Out of the new batch of Batman-Family books, Nightwing is by far one of my favorites. I never gave the super hero much thought before the New 52. However, I decided to give the monthly series a try after seeing the striking preview pages for issue #1. His new red and black suit appealed to me much more than the one with a blue logo. I know it’s shallow to judge a comic book icon on looks alone, but they are characters in a visual medium after all.
I’m glad I gave that first issue a chance and immediately became addicted to it. A new graphic novel collection of the first seven issues entitled “Nightwing Volume 1: Traps and Trapezes” gives new readers a chance to jump on board now.
Haley’s Circus returns to Gotham City, bringing with it a trail of murder, mystery, peril, and supernatural evil. Dick Grayson / Nightwing rejoins the traveling show to uncover the truth behind sinister deeds that haunt the greatest show on Earth. He uncovers more than he bargained for when a mysterious costumed assassin calling himself Saiko appears with an obvious taste for vengeance against either Grayson or his alter ego.
Writer Kyle Higgins takes the reader on a cross-country adventure filled with plenty of action and engaging stories. He does a great job incorporating some familiar faces into the pages and even getting one involved in the heavy duty crime-fighting workload Grayson has taken on. Higgins is also unafraid of going into supernatural territory, which many current Bat-Family writers avoid.
Eddy Barrows, Eduardo Pansica, and Geraldo Borges handle the penciling for the book. Each of their styles is similar enough to where it isn’t distracting. The illustrations lean towards realism. There’s one flashback towards the end that stands out more than anything else. The difference in drawings gives the section a surreal feeling like we’re in a dream.
“Nightwing Volume 1: Traps and Trapezes” is an entertaining read from start to finish. There’s something for everyone within its pages. We get a realistic storyline and a paranormal tale all within its pages. Nightwing is all grown up and is more than capable to carry his own monthly series as reflected in this graphic novel collection.
For more articles by Eric Shirey, check out:
“Batwing Volume 1: The Lost Kingdom” Graphic Novel Review
“Batgirl Volume 1: The Darkest Reflection” Graphic Novel Review
“Batman: Detective Comics Volume 1: Faces of Death” Graphic Novel Review
