Throwback Review: Convergence: Nightwing and Oracle #1 (2015) Review

Dome Is Where the Heart Is

Written by: Gail Simone
Art by: Jan Duursema, Dan Parsons and Wes Dzioba
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: April 8, 2015

When the Convergence Event was announced, this book immediately shot up to the top of my must-read list.  I am a huge Nightwing fan and I was hoping that Gail Simone would right all the recent Batgirl wrongs by (re)giving fans one of the strongest characters in all of DC Comics history...Oracle. I would love to say that this issue was everything I hoped it would be, but it wasn't.  Is that a bad thing?  Let's find out...

I am going to assume that most people reading this review at least know the basics of the Convergence Event.  If not, go off right now and read Eric's Convergence #0 review (HERE).  Okay, now let's get on with the review.

The issue opens with the destruction of El Inferno.  El Inferno?  You mean the Elseworlds home of the Justice Riders?  Well, voice in my head, yes I do.  I did not read the original one-shot, but the idea of a Western JLA seems great...but it's gone, thanks to Flashpoint Hawkman and Hawkwoman.  They are big, bad and ready to save their asses anyway they can.  It's a bit of an odd opener and really throws you into the fire headfirst.

The issue then heads off to the more familiar ground as we see Nightwing in Pre-Flashpoint Gotham City.  The City is still under a Dome and people aren't happy.  Nightwing is taking extra risks, Mr. Freeze has given up and Oracle (through some great narration) is at the end of her rope.  The Gothamites are prisoners and Gail Simone does a great job showing the effects.

Then the Dome goes down.  Before anyone can really react, Hawkman and Hawkwoman show up for a little repeat performance.  However, this battle is going to be a bit tougher than in El Inferno. Nightwing springs into action and while Oracle seems out of the battle, nothing can be further from the truth.  The Thanagarians have an alternative to every city for itself process of Convergence, but it would mean people losing their freedom.  Gail Simone is giving us a freedom vs death story and I'm intrigued.

This issue is mostly setup, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.  Fans that were looking for Barbara and Dick to finally tie the knot will have to wait for at least one more issue and there was an awkward scene with Dick and Starfire that left me guessing.  However, Simone kicks ass with Oracle.  Oracle fought the odds to be where she is, but unfortunately, where she is isn't a happy place.  This issue really shows that this Convergence Event will not be sunshine and roses.

I loved the art in this issue.  The team of Jan Duursema, Dan Parsons and Wes Dzioba do such a great job showing the characters from the different worlds and seeing Pre-Flashpoint Nightwing was so awesome.  Actually, all the art in this issue was outstanding and I can't wait to see the next issue and the promised Angor and Follywood characters.

Bits and Pieces:

I didn't know what to expect going into this issue and yet, I was still surprised and even confused.  Gail Simone gives the reader a smart Oracle whose strength and resolve have been sapped by living in the confines of the Dome.  However, by the end, Oracle (and the issue) snap out of the depression and prepares to kick ass.  The art team also kicks ass and while the issue was mainly set up, I can't wait to see what happens next.

8.0/10