Review by Chris Fenn
This feels like the beginning of the end. I don’t mean that as a jab at the quality of the issue, but the entire book just felt like a culmination of a career. This is a retirement promo, a season finale. This is the end.
The slideshow of Dick’s life was quite insightful; it showcased some of the recent New 52 stories, some pre-Flashpoint events and an alternate future of Gotham’s last Grayson. What I loved about these flashes to different time periods was the shift towards a monochromatic colour scheme with the eye catching flashes of red.
The mounting tension from the simplistic narration really drove the story forward and made it feel significant – certainly a good example of less being more. It did remind me of the Batman and Robin issue after Damian had died – the impact from the silences made the issue slightly remorseful and like it was building towards an ending.
The plot with Zsasz worked brilliantly as a device to advance the plot. There was no need to go into true motives, or background or the why’s and the how’s of these killings; Zsasz being a cold blooded killer was enough to force Dick into this situation.
Seeing the issue tie up with Dick cheering up Jen and having that reciprocated was a really heart-warming moment. I also liked how Dick attempted to build bridges with Tony Zucco’s daughter, but all of it just feels so bitter sweet; I’ve read enough comics, seen enough cartoons and watched too much wrestling to know happiness doesn’t last.
I cannot help but feel that this is all anticipating Dick’s fate in Forever Evil – which, if you haven’t read it; isn’t looking good. I get the feeling Dick is on his way out; just when I utterly fell in love with Damien he was killed off, and seeing how Dick is faring in the main universe doesn’t fill me with optimism that he will be alive much longer!
For more comic views and reviews follow Chris on Twitter at @fenneth1989
Posted on March 23rd, 2014
Category: OUT OF THE LONG BOX, REVIEWS
Tags: Batman, Chris Fenn, Comic Blog, Comic Reviews, DC Comics, Dick Grayson, forever evil, Nightwing #29 Review