NIGHTWING #18

[ A DEATH OF A COUPON ] 

It's very hard coping with loss. You never know which emotion is the boss! Would it be pain? Or would it be vain? Or would it be the supermodel, Kate Moss? Well, it's either her, or the Writer: Kyle Higgins; the Artist: Juan Jose Ryp; and the Publisher: DC Comics, in April 2013. Vogue!

Using GENERAL terms, answer the following 4 questions about this STORY entitled 'Slow Burn'.

• WHAT'S THE MAIN THRUST OF THIS TALE: Whilst Dick (Nightwing) Grayson tries to come to terms with the death of Damien (Robin) Wayne, Batman suddenly informs him that 'The Dealer' is auctioning off his Dad's old duds, thus prompting him to 'go get em'. 
• ARE THE MAIN OBJECTIVES ACHIEVED: Yeah. In one way or another everything is put to rest on a certain level. 
• ANYTHING ELSE HAPPEN:  I cried like a b*ich.
• HOW DOES THIS STORY END: With Sonia telling Dick that her father is alive and back to his old tricks again.

All in all, what is the most memorable SENTENCE OR CONVERSATION spoken in this issue?

The stand out scene for me in this issue would have to be Dick's soliloquy to Damien at his graveside.

'I probably shouldn't be here, Damien. What with me being mad at you still. Running head first to save the city... Why'd you have to do that? And you totally cost me a phone, even if I was the one who threw it against my wall. So... there's that too. Sorry. I'm not very good at this, and if you were still here, I'm sure you'd point that out. "You know, Grayson, one of the perks of being dead is that I can't hear you". Or something. These last few weeks... phew. They've been tough, man. You were my brother in every sense of the word. I loved you, and I wish... I just wish...'.

Damn it! I can't go on quoting this sermon! I want to bloody cry myself!!!! It was a great piece of prose though. Very moving.

What are the BEST bits about this issue?

(+) The Tony Zucko reveal at the end of this tale was a right b*ch I can tell you. But what next, huh? Will Dick go nuts? Will Sonia slap her pappy down? Or will this scenario bring Sonia and Dick closer together, or push them further apart?

(+) This tale was very touching, and had a tangible and emotional quality about it, that I thought was very-very-very enjoyable to read.

(+) I personally thought that the balance between pathos and adventure in this tale was just great, as it gave the overall package that nice 'day in the life' type vibe I do dig.

What are the WORST bits about this issue?

(-) As much as I did like Juan's artwork in this issue, in the same breath, I feel that he was the wrong type of artist to illustrate a sombre tale such at this one. Sorry, Juan. You're good. There is no doubting that. It's just that this tale should have been more atmospheric and brooding, and less lively and animated. Know what I mean?

(-) The segway between the 'Dick feeling sorry for himself' part of this adventure, and 'The Dealer' part of this adventure, was slightly too forced for my own liking. It came across as if Batman just turned up and said to Dick 'Do that!'.

< Choose TWO CHARACTERS out of this comic book, and then compare them to two REAL LIFE PEOPLE.

CLEOPATRA AS SONIA: Alright. I know that isn't Cleo pictured. Agreed. It's Liz. Nonetheless, did you know that Ms Patra's father was a right f*cker! Honest to history!!

DAVID DICKINSON AS THE DEALER: Just take a look at the orange faced sod, and then tell me this antique's expert hasn't auctioned off something he shouldn't of. You can't. Can you.

What QUOTE would be appropriate to sum-up this story?

'Life is hard. Then you die. Then they throw dirt in your face. Then the worms eat you. Be grateful it happens in that order' -- David Gerrold

What SONG, THEME-TUNE, or MELODY, would complement this tale, as well as add and extra dimension to it by default?

'CANDLE IN THE WIND' BY ELTON JOHN: Without a shadow of a doubt this very emotional yarn reminded me of this very melancholy song for very obvious reasons. Click on a clip for a weep.

ANYTHING Else?

For yours truly, I thought that this issue of 'Nightwing' was way above its normal average. It was emotional. It was engrossing. And it threw out a number of questions I'm sure a lot of you 'Wingsters' out there would love answered.

Personally speaking, I hope that Dick and Sonia 'get it on' during this 'next episode' of there relationship together. Furthermore, that DC can decide on one artist on this book, plus what the hell Mister Grayson is going to do with himself now the circus has 'left town'.

OK, I know that he's going to Chicago soon. But what then, huh? Watch an episode of 'Cheer's' with Boss Zucko? Hmmm?

GIVE IT, IT'S DUES: If This Comic Book Was a Hanky, It Would Be a Wet One Because I'd Have Cried All over It. Booo-Hooo!