I almost always a enjoy a done-in-one. I think it speaks well to writers who can craft an entire story within a finite number of pages (and somewhat few, at that). But the latest issue of Nightwing reads like an inventory story, mystery meat between two larger narratives.

Nightwing journeys to Japan to rescue his “brother,” Damian. How he got there or why isn’t cause for concern. After all, if you can suspend belief that a man can fly, other details seem less important. But it speaks to the relationship between Dick and Damian. Unfortunately, Jason Todd seems to be the red-headed step-child among the Robins (Hey. Remember when Jason actually had red hair?)

It’s okay as stories go, but where it fails is the artwork. Jorge Corona storytelling technique is adequate, but his rendering of the characters is off. Nightwing is thin as Barney Fife, but I think he was hired for his rendering of Asian motifs and design sensibility.

I regard this issue a palette cleanser, until the next ongoing story arc. Perhaps Nightwing will return to Bludhaven, or maybe he’ll share an adventure with another member of the Bat-family. I think after his lengthy battle with the Judge, he’s due for a bit of rest. I know I am.

Rating: 6/10