New item added to your basket Not enough stock to add this item

OUT OF THE LONG BOX #039 – GRAYSON #1

By Chris Fenn

Grayson #1 Midnighter
The first time I saw this series was on the @InterComics upcoming comics page, and I thought it would be another needlessly dark and tragic re-imagining of a fan favourite character, but I was pleasantly surprised when I read the preview in the back pages of some DC books.

The entire tone of the book is really light and totally fits with Dick Grayson’s character. Now is the time where I sound like a total DC fanboy and say that this book reminds me a lot of the current Marvel Now Daredevil series, except I like Grayson and haven’t been too sold on Daredevil.

The similarities between the two books extends beyond the two acrobatic characters; both books make a lot of use of spirals and lines and jazzy colours that almost seem out of place but really suit the book. There is also a nice scene where we see Dick jump off a bridge and behind him are the images of how he moved – something that I feel is inherently ‘Daredevil’.

Grayson #1 Ninel
Now the reason why I think I like this book over Daredevil is probably down to familiarity with the character. I have always perceived Daredevil to be a brooding character more in line with Batman than Nightwing, but Dick has pretty much always been lighter and more humorous. I could be largely wrong, but that is the one thing that I have sort of not ‘got’ about Daredevil, however before anybody shouts at me I do read it and enjoy it!

One thing that is nice to see is Dick still retains his knowledge and skill from Batman. It’s done in seemingly small touches, but I like the fact that Midnighter mentions that he is “Well-trained… but not adverse to improvisation” and although this isn’t a direct reference to Batman I felt it was a nice observation to his past. I also really liked how he quickly deduced the best way to get Ninel to spend his energy was to anger him, again something that a detective would be able to figure out.

There are a couple of things I’m not overly keen on; I find the hypnos implants are a sort of get out of jail free card to being a spy, but I suppose something needs to be done to stop Dick’s identity from being exposed. I also find the treacherous female ally love interest is a bit crowbarred in, but if there’s one thing DC fans know is chicks love the Dick!

Grayson #1 Ladies
I find Spyral questionable, and not in an ethical way. I’m not too sure that their motive is that compelling, and they don’t feel evil like they were or Incorporated or benevolent like Mister Minos sounds like he wants to be, they just seem… there. I do love how they kept the funky black and red chevrons on the walls, really retains what Morrison established in his Batman Incorporated saga.

This was a really good first issue, it has me hooked and it’s good to read something lighter where nobody died or got any limbs torn off. I can see this being an enjoyable book, and I think it could be a good starter for anybody who likes Daredevil and wants a taste of DC.

For more comic views and reviews follow Chris on Twitter at @fenneth1989

« back to the blog

Posted on July 10th, 2014
Category: OUT OF THE LONG BOX, REVIEWS
Tags: , , , , ,