Comic Cover Of The Week: Nightwing #93

Well hey there, fellow fans of fantastic fiction, and welcome back to another cool and compelling – Comic Cover Of The Week – and once more our bodacious bat-signal bears down on that notably nifty and nimble ninja – Nightwing, who dynamically duets this captivating cover alongside the Precinct’s all time favourite Batgirl – Babs Gordon, in yet another charming comic cover classic by the terrifically talented – Bruno Redondo.

As I mentioned on a previous Nightwing post, Tom Taylor and Bruno Redondo have been literally hitting a home run with every single issue of Dick’s dynamic adventures, Taylor is most definitely the hot property for DC at the moment, but it’s Bruno’s vibrant and vivacious visuals that draw this particular Nightwing fan back month after month. His wildly inventive use of splash pages and linked imagery is just amazing, giving his art a tangible sense of motion, as the above image portrays so well.

Nightwing #93 Is Available At Your Local Comic-book Emporium Right Now!

Comic Cover Of The Week: Nightwing #92

Felicitations, fellow fans of fantastic fiction, and welcome back to another cool and compelling Comic Cover Of The Week. This week’s delightfully drawn dalliance is by none other than the fantastic Jamal Campbell, and is one of a quintessential quartet of marvellous masterpieces featuring that peerlessly popular paragon – Nightwing, and his very own good boy – puppy powered – Bitewing!

The titanic and thrilling team up of superstar creators – Tom Taylor and Bruno Redondo have absolutely astonished us with their superb run on Nightwing, their take on Dick Grayson’s life both in and out of his iconic costume has been absolutely fabulous.

Tom Taylor’s scripts have been both thrilling and full of heart, his love for this character shines through in every panel and exchange by these classic characters. Alongside Tom’s brilliant writing we have Bruno Redondo’s, quite frankly, superlative art, beautifully experimental and full of flowing motion, bringing Nightwing’s character to life like no other artist prior, his use of the splash-page is, in my humble opinion, completely unparalleled in the wonderful world of comics.

Though what really made this particular issue for me was the loving shout-out to the late great George Perez and his legendary comic collaborator – Marv Wolfman, it was through these two greats that Dick originally shed his Robin persona and became Nightwing, finally stepping out of The Batman’s shadow.

Nightwing (And Bitewing!) #92 Is Available From Your Local Comic-Book Emporium Right Now!

 

Nightwing, Bitewing and all related characters are copyright – DC Comics

Comic Cover Of The Week: Nightwing #81

Our DC Comics’ Pride Celebration Month continues with this nifty and nimble Nightwing number by terrifically talented Travis Moore! DC Comics, that superlative and scintillating superhero showrunner of comicdom has dedicated this month to the ongoing worldwide June Pride celebrations, via vivacious variant covers to the majority of their marvellous monthly mags, and a one shot anthology entitled – DC Pride #1. With the dynamic and daring Dick Grayson taking this week’s compelling comic-cover commendation.

Dick Grayson trades out his iconic escrima sticks for a magnifying glass and sleuthing hat to investigate Bludhaven’s new mayor, Melinda Zucco, to find out how the daughter of the man who was responsible for the murder of his parents came to hold power in Nightwing’s city. But his investigation is cut short when he comes mask to mask with one of the most horrendous villains in Bludhaven’s history – HEARTLESS!

Nightwing #81 Is Available At Your Local Comic-Book Emporium Right Now!

The Week In Geek… With Precinct1313

Welcome fellow agents of Precinct1313 to another episode of  ‘The Week In Geek’  where we love to share our favourite – Comic book, Video-Game, and Cult Movie news for your perusal and pleasure. And so once more unto the geek dear agents, once more…

A Brooding Robin Captured On Camera…

Actor Brenton Thwaites Inherits The Live Action Mantle Of Robin… Brilliantly!

“Holy live action awesomeness, Batman!”  DC Comics and Warner Bros have finally revealed our first look at upcoming Titans actor Brenton Thwaites as iconic comic-book sidekick Robin, and it’s, quite frankly… fantastic!

The shadowy, brooding side shot of the Boy Wonder encapsulates perfectly the classic comic-book character, and even though it’s not a full body shot, the design clearly follows Robin’s signature look, from the red and green hued costume, to the recognisable “R” symbol on the left breast. The costume design is by industry veteran Laura Shannon, who has previously worked on Iron Man and DC’s incoming live action version of Black Lightning.

The Titans live action series is due to debut next year on DC’s upcoming digital streaming service. 

Batman + Medieval Japan = Too Much Bloody Awesomeness For Mere Mortals (In Fact, I Think My Head May Just Explode From The Excitement Of It All)…

This, this is freakin’ amazing!… as if Gotham’s grim guardian, The Batman, isn’t already the coolest Superhero ever conceived, DC Comics and Warner Bros animation only go and throw him (plus his nearest and dearest foes, and allies) back in time to medieval Japan, where they become entangled in a provincial power struggle.

The film is directed by Jumpei Mizusaki, who expressed that the film is definitely more of  reflection on how Japan sees Batman, as opposed to how Batman perceives Japan. Indulge in the sublime trailer included below fellow Batfans! (and do try not to let your head explode from the exhilaration, it really can cause quite a mess!)

The Triumphant Return Of Booster Gold Is Nigh (Finally!)…

The bombastic and much beloved Booster Gold will be returning to the DC Universe in Action Comics #993, courtesy of his original creator Dan Jurgens. Cult character Booster has been conspicuous by his absence for quite a while now, and his multiple fans have clamoured for his rapturous return. 

Booster (real name – Michael Jon Carter) the self promoting, glory seeking, time travelling hero from the future first appeared in February 1986, created by writer/artist Dan Jurgens. Using his knowledge from future events and advanced technology he became a self styled Superhero with a love for fame and fortune.

Though initially a swaggering and attention seeking showboat, Booster over the course of time, via interactions with other costumed heroes and through personal tragedies finally became the candid and unwavering Superhero he always dreamed of becoming, though ultimately weighed downed by the false pretence of the previous reputation he created for himself. Oh, and he’s also one half of the greatest comedic comic-book duo of all time Blue and Gold (along with his ol’ pal Blue Beetle – Ted Kord)

Blue Beetle And Booster Gold – The Greatest Comic Duo Of… All… Time!!

Booster will return from the future once more in the two part tale “Booster Shot” in issues #933 and 934 of Action Comics ( we need a Blue and Gold movie… right now DC… right goddamn now!)

Why Not Join Us Again Next Time Friends For More Week In Geek.

Nightwing Steps Out Of Batman’s Shadow…

Nightwing Movie Incoming!!

We love The Batman here in the Precinct, we really do, but let’s be honest he has hogged the limelight when it comes to big screen appearances over the decades. Now we can understand why DC Comics have utilised the Caped Crusader so much in films over the years, I mean he is quite possibly THE most popular comic book character ever created, but his intrinsic lore includes many other fantastic creations that haven’t honestly been given a fair shake of the escrima stick! And one of the most beloved of the bodacious Bat Family is Richard Grayson, aka Nightwing.

Warner Bros announced this week that Batman’s one time sidekick will be getting his very own movie, which will slot right into DC’s burgeoning extended cinematic universe. Dick Grayson is the character who first took on the mantle of Robin in 1940, after his family was murdered (the acrobatic team known as “The Flying Graysons”) he was adopted by Bruce Wayne and inducted into the dangerous world of costumed crimefighting.

Dick left his position as Robin in 1984, taking on the role of Nightwing. Strangely enough the original holder of this title was Superman! When the Kryptonian Superhero and his pal, Jimmy Olsen found themselves stranded in the Kryptonian City of Kandor (famously miniaturised and stolen by the villainous Braniac) they adopted the identities Nightwing and Flamebird, and became Kandor’s costumed saviours.

After the venerable 80’s “Crisis On Infinite Earths” reboot, the original character of Nightwing was re-imagined as a masked vigilante from Krypton, whose legendary background served as the inspiration for Dick’s choice of identity.

