Nightwing #56 Review

Squad Goals

Written By: Scott Lobdell, Fabian Nicieza

Art By: Davide Gianfelice, Nick Filardi, Andworld Designs

Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: January 9, 2019

The further adventures of the new Nightwing Squad and Ric Grayson continues with this issue, where the Scarecrow threatens Bludhaven with his fear........ or anti fear toxin.  Yeah, it's a little odd right now with the game that Scarecrow is playing, but all you need to know is that he's come to Bludhaven for revenge against the former Robin who was the boy without fear.  Let's jump into this issue and see if Ric Grayson decides to jump back into action or if inaction is more his game now that he's renounced all things Nightwing.  Let's check it out.

The Nightwing Squad is finally getting their hands dirty with some real super-villain action this issue and it may be a little too much too soon for this band of would-be heroes.  That being said though, it's a wild ride that is really enjoyable, especially for how it concerns our former Nightwing, Ric Grayson.  

Yeah, this new take on the hero that we love and his need to start a new life outside of super heroics may not be every one's cup o' tea, but for what it's doing with the citizens of Bludhaven, I couldn't be happier because it's something new and something fresh for this title that I've been really enjoying for the most part.  The biggest problem with this issue though is the way that Scarecrow's fear toxin is talked about because previously it seemed like Scarecrow was all about taking people's fears away and trying something new, but here it seems that the fear toxin is the standard fair, while also forcing people to face their fear in a violent rage........ that also seems to be controlled by Scarecrow.  It's a little odd, but besides that aspect, this is a fun issue that opens up the story in a way that I never expected from this new Ric Grayson status quo and I have to say that I'm really excited going forward.

All in all, I can see this art style not being for everyone, what with the line heavy nature of it, but for the gritty feel of the book I'm actually enjoying it more than I originally thought I would and the story continues to take our character in new and interesting places.  Now if we could just get beyond recapping Ric's amnesia every issue and just start going with it I'd be even happier.  I'm having a good time though and besides for the strange nature of the fear toxin and this arc ending a little sooner than I would have liked for all the build up, this is an issue that I hope will make people fans of Nightwing's new status quo and get them on the Ric Grayson trolley for as long as it lasts.

Bits and Pieces:

Nightwing's new status quo continues to be fun and while this issue isn't perfect, where we end up by the end keeps me intrigued and excited for where we're going next with Ric Grayson and the new Nightwing Squad.  The art works great for the story and all the characters involved are people I can't wait to learn more about.

7.5/10