013
  • June 2013
  • May 2013
  • April 2013
  • March 2013
  • February 2013
  • January 2013
  • December 2012
  • November 2012
  • October 2012
  • September 2012
  • August 2012
  • July 2012
  • June 2012

Blogroll

  • Flodo's Page
  • Learn WordPress.com
  • Sci-Fi Jubilee
  • TARDIS Tweets
  • The Consulting Detective
  • The Gotham Rogue
  • The Knights Blog
  • Theme Showcase
  • WordPress Planet
  • WordPress.com News

Sci-Fi Jubilee

13th Doctor All New X-Men Andrez Bergen Avengers Batman Brian Michael Bendis Bruce Wayne Charlie Adlard Chris Chibnall Clara Oswald comics Cybermen Cyclops Daleks Danny Miki DC Comics Doctor Strange Doctor Who Dr Who Dr Who Season 7 Earth 2 FCO Plascencia Frank Martin Gotham Gotham City Greg Capullo Hawkgirl Horror IDW Publishing IF? Commix Image Comics Iron Man James Tynion IV Jean Grey Jenna-Louise Coleman Jenna Coleman Jim Gordon Jodie Whittaker Marvel Marvel Comics Marvel Now Matt Lucas Matt Smith Michonne Mike Deodato Nardole NCBD Negan Nicola Scott Paul Bowler YouTube Peter Capaldi Peter Parker PS4 Rick Grimes Robert Kirkman Sci-Fi Jubilee Scott Snyder Spider-Man Star Wars Steven Moffat Stuart Immonen Superman TARDIS The Doctor The Flash The Joker The New 52 The Saviors The Walking Dead Tony Stark Trevor Scott Walkers Wolverine X-Men Zombies

Create a free website or blog at WordPress.com.

Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy
  • Follow Following
    • Sci-Fi Jubilee
    • Join 1,321 other followers
    • Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
    • Sci-Fi Jubilee
    • Customize
    • Follow Following
    • Sign up
    • Log in
    • Report this content
    • View site in Reader
    • Manage subscriptions
    • Collapse this bar
 

Loading Comments...
 

    %d bloggers like this: