Back when Benjamin Percy was announced as the writer on Green Arrow, DC Issued a press release that led to a great deal of skepticism on my part. Thankfully, that skepticism was unwarranted, and when I read his name in the credits of the latest issue of Nightwing, I was quite pleased. I anticipate a enjoyable run, for however long it may last.

Percy picks up where previous writer Sam Humphries left off. Nightwing is in Bludhaven, working as a physical trainer during his down time from fighting crime. He’s adopted a bit of a Batman-esque persona with Bludhaven police, most of whom view him as an outlaw and a nuisance. Detective Svboda is a little more tolerant, but not by much.

This issue also takes time to explore Dick’s character a little bit, offering an in-joke as to his age (it’s not what you think it is. Or is it?) It all relates to his a private citizen, and as a super-hero, and his view of both roles. Quite often, writers will treat each identity as a separate person, but here there is a refreshing blend.

Chris Mooneyham is the new artist on deck. His work on Nightwing is different, in that rather than the polished neon we’ve seen more recently, Mooneyham appliers a level of grit to the city. Not as much as one might see in Gotham City, but enough to ad veritas to his environments. His still reminds me of Denys Cowans, and that’s not a bad thing.