Nightwing #80
Writer: Tom Taylor
Artist: Bruno Redondo
Publisher: DC Comics
Release Date: May 19, 2021
Cover Price: $3.99

Dick Grayson is not Batman. Even though his parents were killed by criminals, and he was raised by Bruce Wayne and eventually became the costumed side-kick Robin, the original Boy Wonder has always had something that made him uniquely different from his mentor: Heart.

Nightwing has long established himself as his own man, and crime-fighter. Flying out of the shadow of the Batman is not an easy thing to do but over the years he has become a fan-favorite and an established hero in his own right.

Tom Taylor and company have not forgotten what led to Dick’s success as a character, and as a book - the fact that Nightwing is not the dark detective, working alone in the shadows, grim and determined to strike fear in the hearts of criminals throughout Gotham and beyond. Dick has never been afraid to ask for help and he is the glue that holds many of the relationships within the Bat-family together. It is his ability to see the best in others and reach out to them when he needs their help the most.

Now he faces an enemy who literally does not have a heart, and is claiming the lives of many homeless people in Bludhaven, by taking theis. Dick quickly enlists the help of Barbara Gordon and Tim Drake to track down the killer, all the while we are treated to this clever, fun interplay between the three friends that have very different, yet equally important relationships.

Bruno Redondo’s art is a terrific combination of energetic storytelling, simple linework, and visual appeal. Together with Taylor’s pitch-perfect tone for the characters, Nightwing is quickly becoming one of my favorite books on the stands.