Now those of you who have seen the outstanding ultimate edition of Zack Snyder’s criminally underrated “Batman v Superman” will have noticed the glass tube containing the Robin outfit, with the words “Ha Ha, Joke’s On You Batman” scrawled on it, this is famously tied in to the death of Dick’s replacement as Robin, Jason Todd, who was bludgeoned to death with a crowbar by the Joker in the classic “Death In The Family” storyline from 1988. Which means if Jason Todd’s version of Robin existed in the DC Cinematic Universe, then Dick accordingly must have also.

No date has been set as of yet for the film, but we do know that scripting duties are being handled by Bill Dubuque, who wrote the Ben Affleck starring “The Accountant” and is to be directed by Chris McKay, who recently delivered the fantastic “Lego Batman Movie”. This really is exciting news for DC fans, as it opens up the possibility for more varying characters from DC’s huge roster of heroes and villains, my personal favourite Robin was the aforementioned Jason Todd, who re-emerged from death’s cold embrace after being submerged in Ra’s Al Ghul’s life giving Lazarus Pit and became the scourge of Gotham’s underbelly as the violent masked vigilante Red Hood. If Nightwing is successful we may just end up getting a visit from that particular sociopathic guardian of the night.

Red Hood Wants In On The DC Cinematic Universe!… And He’s Not The Type To Take No For An Answer!!

Comic Cover Of The Week: Starfire #8

Copyright: DC Comics

Welcome my comic collecting cohorts to another instalment of Comic Cover Of The Week, and this episode our spotlight of the sublime falls upon “Starfire #8” and yet another stunning piece by the amazing talent that is Amanda Conner. 

“Lovers and other Dangers” is the concluding episode began last issue that sees former Teen Titan sweethearts, Kori and Dick Grayson sharing a tender moment together before all hell breaks loose. Kori has had to deal with many dangerous adversaries since her new series began, from murderous bounty hunters to devastating hurricanes, but her biggest test may yet come from having to choose between her former beau and new love interest Sol.

The dynamic duo of Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti produce yet another fantastic issue that focuses as much on Kori’s relationships and emotional stability, as it does on typical Superhero tropes, which is one of the reasons why this is still currently the stand-out ongoing comic series for me, the other being Emanuela Lupacchino’s exquisite artwork, beautifully realised as ever with vibrant colours that make each and every panel literally jump off the page.

Adult Colouring Book Variant Cover By Dave Taylor

Starfire #8 is available at your local comic-book emporium right now. Written by: Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti. Cover by: Amanda Conner. Interior art by: Emanuela Lupacchino. Variant cover by: Dave Taylor.

Comic Cover Of The Week: Starfire #7

“The name’s Grayson… Dick Grayson”

Welcome my comic collecting cohorts to another “Comic Cover Of The Week,” and this time our spotlight of the splendiferous falls upon “Starfire #7” and another wonderful piece of art by the amazing Amanda Conner.

This issue, old flames reunite when Dick Grayson crashes a cruise liner party in search of some terrorists selling illegal tech and unexpectedly runs into his once, long term love Koriand’r (Starfire), who is attending the party with new beau Sol. The former Teen Titans’ members and lovers were hot stuff together throughout most of the eighties and nineties, and their serendipitous reconciliation is a poignant one, especially for Kori who believed that Dick had previously been killed.

Titans together again…

Starfire #7 is available at your local comic book emporium right now. Written by: Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti. Cover art by: Amanda Conner. Interior art by Emanuela Lupacchino.

Robin The Boy Wonder: A Celebration Of 75 Years

(DC Comics, 2015)

The myth of Batman being a lone crusader against crime and injustice, popularised in more recent cinematic excursions, is far from the reality of everyone’s favourite cowled crime-fighter, Batman has always had a cadre of partners and fellow costumed combatants to rely upon.

In fact, Gotham City is almost overrun with willing aides and allies in his ongoing mission, Batgirl, Batwoman, Huntress, and Ragman, are just a few of the other heroes working alongside the Dark Knight to keep the city safe from the assorted maniacs and criminal organisations who plot the city’s downfall on a daily basis. Of course the most famous and loyal of the Caped Crusader’s partners against crime has always been a young plucky teenager, dressed in a red and green outfit, and named after a small passerine bird that originates from Europe.

