Nightwing #3

Done with my Arisia reviews. Back to the New 52.

Title: Nightwing
Issue: 3
Date: January 2012
Publisher: DC Comics
Writer: Kyle Higgins
Penciler: Eddy Barrows, Eduardo Pansica
Inker: JP Mayer, Paulo Siqueira, Eber Ferreira
Colorist: Rod Reis, Allan Passalaqua
Letterer: Carlos M. Mangual
Editor: Katie Kubert, Bobbie Chase
Cover: Eddie Barrows, Rod Reis

Dick Grayson confronts his past as he investigates the murder of Mr. Haly, the owner of Haly's Circus. Actually, I should say that he's the former owner of Haly's circus. The current owner is, well, Dick Grayson.

This had some really great development of Grayson's backstory, including a fun opening flashback scene, plus plenty of insights and intrigue.

A shift of scene to Chicago has Nightwing confronting a former friend turned crime boss. The ensuing battle included an extended psychic attack sequence of the "face-your-fears" variety that went on for about five tedious pages (one would have been plenty) before Nightwing at least manages to salvage a satisfying resolution out of the scene.

That in turn leads to a really good scene between Dick and Raya, so it's not a complete waste.

Still, five pages? At least Saiko was kept to a minimum.

Hoping for more circus intrigue next issue. And maybe a better villain?

Rating: 6.5/10