Review – Nightwing #114: The Ascent

Nightwing #114 – Tom Taylor, Writer; Bruno Redondo, Artist; Adriano Lucas, Colorist

Ray – 9/10

Ray: It’s the final arc of Tom Taylor’s Nightwing run, and Dick has to face off against two deadly enemies—Heartless, and his own self-doubt. As the prelude, taking place on an isolated mountain Dick is seeking to conquer with Haley by his side, reveals, Dick has been chasing the heights since he was a boy. But now, he finds himself unable to even leap off buildings, something which is making it harder and harder for him to fight crime. He winds up accosting a casual thief who was stealing food, making him doubt if he’s even making a difference anymore. And while he’s struggling, Heartless is ready to make his big move—taking over control of the entire Bludhaven crime scene by kidnapping the children of the various criminals he wants working under him. The twisted bond between Heartless and his evil version of Alfred is especially fun to watch unfold.

Of course, Dick has evolved as a hero, now doing most of his work to improve Bludhaven not as Nightwing but through the Alfred Pennyworth foundation. A few of the scenes this issue feel a bit like a repeat from last issue—another gala?—but it leads to some great scenes with Bruce and especially Damian. I love when writers remember that these two are potentially even closer than Bruce and Damian. But while things at the gala start nicely, they take a surprisingly dark turn when one of Heartless’ agents seeks to destroy the reputation of the foundation, revealing a partnership Dick may have made out of the best of intentions—followed by a much more serious attack. Things in this issue build nicely, as Dick finds himself in over his head. What brings Nightwing to the mountain we see in the beginning? One thing’s for sure—Taylor is bringing this run to an epic conclusion.

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GeekDad received this comic for review purposes.