Nightwing #11
I was concerned coming into this new arc about the direction this series would take. The past issue was enjoyable but i thought this was too much like the Court, and had a potential to use a good story. After this past issue i am liking the connections and overall tone, but on to the review.
THE GOOD:
We start off with Nightwing in the pickle he was in last issue. We have a good action scene and Dick finally busts out the electric escrima sticks and i gotta say, its about time. He fights his way off, but Paragon blows off apart of the building on the populus below. With quick thinking and some high tech gadgets, he is able to save the innocent civilians. Unfortunately Paragon and his men escape. Nightwing pays Nie a visit, and plants a tracker on him. The scene cuts back to Paragon's men. They all say they arent prepared to take on the Bat or his allies. Even though i dont like a new secret society, i like the idea that this is fresh and these guys arent experienced enough. Paragon sees this difficulty and eliminates everyone of his subjects in a very disturbing manor. That morning Sonia is knocking on Dick's door. She is there to say that the loan Dick asked from the bank has been denied. He gets upset and says some pretty harsh words, but Sonia reveals she was the only one who wanted to approve the loan. She leaves tears in her eyes, but Dick isnt able to voice his regret before she leaves. This is where i really love the relationship between Snyder and Higgins. If yal read Batman, in issue 11 Dick comes in to use the computer, after his emotional talk with Bruce he goes to investigate the double murders. We also see Damien make an appearance and talk to Dick right when he realizes something about the Alpha/Omega tattoos. Scenes with Nie interject with Dick's investigation and we find out the reason why Nie is so dead set on Nightwing. If yal can think back to issue 2, two cops were murdered by Saiko. One of these cops, well was Nie's "partner" if you catch my drift. Screw it, they were either lovers or in a relationship. Gotta say, didnt see that coming but it is a different spin on things and in a good way. Nie is put off the case, and right after Dick has his realization, Paragon breaks in Nie's apartment saying that he's gotta case for him. I was wondering if Nie was Paragon, and this just gives an extra spin on things. I gotta say, i really like Guinaldo's art. its a good mix between McCarthy, and Barrows so that to me makes me more satisified.
THE BAD:
Although i liked the art this time around, there were a few panels that i didnt really care for. Also i am a liittle confused as to who killed the Strayhorns, at first i thought it was Saiko, then Nie, but i guess it was Saiko. Another complaint is that even though i love the tie in to Batman 11, there is also a tie in to B&R 10. That to me is a little much. Gotham City can only take so much in a week. First theres the Court, then Haly's, and now the whole city is on fire from Terminus, but ya isnt Bruce recovering from the Court. Just a little too much. Damian also seemed a little off. I know he respects Dick but he didnt look or act like himself.
OVERALL:
I was worried about his issue, but it turns out that i enjoyed it a tad bit more than last. There is a little mystery as to who Paragon is, and the involvement of Detective Nie which i think was a good touch. Just one more issue to go to finish off the arc, and im hopiing it ends on a really good note.
