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geo1ogyrocks's review
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
unladylike's review
4.0
Ha! After reading and reviewing the whole Greyson series that began early in the New 52 era and flowed directly into this Rebirth series, I never expected this book to be so enjoyable, which is why I'm giving it 4 stars instead of 3. Tim Seeley was the weak link as one half of the writing team of Greyson, but somehow steps it up and writes a consistently good comic here. Raptor is a fantastic character with a good, multi-faceted arc, despite initially seeming to be a satirical cookie cutter cliche. Tiger and Midnighter play minimal comic support and plot backup, while Barbara Gordon and Damien continue to provide much needed emotional depth and risk. Bruce Wayne is back as Batman, thankfully, and this story does a good job of highlighting some of his weaknesses that have defined him throughout his life: Bruce is stuck in a moment, whereas Dick is always moving from one position to another, swinging through various aspects of his identity, and truly believing in the value of all living beings more than Batman, even though it's Batman's maxim he has been indoctrinated with. The most poignant moment for me was when Dick reflects on this question: what if Batman and Robin had declared war on poverty rather than on criminals? The answer is quickly obvious that the more righteous "Robin Hood" mission would involve *being* a criminal, and would therefore put him squarely in Batman's narrow crosshairs. Class disparities are key to understanding the contrasts between these characters, both past, present, and future. Lots of good stuff, both entertaining and meaningful, here in this title.
daileyxplanet's review
4.0
Better Than Batman? Pretty dang close. I haven't really read much of Nightwing or Grayson yet but this was a great jumping on point as intended. Raptor is an intriguing character with his own brand of justice.
xsleepyshadows's review
3.0
This plot has a lot of potential to be something that could be really interesting but kinda falls all over itself. I'll give it a 2 star for story plus a star for the artwork. I thought the plot felt similar to hush in the since that a man from his past is stalking him for YEARS (and somehow batdad never picked up on it? I find that hard to believe knowing nothing about his Raptor past or abilities..I don't believe for a second he is better than Batman) Anyway, Nightwing is still a charming cutie but I doesn't shine through a lot of the time. He just kinda feel like an idiot in this one being trained by Batman I expect him not to instantly feel trusting of a bounty hunter type character and not to get beaten every time he tries to fight. He is still easily his own character but I'm tired of these tricks he obviously shouldn't be falling for. Raptor could have been a really good frienemy type character, Like a character that is just as charming and cocky as he is but plays by his own rules. A reoccurring character that Nightwing could have been conflicted about bringing to justice or Having deeper discussions of what justice is about. Maybe still make him a from the circus but from a rival troupe...how fun would that be? I feel they missed a good opportunity.
So, the plot was kinda meh...while trying the slowly get the pieces together I had a lot of time to think about the characters. The things I really like about Nightwing was him being a safety net for others (I've read this a few times myself because there's fan of Nightwing online that have talked about this) and the fact that Batman jumped and not fell to escape because he knew Dick would catch him. <3 ~Ashley
So, the plot was kinda meh...while trying the slowly get the pieces together I had a lot of time to think about the characters. The things I really like about Nightwing was him being a safety net for others (I've read this a few times myself because there's fan of Nightwing online that have talked about this) and the fact that Batman jumped and not fell to escape because he knew Dick would catch him. <3 ~Ashley
jmkillackey's review
3.0
Felt like I missed some context, was hoping a Vol 1 would soften the entry point for me, but this is not the Vol 1 for that. Thank God for having read some of the Court of Owl stuff back in 2013 and then having read Batgirl of Burnsides more recently or I would have NO clue what was going on.
The end twist motivation was old and cliché, I've seen it a million and one times, and that closing two pages? Talk about superhero cringe dialog, oof. Fun enough I guess, but ultimately forgettable.
The end twist motivation was old and cliché, I've seen it a million and one times, and that closing two pages? Talk about superhero cringe dialog, oof. Fun enough I guess, but ultimately forgettable.
tailored_books's review
3.0
I’m adding Raptor to my list of comic “villains” that really weren’t in the wrong.
helpfulsnowman's review
3.0
I could do this, but...isn't the whole Owls guys and their deadly maze the same thing we got from Batman during the New 52? I mean, isn't this basically the same thing?
I dig that Dick has his identity back and is getting back to being Nightwing. But I don't as much dig the playing along with weird assassins part. Just make a clean break, dude. No more secret agent, assassin nonsense. Let's get back to smashing faces with those little sticks. Give the people what they want! Dick! Little Sticks! Something else that sounds penis-y!
I dig that Dick has his identity back and is getting back to being Nightwing. But I don't as much dig the playing along with weird assassins part. Just make a clean break, dude. No more secret agent, assassin nonsense. Let's get back to smashing faces with those little sticks. Give the people what they want! Dick! Little Sticks! Something else that sounds penis-y!