Nightwing #22 Review

In Nightwing #22, writer Kyle Higgins thrusts Dick Grayson deeper into Chicago's messy, corrupt world of lies and intrigue without losing any of the character's trademark charm. Right from the issue's opening page, we see that the odds are most definitely not in Nightwing's favor, as nearly everyone in his life has an agenda that involves bringing him down a notch or two -- even if he doesn't know it yet. Over the past few issues, Higgins hasn't taken the time to really explore Nightwing's personal relationships in his new city, but here we get to see how complicated his life is becoming, both at home and on the job, as his roommates become players in a game they don't fully realize they've been sucked into.

In this issue, the Prankster is given the chance to up the ante as he declares war on the city's corrupt mayor, who's been (allegedly) lining his own pockets with taxpayer dollars. There are timely shades of Occupy Wall Street in the Prankster's crusade, but the sentiment gets twisted into something violent and, presumably, counterproductive to his cause.

This issue sees Will Conrad take over art duties for Brett Booth, but the transition is so seamless, it's hard to notice. Conrad keeps up the fluidity and energy that Booth brought the title, making Nightwing look every inch the acrobat. Likewise, the glossy vibrancy of Andrew Dalhouse's colors continue to impress, as they have over the past few issues.

As a storyteller, Higgins' strength is that he's determined to give you your money's worth. In a medium dependent on the serial format, it's easy to feel unsatisfied by the brevity of comic books, but not so with this installment of Nightwing. Higgins lets the story unravel as he builds the world of Chicago's dark underbelly piece by piece, showing us the problematic machinations of its politicians, media, and costumed anti-heroes.

Melissa Grey is a lover of all things cats, comics, and outer space. She can be found on MyIGN at MelissaGrey or lurking on Twitter @meligrey.

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