Robin was created by Bob Kane, Bill Finger and Jerry Robinson in 1940, making his first appearance in Detective Comics #38. Though various characters have donned the mantle of Robin over the years, the original, longest running (and still most popular) of these is Dick Grayson. Grayson was originally a member of The Flying Graysons, a family of famous circus acrobats. His life as a crime-fighter begins on the night of his parents’ death, after a young Dick Grayson overhears two criminals attempting to extort money from the circus owner, the owner refuses, and in retaliation the criminals sabotage the trapeze wires resulting in his parents plummeting to their deaths, in front of Dick’s eyes (a close parallel to Batman’s own tragic origin)

Former Robin, Dick Grayson as Nightwing

In 1984 Dick left the role of Robin, all grown up he decided to go his own way and took on the secret identity of Nightwing, naming himself after the famous hero of Krypton’s Kandor city. Taking over the role of Batman’s sidekick was Jason Todd, a wayward youth who Batman takes under his wing to help stop the vicious cycle of crime that he feels Jason is heading for, if left alone to fend for himself.

Jason made his first appearance in Batman lore in Batman #357 in March 1983. Initially not well received by the fans (though he has always been a personal favourite of mine), he was a very different character to the well loved Dick Grayson. Moody, angst ridden Jason was ultimately murdered by the Joker in 1988’s Death In The Family storyline, after DC Comics opened up phone lines for a fan vote on whether the character should live or die. The result was close, but the votes for his death won by a very slim margin.

A distraught Batman cradling the dead body of Robin, Jason Todd

15 years later Jason was resurrected through R’as Al Ghul’s Lazarus pit, angered by his death at the hands of the Joker and that Batman (in Jason’s opinion) had failed to avenge him, he came back to Gotham as the violent and deadly vigilante Red Hood. Clashing with not just the criminals of Gotham but also Batman himself on several occasions, Jason continues to bring his own form of brutal punishment to the Supervillains of DC’s universe, and is now an extremely popular character amongst bat-fans.

Jason Todd, Robin #2 became the Red Hood

Robin #3 is Tim Drake, who took over the role in Batman #436, published in August 1989. Tim was a child prodigy, a highly intelligent young man, who by the age of just 9, had managed to deduce the secret identities of both Batman and Robin. He petitioned both Nightwing and Batman to give him a chance to fill the role of Robin after the death of Jason Todd. In the beginning Batman is wary about taking on another partner after the death of his former ward, but eventually accepts him into the role. After Batman’s apparent death at the hands of Darkseid, Tim takes on a new identity as Red Robin, and not believing that his mentor has died, heads off in search of evidence to support his theory.

Tim Drake, Robin #3 as Red Robin

The current holder of the title Robin, is Batman’s biological son Damian, mothered by Talia al Ghul (daughter of foe R’as al Ghul). Damian’s first ever appearance was as a baby in the 1987 story, Son Of The Demon. He didn’t appear again until 2006 in Batman #655, introduced as Batman’s son Damian Wayne, it wasn’t until 2009 that he fully took up the role as Robin.

Robin, Damian Wayne

Other characters have also occasionally taken on the role of Batman’s iconic partner, though usually only temporarily or in non-canon stories, Carrie Kelly from Frank Miller’s fantastic 80’s Dark Knight Returns mini-series is probably the most fondly remembered of the part-time Robins (and it is rumoured she may play a part in next years Batman v Superman film, portrayed by actress Jena Malone).

To celebrate 75 years of the world’s most famous sidekick, DC Comics are releasing a hardcover anthology that collects some his greatest ever stories, which also includes his adventures as leader of Super-team, The Teen Titans. This tremendous tome is brought to you by some of the greatest artists and writers in comic-book history including the likes of, Bob Kane, Jerry Robinson, Dick Sprang, Chuck Dixon and Bill Finger amongst many, many more. 

Robin The Boy Wonder: A Celebration Of Seventy Five Years, will be available to purchase from the 13th of May, weighing in at a respectable 400 pages.